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Travel in Mexico
Most visitors to Yuma enjoy a trip across the border into Mexico. No foreign country except Canada is so easy for Americans to visit. This is a general guide to those areas in Mexico that are the most common: San Luis and Algodones

San Luis, R.C., Sonora Mexico
One of the easiest, quickest and least expensive ways to take a trip into a foreign country is to visit San Luis, Mexico.

Located 23 miles South of Yuma on Highway 95, San Luis is the largest city along the Northern border of the state of Sonora, Mexico, with some 150,000 residents. There are several hotels, a number of restaurants, featuring all cuisines in addition to "real" Mexican food and night clubs in San Luis.

Algodones, B.C., Mexico
Located seven miles Southwest of Yuma. Take Interstate 8 West to Algodones/Andrade turnoff; South (left) to the border. Shopping holds a special appeal for most visitors. Dozens of shops sell jewelry, pottery, glassware, leather goods, hand embroidered clothing, and colorful handicrafts for which Mexico is famous.

Mexicali, B.C., Mexico
Located 45 miles west of Yuma, Mexicali is the capital of the state of Baja California, one of the most important states of Mexico. Known for their huge shopping center Plaza Cachanilla, and for the finest in national and international dining, along with outstanding traditional dishes and world famous Chinese quisine. Mexicali is home to one of the largest bullfighting rings in Northern Mexico. For more information contact the Mexicali Visitors & Convention Center at 1-888-COTUCO-2.

Tourist Information
United States citizens don't need passports for visits of less than 72 hours and within 75 miles of the border. This includes the cities of Algodones, San Felipe, Mexicali and Tecate. For longer stays or travel farther into Mexico, a tourist card may be obtained free from Mexican consulates, tourism offices, and some travel agents with proof of U.S. citizenship. Regulations are more complicated for a person visiting the U.S. from another country, including a trip across the border. Both the U.S. and Mexico have their own regulations. The Mexican Government requires tourist cards for persons entering Mexico while on a visit to the United States. These visitors should check with the Mexican consulate to obtain permits, as requirements vary.

The United States does not regulate who enters Mexico, but rather who enters the U.S. It requires persons visiting the U.S. from other countries to have a valid, multiple entry visa and passport. Canadians; however, are exempt from this requirement. Proof of Canadian citizenship will allow them to re-enter into the U.S. If you have any questions about re-entry status, check with U.S. Immigration Officials at the border PRIOR to departure from the U.S. into Mexico. Call (928) 627-8816.

Travel Requirements
Immigration Documents

Inside the Free Trade Zone:
Tourists traveling to locations in the Mexico Free Trade Zone, (within 15 miles of the U.S. Border) must show only their proof of citizenship, (Valid passport, birth certificate, or voter registration card), at the border.

Outside the Free Trade Zone:
All U.S. citizens/residents, including infants and children who travel outside the free trade zone in Mexico must carry a tourist card. These cards may be obtained, with proof of citizenship, at the Mexican border stations, any Mexican consulate, or the Mexican National Tourist Office in large cities. Persons younger than 18 entering Mexico without a parent must carry an authorized consent affidavit signed by both parents. Also, when a person younger than 18 enters the country with only one parent, an authorized consent affidavit is required from the absent parent.

Vehicle Import Service
Mexican border authorities issue temporary vehicle permits for travel in Mexico. The following items bearing the owners name must be presented, (the owner/lessee must be present in the vehicle):

  • The appropriate immigration form.
  • A certificate of title, vehicle registration, rental leasing contract, or bill of sale. An employee driving a company car must present a document certifying that the employee works for the firm.
  • A valid driver's license issued outside Mexico.
  • An international credit card (VISA, Master Card or American Express).

Fuel
Low octane, regular and diesel fuel are available, although unleaded is limited to frequently traveled highways and major cities in the area.

Radio
Citizen-band radios are helpful for travel in rural areas. Three channels have been established for tourists: Ch. 9 for emergencies, 11 for tourist caravans, and 13 for vehicle-to-vehicle conversation.

Shopping
Mexican border towns offer items such as serapes, ethnic pottery, sombreros, pinatas, glassware, and leather goods from all over Mexico.

U.S. Customs
Upon returning to the United States, American citizens/residents must declare citizenship as well as purchases bought across the border. Merchandise valued at $400.00 per person is allowed duty-free. Only one quart of liquor and one carton of cigarettes per adult are allowed duty-free. Any purchase of more than $400.00 will be taxed.

Miscellaneous
Tourists planning to bring pets, valuables, or firearms into Mexico should check on current restrictions and recommendations. Pets are usually allowed into the country with verification of a rabies vaccination within the past six months. Some shotguns and rifles for sport are allowed. Contact the Mexican consulate for further instructions.