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State of Sonora's Tourist Documentation Requirements
for Vehicles and Individuals
To check the latest entry documentation requirements for the
country of Mexico, click here.
Individuals
The type of tourist visitor document needed to visit Sonora
depends on where you plan to go, and how long you plan to
stay there.
If you will not be traveling past the "free zone" (south of
Guaymas), and plan to stay in the country fewer than 72
hours, no tourist permit is needed.
If you will be staying for more than three days, you must stop
at the 21km checkpoint to complete a Foreign Citizens Tourist
Visa (FMT).
The FMT form is simple and straightforward, and after
completing it you must present it to a customs official along
with a photo ID (a passport or driver's license) and proof of
citizenship (although a passport is preferred, an original or
certified birth certificate will suffice). The official will then
review your application before approving (or rejecting) it and
stamping the FMT form.
After receiving your stamped copy of the form (which is valid
for six months), you will need to stop at a Mexican bank at
some point during your travels to pay for the card (about $25).
Vehicles
If you are bringing your personal vehicle into Sonora from the
United States and do not plan to travel south of Guaymas, you
will not need a vehicle permit.
However, you must be the registered owner of the vehicle,
and of any vehicles in tow. Be prepared to present the title to
the vehicle and insurance forms at the border and at the 21km
checkpoint.
If the vehicle's owner is a relative (parent, spouse, or sibling)
and you have the same last name, in addition to the title, bring
a permission letter that is signed by the owner and notarized.
If you are driving a rental vehicle, you must present the rental
contract for the vehicle.
If traveling out of the Free Trade Zone (south of Guaymas)
you will need to obtain a Banjercito federal tourist vehicle
permit.
Other regulations regarding the temporary importation of
vehicles into Sonora:
For more information, see the State of Sonora's tourism
website.
for Vehicles and Individuals
To check the latest entry documentation requirements for the
country of Mexico, click here.
Individuals
The type of tourist visitor document needed to visit Sonora
depends on where you plan to go, and how long you plan to
stay there.
If you will not be traveling past the "free zone" (south of
Guaymas), and plan to stay in the country fewer than 72
hours, no tourist permit is needed.
If you will be staying for more than three days, you must stop
at the 21km checkpoint to complete a Foreign Citizens Tourist
Visa (FMT).
The FMT form is simple and straightforward, and after
completing it you must present it to a customs official along
with a photo ID (a passport or driver's license) and proof of
citizenship (although a passport is preferred, an original or
certified birth certificate will suffice). The official will then
review your application before approving (or rejecting) it and
stamping the FMT form.
After receiving your stamped copy of the form (which is valid
for six months), you will need to stop at a Mexican bank at
some point during your travels to pay for the card (about $25).
Vehicles
If you are bringing your personal vehicle into Sonora from the
United States and do not plan to travel south of Guaymas, you
will not need a vehicle permit.
However, you must be the registered owner of the vehicle,
and of any vehicles in tow. Be prepared to present the title to
the vehicle and insurance forms at the border and at the 21km
checkpoint.
If the vehicle's owner is a relative (parent, spouse, or sibling)
and you have the same last name, in addition to the title, bring
a permission letter that is signed by the owner and notarized.
If you are driving a rental vehicle, you must present the rental
contract for the vehicle.
If traveling out of the Free Trade Zone (south of Guaymas)
you will need to obtain a Banjercito federal tourist vehicle
permit.
Other regulations regarding the temporary importation of
vehicles into Sonora:
- The vehicle must have current license plates
- Vehicles and towed items that weigh more than 30 tons will
require a permit - In addition to the main vehicle, you are allowed to bring up
to three motorcycles or small boating craft. If there are
more than three people traveling together, the number of
motorcycles/watercraft may be equal to the number of
travelers. - Golf carts and similar small vehicles are not allowed into
Sonora, since they are un-registered vehicles.
For more information, see the State of Sonora's tourism
website.
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