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jkgourmet

May 8, 2010, 2:04 PM

Post #1 of 7 (5830 views)

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Phoenix - which border crossing?

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We've never done this before and we will be traveling during hot months with our dog. We will be leaving Phoenix, staying overnight on the AZ side of the border, then driving to Guaymas/San Carlos for a few days before our eventual arrival at Ajijic.

I THINK the best border crossing is Nogales, but others seem to indicate that we should consider Lukeville. It also appears that there may be another crossing in or near Nogales called Mariposa.

We will have to get our car stickers at the border, and I assume we need tourist visa's for a 100 days stay, correct? We have the papers for all of this, and we will have health certificate for the dog signed the day before departure.

Considering our ignorance about the procedures and the heat with the dog left in the vehicle while we are messing with paperwork, what would you suggest?

Thanks.
http://www.GringoDog.com - Pet Friendly Travel in Mexico and the USA

chinagringo

May 8, 2010, 2:29 PM

Post #2 of 7 (5822 views)

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Re: [jkgourmet] Phoenix - which border crossing?

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With Mexican Consulates in Phoenix, Tucson and Nogales - I would guess that you can obtain your vehicle permit at any of these facilities since we are able to do that here in Albuquerque. In the past SOME Consulates have been able to issue FMT's (now called FMM) but with the new procedures starting May 1, that would be an unknown. From our experience, having a vehicle permit tends to save one time at the crossing.

No comment on a crossing point since we have never gone that way.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

rockydog85251

May 8, 2010, 2:46 PM

Post #3 of 7 (5816 views)

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Re: [jkgourmet] Phoenix - which border crossing?

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Mariposa is the truck crossing in Nogales....the best way to go!!! The exit is well marked.

You can get your permit at the 21 km. stop & we always take our dogs out with us....there are seats in the shade where one can wait while the other does "the deed". Very easy, especially if you are there early in the morning.

We used to drive from Scottsdale to Mazatlan in one day but a stop in Navajoa puts you about 1/2 way to Mazatlan. Then it is an easy 6 hr drive to Ajijic.

Have a good trip!
Willie

Rolly

May 8, 2010, 2:48 PM

Post #4 of 7 (5816 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Phoenix - which border crossing?

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Phoenix would be the place. Or you can get it online. Read more here.

Rolly Pirate

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On Facebook as Rolly Brook

Vichil

May 8, 2010, 3:26 PM

Post #5 of 7 (5796 views)

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Re: [jkgourmet] Phoenix - which border crossing?

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Bring a large umbrella for shade just in case you break down. We broke down with threee dogs in Vera Cruz and there was no shade . Next time we are traveling with a tarp and an umbrella just in case.

We crossedsed at Nogales several years ago and had our dogs with us. It was a little strange, many people wanted to buy the dogs for fighting them and the, office was nasty as they did not want us to enter with dogs but all was fine in the end.
As you know being from Arizona, the sun can be brutal, bring water and shade.

DosViajeros

May 12, 2010, 8:29 PM

Post #6 of 7 (5693 views)

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Re: [Vichil] Phoenix - which border crossing?

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Hi-
We just got back from a two-week driving trip from Phoenix to Ajijic and back. It all went just fine. Use the Mariposa crossing in Nogales - it's well marked, efficient, and basically hassle-free. After you cross into Mexico you will come to the Mexican immigration and customs facility at 21 K. It is easy to find your way through, and the people there could not have been more helpful and courteous. You can put in "Mariposa Crossing" in YouTube to see a video of the whole USA-side scenario.

WARNING: DO NOT try to get your papers at the Consulate in PHX! It is now absolutely swamped with Mexican nationals who are making family arrangements in case the new Arizona immigration law, SB 1070, takes effect and is not declared unconstitutional. After waiting in lines for a LONG time we finally gave up and decided to accomplish it all in Mexico - tourist visas, auto importation permit, and dog.

In Mexico we arrived late morning at immigration and did not have to wait at all. We took our dog and nobody even asked or commented. Made it to Guaymas by late afternoon where we stayed at Los Flamingos Hotel, which happily accepted our dog. Just stay on the cuotas and ante up! Look at it as inexpensive insurance.

We had no trouble whatsoever on the way down, but were stopped a few times coming back: once by the army and once by the federales, both of whom just asked a couple of questions and waved us on, with a friendly smile. Also, we stopped four time for fruit inspections. None on board.

The border at Nogales coming back into USA was a (expletive deleted) because we sat in one of four lanes of cars creeping a few feet forward for what seemed like hours before being admitted back into our own country. So, don't plan on getting back into the USA by any certain time; you will be late!

All the best. Have a wonderful time! Mexico can be an incredibly fine adventure!

Goyo

May 23, 2010, 8:50 PM

Post #7 of 7 (5536 views)

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Re: [jkgourmet] Phoenix - which border crossing?

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In Reply To

Considering our ignorance about the procedures and the heat with the dog left in the vehicle while we are messing with paperwork, what would you suggest?

Thanks.

Air conditioning.