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Only Sonora
New “Only Sonora” vehicle checkpoint location makes it easier to visit Sonora.

Visitors to the interior of Sonora are now able to drive directly to such cities as Guaymas, San Carlos, Hermosillo, Kino Bay, Magdalena and Santa Ana without the time-consuming process of obtaining a car permit. With the relocation of the “Only Sonora” vehicle checkpoint, visitors to the state will no longer have to obtain a car permit in order to travel south of Nogales. Effective December 15, 2005 paperwork to obtain the decal for visiting the interior will be done at a new checkpoint on Highway 15, just south of the Guaymas-bypass on the road to Ciudad Obregon. For the next six months, Sonora will continue to staff a booth at kilometer 21 checkpoint that will collect paperwork from vehicles that are returning to the US. Minimally, the elimination of this paperwork means a savings of 15 minutes to travelers. However, around certain holidays, the measure may save visitors up to several hours. The “Only Sonora” program, unique in Mexico, allows Americans to visit Sonora without paying the customary (federal) fee of $27.00. Travelers intending to go beyond Sonora will still have to obtain a “Banjercito” federal permit. A permit is not required for travel to Rocky Point and other border cities, which are classified as “free-zones.” Required for a permit: proof of US residency, a driver’s license and proof of vehicle ownership. The “Only Sonora” program, unique in Mexico, allows Americans to visit the State of Sonora without paying the customary (federal) vehicle registry fee of $27.00, “Only Sonora” requires motorists to show proof of US residency; a visa to visit Mexico; a driver’s license and proof of vehicle ownership. Americans going beyond the Kilometer 21 Checkpoint into Mexico’s interior will still be required to obtain a visa, which is valid for up to 6 months and good for multiple entries. The Banjercito will remain at KM 21. Travelers to regions of Mexico that do not use Highway 15 will still be required to obtain either “Only Sonora” or Banjercito permits. Transaction online:

"Only Sonora" moves south and it's easier to visit Sonora

The "Only Sonora" program, unique in Mexico, allows Americans to visit Sonora without paying the customary (federal) fee of $27. "Our intention here is to make it easier for Americans to visit Sonora," said Gov. Eduardo Bours. "This measure should cut anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour off a trip to Hermosillo or San Carlos.

As importantly, it removes psychological barriers -- the less paperwork required for people to get from one place to another, the better. Sonora --and other "free zones" in Mexico's border areas --have experienced incredible growth when we eliminate paperwork. By moving "Only Sonora" south, we're confident that we'll inspire new visitors and bring our states closer together."