San Luis Port of Entry Mexico USA

Border Crossing From Mexico to USA by Land

Opening Hours

Standard Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week Seasonal Adjustments: None reported, but crossing times may increase during holiday seasons Holiday Closures: None - operates continuously throughout the year

Wait Time & Traffic

Average Wait:

Vehicles: 1-3 hours (standard lanes), 30-60 minutes (Ready Lane), 10-30 minutes (SENTRI)
Pedestrians: 30-90 minutes (standard), 15-30 minutes (expedited)

Peak Times:

Morning rush: 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM (weekdays)
Evening returns: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (weekdays)
Weekends: All day Sunday particularly congested
Holiday periods: Significantly increased wait times

Express Options:

SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection)
Ready Lane (for those with RFID-enabled documents)
Global Entry (for pre-approved, low-risk travelers)

Border Facilities

Immigration Processing: Available 24/7 on both sides Customs Processing: Available 24/7 on both sides Health Screening: Limited (may increase during public health emergencies) Services: Restrooms: Available Food: Limited options near immediate crossing area Currency Exchange: Available on Mexican side Duty-Free Shops: Available on Mexican side Accessibility: Wheelchair access available but limited Assistance available upon request

Official Resources

Mexico Border Authority:

Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM)
Website: https://www.gob.mx/inm
Contact: +52 55 5387 2400

USA Border Authority:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Website: https://www.cbp.gov
Contact: +1 877-227-5511

Travel Advisories:

U.S. State Department: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Mexico Tourism Board: https://www.visitmexico.com/en/travel-alerts

Overview

The San Luis Port of Entry serves as a vital connection point between San Luis, Arizona and San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, facilitating thousands of daily crossings for both vehicles and pedestrians. Established in the early 1900s with modernization in 1986, this crossing point supports robust cross-border commerce, family connections, and agricultural labor movement. In 2010, commercial truck traffic was diverted to the newer San Luis II Port of Entry, transforming this location into a crossing primarily for passenger vehicles and pedestrians. The port processes approximately 7,000 people daily and has undergone infrastructure improvements, including the addition of inspection lanes in 2012 to improve efficiency. Operating 24/7, this crossing point plays a crucial role in maintaining the economic and cultural integration of communities on both sides of the border despite increasing volumes and occasional long wait times, particularly during peak periods.

Document Requirements

Valid passport from country of citizenship
U.S. visa (if required based on nationality)
Mexican visa (if required based on nationality)
I-94 form (for entry to U.S.)
FMM tourist card (for entry to Mexico)
Proof of onward travel
Proof of sufficient funds for stay
Vehicle permits if driving (Temporary Import Permit for Mexico)

Valid U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver’s license
Vehicle registration and insurance documents (if driving)
SENTRI card (for expedited crossing, if enrolled)
Completed Mexican customs declaration form (if staying beyond the border zone)
FMM tourist card (if traveling beyond the border zone)

Valid Mexican passport or passport card
U.S. visa (if not participating in the Visa Waiver Program)
Border Crossing Card (if applicable)
SENTRI card (for expedited crossing, if enrolled)
Vehicle registration and insurance documents (if driving)
Completed customs declaration form

Crossing Procedure

From Mexico Side

Approach the Mexican exit checkpoint Present identification if requested (often not required for exit) Clear any vehicle inspections if selected Proceed to the U.S. entry lanes

From USA Side

Choose the appropriate lane (Regular, Ready Lane, or SENTRI) Prepare all travel documents for inspection Stop at the primary inspection booth when directed Present documents to the CBP officer and answer questions truthfully Submit to vehicle inspection if requested Proceed to secondary inspection if directed by officers Complete any additional paperwork if required Receive clearance to enter the United States

Special Considerations

Vehicle Imports/Exports: Temporary Vehicle Import Permit required for Mexico beyond border zone Proof of vehicle ownership required Commercial vehicles must use San Luis II Port of Entry Goods Allowances: USA: $800 personal exemption for U.S. residents (once every 30 days) Mexico: $300 USD per person during non-holiday periods Alcohol and tobacco limits apply for both countries Prohibited Items: Firearms and ammunition Illegal drugs and narcotics Agricultural products (fruits, vegetables, meat, plants) Counterfeit merchandise Wildlife products Cuban cigars/products (for U.S. entry) Currency Restrictions: USA: Amounts over $10,000 USD must be declared Mexico: Amounts over $10,000 USD must be declared Known Issues: Confusing lane designations (particularly SENTRI lanes) Seasonal agricultural traffic increases wait times Limited shade for pedestrians during hot weather Overcrowding during peak crossing periods

Accommodations

Hotels and Restaurants in near Border Mexico:

Hotel San Luis
Hotel Plaza
Restaurant Mariscos El Navegante
Tacos El Pastor
Café Frontera

Hotels and Restaurants in Near border USA:

Best Western Inn & Suites Yuma
Microtel Inn & Suites
Chili’s Grill & Bar
Los Manjares de Pepe
Cracker Barrel

Better Options Nearby:

Yuma, Arizona (32 km) – More extensive hotel and dining options
San Luis Río Colorado city center (5 km) – Additional Mexican accommodation options

Public Review Sentiments

Based on total reviews found online, the San Luis Port of Entry presents a mixed experience for travelers. Most positive feedback highlights efficient service during off-peak hours, with some travelers reporting "very fast" crossing experiences, particularly when entering Mexico. Staff professionalism and courtesy receive appreciation, with multiple reviewers specifically mentioning helpful and patient officers who made their crossing experience pleasant despite the wait. However, wait times remain a significant concern, with many travelers reporting delays of 2-4 hours, especially during weekends and holidays. Inconsistent processing speed frustrates regular crossers who note unpredictable variations even in SENTRI lanes. Some reviews point to issues with officer attitudes, describing experiences of perceived unprofessionalism or excessive scrutiny. Overall, travelers advise strategic planning around crossing times and proper documentation preparation to minimize frustrations.

Traveler Experiences

"I went through just before 1am on May 30th. Line took about an hour, but the agent in our line was very nice, professional and personable. He made the wait not feel as bad when we got through the booth so fast, and felt secure that he got all the info he needed, but did so in a kind and hospitable way." - May 2023

"I have crossed twice these last two weeks. The entrance to Mexico is fast and they don't ask you for any documentation. I have crossed around 7:45 am both times and I have never encountered traffic or delays to enter Mexico. The different story is to leave - the first time I waited 1 hour at 4:00 PM, the second time I returned at 10 am and I was in traffic for 2 hours and a half. It was exhausting with the heat and slowness." - April 2023

"The right two lanes are slower. But they are for all passports ('ready' lane if you have a passport card). The farthest lane from the right (3rd) is the FASTEST, but it is for SENTRI pass only! If you cross via SENTRI lane without the SENTRI card, it's a $5000 penalty. SENTRI membership allows eligible travelers to access expedited lines at U.S. Customs and lasts for five years." - March 2023

DISCLAIMER: This guide provides general information based on data available at time of publication. Border regulations, requirements, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current information with official government sources before travel. BorderRoute.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information. Travel decisions and border compliance remain the sole responsibility of the traveler.