Opening Hours
Standard Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Seven days a week
Seasonal Adjustments: Hours may be extended during holiday seasons
Holiday Closures: Operations may be limited on major U.S. and Mexican holidays
Wait Time & Traffic
Average Wait:
- Standard Vehicles: 30-90 minutes (non-peak times), 2-4 hours (peak times)
- SENTRI/Trusted Traveler: 15-30 minutes
- Pedestrians: 15-45 minutes
- Commercial Vehicles: 1-3 hours
Peak Times:
- Weekdays: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Weekends: Saturday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Sunday 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Holiday periods (especially U.S. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter week)
- Winter months (December-March) when seasonal visitors increase
Express Options:
- SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) for pre-approved travelers
- FAST (Free and Secure Trade) program for commercial drivers
- Ready Lane for those with RFID-enabled documentation
- CBP One™ mobile application for submitting information in advance
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing: Available
Customs Processing: Available
Health Screening: Available (increased during pandemic periods)
Services:
Restrooms
Water fountains
Indoor waiting areas (limited capacity)
Information desks
Currency exchange (limited hours)
Food options nearby but not directly at the port
Accessibility:
Wheelchair accessible facilities
Designated paths for disabled travelers
Assistance available upon request
Limited seating in waiting areas
Official Resources
Mexico Border Authority: Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) – https://www.gob.mx/inm
USA Border Authority: U.S. Customs and Border Protection – https://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports/nogales
Travel Advisories:
- U.S. State Department: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html
- Mexican Tourism Board: https://www.visitmexico.com/en/travel-alerts
Overview
The Nogales-Mariposa Port of Entry stands as one of the most significant border crossings between Mexico and the United States, serving as Arizona's primary international gateway. This modern facility, part of the larger Nogales border crossing system, was designed specifically to increase the efficiency of commercial and personal vehicle processing. Following a $134 million modernization project, the Mariposa crossing now features state-of-the-art infrastructure including specialized refrigerated docks for produce inspection, reflecting its crucial role in the international food supply chain. Located west of downtown Nogales, this crossing helps travelers avoid city traffic while facilitating billions of dollars in annual trade. The port processes thousands of crossings daily, handling everything from fresh produce and manufactured goods to automobiles and raw materials. As the #1 Port of Entry in the Southwestern United States, Mariposa is essential to the economic vitality of both nations, particularly for Arizona which ranks first in projected job growth within the United States.
Document Requirements
- Valid passport from country of citizenship
- Valid U.S. visa or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) if required
- I-94 form (Arrival/Departure Record)
- Proof of sufficient funds and return travel arrangements
- Temporary Import Permit for vehicles (if applicable)
- International driver’s license (recommended but not required)
- Valid U.S. passport or passport card
- NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST trusted traveler program card (if enrolled)
- Enhanced driver’s license (if from participating states)
- Birth certificate for children under 16 (though passport is recommended)
- Vehicle registration and proof of insurance if driving
- Valid Mexican passport
- FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) visa if returning from beyond the border zone
- Vehicle registration and proof of Mexican car insurance if driving
- Mexican national ID card (INE/IFE) for identification purposes
- Proof of residence in border region if participating in local crossing programs
Crossing Procedure
From Mexico Side
Proceed through Mexican exit checkpoint (minimal inspection for most travelers)
Present passport or required documentation to Mexican immigration officials if requested
If driving, prepare vehicle documentation if requested
Pass through Mexican customs inspection area if selected
Continue to the U.S. border entry point
From USA Side
Select appropriate lane (standard, SENTRI/trusted traveler, or Ready Lane)
Prepare all travel documents before reaching the inspection booth
Answer all questions from the CBP officer truthfully
Present passport, visa, or other approved documentation
Declare all items being brought into the U.S., particularly agricultural products
Submit to vehicle inspection if requested
If referred to secondary inspection, follow officer instructions and proceed to designated area
Once cleared, continue to Interstate 19 or other destination
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports:
Temporary Vehicle Import Permit required for driving beyond the border zone in Mexico
Vehicles must be registered in the traveler's name
Import duties may apply for permanent vehicle imports
Certain vehicles restricted based on age and emissions standards
Goods Allowances:
U.S. residents: $800 duty-free exemption after 48+ hours in Mexico
Mexican residents: $300 duty-free allowance
Alcohol: 1 liter per adult over 21 years
Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars per adult
Prohibited Items:
Illegal drugs and narcotics
Firearms and ammunition without proper permits
Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and plants (restrictions vary)
Counterfeit goods
Endangered species products
Cuban products
Currency Restrictions:
Amounts over $10,000 USD must be declared when entering the U.S.
Mexico requires declaration of cash exceeding $10,000 USD or equivalent
Known Issues:
Inconsistent lane availability depending on staffing
Occasional system outages that slow processing
Confusion about operating hours and documentation requirements
Intense heat during summer months for those waiting in line
Accommodations
Hotels and Restaurants in near Border Mexico:
- Hotel Fray Marcos de Niza (2.5 miles)
- Hotel Plaza Nogales (3 miles)
- La Roca Restaurant (traditional Mexican cuisine, 2 miles)
- Restaurant Los Arcos (seafood specialties, 3 miles)
Hotels and Restaurants in Near border USA:
- Best Western Sonora Inn & Suites (2 miles)
- Holiday Inn Express Nogales (3 miles)
- Rancho Grande Restaurant (Mexican-American cuisine, 1.5 miles)
- La Cinita Restaurant (local favorite, 2 miles)
Better Options Nearby:
- Tucson, Arizona (70 km) – Offers superior accommodation options including major hotel chains, boutique hotels, and diverse dining establishments
- Hermosillo, Sonora (175 km) – Capital city with excellent Mexican hotels and authentic Sonoran cuisine
Public Review Sentiments
Based on total reviews found online, the Nogales-Mariposa Port of Entry receives mixed feedback from travelers. Most positive reviews highlight the facility's modern infrastructure and efficiency compared to downtown crossings, with many appreciating the professional and courteous service from certain officers. Travelers frequently mention the clean facilities and cooler indoor temperatures that provide relief from the Arizona heat. Regular crossers note that the port offers faster processing times during off-peak hours, with some officers receiving specific praise for their respectful and professional demeanor. However, critical reviews consistently point to excessive wait times during peak periods, with some reporting up to 4-5 hour delays despite the multiple available lanes. Several travelers express frustration about inconsistent officer interactions, citing experiences of being treated rudely or subjected to what they perceived as unnecessary secondary inspections. A common complaint involves confusion about operating hours, particularly regarding weekend opening times and seasonal adjustments.
Traveler Experiences
"Using the Mariposa crossing saved us at least an hour compared to downtown. The facility is modern and well-organized, though I recommend arriving early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst lines. Having SENTRI passes made our crossing remarkably quick - under 20 minutes total." - Carlos M., March 2025
"As a frequent crosser for dental work, I've found the border officers to be professional but variable in their approach. The key is to have all your documents ready and be clear about your purpose. The facility itself is clean and maintained well, which makes the waiting more tolerable." - Sarah K., January 2025
"The waiting line can be brutal during peak hours! We spent over 3 hours in line on a Sunday afternoon, despite all lanes being open. Best tip: check the CBP border wait times app before heading to the crossing and bring water and snacks if crossing during summer months." - Miguel R., February 2025
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.
