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Puerto Penasco Border Hours 2023:

Tips for Crossing at Lukeville, AZ Port of Entry

Puerto Penasco, also known as Rocky Point, is a popular beach destination in Mexico that attracts visitors from all over the United States. Most people traveling to Puerto Penasco cross at the Arizona border at the port of entry located in Lukeville on the US side, and Sonoyta on the Mexico side. In this article, we will discuss the border hours for 2023 and offer tips for crossing at the Lukeville port of entry.

Before the Pandemic

Some of you may remember that before the pandemic, the port of entry at Lukeville, AZ used to be open daily from 6am to midnight. This allowed for a lot of flexibility in travel plans and made crossing the border relatively easy and stress-free.

During the Pandemic

At the start of the pandemic, the hours were reduced to 6am to 8pm daily and have remained the same since. Last year, border officials added specific dates where the border was open for 2 additional hours until 10pm. This was a welcomed change for those who needed to cross the border during these times.

Border Hours for 2023

For this year, 2023, there are again some federal holidays where the Lukeville port of entry is offering extended hours. Unfortunately, the list got reduced from last year to include only 4 major federal holidays. On the following holidays, the border will have extended hours on Friday and Monday only!

Border will OPEN at 6am and CLOSE at 10pm

Memorial Day

  • Friday May 26th and Monday May 29th.

Independence Day

  • Friday June 30th and Monday July 3rd.

Labor Day

  • Friday September 1st and Monday September 4th.

Veteran’s Day

  • Friday November 10th and Monday November 13th.

Tips for Crossing at Lukeville Port of Entry

Crossing the border on weekends and holidays gets very busy and there can be very long lines. Make sure you plan ahead and arrive at the border at least 2 hours before it closes (more if on a holiday) or you risk the chance of being denied entry. Here are some additional tips to help make your border crossing experience as smooth as possible:

  1. Check the border wait times before you leave. You can find this information on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
  2. Have all necessary documents ready. This includes your passport, visa (if required), vehicle registration, and any other required documents.
  3. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans. Border officials may ask where you are going, how long you will be there, and what you will be doing.
  4. Pack snacks and drinks for the journey. You may be stuck in line for several hours, so it’s a good idea to have some food and water with you.
  5. Plan your bathroom breaks before you get to Lukeville. Restroom facilities are limited on the US side of the border, so make sure you take care of any business before you cross.

Crossing the border at Lukeville, AZ port of entry to get to Puerto Penasco can be a bit of a hassle, especially during peak travel times. However, with a little preparation and some patience, you can make the process much smoother. Remember to check the border hours for 2023 and plan accordingly. And don’t forget to bring plenty of snacks, drinks, and other essentials for the journey. Happy travels!