Neither a vehicle permit nor a visa is required to visit Agua Prieta and other border cities which are classified as "free-zones" (San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonoyta, Sasabe, Nogales, Naco and Rocky Point).  Many day visitors leave their vehicles on the American side and walk across the border. Taxi stands are available as soon as you cross into Mexico. Most standard American auto insurance policies do not cover trips into Mexico. Check with your insurance agent.  Mexican insurance is available in Douglas or online.

Motorists entering Mexico through Agua Prieta, San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonoyta, Sasabe, Nogales, Naco and will not need paperwork for their vehicles, either, if their destination is before the new 'Only Sonora'checkpoint at Emplame, Sonora, (South of Guaymas, located in the southern part of the State of Sonora.)

Agua Prieta and the State of Sonora welcome American and Canadian tourists with the easy to comply with "Only Sonora" program. This new program makes travel into Sonora simple and quick. The programrequires motorists to have:

1. Proof of US /Canadian residency;
2. Obtain Migration Form for Tourists to visit Mexico
3. Have a valid driver's license and proof of vehicle ownership.

You can enter Mexico without a visa showing your passport and the "migration Form for Tourists, Transmigrants, Visiting Businesspersons, or Visiting Consultants", which you can obtain from travel agencies, airlines, or at your point of entry into Mexico. As a tourist, you may stay in Mexico for up to 180 days. Americans, Canadians and other foreign citizens going beyond the checkpoint established by the “Only Sonora” program and into Mexico's interior will be required to obtain a visa ( immigration permit ), which is valid for up to 6 months and good for multiple entries.