Sonora Free Zone

The Sonora "Free Zone": The Sonora Free Zone program for vehicles means that those who plan to travel with vehicles in the state of Sonora north of Empalme/Guaymas no longer have to register and obtain a vehicle permit. If you plan to travel to the San Carlos-Guaymas area and no further into Mexico, this option applies. Tourist cards are still required but for stays of 7 days or less you can get a no-fee tourist card.

Where is the Free Zone? The Free Zone includes the area west of Mexico Highway 15 to the coast or the border with Baja. It also includes the area from Douglas-Agua Prieta via Mexico Highway 2 west though Cananea to Imuris and everything north of that highway to the US-Mexico border. The southern end of the free zone is at KM 98 on Mexico 15, just south of Empalme. Communities in the free zone include Agua Prieta, Naco, Cananea, Nogales, Puerto Penasco, Sonoyta, San Luis Colorado, Caborca, Imuris, Magdalena, Santa Ana, Hermosillo, Kino Bay, San Carlos, Guaymas and Empalme. See the map above-the free zone is in blue.

Map of San Carlos

Sonora & San Carlos Maps courtesy of our friends at San Carlos Convention and Visitor Center