The Douglas Border Crossing is a simple place to enter and exit Mexico. The border is generally quick when entering Mexico and often smooth on the return as well.
Like any crossing, it can see traffic and occasional delays on the return but you can always look at the wait times in advance. Seeing as how Agua Prieta border crossing times are 24/7, it also means traffic can spread out.
The nice thing about crossing into Mexico from Douglas is the access to three highway options. You can catch Highway 2 heading to Cuauhtemoc. You can catch Highway 17 south all the way to Moctezuma. You can also catch the windy mountain highway south through the mountains (not a common route).
Douglas – Agua Prieta Border Crossing Instructions
From Douglas, follow Pan American Avenue south directly into the border crossing. You will pass a McDonald’s, an O’Reilly Auto store then pass under a covered awning. Follow the red and green lights to stop and go when entering the lanes.
If you have something to declare, make sure to enter the declaration lane. Otherwise, enter the lanes with nothing to declare. You may be flagged for inspection – pull over if so. After passing through, hit the Banjercito for your FMM and TIP.
Agua Prieta to Douglas Tips – Check the wait times when planning your re-entry. For those who aren’t US Residents, have your visa paperwork ready and make sure your vehicle has current registration and papers as well.
You will drive C. Internacional parralel to the border. It’s a one way and you will essentially need to drive the opposite direction on the next road south until the line ends. On a busy day, this can be quite a long distance and on slow days, less than a block or two.
This applies to general traffic. Sentri and ReadyLane options are available with little to no wait for pass holders.
Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week (Banjercito too)
Wait Times: Check Current Wait Times Here
Banjercito Location: After crossing, the building is immediately on your right. It’s easy to drive past and miss it altogether. Here’s the location on Google Maps. As soon as you clear the covered area, go ahead and park on the right.
Where to Stay Before or After Crossing?
Douglas has a Best Western just before the border which is super convenient. They also have a Motel 6 and Travelers Motel. The Gadsen Hotel is likely the nicest option in town and is only minutes from the border.
In Agua Prieta, the Maria Bonita Suites are a good option. There are also a number of options on Highway 17. The Hotel Sonora Inn is right by the border and has high ratings.
Is the Douglas Border RV Friendly?
This depends on who you ask. They have some size restrictions in the regular lanes but also have a gate for trucks and buses. We have reports of RVs not being allowed to enter through the gates. They also have some restructuring and construction work planned that could make this more friendly in the future.
You might want to consider Naco or Nogales as alternatives for RVs and big rigs. It’s never fun being turned around and having to reroute at the border. Make sure to buy Mexican RV Insurance before using any of these crossings.
