As of July 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a lot of changes around the world. Puerto Peñasco is no exception. At the onset of the pandemic, tourist dependent Rocky Point experienced a damaging five months of shutdown. But the now the town has fully reopened. Visitors have been welcomed back for several months now. But there are still questions when preparing to travel. Here is a brief ” What You Need to Know to Go to Rocky Point during the COVID-19 Pandemic?” As things change, I have tried to keep this page updated with the latest information on changes and restrictions during the pandemic.
Crossing the US/Mexico border to Rocky Point is now fully open, however hours remain the same 6am to 8pm EXCEPT on US Holiday weekends where closing time is 10pm. There are no longer curfews in place, however the city has been known to implement them when COVID cases surge. Masks are no longer mandated. Restaurants, bars and hotels are open to full capacity.
U.S. Mexico Border Crossing is Open to all Travel
Travel is no longer limited to non-essential purposes across land port of entries.
Lukeville Border Hours
A hugely important detail to pay attention to is the border hours of operation because you need to plan for the line at the border. If you are on the wrong side of the border when it closes you will be turned away. It is not uncommon for travelers who are caught off guard to end up sleeping in their cars.
While it has not happened to us, I have read on the many Rocky Point social media group forums that they have actually shut it down at 7:45pm.
These hours are for crossing are different depending on the direction you are crossing. The lines have been known to take as long as 4 or 5 hours on popular weekends. If you are still in line to return to the U.S. at 8:01pm, you will be turned away. That said, there are now longer hours for US holiday weekends.
Update: People entering Mexico are reporting that they are experiencing more thorough inspections by Mexican border officials when they enter Mexico. In addition, some are reporting that they are being asked to show their passports. While Mexican officials have not typically asked for passports when entering at the Sonoyta port, Mexican law does require valid passports to enter mexico. (See my post on passports : Do I REALLY Need a Passport To Go To Rocky Point Mexico?)
Current Lukeville – Sonoyta Border Crossing Hours
Traveling South into Sonoyta, Sonora, Mexico
Monday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Traveling North into Lukeville, Arizona, U.S.
Monday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
US Holiday Weekend Extended Hours
Friday & Monday – Memorial Day Weekend 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Monday – Juneteenth Weekend 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Monday – Independence Day Weekend 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Monday – Labor Day Weekend 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Monday – Columbus Day Weekend 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday & Monday – Veteran’s Day Weekend 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sorry, Circus Mexicus Fans. No consideration was extended for your fiesta.
Avoid Long Border Lines Traveling to Rocky Point
Consider keeping up with the events that are going in Puerto Penasco when you plan to travel. This will give you an idea of when the border lines will be crazy long. Even when there is no Pandemic.
Some of the most crowded and busiest weekends in Rocky Point include:
- Spring Break for Arizona State University and University of Arizona, especially the weekend that falls exactly between the two breaks
- Semana Santa – The week leading up to and including the weekend of Easter
- Memorial Day
- Circus Mexicus (early June) and any other Roger Clyne jam sessions during the year like January Jam
- July 4th
- Labor Day
- Bike Week
- Thanksgiving
These dates are some of the weekends you can expect longer than normal waits at the border. With the pandemic delays expect longer waits and plan accordingly.
Check out Rocky Point 360 for a good calendar of events in Puerto Peñasco.
Are Masks Still Required in Rocky Point?
No. Masks are no longer required in Puerto Peñasco.
Personal Health and Safety Requirements
Social distancing is not required, but it doesn’t hurt to be diligent for your own health and that of others.
Wash hands regularly. Hand sanitation will be provided at most public locations.
Rocky Point Curfew
Curfew has been lifted, however bars and restaurants still must comply with Alcohol Board regulations and stop sales at 1am.
Are Rocky Point Beaches Open During COVID-19?
The beaches of Puerto Peñasco are now open to all. Regular recreational beach time is open until 9pm.
The water activities venders for activities like waverunners and banana boats are now up and running again.
Proof Of Reservation or Homeownership
Previously, visitors would need proof of a reservation or proof of homeownership to enter the Puerto Penasco town limits, however, this is no longer required.
Health Barrier Entry “Filters” and Mandatory Home Sanitization Certification
As of September 7, 2020, the health checkpoint and random coronavirus testing into town has been removed.
Rental homes and condos are no longer required to be “sanitized” by specially certified sanitization companies. However, some resorts and rental management companies may still be requiring this.
Most cleaning companies and rental management companies have gone through specialized training to take extra steps to ensure cleanliness and safety measures for all guests. Be sure to ask your host what they are doing to ensure the safety of their guests against COVID-19.
Yes, four days already since the health filter into town came down. Please note, use of masks and other health protocols remain in effect.
Posted by Rocky Point 360 on Saturday, September 12, 2020
Additional Information About COVID-19 and Traveling to Puerto Peñasco
Link: COVID-19 U.S. Embassy recommendations for U.S. Citizens in Mexico
