Visiting Boquillas, Mexico

Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico seen from the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail.

NPS Photo/Cookie Ballou

Port of Entry Hours and Passport Requirements

Visiting Mexico through the park's Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry is an option for visitors possessing a valid passport. The Port of Entry is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (November 2 - April 30) and Friday through Monday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (May 1 - November 1). Learn more about visiting a border area.

U.S. currency is accepted in Boquillas though visitors are advised to bring smaller bills or rely on Boquillas vendors to provide change for their purchases. The Rio Grande Village Store and the Rio Grande Visitor Center cannot make change for visitors travelling to Boquillas.

For more information about restaurants; camping; lodging; local handicrafts; activities, and history visit Boquillas.org.

 

How do I get there?

Park at the Boquillas Crossing parking lot near Boquillas Canyon. After passing through the port of entry visitors are ferried across the Rio Grande on a small rowboat for a modest fee ($5 round-trip). Walking across the river is permitted only at the Boquillas Crossing, but is not recommended if the river level is high.

Once across the river visitors have the option of walking to the village (1/2 mile) or paying an additional fee to ride on a burro, horse, or in a vehicle. Local guides are available. Visitors are required to check in with Mexican immigration officials upon arrival in Boquillas. Visitors planning to stay overnight in Mexico will need to apply for a temporary visa. Secure overnight parking at the Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry may be available.

 

Valid documentation is required to visit Mexico through the park's Boquillas Port of Entry.

Documentation

The Boquillas Port of Entry is operated cooperatively by the National Park Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The facility is staffed by National Park Rangers who can assist travelers with information about visiting the area. Proper documentation is required to cross. U.S. and Canadian citizens can present a valid: U.S. Passport or Passport Card to cross at this Class B Port of Entry. U.S. and Canadian citizen children age of 16 and under need only present a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be original, photocopy, or certified copy. To cross at the Port of Entry, travelers will interact with a customs officer through a virtual kiosk and document scanner.

For complete information on other travel documents accepted at the Boquillas Port of Entry, please contact Customs and Border Protection at Presidio, TX (432-229-3349).

 

It is a short rowboat ride to Mexico

NPS / T. VandenBerg