Scenes from a border's opening....

Wednesday, the long-awaited border opening at Big Bend National Park and Boquillas, Mexico FINALLY happened.  We wanted to share photos from our friend, DJ Sanders, in today's blog entry, and reports from our friends at Marfa Public Radio.  Click here for their coverage.   Big, big thanks to both DJ and to Marfa Public Radio!

Finally, friends were able to connect again and enjoy each other's company in Boquillas, after 11 years separated by a closed border.

See yesterday's entry on the crossing opening, too!

Big Bend Border Crossing is Open Again!

View of the Rio Grande at the new border crossing at Boquillas
in Big Bend National Park.  Mexico is in the background,
to the right a shade structure for those waiting to cross!



Yesterday, the border crossing at Boquillas Mexico and Big Bend National Park reopened after 11 years, allowing visitors to cross the Rio Grande.  This will allow easier access for visitors to see Mexico, and citizens of remote Boquillas will have an easier time getting necessary supplies. 

From our friends at the Alpine Daily Planet, some things to keep in mind:

√ The crossing is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
√ You miss the last boat on Sunday, you are stuck until Wednesday morn.
√ You need a valid passport (ignore the rumors about the chip) or passport card.
√ When you get to Mexico there are immigration officers who will ask you to fill out a short visa application.
√ Just remember to turn it back in to them before you leave town at the end of your visit.
√ You cannot bring alcohol back.
√ This is not an importation port; that means nothing can be brought back to this side for resale.
√ There is a $200 purchase limit on goods brought back to the U.S.
√ You cannot bring clothing, food, etc. to the people of Mexico through this port (the Mexican Government has issued this).

Entrance to the checkpoint building on the U.S. side

Artwork in the building was created by park staff

Boquillas Crossing checkpoint building on the U.S. side



Your passport will be checked by kiosk for approval to
cross the border

After receiving approval to cross, you'll walk down this
path to the river

Interpretive panels at the river's edge

Our thanks to Friends of Big Bend National Park and Big Bend National Park for their help with this blog entry!