Permit requirement at border impacting local businesses
LOS ALGODONES, Mexico (KYMA, KECY) - Mexican customs started asking for a new permit for pedestrians crossing the border into Mexico at the Los Algodones Mexican Port of Entry, creating long lines.
But it's also impacting businesses in Los Algodones, some saying their sales have dropped drastically.
In the past couple weeks, Los Algodones visitors have experienced long wait times to cross the border by foot.
"I've been in line for two or three hours before, just standing in line," said Yuma resident Zebra Asche.
It's because foreign visitors are now required to fill out a new permit form to cross the border.
But some businesses in Los Algodones say it's also impacting them.
Their sales have dropped drastically.
"I think 50%," said local businessman Juan de Dios RamÃrez.
"About 70%," said Valeria Alcala, a hair stylist.
The businesses we spoke to said visitors are having a hard time completing the permit process at the port of entry.
Some of them have also gotten discouraged and have decided not to cross the border anymore.
"They have been complaining a lot because the process is too slow. We used to have a lot of early mornings and since they implemented the new permit system, the business has been very slow," explained Alcala.
"Truly it affected us a lot, we support ourselves by what they spend here," said RamÃrez
But for Aebra Asche, even though it's inconvenient, she's willing to go through the process.
"If have to show more documentation to come here to see my friends, I'll do it," explained Asche, a Yuma resident.
If you are planning to go to Los Algodones, you have to fill out the multiple immigration forms. You can download it from the Mexican National Immigration Institute official website or you can also find it here.
