FAQs

Border Community Alliance is bridging the border and fostering community through education, collaboration and cultural exchange.

It is in this spirit that we are strong advocates for elevating our international community through grassroots NGO social investment.

We share with the public to build an awareness for the ‘good news’ of what civil society is accomplishing in the borderlands region that frequently is neglected by mass media.

Border Community Alliance is dedicated to championing public literacy in current borderlands issues, anthropology, history and geography - taking those subjects and learning in place - in the field.

The story of the borderlands is not often told well, as mass media tends to offer narrow snapshots of frightening events rather than give a picture of everyday life. The dominant narrative is often negative, yet life in the region we call the borderlands is frequently positive.

As a result of this, we realized the importance of offering a cultural exchange resource open to the public for first-hand learning.  We like sharing with the public what we consider the often unreported good news of the border. This is accomplished alongside the interpretation of the geography, history, culture to provide a foundation of context to the modern binational era. BCA and FESAC seek to balance the negative narrative with stories of ordinary and extraordinary people, places and perspective. We also want you to see for yourself and make up your own mind about this region and its people and to consider partnering with us in future endeavors.

After years of leading more than a hundred cultural exchange tours we have never had an encounter with violence.  Participants on our tours consistently report that while they may have felt apprehension before the tour, those feelings melted away during the journey together.  News media outlets have tended to emphasize violence in Mexico, yet Nogales is considered by many to be as safe as most US cities. Precaution and common sense is always advised, however, as with travel in any city or region. We travel together in vehicles with professional drivers and we are guided by excellent local leaders.

If you are attending a Cross Border Tour to Nogales, the following forms of identification are accepted: passport, Real ID (Enhanced Driver's License), SENTRI card, or Global Entry card.

A passport is requirement if traveling more than 21 kilometers past the international border.

Border Community Alliance does not assume responsibility for any unforeseen personal issues or complications with migration during international entry or exit.

BCA tours typically cross the border on foot via the pedestrian gate at the DeConcini port of entry. Our van and professional driver will be located no more than a block from the international crossing.

Item descriptionWhile there is not a lot of walking on any of our experiences, we encourage you to wear comfortable shoes. Long pants are probably best for both men and women. As some of these cultural tours include visits to centuries-old Spanish colonial missions we also advise against tank or halter tops or short shorts.

We encourage you to bring water in a reusable bottle. You may also wish to bring a hat and wear sunscreen or long sleeves to avoid sun exposure.

Tour groups are limited to 10 to 15 people. This provides a more intimate experience and allows the group to travel together comfortably.Our tours usually range from 10-15 people.

Border Community Alliance seeks to provide excellent guides, site leaders and interpreters with extensive background on the border. We are also fortunate to have FESAC, a Mexican organization that functions like a community foundation, as our partner. Our desire is to always have a guide from both countries to be able to answer your questions.

Your tour registration fee includes transportation, professional driver, meal(s), and expert guidance. Tour fees are not considered a charitable tax deduction by BCA since goods and services are provided.

Please write us an email at info@bordercommunityalliance.org or give us a call at (520) 398-3229.