To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience on arrival in Mexico, travelers should familiarize themselves with the customs regulations and procedures.
As when crossing any international border, there are certain rules on what can be taken into Mexico with limits on the maximum amount of duty-free items and currency. Travelers can find out everything they need to know about importing and exporting goods below to ensure that they pack for their trip accordingly.
In addition, visitors need to know about the document that they will be required to complete before arriving in the country: the Mexico Tourist Card.
Do I Need a Customs Declaration Before Traveling to Mexico?
Yes, upon arrival at Mexico’s airports, including Cancun, you will be required to complete a Customs Declaration. If you’re traveling with family members living at the same address, only one Customs Form per family is needed.
It’s advisable to complete the customs declaration online beforehand to make sure everything is in order.
Once you arrive in Mexico, your luggage will be presented to customs officers along with the completed declaration. Based on the declaration, your bags might be inspected. If the green light is shown during the customs check, you are free to proceed. If the red light appears, your bags will be inspected more thoroughly.
How To Fill Out the Mexico Customs Declaration Online
You can fill out the Mexico Customs Declaration online before your departure to save time and streamline your entry process. Here’s how to complete the form:
- Fill out the form: complete the form with the necessary details such as traveler Information (name, nationality, passport details, and flight details) and family Information. You can use the simplified form of our Partners to make this process faster and easier: Apply for Mexico Customs Declaration
- Declare your items: Specify any items you're bringing into Mexico that fall under duty-free allowances or restricted categories. You may also be asked to declare if you are carrying items such as medication or electronics.
- Print the form: After filling out the form online, print it out and bring it with you to the airport. You will need to present it when you go through customs inspection.
- Submit upon arrival: Once you arrive in Mexico, your customs form will be checked by officers. If there is an electronic scanning system, your information will likely be automatically captured and processed during immigration. However, having a printed copy of the form with you is still recommended.
What You Can Take into Mexico
There are limits on the maximum amount of items such as tobacco products and alcohol that can be taken to Mexico duty-free. Each individual can import the following:
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200g of tobacco (over 18s only)
- Vaping products: a reasonable amount for personal use
- Alcohol: 3 liters of wine or alcoholic beverages (over 18s only)
- Perfume, eau-de cologne: a reasonable amount for personal use
- Photo/recording equipment: one camera or video camera plus 12 rolls of film or video cassettes
- Medicine: for personal use only
- Other goods: up to a value of $500 USD
Customs allowances are subject to change, travelers should check they have all the latest information before departure.
Regulations on importing arms and ammunition
Tourists who wish to partake in hunting and shooting sports activities in Mexico must obtain a temporary import permit from the Secretary of National Defence for their firearms.
The permit must be acquired before traveling and cannot be acquired at customs and immigration on arrival in Mexico. It is illegal to go to Mexico with a firearm without obtaining written authorization in advance.
Items that cannot be taken into Mexico
Travelers should make sure that they do not have any of the following prohibited items in their luggage when heading to Mexico:
- Food items that are not packaged or canned such as meat and fruit
- Plants and flowers
- Seeds or materials of vegetable origin
- Medicine other than that for personal use
Seeds and plants may be admissible if they are considered beneficial to Mexico, in this case, special authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture must be obtained in advance.
Can I take my pet with me to Mexico?
Anyone who intends to take their dog or cat to Mexico must acquire a Good Health Certificate for their pet. The certificate should have been signed by an official vet in the country of origin within the last 15 days and state the following:
- Contact details of the person responsible for the animal
- That the pet was found to be healthy during the inspection
- The Rabies vaccination date and certificate (pets under 3 months are exempt)
Only cats and dogs arriving from Canada or the US, or those that originally departed Mexico and have a valid CZE certificate, are exempt from this requirement.
How much currency can I take with me to Mexico?
Passengers may carry up to the equivalent of $10,000 USD in the local currency (Mexican Peso) or foreign currencies. It is necessary to declare currencies that exceed this amount. The same applies to exporting cash.
Travelers should also be aware that they are only permitted to exchange foreign currencies into Mexican Peso at authorized banks.
Documents required at customs for arrival
It may be necessary to complete a tourist card for Mexico prior to arrival. Travelers are encouraged to complete the form online in advance to facilitate the immigration procedures and speed up border crossings.
Payment of Airport Tax on Departure
Air passengers leaving Mexico on international flights are required to pay a tourism tax on departure. The fee ranges from 18 to 29 USD per person and is paid at the airport unless the fee has already been covered with the flight ticket, this can be checked with the airline.
Travelers who fall into any of the following categories are exempt from paying the airport tax:
- Children below the age of 2
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Airline crew on duty
- Mexican nationals and residents
- Transit without visa passengers
