🇲🇽 Mexico Customs Guide
What customs allows you to bring into Mexico — duty-free caps, banned and restricted goods, and medication rules, from official sources.
Fully verified · Authority: Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT) / ANAM · Last verified
Every section below carries verbatim quotes from official customs sources captured on the verification date.
Two different questions. Airport security screening (TSA/CATSA — can it go through the checkpoint?) is separate from customs (may it enter the country at all?). This page covers customs after arrival in Mexico; for checkpoint rules, see the item guides.
Duty-free allowances
Air and maritime passengers have an international passenger franchise of up to $500 USD in merchandise in addition to personal baggage ($300 USD by land). Alcohol (adults 18+): up to 3 liters of alcoholic beverages or 6 liters of wine. Tobacco (adults 18+): up to 10 packs of cigarettes (200 cigarettes), 25 cigars, or 200 grams of tobacco.
“Pasajeros internacionales por vía aérea tienen una franquicia de hasta 500 dólares en mercancías adicionales al equipaje personal, más 3 litros de bebidas alcohólicas y 10 cajetillas de cigarros para mayores de 18 años.”
“Pueden ingresar como parte de su equipaje personal hasta dos cámaras fotográficas, tres teléfonos celulares y una computadora portátil.”
Prohibited & restricted goods
ABSOLUTE BAN: Electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, and e-liquids are strictly prohibited from importation into Mexico by presidential decree (devices are confiscated at airport customs and fines apply). Absolute bans on narcotics, psychotropics without permit, firearms, live predator fish, and predatory species. Strict restrictions on unsealed meat, dairy, and fresh agricultural products.
“Queda prohibida la introducción y exportación al territorio nacional de cigarrillos electrónicos, vaporizadores y demás sistemas de administración de nicotina.”
“Armas de fuego, cartuchos y sustancias explosivas requieren permiso extraordinario de la Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (SEDENA).”
Medication & prescription drugs
Personal prescription medication permitted in quantities consistent with the duration of the trip. Must be accompanied by a prescription issued by a licensed physician with their medical license number (cédula profesional), contact info, and dosage. Narcotics/psychotropic medications require prior COFEPRIS import authorization.
“Medicamentos para uso personal requieren receta médica expedida por profesional autorizado con cédula profesional y especificación del tratamiento.”
“Psicotrópicos y estupefacientes requieren permiso sanitario previo de importación emitido por COFEPRIS.”
International Travel & Border Protection
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Mexico customs FAQs
What is the duty-free allowance for Mexiko?
Air and maritime passengers have an international passenger franchise of up to $500 USD in merchandise in addition to personal baggage ($300 USD by land). Alcohol (adults 18+): up to 3 liters of alcoholic beverages or 6 liters of wine. Tobacco (adults 18+): up to 10 packs of cigarettes (200 cigarettes), 25 cigars, or 200 grams of tobacco.
What items are prohibited or restricted at Mexiko customs?
ABSOLUTE BAN: Electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, and e-liquids are strictly prohibited from importation into Mexico by presidential decree (devices are confiscated at airport customs and fines apply). Absolute bans on narcotics, psychotropics without permit, firearms, live predator fish, and predatory species. Strict restrictions on unsealed meat, dairy, and fresh agricultural products.
Can I bring medication into Mexiko?
Personal prescription medication permitted in quantities consistent with the duration of the trip. Must be accompanied by a prescription issued by a licensed physician with their medical license number (cédula profesional), contact info, and dosage. Narcotics/psychotropic medications require prior COFEPRIS import authorization.
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