Aww, Mexico, where it is warm and tropical all the time. Have you traveled to Cancun or any part of Mexico to escape the cold? Or you have travel plans coming up and have wondered, what can I bring into Mexico? Let’s take a deeper look into this question and come up with some important information for you.
As I write this article, I am sitting in an all-inclusive resort in Cancun. We have come here 2 times a year to get away for the past 17 years. I have a good handle on what we can pack, but I still need to look a few things up from time to time.
What Are The Most Important Items I Need To Bring To Mexico?
What can I bring into Mexico has one very important component? You will need a valid passport to travel by air. A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license is not valid for international air travel, including flights to Mexico.
The second document you need has recently changed for some parts of Mexico. It used to be to enter anywhere by air in Mexico; you would need to fill out an FMM tourist permit. When you go through Mexico customs, they would keep part and give back the other piece. To leave Mexico, you would need the second half they gave back.
I am all too familiar with this process because, one year, I lost that little piece of paper. We had to go to the customs police at the airport and pay money to get a new one. They actually treated us like criminals, and oh boy, was it scary.
But things have changed a bit. Now, at many major Mexican airports, the FMM process has largely moved to a digital system, meaning travelers may not receive or need a paper form, even though immigration status is still granted upon arrival.
The Mexican airports are:
- Cancun International Airport (CUN)
- Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
- Cozumel International Airport (CZM)
- Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR)
- Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
In the past, travelers were required to complete a paper FMM tourist form like the one shown here. Today, many Mexican airports use a digital immigration process instead, and travelers may not receive a paper form. If a paper form is issued, follow the instructions provided upon arrival and keep any required portion until departure.
Now that you have your passport and are ready to fly, what can I bring into Mexico has a whole new meaning. There are things you can bring in and some you cannot. And then there are limits on some of the things you can carry.
What Can I Bring Into Mexico?
What can I bring into Mexico will depend on the type of trip you are taking. Is it an all-inclusive vacation or a camping trip? Or are you bringing children with you? So in light of this, I will group what can I bring into Mexico according to the type of trip.
Even though you can bring these things into Mexico, the airline may not allow you to bring them on the plane. Be sure to check the airline you fly on to see what they allow on a plane in checked or carry on luggage.
Rules And Regulations For The Items Regarding What Can I Bring Into Mexico
Mexico has some strict rules to follow when bringing items into their country. The things you take to Mexico must be:
- Items you intend to use, not take things to sell in Mexico.
- If you have new equipment, it will help to take a receipt, so you don’t have to pay tax on the item.
- Mexico generally allows a duty-free allowance for new items, but limits can vary depending on factors such as age, arrival method, and season, so keeping receipts is recommended.
Categories For What Can I Bring Into Mexico
Some items listed here are commonly checked rather than carried on, depending on airline size and weight limits. These are listed in alphabetical order.Â
Animals
Many airlines limit passengers to one animal per booking for cabin travel, depending on airline rules. Mexican customs may allow multiple pets to enter the country, provided the required SENASICA (SAGARPA) health documentation is in order.
Children’s Items (only if you have a child with you)
These travel items are for your baby or child.
- Strollers
- Car seats
- Walker for a toddler
- 5 toys
- Personal items you need to care for your baby, diapers, formula, etc.
Electronics
- Cell phones, iPads or comparable, 3 mix and match
- GPS (Global Positioning Equipment) does not indicate how many.
- 1 electronic organizer or similar personal electronic device
- 1 laptop
- 1 printer that is portable
- 1 typewriter
- 3 software packages
- For electronic equipment, you can have 5 memory cards or devices for storage.
Medical
- 1 blood pressure monitor
- 1 sugar glucose machine for medical care
- Medications (best to have the prescription or the bottles)
- You must have a prescription for psychotropic drugs.
Money
- When entering Mexico, travelers must declare amounts over $10,000 USD (or equivalent) in cash or monetary instruments per person on the customs declaration. Forms of money include: gold coins, money orders, and even unsigned checks.
If you do not declare the money, Mexican customs authorities may confiscate it. Failing to declare large amounts of money can result in confiscation, fines, or criminal penalties, depending on the circumstances.
Outdoor Equipment
- 4 fishing rods
- 1 bicycle
- 2 sporting equipment items such as balls, pickleball, or bats
- 1 binocular
- 1 telescope (for outdoor or scientific use)
- 1 tent for camping
- Various camping equipment
- 1 set of tools
Personal Belongings
- Clothing and footwear
- Toiletries for personal use
- Personal jewelry
- The luggage you need to pack your personal items only, either checked or carry on baggage.
- Any magazines, books, and printed documents
Photography
- 2 video recorders or 2 cameras
- videocassettes or 12 rolls of film
- 1 projector that is portable
Tobacco And Alcohol
You must be 18 years old to bring tobacco or alcohol into Mexico.
- Cigarettes not to exceed 200 cigarettes (10 packs) per person
- Cigars not to exceed 25 per person
- Or 200 grams or less of tobacco
- Liquor or beer 2 liters
- Wine (and other alcohol) up to 3 liters total per person; amounts above this may require declaration and duty
If you have more than this amount, you must declare it and pay duty tax on the extra amount.
Video And Music
- 1 digital sound item or portable radio
- 5 laser discs
- 30 CDs
- DVDs 10
- 1 video game device with 5 games
- 2 musical instruments with accessories for each
FAQs About What Can I Bring Into Mexico
Here are some commonly asked questions about what can I bring into Mexico.
Can I bring food into Mexico?
Many food items are restricted when entering Mexico, especially fresh fruits, vegetables, and unsealed products. Some packaged foods may be allowed, while special-diet foods may require documentation.
What can I pack in my suitcase to Mexico?
Mexico customs states you can pack any personal items you will use while in Mexico, such as clothing, shoes, and toiletries. You can pack any items listed in this article if they fit with your personal belongings, such as tobacco and alcohol.
Do I need to bring my prescription bottles when flying to Mexico?
You are not required to bring your prescription bottles with you. But it will make the transition much easier if you do bring the prescription bottles because it will leave no room for question.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs, and travel tips, here are some additional posts:
Conclusion
We have listed a mighty large amount of items for what can I bring into Mexico. The Mexican customs and immigration authorities are no joke. Mexican customs authorities strictly enforce import rules, and failing to follow them can result in fines, delays, or other penalties.
So please be safe and follow the regulations for a safe and happy vacation.
Thanks for reading. And happy travels, my friends.
Can I take hard cheese packaged and boxes of tea for my host in my checked luggage to Mexico?
Hi Cheryl, You can pack food in your checked luggage to go to Mexico. It is best if the food is in the original package and you only take small amounts. Leave the tea bags in the original package that says what they are. With this said, tea bags may trigger a search of your bags. There is nothing you can do about that. And the TSA agents have the final say, so if you get to your destination and the food items are missing it means that a TSA agent felt they were a threat. Good luck.
Can I bring sealed food bars in my carry on to eat while there?
Hi Barb, Usually you cannot take any food through security or customs. However they will allow you to buy food after you pass through security and you can take it on the plane with you. I hope this helps.