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 sufficient to travel 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, if you are flying into any of these 5 airports, you no longer need this form. 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)
Any Mexican airport not listed here will require an FMM tourist form. The airline you travel with will have the documents for you to fill out before you get off the plane. Please don’t make my mistake and lose the form.
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.
- You can bring $300 per person of duty free tax-exempt new things into Mexico, and you must have the receipts.
Categories For What Can I Bring Into Mexico
These are listed in alphabetical order.
Animals
On most flights, you can only bring one animal; to carry it on, it must be under 20 lbs in an animal transport case.
- What can I bring into Mexico, including 3 cats or dogs with their personal items? But it must have a SAGARPA (an import zoo sanitary certificate.
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 calendar electronic
- 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
- On a customs declaration form, you must declare over $10,000 in cash or any other form of money per person. Forms of money include: gold coins, money orders,s and even unsigned checks.
If you do not declare the money, border patrol can take it away. Also, amounts of money over $30,000 hold a jail sentence of 3 months to 6 years if you do not declare it.
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 10 packs
- Cigars not to exceed 25 per person
- Or 200 grams or less of tobacco
- Liquor or beer 2 liters
- Wine 6 liters
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?
Technically speaking, the answer is no. Foods not in a sealed pouch, such as fruits, are not allowed to cross the border. Actually, the only food you can take into Mexico is food for a special diet, and you must have documentation that states this.
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 troubleshooting on TSA, here are some additional posts about TSA:
What Can I Bring Into Mexico – Conclusion
We have listed a mighty large amount of items for what can I bring into Mexico. The Mexican government’s border patrol and customs are no joke. They mean business and will detain you or even imprison you if you do not follow the rules. So please be safe and follow the regulations for a safe and happy vacation.
Happy travels, my friends.
