Drug offences: up to 25 years in prison
Penalties for drug offences are severe, with sentences of up to 25 years. Marijuana is on Mexico's list of prohibited imports.
Local Rules for Travellers
🇲🇽 Local Rules in Mexico for Travellers
Mexico has a few rules visitors rarely expect: vapes and e-cigarettes can't be brought into the country at all, the authorities can ask for your passport with its entry stamp (copies aren't accepted), and foreigners may not take part in political demonstrations. These rules were checked against the Mexican consulate's official customs and migration guidance and the UK government's official travel advice for Mexico.
🚫 Drugs & cannabis
💊 Medicines
Bring your prescription for any medicine
Personal medicines are allowed if you bring the prescription or a doctor's letter, for no more than you need during your stay. Declare medicines at the border, and for psychotropic medicines show the prescription.
Source: Embassy of Mexico in the UK (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) ↗
🚬 Smoking & vaping
Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned
It is illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices or liquids into Mexico, or to buy and sell them. Customs will confiscate them and could fine or detain you. Smoking or vaping in public places can be fined up to 3,000 pesos.
🏛️ Public places & behaviour
Foreigners may not take part in political activity
It is illegal for foreign nationals to take part in political activities in Mexico. If you join a demonstration, you may be detained and deported.
🪪 ID, fees & documents
Carry your passport with its entry stamp: copies aren't accepted
The authorities can ask to see your passport and entry stamp to prove you entered legally. They do not accept copies or photos, and people without the right documents can be detained and deported.
Cancún: pay the Quintana Roo visitor tax
You must pay an entry tax to visit the state of Quintana Roo, where Cancún is. It can be paid online before or during your stay.
Keep your immigration form until you leave
The immigration officer stamps your FMM form on arrival. Keep it safe, because you need it when you leave. For the digital form (FMMD) you have 60 days after entering to download it.
Source: Embassy of Mexico in the UK (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) ↗
🚗 Driving
Mexico City: cars banned on certain days by number plate
Under Mexico City's driving restrictions (Hoy No Circula) cars may not be driven on some days depending on their number plate. The rules are strictly enforced, with heavy fines and temporary confiscation of the vehicle.
🛃 Customs & what you can bring
Goods to declare? Fill in the form online first
If you have goods to declare, you must submit a customs form online before travelling to Mexico.
Allowance: 10 packs of cigarettes, 3 L of spirits, 6 L of wine
Passengers over 18 may bring up to 10 packs of cigarettes (or 25 cigars or 200 g of tobacco), 3 litres of alcoholic drinks and 6 litres of wine as personal luggage.
Source: Embassy of Mexico in the UK (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) ↗
Firearms and turtle products can't be imported
Mexico's list of prohibited imports includes firearms (except for hunting under specific rules), turtle eggs and turtle skins.
Source: Embassy of Mexico in the UK (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) ↗
Law, venue rule, custom or advice?
Every rule on this page is labelled, so you can tell what is enforced by law from what is simply polite.
- Law
- Set by national, regional or city law. Breaking it can mean a fine or worse.
- Venue rule
- A rule set by a venue or operator, such as a bath, museum, hotel or transport company.
- Local custom
- Not a law, but expected behaviour. Ignoring it can cause offence.
- Safety advice
- Practical advice from an official source to keep you out of trouble.
Sources checked for this page
- UK government travel advice (FCDO) for Mexico
- Embassy of Mexico in the UK (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- UK government travel advice (FCDO) for Mexico
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the source.