Mexico Customs and Immigration Regulations

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.

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:

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:

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:

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 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.

Citizens of some countries, including the US, do not need a visa for Mexico but all foreigners need the tourist card if they are arriving by land. The FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) is separate from Mexico visa requirements. Required information for the FMM includes:

The tourist card is handed to immigration officials who will inspect the document along with the passport and if required, the Mexican visa. The FMM form is stamped and part of it is returned to the passenger who must keep it safe and hand it over on departure.

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: