Mexico customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Mexico's customs uses a random traffic-light system: press the button and green means walk through, red means a full bag inspection. The real trap is the 'franquicia' duty-free allowance, which can only be used once every six months — and if you exceed it, tax is charged on the full value of the excess goods, not just the amount over the limit. Food and agricultural controls are also unusually strict, so declare everything.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
3.0 L
Up to 3 litres of alcohol per adult (18+) duty-free. If you bring more, you pay duties on the excess. The franquicia allowance applies once every six months.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare if you carry more than 10,000 USD (about 200,000 MXN) in cash or equivalent. Use the customs declaration form and present it at the red/green channel.
Goods duty-free
$500
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is 500 USD (about 10,000 MXN). If you exceed it, you pay a single tax of 19% on the excess value (16% IVA + 3% customs processing). The franquicia allowance can only be used once every six months.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs (including marijuana, even if legal in your home country)
  • Fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, and soil
  • Meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs from most countries (due to disease control)
  • Firearms and ammunition without a special permit from SEDENA
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated merchandise
  • Live animals and pets without proper health certificates and import permits

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications (especially controlled substances) require a prescription or medical letter
  • Drones and satellite phones require a permit from the Mexican government
  • Cultural artifacts and archaeological pieces need an export permit
  • Radio transmitters and communication devices require approval from IFT
  • Tobacco and alcohol over the duty-free limits are subject to taxes

Arriving: red vs green channel

After baggage claim, you pass through customs. Press the 'semáforo' button: green means proceed without inspection, red means your bags are searched. If you have goods to declare, fill out a customs form before reaching the channel and hand it to an officer; you will be directed to the red channel regardless of the button.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Mexico offers a VAT (IVA) refund for tourists on purchases at participating stores. Minimum purchase is 1,200 MXN (about 60 USD) per store, and goods must be exported within 3 months. Claim at Tax Refund kiosks in the airport before check-in, with receipts and passport. The scheme is operated by Global Blue and other refund agents.

Bringing medication

You can bring personal medications for your own use, but you must have a prescription or medical letter if they are controlled substances. Some common drugs in the US are controlled in Mexico, such as certain painkillers (e.g., those containing codeine) and psychotropic drugs. Always carry medications in original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Check with the Mexican consulate before travel.

Food, plants & animal products

Mexico strictly prohibits bringing in fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, and animal products (meat, dairy, eggs) without a permit. Even a single apple or sandwich can result in a fine. All food items must be declared. Processed and packaged foods are generally allowed if sealed and commercially labeled, but they may still be inspected.

Rules worth knowing

The 'Franquicia' Allowance is Once Every 6 Months

The 500 USD duty-free allowance for personal goods can only be used once every six months. If you've used it within that period, you must pay taxes on all goods you bring in, even if under 500 USD.

Traffic Light System (Semáforo)

After customs, you press a button. Green means you proceed without inspection; red means your bags are searched. The system is random, but if you have nothing to declare, you still press it. If you have items to declare, you must fill out a form and go to the red channel regardless.

Tax on Excess is on Full Value

If you exceed the 500 USD allowance, you pay 19% tax on the total value of the excess, not just the amount over 500 USD. For example, if you bring 600 USD in goods, you pay 19% on 100 USD (the excess), not on the full 600 USD.

Food and Agricultural Products are Strictly Controlled

Mexico prohibits most fresh foods, plants, and animal products. Even if you declare them, they will be confiscated and you may face a fine. Packaged foods are generally allowed but must be declared.

Frequently asked questions

Personal electronics like laptops, cameras, and phones are generally allowed duty-free as personal items, but if they are new and in original packaging, they may be considered goods and count toward your 500 USD allowance. It's best to declare them if they are high-value or if you have multiple items.
Yes, but you need a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of travel, showing rabies vaccination. The certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian. Upon arrival, the pet will be inspected by SENASICA officials. There is no quarantine for dogs and cats from the US, but other countries may have different rules.
If the traffic light turns red, your bags will be inspected by customs officers. They will check for prohibited items and verify that you are within your allowances. If you have nothing to declare, the inspection is usually quick. If you have items over the limit, you will be asked to pay taxes.
You can bring up to 10,000 USD (or equivalent in other currencies) without declaring. If you have more, you must declare it on the customs form. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines.
Yes, for personal use. Bring only the amount you need for your trip, in original packaging, with a copy of your prescription. For controlled substances, you need a medical letter. Some medications that are over-the-counter in the US may be controlled in Mexico, so check beforehand.
You can bring up to 3 litres of alcohol duty-free. If you bring more, you pay taxes on the excess. The tax rate varies by type and alcohol content, but it's roughly 20-30% of the value.
If you have goods to declare or are carrying more than 10,000 USD, you must fill out a customs declaration form. If you have nothing to declare, you can go through the green channel without a form, but you still press the traffic light button.

Official source

Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT) - Aduanas

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT) - Aduanas before travelling.