Mexico customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Mexico allows duty-free imports up to USD 800 per traveler, with strict limits on alcohol and tobacco. Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared. Narcotics and certain meats are strictly prohibited. These rules apply in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
3.0 L
Up to 3 liters of alcoholic beverages per traveler, but only 1 liter may be spirits over 20% ABV; the rest can be beer or wine. Traveler must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 25 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Cash, checks, or money orders exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in MXN or other currencies) must be declared on the customs form. Failure to declare can result in seizure.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 duty-free. For goods exceeding this value, duty of 16% VAT plus customs fees applies on the excess.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with medical prescription and permit)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (unless with special permit from SEDENA)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated items
  • Certain meats and animal products (e.g., pork from countries with ASF, raw poultry) without health certificate
  • Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, sea turtle shells, crocodile leather) without CITES permit
  • Obscene or subversive materials

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (must have prescription and import permit from COFEPRIS)
  • Plants, seeds, and soil (require phytosanitary certificate from SENASICA)
  • Drones and radio equipment (require registration and permit from IFT)
  • Satellite phones (require authorization from IFT)
  • Cultural property and antiques (require export permit from INAH or INBA)

Rules worth knowing

Electronic device registration

Laptops, tablets, and cameras are considered personal items and generally duty-free, but customs may ask you to register them on arrival to avoid duty on departure. Keep receipts handy.

Food import restrictions

Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats are heavily restricted. Most require a phytosanitary or health certificate. Packaged, sealed snacks are usually fine.

Vehicle import

Non-residents can temporarily import a vehicle for up to 180 days with a valid passport, visa (if required), and a vehicle permit from SAT. A refundable deposit or bond may be required.

Currency declaration form

All travelers must complete a customs declaration form (Form Aduanal). Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared on this form. Failure to declare can lead to fines of up to 40% of the amount.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, for personal use. Carry a doctor's prescription and keep medicines in original packaging. For controlled substances (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines), you need an import permit from COFEPRIS. Apply online at cofepris.gob.mx at least 30 days before travel.
You pay 16% VAT (IVA) on the excess value, plus a customs processing fee (about 0.8%). For example, if your goods are worth USD 1,000, duty applies on USD 200. Pay at the customs counter with a credit card or cash in MXN.
Yes, if it's commercially packaged and sealed. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats are generally prohibited without a phytosanitary certificate. Hard cheeses and chocolate bars are usually fine.
Not necessarily, but customs may ask you to register them on a 'temporary import' form to prove you didn't buy them in Mexico. Keep receipts or serial numbers handy.
Customs can seize the undeclared amount and impose a fine of 20% to 40% of the total. In serious cases, criminal charges may apply.
Yes, up to 25 cigars duty-free. There is no embargo on Cuban products in Mexico. Just ensure they are for personal use.

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.