Travelers and flight crews flying to Mexico will encounter stricter customs regulations for laptops and tablets, as well as vaping devices and prescription drugs, according to flight information provider OpsGroup. In a recent report, it warned, “OpsGroup advises flight crews and passengers to be especially cautious when transporting items such as prescription drugs or electronic devices, and to decline handling unknown goods.”
Mexico customs enforcement has expanded to cover electronic cigarettes and vapes. As of January 17, these items have been banned from import, sale, and use in Mexico. Possession may result in fines of more than $1,000 or potential criminal charges for multiple devices.
Additionally, customs officials are enforcing a one-device limit per traveler for laptops and tablets. Exceeding the limit can result in a 19% import tax, with no exemptions for crewmembers or electronic flight bags.
According to its report, prescription medications have also drawn particular scrutiny. In one case at Los Cabos International Airport (MMSD), a crewmember was asked by Mexican aviation agency officials to transport a bag containing prescription pills back to the U.S. The pilot declined. OpsGroup suggested that this was a test, adding, “Accepting unknown items could lead to serious legal trouble or even aircraft seizure.”
OpsGroup advises operators and passengers to review and comply with these rules to avoid penalties or delays at customs checkpoints.