Caution For Smokers Headed To Mexico – And Electronics Users!

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Smoking And Vaping In Mexico

No smoking, no vaping, no multiple electronic devices allowed in Mexico!

Travellers with flights to Mexico can face hefty fines and even imprisonment if they don’t follow strict, relatively new packing guidelines.

Mexico banned smoking in public places in January 2023, and the Canadian government warned tourists caught smoking on beaches, in parks, in hotels, and in restaurants could be fined or arrested.

The use of vapes was also banned in public places. However, in January 2025, the Mexican government also outlawed the import, sale, and use of electronic cigarettes and vapes.

Canada’s Mexico advisory notes that it is illegal to bring, sell or distribute:

electronic cigarettes
vaping devices
vaping solutions
Customs officials in Mexico will confiscate these items. You could also be fined or detained.

Mexico-bound travellers found with a single vape or e-cigarette may face fines exceeding US$1,000. People carrying multiple devices could get slapped with fines of over US$100,000 or possible jail time.

Electronic Devices

The Mexican consulate notes that travellers may only bring the following specific items:

Two (2) cameras or camcorders and camera gear
Three (3) cellphones or other wireless devices
One (1) GPS
One (1) electronic organizer
One (1) laptop, notebook, omnibook or other portable computing device
One (1) portable copier or printer
One (1) CD burner
One (1) portable overhead projector and its accessories.

Bringing a second device into Mexico when only one is allowed, such as a laptop, may result in a 19 per cent tax on the item’s assessed value.

Drones

Tourists who want to film footage with drones must declare them to the Mexican government.

Proof of drone purchase is required, and ones costing over $500 will be taxed. Without proof of purchase, travellers will be charged an estimated tax, which may include a long wait.

Drones weighing over 250 g must be registered with Mexico’s aviation authority, the Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil.