Can you bring flavored vapes from the USA to Mexico?

Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for USA vacationers, offering beautiful beaches, delicious food, vibrant culture, world wonders and more.

Are you planning a trip to Mexico and wondering if you can bring your flavored vape? What rules apply to vapers?

E-cigarettes are popular and legal in the United States, but Mexico has specific laws regarding e-cigarettes. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations when traveling to Mexico.

This detailed guide highlights the legality of e-cigarettes and their implementation in Mexico. Our goal is to ensure your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Understanding e-cigarette laws in Mexico

It is important to respect Mexico's local culture and laws. Before you travel, check the latest laws and regulations to avoid unnecessary complications.

Mexico's vaping laws are complicated and have changed dramatically in recent years.

2020 was an important year for e-cigarette laws in Mexico, as the country banned the import and sale of e-cigarette devices and products.

Since 2020 and the implementation of the ban, Mexico's legal landscape has continued to evolve.

In 2021, a decree was published stating that the import of e-cigarettes was banned.

In 2022, Mexico's tobacco reform law was amended to include a total ban on tobacco advertising and a regulation for 100% smoke-free areas.

In the same year, the most recent General Import and Export Tax Law was passed, banning the import and export of e-cigarettes and related products.

In 2023, a law was passed that completely bans smoking in all public places, serving as an extension of the 2008 law that banned indoor smoking.

Many places have enacted this ban, including resorts, hotels, beaches, restaurants, parks, etc. Some resorts are less strict, but there are often signposts.

Are e-cigarettes legal or illegal in Mexico?

Electronic cigarettes or vaping devices and solutions are illegal in Mexico.

Anyone caught with these items may be confiscated and fined or imprisoned.

Learn more: Are e-cigarettes illegal in Mexico?

Can you bring flavored e-cigarettes from the US to Mexico?

Technically, it is illegal for travelers to bring e-cigarettes, disposable flavored vapes, and e-liquids from the United States into Mexico. Customs carries out random bag checks at the airport.

If flavored e-cigarettes are found at customs, they will be confiscated and travelers may be fined or even arrested, depending on the number of e-cigarettes they are carrying.

Therefore, avoid delays and possible sanctions by not bringing these items into Mexico. It's best to leave your e-cigarette at home and explore alternatives if necessary.

You may have heard that some people brought them with them – they just weren't detected at customs.

If you decide to travel with an e-cigarette, make sure you pack it in your carry-on luggage and not your checked luggage. Due to the risk of fire, lithium batteries are not permitted in the cargo hold.

Make sure your e-cigarette bottles meet the airline's liquid regulations. All liquids must be contained in containers less than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters and stored in a clear, quarter-sized ziplock bag.

The ziplock bag containing your liquid containers should be easily accessible from your carry-on luggage. Place the bag in the tray/container to allow it to go through the x-ray scan.

When you land, collect your luggage and before going through customs, go to the toilet and put everything in your bag.

If you get a red light at Mexican customs, they will find it on a second scan. They usually check your luggage, not you.

If you attach the vape to your person (bag, bra, whatever), they won't find it. However, this is based only on personal experience and not advice.

Can you buy e-cigarettes in Mexico?

The law prohibits the sale and promotion of e-cigarette products in Mexico.

However, it is not given much attention, especially in tourist hotspots like Cancun.

So all the e-cigarette stores there, including the online stores, are still functioning and selling as usual, they haven't even increased their prices or accepted credit cards.

You can find popular brands and flavors, especially disposable vapes.

However, the availability of vape shops and products varies significantly by region.

Most urban areas have a selection of stores, but in rural areas the selection may be limited.

Can you vape in Mexico?

Vaping often has the same restrictions as smoking.

Mexico has banned the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes in all enclosed public spaces, including bars, restaurants and workplaces. If you are caught smoking in public, you may be fined.

E-cigarettes and solutions are illegal in Mexico. Anyone caught with these items may be confiscated and fined or imprisoned.

But it's Mexico, the laws are sometimes not followed and are more of a recommendation.

Mexico is also a very tolerant country; no one will lecture you. You can vape on the street and smoking is completely permitted everywhere.

Just don't smoke in front of a police officer, as that could make you an easy target for blackmail.

Can you bring weed to Mexico?

You also need to consider what you bring with you. Nicotine cartridges could be considered tobacco products, but any cannabis-based cartridge will result in it being confiscated and you being arrested and sent to prison.

In Mexico, the production, import or sale of recreational cannabis is not permitted by law.

Bringing them to Mexico is drug smuggling and distribution, a very serious crime. If you're lucky, you'll just be deported.

Diploma

It is illegal to import e-cigarettes, flavored disposable vapes and e-juices into Mexico. You risk confiscation and fines if anything is found in your possession.

Although Mexico's new e-cigarette laws are relatively strict, they are enforced with varying degrees of strictness, particularly in tourist areas such as Cancun, Cabo San Lucas and Mexico City.

Obey local laws, respect no-smoking and vaping signs, and be considerate of those around you when vaping in public.

If smokers are aware of these laws and respect the rules, they can still have an enjoyable and stress-free vacation.

If you are concerned about bringing your vape to Mexico or simply want to explore other options, there are several alternatives you can consider, including nicotine gum or patches, smokeless tobacco, traditional smoking, etc.