Mexico

Do not get involved with drugs of any kind in Mexico — penalties for drug offences are severe and convictions carry sentences of up to 25 years.

Convictions for drug offences carry sentences of up to 25 years.

Verified Jul 29, 2026

Recreational cannabis is illegal in Mexico. Possession is a crime under article 477 of the General Health Law, punishable by 10 months to 3 years in prison. The law does tell prosecutors not to charge someone carrying 5 grams or less for strict personal use — but that is a decision made after you are stopped, not a legal allowance, and it does not apply within 300 metres of a school, clinic, police station or prison. There is nowhere to buy it legally.

Possession: 10 months to 3 years in prison plus a fine (General Health Law art. 477). Possession the authorities judge to be for supply: 3 to 6 years (art. 476). Bringing cannabis into or out of Mexico — the statute says even momentarily or in transit — is 10 to 25 years under Federal Penal Code art. 194 fracción II, and the art. 478 non-prosecution rule covers only the art. 477 possession offence, so it does not reach that border offence. Cannabis bought legally in a US state does not become legal at the crossing, and US federal law bans bringing any amount back.

Verified Aug 20, 2026

Some common US over-the-counter medicines are illegal to bring into Mexico — anything containing stimulants such as pseudoephedrine (Actifed, Sudafed, Vicks inhalers) or codeine is prohibited.

Prohibited medicines can be seized; carry a Spanish-translated prescription for controlled prescription drugs.

Verified Jul 20, 2026

Bringing ANY firearm or ammunition into Mexico without a Mexican permit is a serious crime — even a single round. U.S. carry permits are NOT valid.

Lengthy imprisonment and large fines.

Verified Jul 6, 2026

It is almost always illegal in Mexico to carry weapons such as knives, swords, brass knuckles, or fireworks and explosives - bringing them into Mexico without a Mexican government permit is a serious crime.

Large fines or imprisonment.

Verified Jul 6, 2026

You must declare to Mexican customs if you enter or leave Mexico carrying US$10,000 or more (or the equivalent) in cash or monetary instruments.

Undeclared cash can be seized and fined.

Verified Jul 20, 2026

You must declare goods worth more than US$300 when arriving by land, or US$500 by air, to Mexican customs. This includes used goods and donations.

Failing to declare can bring fines or confiscation of the goods.

Verified Aug 16, 2026

The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18. Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal, and US officials advise against drinking before water activities.

Verified Aug 16, 2026

Tainted and methanol-contaminated alcohol has caused illness, blackouts and deaths in Mexico. You cannot detect methanol by taste or smell — get urgent medical help if you feel ill after drinking.

Verified Aug 16, 2026

It is illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vapes, or vaping liquids into Mexico — do not pack them even for personal use; violations bring entry delays, fines, or criminal charges.

Entry delays, fines, or criminal charges (US State Dept).

Verified Jul 20, 2026

Mexico bans smoking and having any lit tobacco or nicotine product in 100% smoke-free spaces: enclosed spaces, workplaces, public transport, schools at every level, and any public gathering place used for sport, arts, culture or entertainment — roofed or not. Designated smoking areas are allowed only in the open air.

Up to 100 times the daily minimum wage under Art. 48(I) of the tobacco law; the UK FCDO reports fines of up to 3,000 Mexican pesos for smoking or vaping in a public place. Repeat offences double the fine.

Verified Aug 16, 2026

Mexican car insurance is required for every vehicle. If you are in an accident without it — even a minor one — you can be arrested, regardless of who was at fault.

Arrest is possible for uninsured drivers in any accident, major or minor, regardless of fault.

Verified Aug 16, 2026

Driving a US-registered vehicle more than about 12 miles into Mexico requires a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit from Banjercito, plus a refundable deposit. Baja California, Baja California Sur and Sonora are exempt.

Driving without the permit can mean towing and a fine equal to the value of the vehicle.

Verified Aug 16, 2026

US driver licences are valid in Mexico. It is illegal to drive under the influence, to use a mobile device while driving, or to drive through a yellow light. Aftermarket window tint is generally restricted.

Window-tint violations can lead to fines, towing, or forced removal of the tint.

Verified Aug 16, 2026

Mexico City bans cars on certain days by licence-plate number (Hoy No Circula). Vehicles without Mexico City or State of Mexico plates cannot enter the city Monday to Friday 5am–11am, or Saturday 5am–10pm.

The authorities strictly enforce these rules; offenders face heavy fines and temporary confiscation of the vehicle.

Verified Aug 16, 2026

Flying a drone in Mexico is regulated by NOM-107-SCT3-2019. Keep it within line of sight, never fly near an aerodrome, airport or helipad without authorisation, do not fly over people, and respect privacy, public safety and national security.

Verified Aug 16, 2026

A Mexican SIM is sold dead. Since 9 December 2025 every SIM sold in Mexico can only reach emergency numbers until it is linked to an identified holder - as a foreigner you link it with your name, country of origin and passport number, in a shop or through the carrier's app, and it costs nothing. Lines nobody links are being switched off through 31 December 2026 on a schedule set by the last digit of the number.

No penalty falls on the traveller. Lineamientos art. 47 places the sanction on the provider, and no provision of the Lineamientos or of LMTR arts. 103 and 164 imposes a fine on the customer. The practical consequence is the one that matters: an unlinked line is disabled and can only reach emergency and customer-service numbers.

Verified Aug 26, 2026

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex relationships or events in Mexico, though there are occasional reports of violence against gay and lesbian people.

Verified Jul 6, 2026

It is illegal for foreign nationals to take part in political activities in Mexico, including joining demonstrations. Protests are common in Mexico City and across the country, and can turn confrontational or violent.

Mexican authorities may detain and deport you for joining a demonstration.

Verified Aug 16, 2026

Mexican authorities can ask to see your passport and entry stamp to prove your status. They do not accept copies or photos. Residents may be asked for their Mexican residency card.

Immigration officers can question and detain you while they check your status, and can deport you depending on the outcome.

Verified Aug 16, 2026