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.

Marijuana is illegal in Mexico. Drug possession and use is a crime — including marijuana, even if its use is allowed in the U.S. state where you live — and importing drugs, including medical marijuana, is illegal.

Long jail sentences or fines (U.S. State Department).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.