Last month, TPG reported on the growing number of travelers forced to pay a fine after unknowingly violating a little-known violation. Mexican customs regulations which allows only one portable computing device per traveler. According to the regulations, both a laptop and a tablet are considered personal computing devices. (You can also bring up to two cell phones.)
The rule is not new, but its application (along with public outrage) has been increasing. Travelers have taken to social media (and the TPG Tips inbox) to draw attention to the situation, generating coverage in several media outlets.
One TPG reader, Karen Bishop, was forced to pay about $100 before she could clear customs at Cancun International Airport (CUN) during a recent visit because she and her husband had each packed a laptop and an iPad. for your trip.
On October 11, Quintana Roo Governor María Lezama announced that Cancún International Airport is eliminating what she described as a “very old regulation” that “no longer adapts to the times we live in.”
The announcement was made through a facebook video. In the video, Lezama states that the regulations “have damaged the reputation of the destination and caused discomfort and inconvenience to our visitors.” After meeting with the National Customs Agency of Mexico, Quintana Roo (state where Cancún is located) made the decision to “eliminate this charge for both national and international travelers.”
Lezama added that “tourism is vital for Quintana Roo” and efforts are being made to continually improve service to tourists.
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This change is effective immediately. Before the change, passengers traveling through Cancun International Airport could be charged 19% of the value of prohibited items, as determined by the customs official.
Personal electronics are not the only items subject to fines under Mexican customs regulations. There are several items, including cameras, cell phones, and GPS devices, that have quantity limits per traveler when traveling to Mexico. You can see the full list here.
Remember that travelers to Mexico must also complete an Official Entry Immigration Form, also known as a Tourist Card. This card is free and you can apply online before your trip to save time upon arrival. Some regions, including Quintana Roo, require tourists to pay a visitor tax. You can save time at the airport by paying your taxes online before you leave for your trip.
The change to Mexico’s personal baggage rules currently only applies to Quintana Roo. Travelers flying to other airports in Mexico may still be subject to a fine if more than one personal computing device passes through customs.
However, if you are traveling to Cancun, you can now clear customs with multiple personal computing devices.
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