Bringing Items into Mexico / U.S.
Please note: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsem*nt by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.
The Mexican Customs Authorities provide information (in Spanish) regardingimports to and exports from Mexico.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Customs and Border Control provides information on regulations relating to goods brought into the United States.
It is illegal to bring into Mexico some over-the-counter medicines commonly used in the United States, including inhalers and some allergy and sinus medications. Specifically, products that contain stimulants (medicines that contain pseudoephedrine, such as Actifed, Sudafed, and Vicks inhalers) or codeine are prohibited.
Consult the following websites for lists of controlled substances in Mexico: https://www.gob.mx/tramites/ficha/permiso-sanitario-de-importacion-de-medicamentos-destinados-a-uso-personal/COFEPRIS693 (check the “Lista Amarilla,” “Lista Verde,” and “Lista Roja) andhttp://www.aduanas-mexico.com.mx/cgi-bin/ctarnet/notas_ex/listas_cap29.html.
Import medicines for personal use to Mexico
Passengers traveling with medications for personal use will be authorized to enter Mexican territory only if they have a medical prescription or a letter from their doctor that mentions the amount of substance necessary for the patient during their trip to Mexico, the amount that the patient will take to Mexico and the daily dose.
At the point of entry into Mexico, you must report to the customs authorities and present the medical prescription issued by the competent authority. Said document must bear the name of the doctor who authorizes the prescription, his/her signature, contact details (telephone, address) and professional registration. The amount of medication you carry during the trip should not exceed the amount needed for your stay in Mexico. The medical prescription must be translated into Spanish.
Medications must be placed in hand luggage, with their respective boxes and in transparent bags.
Before transporting medicines, we advise you to contact your airline.
For information about bringing pets into Mexico you may wish to contact the nearestMexican Consulatein the United States, or the
“Dirección General de Inspección Fitozoosanitaria” in Mexico City,
Tel. 52-55-5571-3124
Fax 52-55-5784-3231.
You may also obtain useful information from several U.S. agencies, including:
- U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
- Center for Disease Control.
For guidance regarding taking a car into Mexico, contact the nearestMexican Consulatein the United States andTips for Travelers.
As explained in ourConsular Information Sheet for Mexico, there aresevere penalties for possessing firearms in Mexico.
You must contact aMexican Consulatein the United States before attempting to import weapons into Mexico or purchase any while in Mexico.Failure to do so will result in stiff fines and/or jail time.
