Cancun International Airport rolls back strict laptop rules for travelers

Last month, TPG reported on the increasing number of tourists forced to pay fines after accidentally violating a little-known regulation. Mexican customs rules Only one mobile computing device per traveler is allowed. According to regulations, laptops and tablets are both considered personal computing devices. (You can also bring up to two cell phones.)

This regulation is not new, but enforcement – along with public outrage – is increasing. Travelers took to social media (and the TPG Tips inbox) to draw attention to the situation, prompting several news outlets to report it.

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 each packed a laptop and an iPad for their trip.

On October 11, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama announced that Cancun International Airport was eliminating what she described as a “very old regulation” that was “no longer relevant to the times we live in”.

The announcement was made through a Videos on Facebook. In the video, Lezama said the regulation “has damaged the destination’s reputation and caused discomfort and inconvenience to our visitors.” After meeting with Mexico’s National Customs Authority, Quintana Roo (the state where Cancun is located) made the decision to “eliminate this fee for both domestic and international visitors”.

Lezama went on to say that “tourism is very important for Quintana Roo” and that continuous efforts to improve the way tourists are served are being made.

This change takes effect immediately. Before the change, passengers traveling through Cancun International Airport could be charged a fee of 19% of the value of prohibited items, as determined by customs officers.

Personal electronics are not the only items subject to penalties under Mexican customs regulations. There are certain items – including cameras, cell phones and GPS devices – that have quantity limits per traveler entering Mexico. You can see the full list This.

Remember that travelers to Mexico must also complete an official Immigration Entry 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 fee tourist tax. You can save time at the airport by paying your taxes online before leaving for your trip.

The change to Mexico’s personal baggage regulations currently only applies to Quintana Roo. Travelers flying to other airports in Mexico can still be fined if they bring more than one personal computer device through customs.

However, if you are traveling to Cancun, you can now clear customs using a variety of personal computer devices.

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