Canadians visiting Mexico to face stricter penalties if they bring banned item
Canadians heading to Mexico should double-check their luggage to avoid packing an everyday item that’s banned in the country.
Canadians who travel to Mexico frequently likely already know that it’s illegal to smoke or vape in public spaces except for designated smoking areas. Anyone who breaks this law could face a fine or be arrested. And since 2025, tourists have been banned from bringing electronic cigarettes or vaping devices to the country ā doing so could result in hefty fines.
“Customs officials could confiscate these items if you have them in your possession upon arrival. You could also be fined or detained,” warns the Government of Canada’s travel advisory for Mexico.
Although the ban has been in place for nearly a year, the Mexican government is now doubling down with more clearly defined laws and harsher penalties, which could have serious consequences for tourists.
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On Jan. 15, the government published the reform in the Federal Official Gazette, which took effect on Jan. 16.
The government has now implemented a nationwide ban on the “commercialization, preparation, production, manufacturing, mixing, conditioning, packaging, transportation for commercial purposes, storage, import, export, trade, distribution, sale, and supply of electronic cigarettes, vapes, and other analogous systems or devices.”
The government has also now made it illegal to advertise electronic cigarettes, vapes, and other similar systems through print, digital, television, radio, or other media. Anyone who violates the law could face a fine or one to eight years in prison.
Mexico Business News notes that enforcing these changes will be challenging as, despite the ban, vaping devices are still widely available to consumers.
Air Canada also warns tourists heading to Mexico that they are strictly prohibited from bringing electronic cigarettes, vapes, and similar items into the country.
“The possession of a single device may result in fines exceeding US$1,000,” warns the site. “Importing multiple devices could lead to fines over US$100,000 or possible jail time.”