Obviously, when someone travels from one country to another, there will be different laws to deal with. What’s perfectly fine in one country might be straight up illegal in another, and breaking that law could earn a traveler, as innocent as they think they might be, a fine, jail term, etc.
I mean, just think about all the countries that don’t allow you to wear camouflage, y’know?
So going along those lines, it’s probably a good idea to spread the word to people planning to travel to Mexico: a new law that went into effect a little more than a week ago.
What changed
According to multiple travel-related outlets, as of Saturday, January 17, Mexico has banned the “import, sale and marketing of vapes and e-cigarettes.” The ban includes disposables, refillable models, pods and non-nicotine devices.
Those who are caught with these items while in Mexico can be charged with illegal importation – and it includes even if the items are for personal use.
Penalties for bringing vapes into Mexico can include confiscation of the item, fines up to $12,500, or even 1-8 years of imprisonment.
A translated statement from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo says: “The law will penalize all activities related to electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and other analogous electronic systems or devices specified by law.”
“The production, distribution, and sale of toxic substances, chemical precursors, the illicit use of fentanyl, and other unauthorized synthetic drugs,” will also be subject to penalization.
A long time coming
Mexico has been slowly cracking down on various forms of smoking for the past few years.
- It started in 2022, when the country prohibited importing and selling vapes and e-cigarettes.
- In 2025, the country issued the General Law for Tobacco Control reform, which banned smoking in public places, such as beaches, hotels, parks and public transportation.
And now this.
A few outlets are suggesting that a tourist carrying a vape won’t automatically put you into e-cig jail. But on the other hand, Mexican police are known for asking for bribes if you’re caught doing something you shouldn’t. To save yourself the time, money, heartache, potential jail time, if you have plans to go to Mexico, maybe just leave the e-cigs at home.
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