Cruising to Mexico? Leave Your Vape On Board

January 22, 2026 Randy Young

If you are cruising to Mexico and usually bring a vape ashore, it may be time to rethink that habit. A recently enacted change to Mexican law has created confusion for travelers and, in some cases, costly consequences at customs.

Mexico’s New Vape Law, Explained

In December 2025, Mexico’s Congress approved amendments to the country’s General Health Law aimed at cracking down on electronic cigarettes and related products. On January 16, 2026, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo enacted the reform, with enforcement beginning the next day.

The amendment states:

“The law will penalize all activities related to electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and other analogous electronic systems or devices specified by law, as well as the production, distribution, and sale of toxic substances, chemical precursors, the illicit use of fentanyl, and other unauthorized synthetic drugs.”

While the language groups vaping products alongside other controlled substances, the intent of the law is focused on restricting importation, commercialization, and distribution rather than personal use.

Vaping Isn’t Illegal, But Bringing It Into Mexico Can Be

The updated law does not explicitly criminalize the act of vaping itself, nor does it ban private possession of a vape already inside the country. However, it does prohibit the importation of electronic cigarettes, vape pens, and similar devices.

That distinction is where travelers run into trouble.

The legislation does not provide a personal use exemption for travelers entering Mexico. As written, any vape brought through customs, whether at an airport or cruise port, can be treated as an illegal import. Mexican customs officials have broad discretion to confiscate devices, regardless of whether they contain nicotine, CBD, or no active substances at all.

The law defines prohibited products broadly as “electronic cigarettes, vape pens, and all analogous systems,” which means disposable vapes, refillable devices, and nicotine-free versions are all treated the same.

Penalties Can Be Severe

Penalties for importing vaping devices into Mexico can start with fines reportedly exceeding $200 per device. In more serious cases, authorities may treat the offense as trafficking or illegal distribution, which under Mexican law can carry prison sentences ranging from 1 to 8 years and fines that can exceed $10,000, depending on circumstances and quantities involved.

While most cruise passengers are unlikely to face criminal prosecution for a single device, confiscation and fines are very real possibilities.

Cruise Lines Are Warning Guests

Cruise lines have begun explicitly warning passengers about the risk. In a communication sent to guests sailing to Mexico, Margaritaville at Sea advised:

In a communication to guests sailings to Mexico, Margaritaville at Sea advised “As of January 16, 2026, Mexico is enforcing a nationwide ban on the importation and sale of vapes and e-cigarettes. While private possession within the country may still be legal, the key issue for travelers is entering Mexico through customs—including airports and cruise ports.”

Bottom Line for Cruisers

If your cruise itinerary includes Mexico, the safest option is simple: leave your vape onboard. Even though vaping itself is not illegal under Mexican law, bringing a device through customs can expose you to fines, confiscation, and unnecessary legal headaches. Even if you were to get your vape on land, vaping has been banned in all enclosed public spaces and many outdoor spaces, including hotels, beaches, parks, restaurants, and bars.

For most cruisers, that is a risk not worth taking for a few hours ashore.