Cancun Airport: Us Customs Pre-Clearance Facility

Cancun International Airport is the second busiest airport in Mexico, with over 500 flights arriving daily. However, it does not have US Customs pre-clearance. Instead, travellers go through Mexican Customs and Immigration when entering the country. Upon arrival, passengers must fill out a customs form and proceed through immigration, where they will receive a stamp in their passport. They will then collect their luggage and go through customs.

Cancun Airport Customs: What to Declare

When travelling to Cancun, it is important to be aware of the customs requirements and what you need to declare. Here is a guide to help you navigate the process:

Before Your Trip

Firstly, ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay in Mexico. If your passport is due to expire before or during your trip, it must be renewed before you travel. Each airline has its own policies regarding international travel with an expiring passport, so be sure to check with your airline.

If you are from a country that requires a visa to visit Mexico, you must contact the nearest Mexican Consulate to obtain one.

During Your Flight

During your inbound flight to Cancun, you will receive a customs form (Hacienda) to fill out. This form will be handed to the customs agent once you arrive at the airport.

At the Airport

After passing through immigration and collecting your luggage, you will proceed to the exit. Here, you will hand over your customs form and press a button on a device that resembles a traffic light. A green light indicates that you can proceed, while a red light means that your luggage will be subject to a quick inspection by officials.

Items Allowed into Mexico

As a general rule, you are permitted to bring into Mexico whatever you need for the duration of your stay. However, there are some important restrictions to keep in mind:

• Food, fruits, and other products must be "company" packed and sealed. Bringing unpackaged food or products is not allowed, unless they are for a special diet or medical reasons.
• Medication should be in quantities appropriate for the length of your stay. If you are carrying an unusual amount of medication, it is advisable to have a doctor's prescription with you to justify it is for personal use.

If you have specific questions about Mexican customs or what items are prohibited, it is recommended to contact the nearest Mexican Consulate for detailed information.

Immigration Process

The immigration arrival process at Cancun International Airport has been simplified, but there are still two options for going through immigration:

Option 1: Traditional Immigration Line

This is the traditional immigration line where you will speak to an agent and have your passport stamped. Keep your physical or digital boarding pass until you clear immigration as it may be needed.

Option 2: Electronic Passport Control Machines (available in Terminals 3 and 4 only)

This option is only available for travellers aged 18 and above, who are not citizens of Mexico. If you choose this route, you will need to enter and scan your passport. Wait for your photo to be taken and collect your receipt with the QR code. Make sure to retain your receipt as you may be asked for this upon departure from Mexico.

General Tips

• US Immigration/Customs pre-clearance is not available in Cancun or anywhere in Mexico.
• The immigration officers are pros and the line moves quickly.
• Make sure you can read the date written in your passport. This is the number of days you’re allowed to stay. They often scribble, so check it before you leave.
• There is a separate line for Mexican citizens. Unless you have dual citizenship or temporary or permanent residency in Mexico, you’ll need to stay in the general line.
• Cancun, as well as many other international airports in Mexico, has moved away from paper FMM forms (also called a tourist card). Now, instead of receiving the form, the immigration agent writes your entry date and the number of days you can stay in your passport.
• Note that the number of days they enter isn’t usually the day you’re actually leaving. Visitors are allowed up to 180 days. Often the officer will default to 180 days no matter how long you plan to stay.
• You might be asked for proof of a return flight home. You may also need to show proof of where you’re staying.
• Pay attention to the signs as you approach Immigration.
• The customs form covers everyone in your family, so be sure to keep all your family members together.
• Cancun customs lines can be long – be patient.
• If you’re unsure, there are employees on hand to help you go to the right place.

Customs vs. Immigration

Customs and immigration are checkpoints that international travellers must pass through before leaving the airport. While immigration is about the people travelling from one country to another, customs is about the goods those people are carrying with them. Immigration is sometimes referred to as passport control or border control, whereas customs is about preventing illegal items from entering a country.

Immigration involves speaking with an immigration officer who will stamp your passport. They will decide whether you are allowed to enter the country and how long you are allowed to stay. Immigration officers will also ask questions about the nature of your visit, how long you will be staying, and where you will be staying. Many countries also require fingerprints and/or photos of individuals entering the country.

Customs, on the other hand, involves declaring any goods you are carrying that might be restricted or prohibited. This includes large amounts of cash, food, live animals, and hazardous materials. Customs agents may randomly search your bags to ensure that nothing illegal or unsafe is entering their country. If restricted items are found and were not declared, you may be asked to pay a duty or fine.

At Cancún International Airport, travellers pass through Mexican Customs and Immigration when entering Mexico. US Customs pre-clearance is not available in Cancún or any other airport in Mexico.

Cancun Airport Layout

Cancun International Airport is located on the main road (Cancun – Chetumal) and is divided into four terminals, each serving different types of flights and airlines. The airport is simple to navigate once you know its layout.

Terminal 1 is the smallest terminal, dedicated to private air travel and charter flights. It has seven gates, a VIP lounge, and helicopter stands.

Terminal 2 is the oldest terminal, handling both domestic and international flights. It has 22 gates, split between a satellite building (A1-A11) and the main building (B12-B22). Terminal 2 offers amenities such as a bank, food outlets, shops, and two lounges: the MERA Business Lounge and The Lounge by Global Lounge Network. It also has a children's play area, making it convenient for families travelling with young kids.

Terminal 3 is primarily for international flights, featuring 21 gates (C4-C24). This terminal is used by major U.S., Canadian, and European airlines. It offers duty-free shopping, cafes, restaurants, and the MERA Business Lounge. Immigration and customs facilities are located here, making it the main terminal for travellers arriving from the USA.

Terminal 4 is the newest terminal, serving both domestic and international flights. It has 14 gates and three lounges: the MERA Business Lounge (national and international) and The Lounge in Partnership with Air Transat. Terminal 4 can handle up to nine million passengers annually and is served by several major airlines, including Aeroméxico, Air France, Lufthansa, Southwest Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.

Shuttle services are available to help passengers navigate between terminals, and clear signage is placed throughout the airport. Information desks in each terminal also assist with directions and other inquiries.

US Customs Pre-Clearance

However, Cancun International Airport does not have US Customs Pre-Clearance. The US and Mexico do not have a pre-clearance agreement, so all customs procedures for travellers heading to the US from Cancun will take place upon arrival in the US.

Upon arrival in Cancun, travellers will go through the Mexican immigration and customs process. This involves showing your passport, getting it stamped, and collecting your luggage. Mexican officials will record your entry electronically and you will not need to fill out a physical FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) or tourist card. You will then proceed to the baggage claim area and through customs.

It is important to note that anything you purchase at the duty-free store in the airport counts towards your allowances and may be checked by customs officials. Make sure to declare any required items and familiarize yourself with the regulations before travelling, to ensure a smooth journey through customs.

Frequently asked questions