Can I Fly to Mexico With a Vape Pen? (2023)

You’re all packed for your trip to Mexico. Swimsuit? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Passport and boarding pass? Check and check.

But what about your vape pen? Can you bring it on the plane with you? Can I fly to Mexico with a vape pen, you’re asking your friends and family?

We’ve broken down how to bring your vape pen with you to Mexico, as well as the different rules for checked and carry-on luggage.

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Can You Bring a Vape Pen on a Plane to Mexico?

Can I fly to Mexico with a vape pen? The short answer is… you can bring it on a plane at your own risk, but it’s not technically legal.

Here is the complete guidance for bringing a Vape Pen to Mexico.

Are Vape Pens legal in Mexico?

This is the official guidance from Mexico customs:

It’s illegal to bring electronic cigarettes/vaping devices and solutions into Mexico.

You could have these items confiscated by customs officials if you have them in your possession. You could also be fined or detained.

Although this is the official line, the actual law is a little bit of a gray area.

While the Mexican government banned them, their Supreme Court ruled that ban unconstitutional.

So Can You Bring a Vape Pen To Mexico?

It really depends on the customs agent you meet.

There are multiple accounts of custom agents saying that you can get fined $200 if the vape pen is confiscated… or $100 if you pay now, and get to keep the vape pen.

There are also reports of a $3000 fine if you get caught trying to smuggle a vape pen into the country.

Of course, this is probably one hassle you want to avoid at the airport.

The safest way is to leave your vape pen at home and buy them when you get there.

Can You Buy a Vape Pen and E-Juice in Mexico?

The good news is that you can easily buy Vape Pens and e-juice in Mexico, especially in the more popular tourist areas like Cancun.

This is because, even though they are technically illegal to import, vape pens are still very popular in Mexico.

You might even find that they are cheaper in Mexico than they are back home.

READ MORE: How Much Do Tacos Cost in Mexico?

Recent Personal Account of Traveling to Mexico With a Vape Pen

This is a recent personal account of someone who traveled to Mexico with a vape pen.

This was posted to Quora on 22nd Jan 2023:

I just flew into Mexico from Orlando I landed at Cancun International Airport and had an electronic cigarette (vape) in my carry on bag. Everyone told me they were not allowed in the country, flight attendants said if found by customs I would face a 3,000$ fine and wouldn’t be able to enter the country until the fine was paid.

I took it off the plane, got through customs (passport checking part) and was asked by one Cancun airport attendant if I had anything to declare. I said no and continued figuring I’d ditch the vape last minute in the case we went through security. To my surprise, I got my checked bag and left with my vape still on me. HAHA. This was as of 01/21/2023 so do this at your own risk but all went well for me.

Must be something to assist in getting money from tourists because they’re selling them at my resort.

THIS WAS ENTERING THE COUNTRY FROM THE STATES!

I do not plan on going back home with the vape in my luggage. If you’re coming, I suggest some Zyn nicotine pouches or nicotine gum just to alleviate some anxiety because the problem seems to be about the electronic cigarettes specifically. Good luck to you all.

Source – Derien Epps, Quora

Please note: this is not official advice, but just a latest personal account.

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Bringing a Vape Pen in Your Carry-on Bag

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) says that you can bring a vape pen in your carry-on bag or your checked bag. However, there are some restrictions.

First, all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be placed in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item and must be placed in a single, clear, quart-sized bag.

This includes e-liquids, which are the liquids used in vape pens.

E-liquids must be placed in bottles that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. These bottles must then be placed in the single, clear, quart-sized bag along with your other liquids, gels, and aerosols. 

If your e-liquid is over 100ml, it will need to go in your checked luggage.

Try a special vape pen carrying case for your next journey

You are also allowed to bring batteries for your vape pen on a plane, but there are restrictions on these as well.

Lithium-ion batteries are restricted to carry-on bags only if they adhere to the following: 

• Spare (uninstalled) lithium-ion batteries must be carried in the aircraft cabin and placed in carry-on baggage only.  
• Battery terminals must be protected from short-circuiting. This can be accomplished by placing each battery in its original retail packaging or by insulating the exposed terminals by taping over them or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch…
• Carrying loose batteries in your pocket could result in the inadvertent activation of battery-powered devices such as e-cigarettes and cigars…and damage to the aircraft cabin interior if a fire were to occur.”
• If damaged spare lithium-ion batteries are carried on board they might be refused carriage by the airline.

So if your battery is damaged in any way, it’s best to leave it at home. 

Packing Your Vape Pen in Your Checked Luggage 

If you’re going to bring your vape pen in your checked luggage, there are a few things you need to do to make sure that it arrives at your destination safely.

First, make sure that the battery is disconnected. Most vape pens have a removable battery, so this should be easy enough to do.

Next, wrap the atomizer (the part of the pen that heats up the liquid) in a cloth or piece of clothing to protect it from getting damaged during transit.

Finally, put everything back in the carrying case or box that it came in and pack it securely in your suitcase. 

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Real Guidance From a TSA Employee

A former TSA employee gave this advice to people wanting to bring their vape pens on the plane with them.

To be extra careful:

• Put the Vape battery in your carry-on bag. Batteries aren’t allowed in checked bags.
• Put the oil in your checked bag. The TSA considers oil to be a liquid—which can’t be carried on.
• Don’t bring a used cartridge. It may get leaky.

Find out more about Vape Travel to Cancun from our friends over at KnowYourVape.

Vape Pen on a Plane FAQ

So Can I Bring a Vape Pen on the Plane to Mexico?

As long as you follow the TSA guidelines above, the answer is you can fly to Mexico with a vape pen at your own risk.

The best option is to buy your vape pen and e-juice once you arrive in the country.

And remember, even if you do pack it in your checked luggage, make sure that the battery is disconnected and the atomizer is wrapped up securely to prevent any damage during transit!

READ MORE: Do You Need a Passport For Mexico?