Mexico introduces new ban on vapes with vacationers going through jail time and 1000’s in fines
Mexico has introduced a new ban on vapes with tourists facing jail time and thousands in fines as a result.
Travellers visiting the popular holiday destination might want to avoid bringing e-cigarettes with them, as the country has started enforcing a ban on importing the devices.
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies has brought the new rules into action, and the new ban came into play on January 17, 2026.
It comes after a reform aiming to protect public health was approved in the country.
Mexico’s lower house of Congress approved the constitutional reform to ban e-cigarettes and vaping devices, as well as certain drugs including fentanyl.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo published the constitutional reform in the Official Gazette of the Federation on January 16, 2026.
It 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.’
This means travellers to Mexico could face consequences if they bring vapes into the country.
Vaping has long been a contentious issue in Mexico, with new laws affecting usage
Cruise Hive reported: ‘If guests are caught, they could see their devices confiscated, face hefty fines of up to $12,500 (£9,065) – and/or detainment.’
It added: ‘The crime is also punishable by up to eight years in prison.’
It comes after Mexico has been increasing restrictions on vaping over the last few years.
Once touted as a healthy way to quit smoking, vapes are now being banned in many countries amid fears they are ‘no better than cigarettes’.
A total of 34 countries – including Mexico – had banned the sale of the devices by July 2023, according to the World Health Organisation.
Many have taken to social media to share their views on the new laws.
Commenting on one Reddit post regarding the ban, one person said: ‘Mexico has very strong anti-smoking laws but they are only sporadically enforced.
‘It is illegal to bring vape pens and paraphernalia into Mexico.
The crackdown has begun in Mexico, a popular tourist destination
‘Thus has seen stronger enforcement lately.’
Another added: ‘A couple who were arrested with me had been in Mexico since December and we’re leaving to go home and were arrested for exporting an electronic vape.
‘I didn’t see any warnings so I just thought I would make a post warning people – I’m not upset about what happened because it could’ve been a lot worse and I know it was my fault.
‘I’m just warning people who didn’t see it on the news or didn’t think to Google new laws in Mexico.’
