Do I need to apply for a transit visa?

In most cases, passengers transiting through Mexican airports do not need a Mexican visa. This depends on factors such as the nationality of the passengers, the destination of the onward flight, the time interval between flights, and whether they need to leave the airport.

If you are from a country whose citizens usually need a visa to visit Mexico, you do not need a visa to transit through a Mexican airport, but only if your transit does not take more than 24 hours and you do not leave the transit hall of Mexico City International Airport.

Transfer to the next flight

As soon as your plane lands at the airport, an immigration officer will take your passports and escort you to the transit lounge, where you can wait for your next flight.

Can I leave the transit hall?

If you want to leave the transit lounge and the airport, you will have to apply for a Mexican visa, as this is considered an entry into the country.

Transportation of pets to Mexico by air

Each airline has its own rules regarding the transportation of pets while traveling (and the number of pets they will carry per passenger or family group). Below are some general guidelines that will apply to most airlines. However, you should check your airline's website for the most up-to-date information and policies, and call them for clarification if necessary.

Containers and carriers: The airline will require you to use specially made crates (for cats) or kennels (for dogs) if you want to transport them on the plane. Cardboard or plastic boxes and other homemade containers are not accepted.

Health Certificates: According to SENASICA, if you are not traveling from the United States or Canada, you will need to show a health certificate issued by an official authority or licensed veterinarian in your country, which must include proof of rabies and distemper vaccines administered at least 15 days prior to your pet's arrival in Mexico. If you live in the United States or Canada, you do not need to provide this certificate.

You are allowed to bring two pets (cats, dogs or a cat and a dog) to Mexico.

The documents (original and one photocopy) must be submitted on official documentation provided by the competent authority or veterinarian and include:

1) Your name and address in your country of residence, as well as the address where you will be staying with your pet in Mexico

2) Description of the animal

3) The date of vaccination of animals against rabies and plague and the expiration date of the vaccination. (This requirement does not apply to animals under three months of age.)

4) A statement from a veterinarian that the animal(s) was healthy before your trip and that the animals have undergone internal and external deworming within six months prior to arrival in Mexico.

Upon entering Mexico, 25% of arriving passengers' luggage is randomly checked for compliance with customs and currency import regulations.

Customs declaration

When passing through customs control, you must fill out a customs declaration. The customs declaration is filled out either on board the aircraft or at the airport. If you have valuables, you must indicate them in the declaration. In case of inspection and detection of valuable items that are not declared, the tourist may be sent to a separate office to clarify these circumstances.

It is allowed to be imported into Mexico:

- goods for personal use.

- goods and gifts with a value not exceeding USD 300. You must pay a fee of US$300/person each time you enter Mexico.

If you are traveling as a family, the cost of your imported goods is calculated per family at the rate of USD 300 per family member.

If you are transporting goods that exceed USD 300. If you are transporting goods that exceed USD 300 for personal use, you will have to prove that they are for personal use. If you cannot prove this, you will have to pay a 16% duty on the value of the goods exceeding USD 300.

Prohibited for import:

- electronic cigarettes and windshield wipers, including liquids, mixtures and elements for them

- most types of animal products

- plants

- weapons

- knives

- meat, fruits, vegetables

Prohibited for export:

- antiques and archaeological valuables.

- liquid animal howls and stuffed animals made of them.

- national currency in the amount of USD 10,000. 

Tax-free in Mexico

The Tax-free procedure in Mexico can only be used if the amount of purchases exceeds MXP 3000 in cash. In this case, the tax refund will be 15% of the purchase price. To carry out this operation, you need to get a blue and white receipt in the store, present the goods, receipt, passport and boarding pass at the airport, stamp the receipt and bring it all to the Tax-free return point.