What food can I take into Mexico?
When traveling to Mexico, it is essential to be aware of the regulations regarding what food items you can bring into the country. Here is a comprehensive guide on what you can and cannot take with you:
Permitted Food Items
- Shelled almonds, hazelnuts without shells, roasted coffee, pelleted cereals, spices (vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, etc.), dried fruits, cereal and oilseed flours, dehydrated vegetables, medicinal herbs (dried), and dehydrated tobacco are allowed for personal use and consumption.
- Cashews, walnuts, pistachios (salted), and certain other nuts without shells are permitted.
- Compliance with the Secretariat does not exempt from complying with other authorities.
Not forbidden food
- Shelled almonds
- Hazelnuts without shell
- Roasted coffee
- Pelleted cereals
- Spices like vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, etc.
- Dried fruits (seedless)
- Cereal, oilseed, and legume flours
- Medicinal herbs (exclusively dried)
- Dehydrated vegetables
- Cashew, walnut, or pistachio nuts without shells
- Dried pistachios (salted)
- Dehydrated tobacco
What Needs to Be Declared
- All articles different from those in your luggage must be declared.
- Carrying over $10,000 USD cash when departing from or arriving in Mexico is legal but must be declared to customs.
- Failure to declare amounts exceeding $10,000 USD can lead to penalties or imprisonment.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotic drugs, electronic cigarettes, used clothing not part of personal luggage, and certain over-the-counter medicines are prohibited from entry into Mexico.
Traveling with Pets
- Only dogs and cats are recognized as pets in Mexico and are allowed entry with proper vaccination documentation.
- Other animals may have stricter guidelines for entry into the country.
Regulations on Donations
- Specific regulations apply to donations brought into Mexico; it is advisable to check the official guidelines for detailed information.
Additional Information
- Bringing fresh cheeses, farm-raised chicken, live/raw/dried crustaceans, fresh meat, homemade or artisanal food products are allowed.
- Food inspection at the border includes Aduana (Customs) and SENASICA inspectors.
- Traveling with pets requires vaccination records for cats and dogs.
Customs Process
In conclusion, when traveling to Mexico, it is crucial to adhere to the regulations set by Mexican Customs regarding food items and declarations. Being informed about what you can bring will ensure a smooth entry process into the country.
