Tammy Levent from Florida was shocked to learn that bringing her laptop and iPad through Cancun International Airport customs during her business trip in June would lead to a fine of nearly $200.

As a seasoned travel entrepreneur, Levent frequently visits Cancun, attending two to three work-related trips each year, often accompanied by new travel agents for training purposes.

On this occasion, she traveled with two checked bags and a carry-on. When she reached customs, an agent examined her luggage and noted the two electronic devices. The agent advised her that having both was not permitted and Levent, having always carried her devices before without issue, was taken aback by this incident, she later recounted to YSL News.

Cancun International Airport serves as the primary entry point to Mexico’s top tourist destination, handling over 13 million passengers a year with around 500 flights each day.

In contrast to the U.S. where there are no limits on the number of laptops travelers can bring, Mexican customs regulations allow only a single portable computer per foreign visitor. Those bringing additional devices could face taxes of up to 19% on their declared value, which can be as high as $4,000, as stipulated by the General Rules for Foreign Trade regarding passenger allowances.

Levent expressed that her older iPad was valued unfairly by the customs agent, resulting in a fine much higher than she felt was justified. “This was wrong,” she remarked about the situation.

“At the end of the day, you want tourism, but your policies are pushing people away,” Levent noted. “There are large companies like pharmaceutical firms that bring in large groups and they come with their laptops and iPads.”

What’s Behind the Fines for Extra Electronic Devices at Cancun Airport?

This enforcement isn’t a recent development. The existing law permits travelers to bring in only “one portable computing device, such as a laptop or notebook,” according to a Mexican Customs guideline. Those who do not pay the 19% duty on any additional devices risk having them confiscated.

According to Michael Boguslavskiy, a travel agent specializing in Cancun trips, this rule has been in place for a long time but is becoming outdated. “This rule has been there forever, but it’s not well-kept up with current travel technology,” he told YSL News, giving the example that you can only bring in 10 DVDs, which many don’t even travel with anymore.

However, there has been an increase in enforcement of this law, as reported by the Riviera Maya News.

“Enforcement was lax until recently, but they’ve become more stringent,” Boguslavskiy said.

Cancun Customs Administration did not respond to YSL News’s request for clarification.

Boguslavskiy speculated that the stricter enforcement might stem from a rise in passengers carrying multiple devices, potentially hinting at resale intentions, although he recognizes that most individuals are simply traveling with their electronics. Another possibility is that authorities are seeking to boost tax revenue from an influx of tourists.

Boguslavskiy noted that other customs rules can catch travelers off guard. For instance, only two cameras are allowed without tax, and excessive purchases of cigarettes can lead to fines or confiscation, which surprises many who stock up on cheap tobacco from duty-free shops.

Boguslavskiy advises his clients to familiarize themselves with local customs regulations before traveling, stating he shares the customs rules with all his customers headed to Mexico.