After Blowback, Cancún Airport Scraps Controversial Electronics Limits

Heading to Cancún? You’ll no longer have to worry about being charged hundreds of dollars if you pack more than one laptop or tablet in your luggage. 

It was likely news to many travelers that was even a possibility, but a longstanding yet little-known Mexican policy has limited tourists to bringing just one laptop or tablet like an iPad into the country – not both and definitely not two laptops. That rule began making headlines (and social media buzz) last month as more and more passengers were apparently forced to pay close to $200 in tax on their additional electronics.

But last week, Mexican officials announced that passengers flying into Cancún (CUN) will no longer be charged for having additional devices. In a Facebook video, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama cited the recent outcry as a factor in eliminating the tax at the Cancún airport, saying it affected the “image of the destination,” USA Today reported. 

So far, this change only applies to the Cancún airport – it’s not a country-wide policy change. That means travelers heading elsewhere in Mexico, including other airports nearby like Tulum (TQO) and Cozumel (CZM), may still have to abide by this restriction.

Whether or not you’ll be subjected to paying that tax for bringing more than one device to Mexico is another question.

Enforcement of the rule is spotty, which is likely why most travelers have never even heard of it … even if they’ve visited Mexico frequently with a bag full of electronics. It all comes down to whether you’re one of the unlucky tourists subjected to additional screening and questioning after clearly immigration – and whether the customs agent working that day actually cares about this particular rule. 

But for now, travelers flocking to Cancún for a fall getaway, winter warmup, or spring break vacation can pack their bags worry-free.