For a lot of cruise passengers, packing for a crusing to Mexico is rather like packing for every other port of name. However below a brand new legislation now in impact, a typical journey merchandise may flip a port cease right into a critical authorized drawback.
Final week, Mexico started implementing its ban on vapes and e-cigarettes—and its violations include hefty fines together with jail time. Nevertheless, vacationers, of their on-line feedback, say enforcement hasn’t been easy.
Right here’s a have a look at the brand new ban, what the penalties are, and why vacationers are confused.
After lawmakers in Mexico approved legislation banning vapes and e-cigarettes late last year, the brand new legislation lastly took impact on January 17, 2026. The legislation, which bans the importation, distribution, and advertising of vapes and e-cigarettes, comes three years after Mexico applied its present smoking restrictions, which prohibit smoking and vaping in enclosed public areas (as referenced within the video under).
In line with a translated news release printed by the Official Gazette of the Federation:
“To ensure the best to well being safety, the legislation shall penalize all actions associated to digital cigarettes, vapes, and different analogous programs or gadgets as decided by legislation; in addition to the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of poisonous substances, chemical precursors, the illicit use of fentanyl, and different unauthorized artificial medication.”
Cruise passengers started listening to in regards to the modifications nearly instantly. Members of the Margaritaville at Sea Island Fans Facebook group had been warned in regards to the new guidelines in a submit addressing future sailings to Mexico.
“As of January 16, 2026, Mexico is imposing a nationwide ban on the importation and sale of vapes and e-cigarettes. Vacationers caught coming into Mexico with a vape can count on speedy confiscation and on-the-spot fines,” the submit learn.
However, fines aren’t the one factor vacationers must be involved about.
Lawbreakers May Face Fines Or Jail Time Beneath Mexico’s New Ban Rule
Whereas some cruise ships should still enable vaping in designated onboard areas, that doesn’t carry over as soon as passengers debark in Mexico.
In line with Reuters, vacationers caught with vapes or e-cigarettes in Mexico can face critical penalties. Gadgets could also be confiscated on the spot, and fines can attain $12,500. In additional extreme instances, vacationers is also detained.
Those that try and import or distribute unlawful vapes may face a jail sentence of as much as eight years—a element that might catch any traveler off guard.
Nevertheless, regardless of the legislation’s severity on paper, vacationers say enforcement hasn’t been constant.
Vacationers Say The Guidelines And Enforcement Stay Unclear
On-line, many vacationers say the largest problem isn’t the legislation itself—it’s the confusion round the way it’s being enforced.
On Reddit, some customers declare they’ve seen smoke retailers brazenly promoting vaping merchandise, whereas others report having their gadgets confiscated with little clarification. A number of say enforcement seems to differ by location and even by the official you encounter.
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“In Isla Mujeres, the little smoke store has CBD vapes on the market within the open, however the regular vapes (nicotine) are hidden, and you need to request them, not even joking.” |
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“They took my vape leaving the airport, however not once I was coming in for some motive. Was additionally arduous to search out them on the market in most smoke retailers.” |
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“Seems like a kind of legal guidelines the place it’s ‘unlawful’ on paper, however you continue to see them all over the place, till you’re the unfortunate one who will get hassled.” |
That inconsistency has left many vacationers not sure what’s truly allowed, and what may land them in deep trouble.
Whereas the ban’s enforcement might really feel arbitrary in observe, the penalties written into the laws are actual. For cruise passengers and different vacationers, this implies it is most likely greatest to suppose twice earlier than packing one—even when others appear to get away with it.
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