Mexico has a the total ban on all forms of advertising and promotion of tobacco products and vaping products, including its’ display at points of sale and the extension of protection against smoke and the emissions of any tobacco and nicotine product.

For international visitors travelers found with vaping devices face immediate confiscation and significant administrative fines that can reach thousands of dollars. In situations where intent to distribute is suspected – such as carrying multiple devices, cartridges, or refills – penalties may escalate to criminal charges, detention, and prison sentences of up to eight years.

The law does not provide medical, therapeutic, or prescription-based exemptions. As a result, health officials and travel advisors strongly recommend that visitors leave all vaping equipment at home. Cruise passengers are advised to keep devices secured onboard, as bringing a vape onto a Mexican pier is considered a federal violation.

As well, Mexico has also established 100% smoke-free environments in all enclosed public places and workplaces. It amounts to one of the most stringent anti-smoking laws in the world. Mexico’s existing 2008 law – which created smoke-free spaces in bars, restaurants and workplaces – is now extended to an outright ban in all public spaces. That includes parks, beaches, hotels, offices, swimming pools and restaurants. The sales of electronic cigarettes and other vaping devices are also banned in Mexico.

Restaurant operators, managers and owners are required to tell customers that they are not allowed to smoke because of the reform. If the client does not quit smoking, it is the obligation of the restaurant owner or the employee to call the police or enforcement office.

If the restaurant owners cannot stop the customer from smoking, an authority may arrive and impose sanctions that go up to arrest. They will also receive fines of 40,000 pesos, 60,000 pesos and up to half a million pesos, as well as the closure of the establishment and the withdrawal of the sanitary license.

The law prohibits the trade, sale, distribution, display, promotion, and production of any object that resembles tobacco but is not tobacco, which includes e-cigarettes.