Under legislation passed in 2021, but only enforced at the start of 2023, smoking (including vapes / e-cigarettes) is now prohibited in the following situations: workplaces, public transport, schools, entertainment venues, hotels, stadiums, shopping malls, beaches, parks and amusement parks, Mayan sites, all religious ...

Mexico implemented some of the world's strictest anti-smoking laws, which have been further refined in January 2026. It is now strictly illegal to smoke or vape in all public spaces, including beaches, parks, hotels, and even outdoor restaurant terraces. For tourists, the most critical new rule involves the importation of vapes and e-cigarettes. Customs officials at major airports like Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Cancun (CUN) are now using high-resolution X-rays to detect lithium batteries; bringing even a single "personal use" vape through customs is classified as "Illegal Importation." This can result in mandatory confiscation and administrative fines starting at $400–$500 USD. If you are caught smoking in a prohibited public area, you can be fined up to 3,000 Mexican pesos (approx. $150 USD). The government has essentially created a "smoke-free" nation to promote public health, leaving private residences as the only legal places to use tobacco or nicotine products without risking significant legal trouble or on-the-spot fines from local authorities.