Mexico Enforces Strict Vape Ban, UK Tourists Face Fines and Arrest
Mexico has implemented a stringent new law prohibiting the sale and importation of vaping devices, with UK tourists being strongly advised to leave e-cigarettes at home before travelling to the popular holiday destination. This crackdown follows a constitutional amendment passed in January 2025, which initially lacked enforcement mechanisms, allowing vapes to continue entering the country from China and the United States and being sold in shops nationwide.
Legal Background and Loophole Closure
Former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a vocal critic of vaping, first banned the import and sale of e-cigarettes in 2022. However, when Mexico's Supreme Court declared this ban unconstitutional, Mr López Obrador pursued a constitutional amendment that was successfully enacted in January 2025. Despite this, the absence of specific legislation to enforce the ban created a significant loophole, permitting vapes to flow into Mexico and remain available in retail outlets. This gap has now been sealed with a law that took effect on 16 January, explicitly forbidding the importation and sale of vapes, though their use is not prohibited.
Travel Warnings and Penalties for Tourists
The UK Foreign Office has issued a clear warning to travellers, stating that it is illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and related solutions into Mexico or to engage in their purchase or sale. Customs officials are authorised to confiscate these items, and individuals could face fines of up to £350 or even detention. Additionally, smoking or vaping in public places may result in fines of approximately £150, equivalent to 3,000 Mexican pesos. Mexico is a favoured destination for British tourists, particularly for beach holidays in areas like Riviera Maya and Cancun, making this advisory highly relevant for many travellers.
Global Context and Vaping Statistics
While vaping is legal and regulated in the United States and Europe, numerous countries have imposed bans on the use, sale, or importation of vapes. In the Americas, destinations such as Antigua and Barbuda, Panama, Suriname, and Venezuela have heavily restricted the sale or public use of e-cigarettes. In the UK, approximately 5.4 million people vape, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, highlighting the widespread use of these devices among British citizens.
This new law in Mexico represents a significant shift in the country's approach to vaping, aimed at curbing the availability of e-cigarettes and aligning with broader public health initiatives. Tourists planning visits to Mexico are urged to comply with these regulations to avoid legal repercussions and ensure a smooth travel experience.
