3 easy tips for getting through customs quickly in Cancun
Flying into Cancun? I’ve done it plenty of times and let me tell you it can be entirely pleasant or the worst travel day of my life. Having traveled through the airport over 8 times just last year I have a good grasp on how to get through the airport easily. Keep in mind that everyone’s immigration and customs experience is different but most people find that the customs and immigration process at the Cancun airport if relatively easy and straightforward.
Here are my tips for getting through customs quickly in Cancun:
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How long does it take to get through customs at the Cancun airport?
The Cancun International Airport sees nearly 800,000 passengers a month during high season – that’s a lot of people getting through customs and immigration! Typically the Cancun airport takes on average half an hour to an hour to get through the entire process to baggage claim but this is largely dependent on the amount of planes arriving at a given time.
I’ve had trips that took roughly 15 minutes to get through and some crazy trips that took almost 2 hours. That being said the average times are just that: an average.
Cancun airport customs: what’s it like?
The customs and immigration system at the Cancun airport is pretty typical of any major tourist destination. Most of the staff will speak English and guide you to various lines based on your nationality. Once at your immigration counter you’ll be asked how long you’ll be staying in Mexico and where exactly you’ll be going. If you go through automatic passport control you won’t have to speak to a representative.
After you get your passport stamp (or go through the automatic passport scanning system) you’ll collect any baggage you checked before heading to the customs area of the airport. Customs can be very confusing if it’s your first time but you’ll likely have “nothing to declare” and can simply exit the airport.
There are many officers in the customs area. Many of which are friendly and will ask you if you have any food or other items that might set off alarms. They’ll also have dogs patrolling and sniffing your luggage, too. If they decide you need an additional screening, they’ll take you to the side and ask you to open your luggage.
I’ve found that typically those asked for an additional screening have larger luggage or the dog has stopped them because they had food in their bag. If chosen for an additional screening you’ll then add your bags to the scanner. If you’re not chosen, you’ll simply leave the terminal.
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Things to keep in mind going through customs and immigration
You need to get your baggage before customs
If you check a bag you’ll need to get it before heading to customs. The Cancun customs officers will usually have dogs sniffing your items as you pass. It’s usually a pretty simple process but you also might be asked for an additional screening.
You can’t use your phone
Between the immigration line until after customs you can’t use your phone. I don’t find they care so much in line at immigration but they do care between immigration and customs.
Don’t bring multiple laptops
This has been a longstanding rule but lately Cancun customs is enforcing their tax on multiple laptop or iPad devices into the country. This also includes a laptop and iPad. Be sure to only bring one laptop or iPad with you or you’ll face heavy fees, upwards of 19% per extra device with prices determined by the custom agents.
Those you’re traveling with might be able to go to the immigration counter with you
If you are traveling as a family or traveling as a group you can usually go up to immigration counter together. In Cancun they do this to make the lines move faster, or at least that’s my assumption.
3 tips for getting through customs quickly
Take an early morning flight
I’ve flown into Cancun over a dozen times in the last two years and consistently the fastest times I’ve gotten through immigration is on an early morning flight. Though it isn’t a true science, as if multiple planes arrive at the same time you’ll still have a longer immigration process.
Sit at the front of the airplane (and skip the bathroom)
Because there are so many flights in Cancun every day, one of the easiest ways to make your process go faster is to sit at the front of the aircraft and skip the bathroom until after you get through the immigration line. Think of it this way: you have 200 people on your plane… you could be 4 of 200 or 187 of 200 in the immigration line.
Use the automated system
Cancun has added an automated passport control system for US passport holders. You’ll get to go through an automated system, where you scan your passport and get a photograph of your face. Once the light turns green you’ll get a receipt for your entry into Mexico.
Tip! Be sure to keep your small receipt. You might need it at immigration when leaving Cancun.
Bonus: Carry-on your luggage
Even after you get through immigration but before you can go through customs you need to collect your luggage from baggage claim. The baggage claim is pretty slow in Cancun, so if you can avoid it completely you’ll save yourself a lot of time and headache.
TIP! You can score cash back (or even Amex points) on your favorite carry-on bags with Rakuten. Check out more easy ways to save money and travel more with my helpful guide to travel hacking.
Avoiding the Cancun airport scams
Once you’re out of customs and immigration you’ll end up in the chaos of the exterior of Cancun International Airport. And regardless of which terminal you arrive in, you’ll find plenty of people offering to take you to your hotel for an “affordable price.”
If you don’t speak Spanish to negotiate a ride it’s best to book your transportation in advance to your hotel. You’ll have a fair, prepaid rate. If you plan to travel to another city you could instead book a ticket on an ADO bus.
All to say avoid booking your transportation upon arrival and have pre-arranged travel plans.
