Cancun International Airport is going back on a strict laptop rule for travelers

Last month, TPG reported on a growing number of travelers being forced to pay fines after unknowingly breaking Mexico’s little-known customs rule that allows one portable computer device per traveler. By regulation, a laptop and a tablet are both considered personal computing devices. (You can also bring up to two cell phones.)

The law is not new, but its use — and public outrage — has been on the rise. Travelers took to social media (and TPG’s tips inbox) to bring up the situation, resulting in several news outlets covering it.

Another TPG student, Karen Bishop, was forced to pay a $100 check-out fee at Cancun International Airport (CUN) during a recent visit because she and her husband had packed a laptop and an iPad on their trip.

On October 11, Quintana Roo Gov. Mara Lezama announced that the Cancun International Airport is eliminating what she described as “a very old regulation” that “is no longer compatible with the times we live in.”

The announcement was made via a Facebook video. In the video, Lelama said the law has “damaged the reputation of the destination and caused discomfort and inconvenience to our guests.” After meeting with the National Customs Agency of Mexico, Quintana Roo (the region where Cancun is located) made the decision to “eliminate this fee for both national and international tourists.”

Lelama went on to say that “tourism is important to Quintana Roo” and efforts to continue improving the way tourists are served are ongoing.

Daily Newsletter

Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter

Join over 700,000 readers for the best news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG experts

This change is effective immediately. Before the change, passengers traveling through Cancun International Airport could be charged 19% of the amount of prohibited items, as determined by the transportation authority.

Personal electronics are not the only items subject to fines under Mexican customs laws. There are several items – including cameras, cell phones and GPS devices – that each traveler can take with them to Mexico. You can view the full list here.

Remember that visitors to Mexico must fill out an Official Immigration Form, also known as a Visitor Card. This card is free, and you can apply online before your trip to save time upon arrival. Some states, including Quintana Roo, require visitors to pay a tourist tax. You can save time at the airport by paying your tax online before you leave for your trip.

The change in Mexico’s personal baggage laws currently only applies to Quintana Roo. Travelers flying into other airports in Mexico may be subject to fines if they bring more than one personal computer device through customs.

If you go to Cancun, however, you can now clear customs with many personal computing devices.

Related reading: