Understanding the Los Cabos Airport Customs Process
The Los Cabos airport customs process can be confusing for first-time visitors. A common question is whether you clear U.S. customs before leaving Mexico. Here’s what you need to know.
Quick Answer: Do You Clear U.S. Customs in Cabo?
- No, you do not clear U.S. customs in Cabo San Lucas.
- You go through Mexican customs and immigration upon arrival at SJD Airport.
- You clear U.S. customs at your first point of entry in the United States.
- The Los Cabos airport only handles Mexican entry and exit procedures.
Many travelers arrive at San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD) expecting to find U.S. Customs agents. This misconception can cause stress, but the reality is simpler. SJD Airport is not one of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance locations, where travelers clear U.S. customs before departure. When you land in Los Cabos, you will complete Mexican immigration and customs, a process that typically takes 15 to 45 minutes.
This guide walks you through each step of the arrival process at SJD Airport. You’ll learn what documents you need, how to handle customs forms, and what to expect at each checkpoint. We’ll also cover prohibited items, duty-free allowances, and the “red light, green light” system. Understanding these procedures helps you get to your resort faster and start enjoying paradise sooner.
Navigating the Arrival Process at Los Cabos Airport (SJD)
The moment your plane touches down at San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD), your Los Cabos adventure begins. Whether you’re heading to the energetic streets of Cabo San Lucas or the relaxed vibe of San Jose del Cabo, understanding the arrival process helps you get to paradise faster.
The good news is the Los Cabos airport customs process is straightforward once you know what to expect. Let’s walk through each step.
Step 1: Essential Documents for Entry into Mexico
Before you board your flight, make sure you have the right documents to avoid stress and delays.
Your passport is the most important document. While Mexico only requires your passport to be valid upon arrival, many airlines enforce the six-month rule. This means your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date. Airlines can deny boarding if your passport doesn’t meet this requirement, so it’s best to comply. Canadian citizens also need a valid passport.
The second essential document is the FMM Tourist Card (Forma Migratoria Múltiple). This permit allows a stay of up to 180 days for tourism. Every traveler, including children, needs one. You can fill out a paper form on the plane or save time by completing the online FMM application before you leave home. The Tourist Card is free for passengers on major commercial airlines. Once stamped, guard your FMM card with your passport, as you’ll need it to leave Mexico.
Traveling with children requires extra preparation. If a minor is traveling alone or with someone other than a parent, they need a notarized letter of permission from both parents or legal guardians. All children, including infants, must have a valid passport for air travel to Mexico. While Mexican authorities may not require a consent letter if one parent is absent, it’s wise to carry one to prevent potential issues when departing Mexico or re-entering your home country.
For more details, check our guide on airport procedures.
Step 2: Clearing Mexican Immigration
After deplaning at SJD Airport, follow signs to the immigration hall. Here, Mexican authorities will process your entry. The process is simple. Present your passport and FMM Tourist Card to the officer. They will ask about the purpose and length of your visit. Answer honestly.
The officer will stamp your passport and FMM card, returning a portion of the FMM to you. This portion is critical, so keep it with your passport. Pay attention to the number of days the officer writes on your FMM. They have the discretion to grant fewer than the maximum 180 days.
Most travelers at SJD Airport use traditional immigration lines. While the airport is modernizing, and e-gates may become available for certain nationalities, you should expect the standard process. Wait times can vary from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on flight traffic. Having your FMM form completed beforehand will speed up your personal processing time. For more strategies, read our tips to avoid long lines.
Step 3: The Customs Declaration and Duty-Free Allowances
After immigration, collect your luggage from baggage claim and proceed to Mexican customs. You will need to complete a Mexico customs declaration form, which is usually provided on the flight or in the customs area. This form asks what goods you are bringing into the country. Honesty is important, as failing to declare items can lead to fines. Families traveling together fill out one form per group.
You must declare anything exceeding Mexico’s personal import allowances. Your personal belongings like clothes, toiletries, and personal electronics (e.g., two cameras, three cell phones, one laptop) are duty-free.
Mexico’s duty-free allowance for air travelers is up to $500 USD worth of goods. For travelers 18 and older, the alcohol allowance is three liters, and the tobacco allowance is 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 200 grams of pipe tobacco.
Here’s how Mexico’s allowances compare to those for returning to the U.S.:
| Item Category | Entering Mexico (by air) | Returning to U.S. (from intl. travel) |
|---|---|---|
| General Goods | Up to $500 USD | Up to $800 USD |
| Alcohol | 3 liters (for persons 18+) | 1 liter (for persons 21+) |
| Cigarettes | 200 cigarettes (for persons 18+) | 200 cigarettes (for persons 21+) |
| Cigars | 50 cigars (for persons 18+) | 100 cigars (for persons 21+) |
| Pipe Tobacco | 200 grams (for persons 18+) | Not specified, generally covered under tobacco limits |
| Electronics | Personal use (e.g., 1 laptop, 2 cameras, 3 cellphones) | Personal use, generally not taxed if for personal use and stay |
If you bring gifts, be mindful of their total value. Anything over your allowance must be declared. A useful tip is to remove new items from their original packaging to avoid the appearance of goods for resale.
Step 4: The ‘Red Light, Green Light’ System for Los Cabos airport customs
After submitting your customs form, you will encounter the unique “Red Light, Green Light” system. This system adds a random element to the Los Cabos airport customs process. You will press a button on a device that looks like a traffic light.
If you get a green light, you are free to exit and meet your transportation. Most travelers get a green light.
A red light means your bags have been selected for a secondary inspection. A customs agent will manually check your luggage. This is usually a quick process to ensure you have no prohibited or undeclared goods.
Honesty is the best strategy. If you declared everything properly, the inspection is just a formality. If agents find undeclared items, you could face fines or confiscation. If you get a red light, remain calm and cooperative. Have your documents ready and be prepared to open your bags. Most inspections take only a few minutes.
Travelers with professional or multiple cameras may be inspected more often. Be ready to explain the equipment is for personal use. To avoid unexpected taxes, know the allowances and declare anything that exceeds them. For more insights, visit our guide on how to avoid customs taxes.
Prohibited Items, Departure, and Final Pro-Tips
Knowing what you can and cannot bring into Mexico is crucial. Mexican customs officials take regulations seriously, and packing the wrong items can cause unnecessary stress.
What Not to Pack: A Guide to Prohibited & Restricted Items
Many traveler issues at Los Cabos airport customs are avoidable if you know the rules.
Prescription Drugs are generally allowed, but keep them in their original, labeled containers. For controlled substances or large quantities, bring a copy of your doctor’s prescription. Be aware that some over-the-counter medications, like those with pseudoephedrine or codeine, are restricted in Mexico. When in doubt, check with a Mexican Consulate before you travel.
Food Items are a common pitfall. Mexico has strict rules to protect its agriculture. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products are generally prohibited. Canned food is usually okay, but anything containing pork is banned. For a detailed list, consult the official guide on prohibited agricultural products.
Regarding cannabis and vapes, the rules are strict. Cannabis products, including CBD and hemp oil, are federally illegal in Mexico. Do not bring them. Similarly, Mexico has banned the importation of vapes and e-cigarettes. Leave these items at home.
Currency Rules are simple. You must declare cash amounts of $10,000 USD or more (or its equivalent) on your customs form. Failure to do so can result in fines.
Firearms and Ammunition laws in Mexico are extremely strict. Tourists cannot bring firearms into Mexico without a specific, pre-approved permit from the Secretaria de la Defensa Nacional. The penalties for violations are severe, including jail time.
Other prohibited items include:
- Illegal drugs
- Firearms and ammunition (without a permit)
- Fresh food (meats, dairy, fruits, vegetables)
- Plants, seeds, and soil
- Fireworks
- Vapes and e-cigarettes
- Cannabis products (including CBD)
- Products from endangered species
- Smart bags with non-removable batteries
Departing Los Cabos & The Truth About U.S. Customs
After a great vacation, the departure from SJD Airport is usually smooth. Let’s clear up one final point of confusion.
You do not clear U.S. Customs in Cabo San Lucas or at SJD Airport. This is a common question. Los Cabos International Airport only handles Mexican exit procedures.
You will clear U.S. Customs at your first airport on American soil. For example, on a flight from SJD to Dallas with a connection to Chicago, you will go through customs in Dallas. This is standard for all international arrivals to the U.S. and requires you to collect and re-check your baggage, so allow extra time for layovers.
Mexico’s Departure Tax (DNR) is almost always included in your airline ticket price. You can confirm with your airline, but most travelers have already paid it. If you are leaving Mexico with $10,000 USD or more in cash, you must declare it.
For a smooth departure, arrive at SJD Airport at least three hours before international flights, especially during peak seasons. Keep your passport and the stamped portion of your FMM Tourist Card accessible. Security screening follows standard procedures, but note that face paint is not allowed through checkpoints. The airport has Wi-Fi, ATMs, shops, and restaurants. If you need special assistance, coordinate with your airline in advance.
Book Your Stress-Free Airport Transportation to complete your trip the right way. After navigating Los Cabos airport customs, the last thing you want is transportation stress. Our private and shuttle services await you outside Terminals 1 and 2. Look for your designated umbrella number, and we’ll handle the rest. We offer personalized services like grocery stops and complimentary welcome drinks with private transfers. Whether you need a shared shuttle or a private SUV, we have you covered. Ensure your ride is waiting for you. Book your stress-free airport transportation.
