Prohibited Items at Airport Cancun

Prohibited Items at Airport Cancun

As a method of prevention and security, there are certain items that you cannot bring in your carry-on or checked luggage, which will be checked by airport personnel. Remember that although an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or will not be allowed access if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns.

What can I bring in my carry-on or checked luggage at Cancun Airport?

Find out what you cannot bring in your carry-on or checked luggage in the following list and make your Cancun Airport experience easier:

Living beings and plants

• Animals, plants, seeds, agrochemicals without import authorization, and sanitary and phytosanitary certification.

Liquids, gels, aerosols, and alcoholic beverages

• Liquids such as alcoholic beverages with more than 24% alcohol but not exceeding 70% alcohol are limited to 5 liters (1.32 gal) per passenger in checked bags.
• Liquids, gels, and creams must be in containers of a maximum of 100 ml (3.4 oz.), protected. In a transparent airtight bag.

Light firearms, other firearms, and projectile-firing devices

• Firearms, flares, and lighters, firearms parts including magazines. Firearms are prohibited in carry-on luggage, but may be carried in checked baggage and must be unloaded, packed in a locked rigid container, and declared to the airline at check-in.
• Replicas and imitations of firearms that may be mistakenly considered as real firearms because of their appearance.
• Compressed air or CO2 firearms, such as pistols, pellet guns, rifles, and BB guns.
• Bows, crossbows, and arrows.
• Spear guns or spear guns.
• Slings and catapults.

Paralyzing devices

• Electroshock devices, such as stun guns.
• Paralyzing or incapacitating chemicals, gases, and sprays, such as pepper spray, tear gas, acid sprays, and animal sprays.

Sharp and/or cutting objects

• Sharp objects such as knives, corkscrews (with blade), darts, disposable razors, ice picks, swords, sabers, needles, and scissors. All sharp objects must be sheathed or securely wrapped.

Work tools 

• Iron levers
• Drills and augers, including portable battery-powered drills.
• Screwdrivers and chisels.
• Saws, including portable battery-powered saws.
• Torches.
• Bolt or nail guns.

Blunt objects that can strike and cause serious injury

• Baseball and softball bats.
• Batons and sticks.
• Martial arts equipment.

Explosive or incendiary substances or devices

• Flammable liquids such as gasoline, methanol, kerosene, aerosol paints, liquid alcohols, adhesives, organic peroxides, nitro-methane, flammable solids such as magnesium. Friction ignition matches on any surface.
• Ammunition.
• Detonators and fuses.
• Replicas or imitations of explosive devices.
• Mines, grenades and other explosive military articles.
• Pyrotechnic material, including fireworks.
• Cartridges or other types of fumigant containers (smoke bombs).
• Dynamite, gunpowder and plastic explosives.

Chemical or toxic substances

• Medicines (medical prescription is required to certify their use during the trip).
• Toxic or infectious chemical, biological and radiological substances, classified as dangerous goods including poisons and similar products of a toxic nature.
• Infected blood and other body fluids, biopsies, medical or commercial isotopes, laboratory samples, anti-doping test samples. 
• Batteries or accumulators for wheelchair mobility aids or similar devices. 
• Oxygen cylinders for medical use.
• Mercury barometers and industrial thermometers.

Summary of items prohibited and restricted in carry-on and/or checked luggage

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel with pets? 

Yes, only guide dogs are allowed for domestic flights, which must be registered with the airline you are traveling with. For international flights, the entry of guide dogs or emotional support pets is allowed, which must be registered with the transporting airline. For pets, the passenger's boarding pass must be marked “Cabin or Pet in Cabin.”

Can I bring liquids in checked luggage? 

Yes, liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed in any quantity, The 100 ml restriction only applies to carry-on luggage.

Can I bring medication? 

Yes, medications, milk, baby food, and special dietary needs are allowed, as long as the amount is reasonable to the passenger's need and itinerary. These products are not required to be placed inside the resealable plastic bag.

How many liquids, gels, and aerosols can I bring?

Up to 1 liter in a resealable plastic bag, with a maximum capacity of 1 liter (35 oz.) per passenger. The contents must fit easily into the bag, which will close completely.

Recover your forbidden items

If any item was removed, restricted, or prohibited, you might recover it up to 5 days after the day it was removed at the airport of origin. To do so, you must present an official photo ID. 

If a family member picks up the item, the third party must present a simple power of attorney and a copy of the official identification of the owner of the item.

Make your travel experience easier when arriving at Cancun Airport with the help of our post: Travel Times to Cancun Airport 2023.