Tips for Getting Through Customs Quickly at Cancun International Airport

Looking for tips on getting through customs quickly at Cancun International Airport? This is Mexico’s second busiest airport, so it may be a little chaotic, especially if more flights arrive at the same time in the same terminal. Immigration lines will be endless.

If this is your first time visiting Cancun via international flights, you’re probably wondering how to get through the customs agent line quickly so you can have a “cerveza” in your hand on the beach as soon as possible.

But I have some great news for you. Going through customs has never been easier in Cancun.

Well, you have come to the right place. I have lived in Cancun for 15 years and have flown in and out several times. In this post, I will share some useful information to make your arrival flawless.

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How to get through customs quickly at Cancun International Airport: practical tips

1. Ditch the immigration form!

Let’s start with the good news! You no longer have to fill out the Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) tourist card if you fly in or out of the Cancun International Airport.

It’s part of a pilot program by the Mexican government to test their new (tourist) immigration process. It exists not only if you fly into Cancun International Airport but also if you’re entering the country through:

• Cozumel International Airport (CZM)
• Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
• Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR)
• Mexico City International Airport (MEX)

Instead of the paper FMM customs form entry process, immigration officers stamp your passport and write information inside it. This makes the overall international travel arrivals process much smoother and quicker.

Having said that, it’s an important rule of thumb that you will still have to complete a manual FMM if you are:

• Arriving through ANY OTHER airport in Mexico that is not taking part in this program
• You are visiting from a country that requires you to have a visa to enter Mexico — in this case, you will need to fill the FMM out when you arrive
• You are not a visitor — for example, you are a permanent resident — you will then follow your normal arrival procedures.

If you have to fill out a paper FMM, try to fill it out on the plane before you arrive to save on time.

2. Have your passport ready

When you enter Mexico, you must show your passport to clear customs. This procedure isn’t unique to Cancun or its airport; almost every country requires it. To make your customs journey as quick as possible, ensure you have your passport open and ready to hand it off to the officer.

However, before you leave home, ensure you have at least 6 months left on your passport before it expires. This is very important, and you cannot enter Mexico if you don’t. Passport renewals are often considerably faster than being issued a brand new passport after yours expires, so I’d recommend renewing yours as soon as you reach that 12-to-8-month left margin. That way, you’ll have plenty of security and time left for your next trip!

The latest passport procedures for entering Cancun require you to have a stamp entered into your passport. Almost every foreign country requires several blank pages for your passport to be usable.

Mexico requires at least one blank page for entry, but the more, the merrier. If you’re an avid traveler, make sure that you have empty pages in your passport to hand over to border protection—if you’re coming close to the end, it might be time to get a new one!

3. Don’t bring prohibited items

This should go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: Don’t attempt to bring anything into Mexico that isn’t allowed. You won’t get the green light to pass through!

While some things (like weapons or ammunition) probably make sense to most travelers, other items (like vegetables and fruit) might seem more confusing. With that in mind, you’ll want to take the time to figure out what you can and can’t bring into the country beforehand.

Knowing what items are prohibited ahead of time can make your Cancun customs experience that much quicker.

With that in mind, it’s a good option to leave the following items at home; otherwise, you could be in for a potentially long wait (and a short international trip).

This list is NOT inclusive, and items can change regularly, so check in with official sources BEFORE getting on the plane.

Here’s what is and is not allowed and in what quantities.

• Food items (particularly meat, seeds, and veggies) – not allowed
• Cigars and cigarettes (20 packs or less per person are allowed)
• Liquor or wine (3L or less per person are allowed)
• Medicine for personal use is allowed with the related medical prescription
• Weapons and/or ammunition are not allowed
• Hazardous material – not allowed
• Professional equipment (check with the airline)
• More than $10,000 USD in cash are not allowed

Going through immigration at Cancun Airport Arrivals Terminal

Do you collect your checked bags before Cancun Airport Customs and after Cancun Immigration?

After you have gone through immigration, you go to collect any checked luggage you have brought with you. Only AFTER you have grabbed your things from baggage claim is it time for you to head through Customs.

The process is pretty simple:

1. Get off the plane
2. Go through immigration and have your passport stamped
3. Collect any checked luggage
4. Head through customs
5. Get into your transfer and head to your hotel!

The customs officers might want to check your bags and go through your things. But other times they might simply wave you through.

So long as you haven’t brought anything prohibited, you’ve been through immigration, and you’ve grabbed any checked luggage, the process should be smooth.

Now, going through customs is even easier than before. In fact, unless they decide to do random checks or you have something to declare, you can just walk out.

How long does it take to get through customs in Cancun?

It’s challenging to predict how long you’ll spend in customs at Cancun. Whether or not there are long lines depends on how many passengers and planes are landing simultaneously.

During hurricane season, when there tend to be fewer passengers, you’ll probably get through faster than at the beginning of spring break.

Red or Green light?

There is no more custom paper to fill out or button to press praying that it gives you green light. You just pass through. I was so happy when I found out.

Scams to Avoid After Cancun Airport Customs

Mexico has a reputation for being a little scammy, especially in the more tourist-focused destinations like Cancun. And while I don’t believe this is true at all, there are a couple of scams you’ll want to avoid after you’ve gone through customs there, particularly timeshare sales and taxis.

Timeshare sales

Very few vacationers want to end up at a timeshare breakfast, lunch or dinner, but many of them end up there without realizing it. While timeshares themselves aren’t scams they’re really not the deal they’re made out to be.

Cancun is a bustling hub of tourist activity, welcoming millions of visitors annually. That means it’s also prime hunting ground for timeshare salespeople.

So, when you first arrive in Cancun, you want to walk past ALL those people at the entrance pitching you free things (they’re never really free) and straight through to wherever you meet your transport!

Expensive taxis

But taxis aren’t a scam, right? A “scam” — technically, no. Overpriced, absolutely! And, sometimes, even rude.

I highly recommend booking your transportation from Cancun International Airport to your hotel BEFORE heading on your trip. If you haven’t done so, avoid taking a taxi.

These are often considerably more expensive than other transportation options (often even more pricey than private transfers!).

So do yourself a favor and avoid them outright!

Below, I will share more about how to get from Cancun Airport to your hotel, wherever it is.

How to get to your hotel from Cancun airport

I highly recommend that you pre-plan your transportation from the Cancun airport to your hotel. Booking in advance typically means you get cheaper rates, making your whole trip smoother. Here are the four transportation methods you should consider.

1. Private transfer from the Cancun Airport to your hotel

My favorite way to get from the Cancun Airport to anywhere is via private transport. It’s fast, comfortable, and private. Best of all, while it’s a bit more expensive than other options, it’s not that expensive! Enjoy your vacation fast and in style.

I recommend Cancun Airport Transportation Service for the following reasons

☑️ They provide spacious and sparkling clean vehicles, all for you and your party

☑️ Door-to-door service

☑️ They will wait for you if your flight is delayed

☑️ They have a bilingual driver

☑️ Zero waiting time – They will be waiting for you with your name on a sign as soon as you get out of the airport.

☑️ Competitive rates (discounts if you pre-purchase a round trip)

☑️ They have the best reviews

Get your free quote here ⤵️

2. Transfer from Cancun Airport By ADO bus

For the cheapest transportation method, you can take the ADO bus and public transit from the Cancun Airport to your hotel. While this will take longer than a private shuttle, it will be considerably more cost-friendly.

You’ll need to take the ADO bus from the airport to the downtown bus depot, then likely take a second bus to your hotel.

If you get to Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Holbox, or Merida, you may be lucky to find an ADO bus from the airport, depending on your arrival time.

3. Rent a car

If you plan to explore on your own, renting a car at the Cancun airport might be the best option.

It’s convenient and affordable, and you can drive straight to your destination.

If you are concerned about driving in Cancun and its surroundings, I also have you covered.

I recommend checking out car rental prices on Discover Cars, where you can compare different car rental companies and pick the best offer. Just make sure you check the conditions, too.

4. Shared shuttle 

Booking a shared shuttle will be quicker than taking the ADO bus but less expensive than booking private transport. This method will probably be more comfortable than the bus, but you could be waiting a while to arrive depending on how many stops it has to make before your hotel.

Is there an ATM at Cancun Airport?

Yes, there are a few ATMs where you can withdraw pesos, which is actually cheaper than exchanging your USD for MXN pesos.

PRO TIP – Sometimes Credit Card issuers block your cards from withdrawing in a foreign country. So make sure you contact your card issuer and let them know about your travel plans to avoid the possibility that your card could be blocked.

Where to find an ATM at Cancun Airport

✈️ Terminal 2 – Domestic Arrivals Area

☑️ BANKS:

• Banco Santander

☑️ ATM:

• Santander (Mexican currency)
• Citi Banamex (Mexican currency)
• Multiva (USD)

✈️ Terminal 3 – International Departures

☑️ Money Exchange Bureau

• CI Banco

☑️ ATM

• Multiva (USD)
• Bansi (USD)
• Banco Santander (Mexican currency)

✈️ Terminal 4 – International Departures

☑️ Money Exchange Bureau

•  CI Banco

☑️ ATM

• Multiva (USD)
• Intercam (USD)
• Citi Banamex (Mexican currency)

(Info source)

Can you take an Uber at the Cancun Airport?

Uber is a popular transportation choice at many destinations, but not Cancun. While the Uber app technically works in Cancun, you cannot book a car from the airport. Avoid dealing with any transportation headaches by booking your own transportation in advance.

Hotels near Cancun Airport

In case you have an early outbound flight or arrive late at night, a wise option could be to spend the first or last night in one of the comfortable hotels near Cancun airport. Below, I have selected my top three favorites, but you can check out all the options in my dedicated post.

➡️ Hilton Garden Inn (inside the airport)

The Hilton Garden Inn is the first hotel located directly at the Cancun airport, making it an easy option if you need to stay close.

It’s worth pointing out that you’re not going to get a lot of beach action here. But if you find your plan unexpectedly delayed and you need a comfy place to sleep — this is your destination. It’s as close to the hotel as you can get!

To get to the Hilton Garden Inn, take the free terminal shuttle from Terminal 4 to Terminal 2. Then walk across the street to the hotel.

Address: Cancun – Chetumal Km. 22

➡️ Courtyard by Marriott at Cancun Airport

The Courtyard by Marriott is very close to the Cancun Airport, making it the perfect place if you want to stay close to hopping on your plane. It’s not an all-inclusive resort like many of the places you’ll find around the city, but it’s nice, clean, and has a few amenities of its own!

Courtyard by Marriott at the Cancun Airport is a quick 5-minute drive away. Plus, they offer a free 24-hour airport shuttle service so you can get to and from as needed.

Address: Blvd. Luis Donald’s Colosio, Km. 12.5, Lot 1

➡️ Nizuc Resort & Spa (Hotel Zone)

NIZUC Resort & Spa is a real treat! has gorgeous ocean-view suites, a full-service spa, and a beachfront you won’t mind hanging out on all day long. If you’re looking for a relaxing place to stay in Cancun, this is it. However, it’s not the closest destination to the airport.

Nizuc Cancun does not have a free shuttle to and from the airport. However, you can book private transportation to ensure you get there when necessary.

It’s also one of the resorts in Cancun featuring rooms with private pools and boasts some of Cancun’s best restaurants.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Mz 59 Lote 1-01 Km 21.26

Getting Through Customs Quickly at Cancun International Airport: Final Thoughts

I hope you found this post helpful. Now that you know what to expect when landing at Cancun International Airport and how to avoid unpleasant situations, you are ready to plan the rest of your trip, and this site is going to help you do that. Whether you need help with your Cancun Itinerary or you are on a solo trip and want to make sure to find the best activities for you, I’ve got you covered!

Before you go…

On this site, you will find anything you need for the best Cancun vacation, from safety-related questions to the best tours to the Mayan ruins or the Cenotes, I have the answers for you. 🙂 And if you don’t find the answer in this site, I am just an email away!

If you want to learn about all the things to do in Cancun near the Airport, I’ve covered it in my detailed and dedicated post.