Thanks for watching! As an update, we recently discovered an amazing Cancun Airport Transportation Service (private, non-shared) that works for Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and everywhere in between along the Riviera Maya. They have an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star rating with over 4,700+ reviews on TripAdvisor. Check prices and availability with THE highest-rated and best private transfer service here: www.cancunairporttransportations.com/affiliates/reserve?idaff=1662
Straight white girl from Montana here-so I was lucky to come across this video. You two are adorable. I NEEDED this. Im doing this 3 times this year and the first time will be in 4 days. Im so nervous. Thank you for making a comprehensive video like this.
The process was so easy. Went through the e gate and fit an automatic 6 month visa, then grabbed my checked bag and walked through the exit without anyone even saying anything to me.
Just purchased an apartment in Cancun, will be using Terminal two a lot, my Husband and I want to spend winters there and Summers maybe in Tijuana beside San Diego. Learned already to fly out of Cancun for where ever we go internationally rather than from the US, as the taxes are much cheaper.
In January, 2023 I arrived at cancun Airport. Much improved Immigration and customs. All went very smoothly and efficiently. Much improved from my last visit. Great job.
Great video! Have you ever had any issues with the policia in your rental car? I’m debating on renting a car or just arranging for all my transportation. Thanks!
None, not even in our road trip around the Yucatán. We only drive during the day, maintain the speed limit, and aren’t talking on our phones while driving. If you stick to these simple rules, I expect you too will be fine. Safe travels!
ADO bus goes to Playa del Carmen but not all hotels, one of two bus stations in the city. For onward travel to hotels in between and otw to Tulum, you can grab a colectivo in downtown Playa. Safe travels!
Another incredibly informative video (this is only the second video of yours that I have watched). I felt as if I were at the airport with you every step of the way. Thank you for your time in putting this video together to cover international and domestic airport travel in Cancun.
This seems to be a very interesting place, I hope I can visit sometime in the future. Seeing and sharing places like this is why I love traveling and make videos so much! And please keep up the great job! Subscribed!!
Thanks for the helpful video. It confirms that we need to depart Akumal 5 hrs before out outbound flight to the US. We can enjoy a leisurely lunch instead of stressing out and biting my nails.
Our pleasure! One of the more stressful parts about international travel is not knowing what to expect. We’re happy you found the video helpful! Thank you for watching! 🙏
International flights do use terminal 2 We come from the UK with TUI last year and we had bags from Bogota and Toronto flights using the same baggage carousel as our flight.
I’m going to Cancun next week and can’t wait to get there. Really thinking of staying at the Barcelo maya resort because I thought the one in Cabo was amazing so I thought I’d give the one in Cancun a try
Thank you, Myrna! We’ve made the perfect video just for you: EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Flying with Pets [TRAVELING TO MEXICO WITH A DOG] ua-cam.com/video/Uk_-viAAZEA/v-deo.html We love traveling with our dog Pattie and you will, too. Mexico is super dog-friendly! Hope this helps!
That’s a good question, I believe so but not 100% sure. We have a T-mobile plan which includes free data internationally so use our phone just like we would in the US or Europe.
I loved this info. Thank you so much! I'm going to Cancun for the first time in July 2024 and will be staying at a resort for 3 nights. It's all inclusive. Would you recommend taking cash and if so would it be advisable to exchange for pesos? TIA and happy Pride season 🏳🌈
Our pleasure! You can get pesos out at the HSBC or similar ATM by the rental car desks after clearing immigration. Just be sure to decline the conversion for the best rate! You’ll likely want some pesos to tip your favorite servers a bit extra and for any off resort experiences! Have a great trip!
Great video you guys! I saw your recommendations for shuttle service. Is etransfers for private parties? I don't want to travel with other people. I am looking into STP Caribe have you had any experience with them?
How often have you been stopped by customs upon your arrival? I read somewhere that they got rid of the red light/green light but wasnt sure if thats true or not
We were stopped once by customs and had no issues. Typically, at least in Cancun, everyone walks out together and officials select anyone they want for additional screening.
Great video and great info.I am traveling to Mexico in two weeks for the first time,are you saying now that they do not need to see the FFM form for entering and do you have to get the form and pay the tax as you said no,one asked to see it.We are flying from the UK and just really want to know what you need .Thanks again for the great video.
From the UK, you do not need to complete the FMM on arrival. They now stamp your passport and write in the number of days up to 180 allowed as a tourist. Often they ask you how many you need or check your accommodations booking receipt. On exit, you do not need to pay the separate visitax from our experience in the past on dozens of flights. No one has ever asked us for it, so it’s pretty much voluntary. Hope that helps!
Hi Guys... Thank you so much for this video!!! I am traveling with my son and this was very helpful. Do you have suggestions on how to take the Ado bus to Akumal? We're staying in an AirBnb. Thanks in advance.
Maybe ADO to Playa del Carmen then take the colectivo to Akumal if you don’t have too much luggage? I didn’t see a direct Cancun Airport to Akumal option on the ADO app. Alternatively, you can organize a private car in advance. Safe travels!
Were you able to use the new automated system that just scans your passport to get through customs? I've heard that is now available at the Cancun Airport. We will be arriving in February from the US. Thanks!
They were not available in December, but we’re flying out next week for a quick trip to the States. We read in the Cancun Sun, the airport may have new electronic machines deployed for arrivals sometime in January, so we will update the description to this video on return if that’s the case! 🙏
When you land in the US. We wish you could preclear in Cancun!! Currently, CBP confirms the following as preclear airports. “Today, CBP has more than 600 officers and agriculture specialists stationed at 15 Preclearance locations in 6 countries: Dublin and Shannon in Ireland; Aruba; Bermuda; Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; Nassau in the Bahamas; and Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Victoria, and Winnipeg in Canada.”
Are all the rental cars stored offsite? I noticed that there’s option for in terminal pickup, but I don’t know if it’s worth paying the premium or not.
Hello guys! Such a great video! How long did it take you to go through customs/immigration? Is Terminal 4 faster? I'm arriving at 6pm on Terminal 4, and have to try to get to the last Holbox ferry at 9:30 pm...yikes! Thank you 💫
Thank you! We’ve only flown into Cancun on early morning flights - which typically avoids the busier periods, so we can’t specifically comment on evening flights. One thing we have experienced at Cancun airport is, without rhyme or reason, is that one day there may be long lines and the next there will be nobody in line. Our experience has shown that the person who directs people to the right line can make all the difference in the world to keep the flow. It’s slowly improved since the pandemic and recently has been short lines for us and friends and family who have visited. Good luck and safe travels! Enjoy the Yucatán peninsula or wherever you may be traveling to!! ✈️
Just came across your video. It was great! I have one question though. I will be travelling cancun by Viva Aerobus in the month of February from Guadalajara to Cancun and I will land at Terminal 2. I am temporary resident of Mexico. Do I need to go through Immigration?
Great video! I work for a travel company that books alot of trips to Cancun and it's so good to be able to see what it's like, since I've never been there.
Unless you have a Mexican permanent resident card or passport, everyone else goes to the visitors/foreigners line. If in doubt, there are agents when you enter the immigration hall to direct you to the appropriate line. No worries!
Thanks for the video. I am planning to take a trip to Isla Mujeres from the UK and wish to get from the airport in Cancun to the ferry terminal. Is Ado available to drop me to the ferry terminal?
ADO will take you to downtown Cancun terminal where you can taxi to the ferry terminal for a reasonable fair. The taxi drivers outside downtown have tariff cards which we love so it’s not an unfair price!
hi, many countries are starting electronic travel authorisations etc like before arrival people need to get or do online authorization from immigration, does mexico have anything like that? it just got me worried. i know fmm forms are gone. anything latest updates?
Not currently to my knowledge. The current pilot program at major tourist airports like Cancun, Americans for example can use e-gates for expedited entry without filling out any forms.
We would negotiate a price upfront and pay that price. And you can negotiate the list prices on the plastic cards with “fixed” prices too. If the taxi driver assists, with your luggage, I would tip extra for that service :)
thanks for such nice videos, i am always watching the videos. i am coming to cancun in june. so needed to ask few things ,plus anything you guys want to tell me would be helpful. i am arriving night time, so my plan is take the ado bus to central cancun, and take r1 bus to hotelera zona. but wanted to know does R1 bus runs at night time, mid night ? also there is a 660 mexican peso fees at immigration, is it during arrival or departure. and obviosuly there is no fmm forms now.
Our pleasure! Regarding the R1, we would double check with your hotel or travel host to confirm the latest schedule when it gets a little closer to your travel dates. Immigration fees are all included with your plane ticket so nothing to pay on arrival or departure from CUN! Have an awesome trip and safe travels!
Hi, I’m from Texas and I’m going to cross over to Reynosa and my airplane tickets are from there to Mexico City then Cancun. My question is am I still OK with my passport book or do I still have to do the FMM form?
Hi, follow the procedure at whichever port of entry into Mexico you choose. Flying domestic from Mexico City to Cancun will not require you to go through Immigration in Cancun. You will likely fly to Terminal 2 in Cancun and simply walk out of baggage claim with no INM or Customs.
At T3, after you get your passport stamped & collect your luggage, if you have nothing to declare do you bypass customs & exit the airport? Last year everyone went through customs with our luggage & had the green/red button to press before you exit the airport. Plus your luggage & carry on's got X-rayed.. Is this secondary customs check now bypassed?
It’s random. Some days we walk right through like in December; but in November, everyone, and I mean everyone was sent for additional screening/bag check when exiting through nothing to declare. Not sure why? But welcome to Mexico! In short, you should be prepared for anything!
@@TwoGayExpats Ok thanks for clarifying, hopefully we by pass customs & don't get a random check? I also want to bring my drone, but heard customs are not allowing them into the country?? Last year you could legally import a drone & pay a 10% duty tax based on the drone price, but it is illegal to fly unless you are a local. So I didn't bring my drone last Jan & not bringing it again this Jan..
@@BobLang We don’t have a drone (we may be the only travel bloggers on UA-cam without one-they’re so pricey!!!), so we can’t comment on drones. But based on the number of travel vloggers with them, we’d be shocked you’d have any issue! But, of course, please refer to official government policy to make your final decision. We would not want anyone to have their trip to Mexico start off on the wrong foot, which is why we make these informational videos! Good luck with INM and safe travels!
Hi! Quick question… I’m going to Europe with my daughter. And it’s much cheaper to buy a flight from the US to Cancun. And then a separate flight from Cancun to Germany. Would the flight information to Germany be enough, because I won’t be able to provide info for our stay in Mexico, since we won’t be staying there.
I don’t see why not as long as you are able to enter Mexico since you’ll have to clear immigration before checking in to your flight with another airline. Safe travels!
Awesome video. We are travelling from the UK and have heard that people have had there spending money taken from airport staff in searches, have you heard of this happening or experienced this? As we are from the UK we have had to exchange to the currency so worried our money will get taken 😢 thank you
Never heard this one. Don’t have two laptops in a single bag or you might have to pay an “import duty.” Only large bags go through screening if at all. I’d keep the cash on my person tho just to be sure in case you’re worried. And of course don’t take more than allowance which is $10K US I think but that applies for all international travel.
Hey guys, Im so happy I ran across your channel because i'm panicking lol I have a planned trip coming up to Cancun, however my husband's US passport is expired. When we travel to Mexico we fly out of Tijuana Mexico and fly back to Tijuana as all we need is a valid US ID to fly from and to. On terminal 2 coming back from Cancun do you still need to go through immigration / customs or do we still need to provide proof of permit? Thank you in advance!
That’s a very good question? You don’t have to pass immigration at terminal 2 for a domestic flight, however the officials to clear security have always asked us for our passport so 🤷♂️ I would definitely recommend requesting an emergency passport as if you are stopped in Mexico by INM, you will need to show your passport. I personally wouldn’t risk it as rules are not uniformly applied in Mexico even if there is an allowable exception with your facts that we are unaware of… maybe check with INM and print out any communication in writing?
Hi ! I go to visit my girlfriend , im from romania and i go in cancunt from spain and then to ciudad de mexico . I need a return flight to enter in mexico ?
I would check with your airline. They won’t let you on the plane if you don’t have along the required documentation. And if you ever had to show a return, you could book it on arrival and then cancel it. Free cancellations within 24 hours for most US carriers. Again, we’d suggest checking with your airline.
You will unfortunately be denied boarding at your departure gate by the airline. I believe you need at least 6 months until expiration to travel to Mexico.
We’ve also flown in/out of Terminal 4 which is a very similar experience to Terminal 3. We made a separate video on the temp/perm process for residents, but now that’s changed. No more FMMs to pickup and complete before departure at INM. Now you receive a stamp in your passport on return with RP or RT. No days written in like 180 that a tourist would receive on their stamp now. We’re flying out next week again, and hear they may have new electronic machines deployed for arrivals sometime in January, so we will update the description to this video on return if that’s the case! 🙏
Yes, even though the FMM is no longer required, you still need to stop at INM and have the agent stamp your passport for exit. INM will also stamp your passport on arrival/entry into Mexico and mark RT or RP instead of the number of days up to 180 given to tourists.
We’re vaccinated and we’ve not recently been asked when traveling. We hear the vaccination requirement was supposed to be lifted, but keep checking with the CDC for the latest guidance. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html
Thank you for posting this! This airport can be very overwhelming for Americans who have never flown out of the country before. 👍 That hallway to the outside is NO JOKE. 😯😯 And I hope that Tourist Card is gone for good!
Agreed 100%!!!! We hear they may have e-machines on arrival in January for Americans and Canadians only. I’ll surely update the description to this video (since we can’t film in the passport control area) if we have this update on our quick trip to the US next week! 🙏
Even if you have a credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve which offers primary care insurance, that does not cover the Mexican minimum liability insurance. It can easily double the cost of the online rental which will look too good to be true. That’s the only extra fee we pay for…
Great video! Regarding the Visitax, you mentioned that this is optional. I'm not sure why their making this feel like such a big deal or mandatory if you don't pay it. Do you suggest paying it just in case or it's not necessary? Thanks!
Thank you. I recently read an article in the Cancun Sun just last week I believe stating one of their top 5 tips was to pay this tax in advance! I was really surprised. We have flown in and out of CUN twice already to the US this month (in January) and have seen the marketing like you. Again, not once has anyone asked us about this tax. So as of January 2023, it’s still 100% optional if you ask us! Just like in past years!
Hi! We received that QR code receipt after going through the new machines and there is a note saying that if we don’t fill out some forms and pay fees we can’t leave the country. The link to the payment process is not working and we leave tomorrow! Does anyone know if we can complete this step at the airport in person? Or if we need to contact anyone in particular?
@@stephaniesosa3839 given the e-machines are currently used in conjunction with human agents (you could find yourself at either given the small number of e-machines), there should be no difference in exiting the country (and nothing to pay!) except to hang on to your receipt which is recommended. From our understanding, since you don’t receive a passport stamp with allowed days when using the e-machines, you can go online and print this form out if you were leaving from another airport in Mexico that is not in this new pilot program for example. If you are leaving from Cancun, it’s not necessary. Also, if you have any problems or questions at Terminal 3 on departure, there is an information desk on entry as well as INM desks both outside security and inside security that we highlight in our video. They are super helpful. As residents, we have to stop there before leaving Mexico to process our departure from the country, but visitors can ask any questions as well. We err on not making unnecessary payments in Mexico ;)
I'm hesitating hitting the button to confirm my trip in about 10 days from now because my last trip through a few years back on a weekend was the worst wait times I have ever seen at Customs at this airport. When did you go through it looks dead in there? Was it since they implemented the auto scanning machines at the start of this month? With peak travel there right now I'm picturing a horror show down there. Thanks for any info you can provide.
We like to travel early mornings to and from CUN! But no FMMs has greatly reduced the wait as will the e-machines!! The government is also improving the roads around the airport, so at least they are actively trying to make the experience much better! 🙏
@@TwoGayExpats Thanks for the reply. I just saw some information (incl. videos) of travel during the past week and it looked terrible! Still unsure at this point.
Andy is there right now for a quick trip back to the US, says security line outbound was very short in T4. If you can arrive early in the day is best! Good luck and safe travels!
@@livingaboard Went without a hitch. We were through customs in literally minutes with the e-machines, construction wasn't as bad on the highway, it's mostly concentrated on the overpass into the airport now but even on Sunday everything was moving normally and drive times to/from playa area were completely normal and no lineups at security when we departed the following Sunday.
Thanks for the insights. Can you clarify how the interaction with the immigration officer goes? We want to get the 180 day visitor visa, because we are exploring, but its not clear to me how they "decide" how many days to give you. If you ask for 180 do they just give it to you? or do you need to negotiate. Also, we don't have our exit flight booked yet, because we don't know for sure when we will be leaving. I gather that 99% of the time that is not a problem. Any comments?
This is an excellent question, and I wish I had a definitive answer for you. Recently, INM was very strict and friends of ours only got 14 days when they lived here! This is why we decided to get permanent residency last year. Now, allegedly, INM has pivoted away from this and on our last entry as a tourist, they simply asked how many days you need. And those who said 180 received them without question. We can’t guarantee this of course. One way to improve your chances is to dress up a bit, not like a backpacker (which our friends were who were denied 180 days). So that’s our best advice! Most likely you will be fine, but rules are not applied consistently in Mexico and often change as we saw with immigration policy last year.
We did when we moved all of our worldly possessions to Tulum. No different than my checking other than a stop at the baggage carousel in front of customs officers/tables on the way out! Easy breezy!
As residents, we completely agree!!! We’ve actually never had to wait at all which is mind blowing once we got our PR!! We also like to fly as early as possible and both lines are fast(er)!
Definitions to help educate you: Expat: a person who lives outside their native country often temporarily Immigrant: a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country As we do not plan to live in Mexico year round nor permanently, we are currently expats not immigrants. Thanks for your comment. 🤷♂️
If you’re coming from the US, you don’t need to fill out anything, but you do need to clear immigration and customs like any country before continuing on (not by plane). Safe travels!
I travel to cancun about 4 times a year and I can tell you that some of the most vile human beings I ever met in my life work at the airport. From the officials to the scammers to the taxi drivers.
![12 Travel Tips to Avoid Scams & Travel Safely in Mexico [2025]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IHZiG6A1vIg/mqdefault.jpg)
![12 Travel Tips to Avoid Scams & Travel Safely in Mexico [2025]](/img/tr.png)
Thanks for watching! As an update, we recently discovered an amazing Cancun Airport Transportation Service (private, non-shared) that works for Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and everywhere in between along the Riviera Maya. They have an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star rating with over 4,700+ reviews on TripAdvisor. Check prices and availability with THE highest-rated and best private transfer service here: www.cancunairporttransportations.com/affiliates/reserve?idaff=1662
Perfect info Video. Thank you guys!
Straight white girl from Montana here-so I was lucky to come across this video. You two are adorable. I NEEDED this. Im doing this 3 times this year and the first time will be in 4 days. Im so nervous. Thank you for making a comprehensive video like this.
Love it! Thank you, and our pleasure! Hope you have an amazing trip!! 🙏🙏
The process was so easy. Went through the e gate and fit an automatic 6 month visa, then grabbed my checked bag and walked through the exit without anyone even saying anything to me.
Love this! When the new process works it’s a dream! Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you for the CUN tours. It was very detailed and helpful.
Our pleasure! 🙏
Such a comprehensive video. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom and experience!
Our pleasure! Thank you so much!! 😊
Perfect video to put my mind at ease, flying to cancun in two weeks, and this is what i needed to see! Thank you!!
Awesome, glad it was helpful! Have a great trip!
Just purchased an apartment in Cancun, will be using Terminal two a lot, my Husband and I want to spend winters there and Summers maybe in Tijuana beside San Diego. Learned already to fly out of Cancun for where ever we go internationally rather than from the US, as the taxes are much cheaper.
This is so helpful!! Thank you
Our pleasure 🙏
Getting ready to travel tomorrow and this put my mind at ease as a first timer out of the country!
Our pleasure! You’re going to have a great time!! 🇲🇽❤️🙌
In January, 2023 I arrived at cancun Airport. Much improved Immigration and customs. All went very smoothly and efficiently. Much improved from my last visit. Great job.
Thank you! Glad to hear it! We’ve had great experiences as well recently! 🙏
@@TwoGayExpats Traffic on the roads has eased a bit.
Great video! Have you ever had any issues with the policia in your rental car? I’m debating on renting a car or just arranging for all my transportation. Thanks!
None, not even in our road trip around the Yucatán. We only drive during the day, maintain the speed limit, and aren’t talking on our phones while driving. If you stick to these simple rules, I expect you too will be fine. Safe travels!
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Liked!! This is what I love about UA-cam. You’ve done a great job, this is really helpful. Thank you.
Thank you 🙏 ❤️
This was so helpful thank you
Our pleasure 🙏✈️
Hi. Do you know if there is a bus from Cancun airport to Playa Del Carmen hotels? They usually take more than one persons at other airports. Thanks
ADO bus goes to Playa del Carmen but not all hotels, one of two bus stations in the city. For onward travel to hotels in between and otw to Tulum, you can grab a colectivo in downtown Playa. Safe travels!
Another incredibly informative video (this is only the second video of yours that I have watched). I felt as if I were at the airport with you every step of the way. Thank you for your time in putting this video together to cover international and domestic airport travel in Cancun.
Our pleasure! Glad it was helpful! And thank you so much for the feedback. It makes it all worthwhile ❤️🙏
This seems to be a very interesting place, I hope I can visit sometime in the future. Seeing and sharing places like this is why I love traveling and make videos so much! And please keep up the great job! Subscribed!!
Absolutely, and thank you so much! Safe travels ✈️
Super helpful, thank you!
Our pleasure thank you!! 🙏
Thanks for the helpful video. It confirms that we need to depart Akumal 5 hrs before out outbound flight to the US.
We can enjoy a leisurely lunch instead of stressing out and biting my nails.
Agreed! There are so many potential delays from Tulum/Akumal these days, best to have a margarita or nice lunch at the airport than stressing out!!
Our first trip to Cancun is tomorrow, and though I've traveled to Mexico before this was an awesome video, thank you!
Our pleasure! One of the more stressful parts about international travel is not knowing what to expect. We’re happy you found the video helpful! Thank you for watching! 🙏
Great video guys 👍
Thank you 🙏 ❤️
International flights do use terminal 2 We come from the UK with TUI last year and we had bags from Bogota and Toronto flights using the same baggage carousel as our flight.
Nice, it’s such an easy terminal! Thanks for the update!!
Very helpful information thank you 😊
Thank you so much. 🙏
Thank you for the video was most helpful
Thank you! 🙏 Glad it was helpful! ✈️
I’m going to Cancun next week and can’t wait to get there. Really thinking of staying at the Barcelo maya resort because I thought the one in Cabo was amazing so I thought I’d give the one in Cancun a try
I am thinking of bringing my pup to Cancun for 3 months next yr what shall I do or bring w me Ur very informative love❤it n I thank u
Thank you, Myrna!
We’ve made the perfect video just for you: EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Flying with Pets [TRAVELING TO MEXICO WITH A DOG]
ua-cam.com/video/Uk_-viAAZEA/v-deo.html
We love traveling with our dog Pattie and you will, too. Mexico is super dog-friendly! Hope this helps!
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it 🙏
Alaska airlines flies into terminal 2 I think. Do they still have red light green light system?
Terminal 2 is our favorite so easy to navigate!
Thank you!! Is there a shop where we can buy a SIM card to get wifi on our cellphone right when we step out of the airport?
That’s a good question, I believe so but not 100% sure. We have a T-mobile plan which includes free data internationally so use our phone just like we would in the US or Europe.
Thank you appreciate the information nice to now what to expect 👏👏🤙🏻
Our pleasure, thanks for sharing!! 🙏
I loved this info. Thank you so much! I'm going to Cancun for the first time in July 2024 and will be staying at a resort for 3 nights. It's all inclusive. Would you recommend taking cash and if so would it be advisable to exchange for pesos? TIA and happy Pride season 🏳🌈
Our pleasure! You can get pesos out at the HSBC or similar ATM by the rental car desks after clearing immigration. Just be sure to decline the conversion for the best rate! You’ll likely want some pesos to tip your favorite servers a bit extra and for any off resort experiences! Have a great trip!
Great video you guys! I saw your recommendations for shuttle service. Is etransfers for private parties? I don't want to travel with other people. I am looking into STP Caribe have you had any experience with them?
Yes, e-transfers is private!
Very helpful
Thank you so much! 🙏
How often have you been stopped by customs upon your arrival? I read somewhere that they got rid of the red light/green light but wasnt sure if thats true or not
We were stopped once by customs and had no issues. Typically, at least in Cancun, everyone walks out together and officials select anyone they want for additional screening.
Excellent video! Does anyone know if USA transfers is ok? Should I pay online in advance?
Thank you! 🙏 We haven’t used USA transfers but maybe someone else has?
@@TwoGayExpats , thanks for your response. Can you recommend a shuttle service that goes from the airport to Airbnbs, please?
@@amberc6736 it’s in the description!
Great video and great info.I am traveling to Mexico in two weeks for the first time,are you saying now that they do not need to see the FFM form for entering and do you have to get the form and pay the tax as you said no,one asked to see it.We are flying from the UK and just really want to know what you need .Thanks again for the great video.
From the UK, you do not need to complete the FMM on arrival. They now stamp your passport and write in the number of days up to 180 allowed as a tourist. Often they ask you how many you need or check your accommodations booking receipt. On exit, you do not need to pay the separate visitax from our experience in the past on dozens of flights. No one has ever asked us for it, so it’s pretty much voluntary. Hope that helps!
@@TwoGayExpats thank you.
Hi Guys... Thank you so much for this video!!! I am traveling with my son and this was very helpful. Do you have suggestions on how to take the Ado bus to Akumal? We're staying in an AirBnb. Thanks in advance.
Maybe ADO to Playa del Carmen then take the colectivo to Akumal if you don’t have too much luggage? I didn’t see a direct Cancun Airport to Akumal option on the ADO app. Alternatively, you can organize a private car in advance. Safe travels!
Were you able to use the new automated system that just scans your passport to get through customs? I've heard that is now available at the Cancun Airport. We will be arriving in February from the US. Thanks!
They were not available in December, but we’re flying out next week for a quick trip to the States. We read in the Cancun Sun, the airport may have new electronic machines deployed for arrivals sometime in January, so we will update the description to this video on return if that’s the case! 🙏
Great informative video! I have a question though: Do you clear US custom in Cancun or when you land in the US?
Thanks
When you land in the US. We wish you could preclear in Cancun!! Currently, CBP confirms the following as preclear airports.
“Today, CBP has more than 600 officers and agriculture specialists stationed at 15 Preclearance locations in 6 countries: Dublin and Shannon in Ireland; Aruba; Bermuda; Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; Nassau in the Bahamas; and Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Victoria, and Winnipeg in Canada.”
Are all the rental cars stored offsite? I noticed that there’s option for in terminal pickup, but I don’t know if it’s worth paying the premium or not.
They are all offsite. It’s a short walk to Alamo and Hertz from T2 for example, but usually a shuttle is involved.
Hello guys! Such a great video! How long did it take you to go through customs/immigration?
Is Terminal 4 faster?
I'm arriving at 6pm on Terminal 4, and have to try to get to the last Holbox ferry at 9:30 pm...yikes!
Thank you 💫
Thank you! We’ve only flown into Cancun on early morning flights - which typically avoids the busier periods, so we can’t specifically comment on evening flights.
One thing we have experienced at Cancun airport is, without rhyme or reason, is that one day there may be long lines and the next there will be nobody in line. Our experience has shown that the person who directs people to the right line can make all the difference in the world to keep the flow. It’s slowly improved since the pandemic and recently has been short lines for us and friends and family who have visited.
Good luck and safe travels! Enjoy the Yucatán peninsula or wherever you may be traveling to!! ✈️
@@TwoGayExpats thank you so much for responding!
Hopefully I can get to Holbox with no problema and enjoy it as much as you guys did! ☺️
Just came across your video. It was great! I have one question though. I will be travelling cancun by Viva Aerobus in the month of February from Guadalajara to Cancun and I will land at Terminal 2. I am temporary resident of Mexico. Do I need to go through Immigration?
Nope! Easy breezy! Love flying in and out of terminal 2!!
Great video! I work for a travel company that books alot of trips to Cancun and it's so good to be able to see what it's like, since I've never been there.
Thank you! Glad it helped! 🙏
If I have US permanent green card and a different country passport, do i go to the other country line or US/Canadian line at the immigration?
Unless you have a Mexican permanent resident card or passport, everyone else goes to the visitors/foreigners line. If in doubt, there are agents when you enter the immigration hall to direct you to the appropriate line. No worries!
We have to print our boarding pass when leaving instead of scanning phone?
We regularly just use boarding pass on our phone 📱
Thanks for the video. I am planning to take a trip to Isla Mujeres from the UK and wish to get from the airport in Cancun to the ferry terminal. Is Ado available to drop me to the ferry terminal?
ADO will take you to downtown Cancun terminal where you can taxi to the ferry terminal for a reasonable fair. The taxi drivers outside downtown have tariff cards which we love so it’s not an unfair price!
Thank you :)
hi, many countries are starting electronic travel authorisations etc like before arrival people need to get or do online authorization from immigration, does mexico have anything like that? it just got me worried. i know fmm forms are gone. anything latest updates?
Not currently to my knowledge. The current pilot program at major tourist airports like Cancun, Americans for example can use e-gates for expedited entry without filling out any forms.
how much i should tip to the driver who get us from the airport to hotel?
We would negotiate a price upfront and pay that price. And you can negotiate the list prices on the plastic cards with “fixed” prices too. If the taxi driver assists, with your luggage, I would tip extra for that service :)
thanks for such nice videos, i am always watching the videos. i am coming to cancun in june. so needed to ask few things ,plus anything you guys want to tell me would be helpful. i am arriving night time, so my plan is take the ado bus to central cancun, and take r1 bus to hotelera zona. but wanted to know does R1 bus runs at night time, mid night ? also there is a 660 mexican peso fees at immigration, is it during arrival or departure. and obviosuly there is no fmm forms now.
Our pleasure! Regarding the R1, we would double check with your hotel or travel host to confirm the latest schedule when it gets a little closer to your travel dates. Immigration fees are all included with your plane ticket so nothing to pay on arrival or departure from CUN! Have an awesome trip and safe travels!
What is the best way to get from Terminal 4 to Terminal 3?
Free shuttle service!
Hi, I’m from Texas and I’m going to cross over to Reynosa and my airplane tickets are from there to Mexico City then Cancun. My question is am I still OK with my passport book or do I still have to do the FMM form?
Hi, follow the procedure at whichever port of entry into Mexico you choose. Flying domestic from Mexico City to Cancun will not require you to go through Immigration in Cancun. You will likely fly to Terminal 2 in Cancun and simply walk out of baggage claim with no INM or Customs.
At T3, after you get your passport stamped & collect your luggage, if you have nothing to declare do you bypass customs & exit the airport? Last year everyone went through customs with our luggage & had the green/red button to press before you exit the airport. Plus your luggage & carry on's got X-rayed.. Is this secondary customs check now bypassed?
It’s random. Some days we walk right through like in December; but in November, everyone, and I mean everyone was sent for additional screening/bag check when exiting through nothing to declare. Not sure why? But welcome to Mexico! In short, you should be prepared for anything!
@@TwoGayExpats Ok thanks for clarifying, hopefully we by pass customs & don't get a random check? I also want to bring my drone, but heard customs are not allowing them into the country?? Last year you could legally import a drone & pay a 10% duty tax based on the drone price, but it is illegal to fly unless you are a local. So I didn't bring my drone last Jan & not bringing it again this Jan..
@@BobLang We don’t have a drone (we may be the only travel bloggers on UA-cam without one-they’re so pricey!!!), so we can’t comment on drones. But based on the number of travel vloggers with them, we’d be shocked you’d have any issue! But, of course, please refer to official government policy to make your final decision. We would not want anyone to have their trip to Mexico start off on the wrong foot, which is why we make these informational videos! Good luck with INM and safe travels!
Do u have to pay vitax when u departure cancun.
We cover this in the video!
Hi!
Quick question…
I’m going to Europe with my daughter. And it’s much cheaper to buy a flight from the US to Cancun. And then a separate flight from Cancun to Germany.
Would the flight information to Germany be enough, because I won’t be able to provide info for our stay in Mexico, since we won’t be staying there.
I don’t see why not as long as you are able to enter Mexico since you’ll have to clear immigration before checking in to your flight with another airline. Safe travels!
Awesome video. We are travelling from the UK and have heard that people have had there spending money taken from airport staff in searches, have you heard of this happening or experienced this? As we are from the UK we have had to exchange to the currency so worried our money will get taken 😢 thank you
Never heard this one. Don’t have two laptops in a single bag or you might have to pay an “import duty.” Only large bags go through screening if at all. I’d keep the cash on my person tho just to be sure in case you’re worried. And of course don’t take more than allowance which is $10K US I think but that applies for all international travel.
Hey guys, Im so happy I ran across your channel because i'm panicking lol
I have a planned trip coming up to Cancun, however my husband's US passport is expired.
When we travel to Mexico we fly out of Tijuana Mexico and fly back to Tijuana as all we need is a valid US ID to fly from and to.
On terminal 2 coming back from Cancun do you still need to go through immigration / customs or do we still need to provide proof of permit?
Thank you in advance!
That’s a very good question? You don’t have to pass immigration at terminal 2 for a domestic flight, however the officials to clear security have always asked us for our passport so 🤷♂️ I would definitely recommend requesting an emergency passport as if you are stopped in Mexico by INM, you will need to show your passport. I personally wouldn’t risk it as rules are not uniformly applied in Mexico even if there is an allowable exception with your facts that we are unaware of… maybe check with INM and print out any communication in writing?
Hi ! I go to visit my girlfriend , im from romania and i go in cancunt from spain and then to ciudad de mexico . I need a return flight to enter in mexico ?
I would check with your airline. They won’t let you on the plane if you don’t have along the required documentation. And if you ever had to show a return, you could book it on arrival and then cancel it. Free cancellations within 24 hours for most US carriers. Again, we’d suggest checking with your airline.
What if you're moving there and don't have a return flight? 🤔
Show your residency visa to the airline and/or immigration officer on arrival. No need for a return flight with a residency visa.
Found out my passport is expired can i still travel to cancun?
You will unfortunately be denied boarding at your departure gate by the airline. I believe you need at least 6 months until expiration to travel to Mexico.
Would love to see info for terminal 4. Also, traveling out of Mexico and returning as a temporary or permanent Mx resident. Thanks!!!
We’ve also flown in/out of Terminal 4 which is a very similar experience to Terminal 3. We made a separate video on the temp/perm process for residents, but now that’s changed. No more FMMs to pickup and complete before departure at INM. Now you receive a stamp in your passport on return with RP or RT. No days written in like 180 that a tourist would receive on their stamp now. We’re flying out next week again, and hear they may have new electronic machines deployed for arrivals sometime in January, so we will update the description to this video on return if that’s the case! 🙏
I'm a cold brew fan also!
Do permanent/temporary residents still need to swing by the immigration office before international departure?
Yes, even though the FMM is no longer required, you still need to stop at INM and have the agent stamp your passport for exit. INM will also stamp your passport on arrival/entry into
Mexico and mark RT or RP instead of the number of days up to 180 given to tourists.
@@TwoGayExpats 👍 Thanks for the info
Is it still required to test negative for covid before going back to the US?
We’re vaccinated and we’ve not recently been asked when traveling.
We hear the vaccination requirement was supposed to be lifted, but keep checking with the CDC for the latest guidance. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html
@@TwoGayExpats thank you so much, keep up the good content 👍
Yes very helpful ❤ I was going to print my immigration form but it says I don’t need one and this video confirmed that as well 😊
Thank you for posting this! This airport can be very overwhelming for Americans who have never flown out of the country before. 👍 That hallway to the outside is NO JOKE. 😯😯 And I hope that Tourist Card is gone for good!
Agreed 100%!!!! We hear they may have e-machines on arrival in January for Americans and Canadians only. I’ll surely update the description to this video (since we can’t film in the passport control area) if we have this update on our quick trip to the US next week! 🙏
Sounds car renting is not that bad.. is that true? I keep hearing stories about a bunch of fees.
Even if you have a credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve which offers primary care insurance, that does not cover the Mexican minimum liability insurance. It can easily double the cost of the online rental which will look too good to be true. That’s the only extra fee we pay for…
Great video! Regarding the Visitax, you mentioned that this is optional. I'm not sure why their making this feel like such a big deal or mandatory if you don't pay it. Do you suggest paying it just in case or it's not necessary? Thanks!
Thank you. I recently read an article in the Cancun Sun just last week I believe stating one of their top 5 tips was to pay this tax in advance! I was really surprised. We have flown in and out of CUN twice already to the US this month (in January) and have seen the marketing like you. Again, not once has anyone asked us about this tax. So as of January 2023, it’s still 100% optional if you ask us! Just like in past years!
Hi! We received that QR code receipt after going through the new machines and there is a note saying that if we don’t fill out some forms and pay fees we can’t leave the country. The link to the payment process is not working and we leave tomorrow! Does anyone know if we can complete this step at the airport in person? Or if we need to contact anyone in particular?
@@stephaniesosa3839 given the e-machines are currently used in conjunction with human agents (you could find yourself at either given the small number of e-machines), there should be no difference in exiting the country (and nothing to pay!) except to hang on to your receipt which is recommended. From our understanding, since you don’t receive a passport stamp with allowed days when using the e-machines, you can go online and print this form out if you were leaving from another airport in Mexico that is not in this new pilot program for example. If you are leaving from Cancun, it’s not necessary. Also, if you have any problems or questions at Terminal 3 on departure, there is an information desk on entry as well as INM desks both outside security and inside security that we highlight in our video. They are super helpful. As residents, we have to stop there before leaving Mexico to process our departure from the country, but visitors can ask any questions as well. We err on not making unnecessary payments in Mexico ;)
I'm hesitating hitting the button to confirm my trip in about 10 days from now because my last trip through a few years back on a weekend was the worst wait times I have ever seen at Customs at this airport. When did you go through it looks dead in there? Was it since they implemented the auto scanning machines at the start of this month? With peak travel there right now I'm picturing a horror show down there. Thanks for any info you can provide.
We like to travel early mornings to and from CUN! But no FMMs has greatly reduced the wait as will the e-machines!! The government is also improving the roads around the airport, so at least they are actively trying to make the experience much better! 🙏
@@TwoGayExpats Thanks for the reply. I just saw some information (incl. videos) of travel during the past week and it looked terrible! Still unsure at this point.
Andy is there right now for a quick trip back to the US, says security line outbound was very short in T4. If you can arrive early in the day is best! Good luck and safe travels!
So how was your trip
@@livingaboard Went without a hitch. We were through customs in literally minutes with the e-machines, construction wasn't as bad on the highway, it's mostly concentrated on the overpass into the airport now but even on Sunday everything was moving normally and drive times to/from playa area were completely normal and no lineups at security when we departed the following Sunday.
Thanks for the insights. Can you clarify how the interaction with the immigration officer goes? We want to get the 180 day visitor visa, because we are exploring, but its not clear to me how they "decide" how many days to give you. If you ask for 180 do they just give it to you? or do you need to negotiate. Also, we don't have our exit flight booked yet, because we don't know for sure when we will be leaving. I gather that 99% of the time that is not a problem. Any comments?
This is an excellent question, and I wish I had a definitive answer for you. Recently, INM was very strict and friends of ours only got 14 days when they lived here! This is why we decided to get permanent residency last year. Now, allegedly, INM has pivoted away from this and on our last entry as a tourist, they simply asked how many days you need. And those who said 180 received them without question. We can’t guarantee this of course. One way to improve your chances is to dress up a bit, not like a backpacker (which our friends were who were denied 180 days). So that’s our best advice! Most likely you will be fine, but rules are not applied consistently in Mexico and often change as we saw with immigration policy last year.
Have you ever checked a bag? How was the experience?
We did when we moved all of our worldly possessions to Tulum. No different than my checking other than a stop at the baggage carousel in front of customs officers/tables on the way out! Easy breezy!
Your mother thanks you so so much for this video ❤
It was written with you in mind for your upcoming trip!!! ❤️
This is when my Mexican passport really shines. I just skip the International line and head for citizens which is normally shorter.
As residents, we completely agree!!! We’ve actually never had to wait at all which is mind blowing once we got our PR!! We also like to fly as early as possible and both lines are fast(er)!
MISS THE DAYS OF RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT 💡
Run the gauntlet lol😂
😂
Was anyone searched like me ...? just curious..
Yikes! Sometimes we are selected and have to open our bags for a quick check. But that’s all. Never been an issue other than a short delay on exit.
@@TwoGayExpats i thought it was me because I go on vacation with the wife and dress real flashy… and they go through everything
Immigrants! Not expat.
Definitions to help educate you:
Expat: a person who lives outside their native country often temporarily
Immigrant: a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country
As we do not plan to live in Mexico year round nor permanently, we are currently expats not immigrants. Thanks for your comment. 🤷♂️
So if I'm arriving at Cancun airport and then leaving for Belize on a bus. Do I still need the visa??
If you’re coming from the US, you don’t need to fill out anything, but you do need to clear immigration and customs like any country before continuing on (not by plane). Safe travels!
@@TwoGayExpats thank you.
I travel to cancun about 4 times a year and I can tell you that some of the most vile human beings I ever met in my life work at the airport. From the officials to the scammers to the taxi drivers.
We aim to have as little interaction as possible at the airport and get on our way quickly!