GOING THROUGH CANCUN AIRPORT in 2024 Immigration or E-gates? Customs, Bags & Finding Transportation

This video is for informational purposes only. Our opinions are our own based on our experiences. We are self-funded and not sponsored.
In this video we take you with us through the Cancun airport in 2024 and explain where you will need to go and what you need to do.
We show you a whole bunch of things throughout the airport that we think are helpful to know about.
Such as:
* We show you where the washrooms and elevators are located.
* We show you how to use the Automated Border Control Systems also known as E-Gates. We tell you WHO can use them and we show you HOW to use them.
* We also show you where to go if you are not eligible to use the E-Gates.
* the duty free and baggage claim areas
* we walk you through what is known as the 'Cancun Shark Tank' or 'Running the Gantlet'. It is the aggressive timeshare sales area. We show you how to go through without anyone bothering you.
* We show you where you can pick up a car rental
* taxi stands.
* Where you can find the transportation that is included with your vacation package and some examples of what it may look like.
* Where you can find your pre-booked private airport to hotel transportation companies.
We give you all the tips and tricks that we have learned over the years to get you through the Cancun airport as quickly and a stress free as possible.
Thank you so much for watching our videos. We really appreciate you! Please consider subscribing and sharing this video with anyone you know who will be travelling to Cancun this year.
Have a great weekend!

[@huntybaby]

As someone who adores Mexico and goes to Mexico 3 times a year for the last 2 decades, I want to say that you did an amazing job with this video! 👏 everything you said is accurate. Always, always ignore the timeshare and all those people near the exist! - I believe Uber and DiDi should be operating now in Cancun, after many years of battling with Taxi companies, if not, I suggest people to research the ADO bus! It's a reputable Mexican bus company that operates in many towns and cities. I've been using ADO for many years, the prices are amazing and they're beyond comfortable. I always take the ADO from the airport to downtown Cancun ❤

[@newtravelescapes]

Thank you so much!!! Yes, the Ado buses are reliable and inexpensive. If you can figure out the schedule in advance and where you are going they are a very good option. Thanks for sharing your experiences and also for your kind words. 😊

[@bunnyblue5421]

So informative...and pleasant to listen to, not like you are reading a script.Thanks. Jungle. Learned something new.

[@newtravelescapes]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@deniseharwood9521]

This was very helpful, thank you. I'm one of those people who needs to know what to expect or my anxiety rises.

[@newtravelescapes]

Me too!! I'm happy to help 🙂

[@EmptyPocketsCarl]

Great to hear the highway construction is done, great update!!

[@newtravelescapes]

Thank you and it was nice not having any traffic issues this trip. 😊

[@davidng407]

Hi Nancy, great informative video as usual! You mentioned where the bathrooms are like you read my mind. I can't wait to head down south again! take care

[@newtravelescapes]

Thank you so much David! I hope you get your next vacay planned really soon. 😊 Have a great weekend.

[@janbaumrind2720]

This video is awesome. I watched it prior to my first Cancun trip and I've recommended it many times to others on various Facebook groups.

[@newtravelescapes]

Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@Daviebhoy1982]

Another fantastic, informative video. Thank you! Just booked this week to return to Excellence Riviera Cancun at the end of September. I absolutely cannot wait!

[@newtravelescapes]

Thank you so much!! We will be there beginning of September! We can't wait too 😄

[@rayjay3705]

Super helpful thank you for sharing!

[@newtravelescapes]

Glad it was helpful! 🙂 Have a great trip!

[@dewaynewestmoreland3773]

Thanks for sharing. Good info.

[@newtravelescapes]

Glad it was helpful! ☺️

[@sirdevio]

Super helpful. Thank you!

[@newtravelescapes]

My pleasure! 😊

[@kat.7590]

Thanks! Very helpful

[@newtravelescapes]

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful. 🙂

[@dsazz923]

Thank you so so much for this, going in 2 weeks!!!

[@newtravelescapes]

Awesome! Have a fantastic vacay! 🥂Where are you staying?

[@huntybaby]

How was your trip?

[@robtmoore4218]

Very good video, practical advise, from someone who KNOWS it would seem

[@newtravelescapes]

Thank you! 😊

[@carapungo]

great video. thanks for sharing.

[@newtravelescapes]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. ☺️

[@kiaragoodrum7212]

Thank you ... Im one of those ppl that want to know every turn of where I need to go or do

[@newtravelescapes]

Me too!! 😁

[@bcrcndr]

Very informative video. Thank you. So looking forward to my first ever trip to Mexico.

[@newtravelescapes]

Have a great trip!! Which resort did you choose? 😊

[@bcrcndr]

@@newtravelescapes dreams sapphire

[@newtravelescapes]

@@bcrcndr Have a great time 😊🥂

[@bcrcndr]

@@newtravelescapes Thank you so much. Have a great day.

[@kah4325]

I visited CUN last month (Riu Palace Peninsula. 💯 accurate

[@newtravelescapes]

Thanks! I hope you had a great trip!! 😊

[@jeffduncan7685]

I loved F’ing with the high pitch sales scammers, they walked up to me and I simply told them to “piss off Scammer” and kept walking. We stayed at The Excellence all inclusive and was picked up in a nice limo and back. Drinks, great ride, and was stress free.

[@newtravelescapes]

Lol! Well played! I love Excellence resorts. 😊

[@user-ix1do3bq7h]

Great vid, thank you. Top tip for Brits hiring a car. Do this fom the UK and select a full CDW policy when booking. Absoloutly no need to book extra insurance at the desk (all countries, not just Mexico) ;)

[@newtravelescapes]

Super advice! Thank you for sharing 😊

[@glendonjones3190]

Yep going on April 11,2024, can’t wait,your information was very helpful but I want to know bout this vista tax

[@newtravelescapes]

Thank you! Yes, I want to know about the changes too. I know there was a price increase in February. For now, just go by what the airline or travel company says. They should send you a link. Ours was a link in our Air Canada App under "preparing for your upcoming trip" or something like that.

[@howardgarrett7865]

Good informative video again One thing I would add is that if you have a free transfer from the hotel or your tour operator and decide to go with a private transfer anyway it would be a nice gesture to let the people know you wont be going with them We have been on a bus in the past where they were waiting for people who we knew from home that had already been picked up and were gone

[@newtravelescapes]

Thank you and very good advice. I assumed people would be courteous enough to let them know they have made alternate arrangements but unfortunately that is not a safe assumption. Have a great weekend 😊

[@howardgarrett7865]

Thanks Sitting at the pool at Allegro Playacar right now lol

[@newtravelescapes]

@@howardgarrett7865 Awesome!!! How do you like it? 😊

[@howardgarrett7865]

Its an older resort but the grounds are really nice with mature trees and it's on a great stretch of beach We like the smaller resorts and this one has the 8 unit villas like Ocean Maya Royale which we also like It has the advantage of being in a gated community but it's only a 15 minute walk to 5 th Ave in town The main negative is that the food and drinks are just ok as are the rooms They are not great We only book this place when it's at a reasonable price When the price goes up we would rather pay more to go somewhere nicer

[@newtravelescapes]

@@howardgarrett7865 it is funny how much we are all able to 'roll with' when the price is right. Nice grounds and a beautiful beach make up for a lot of what is just ok. 😄 I hear good things about Ocean Maya Royal. I hope to check it out someday. From what you were telling me when we were at Hyatt Zilara I think it is a very good bang for your buck.

[@realman6ft6]

Great video. Whats the current situation on the visitax?

[@newtravelescapes]

Not much has changed except a price increase as far as I know. I'll be back through CUN in June and I hope to have more info on what's going on then. 😊

[@macdaddymgiarc]

Great video, super helpful for my first ever trip to Cancun or Mexico. Just to confirm, the paper receipt the eGate machine spits out is the only document you need to have when leaving the country at the end of the trip? You didnt have to download a FMMd from the Mexican Immigration Website while on the vacation? Thank you!

[@newtravelescapes]

Thank you!!! I only kept the print out from the Egate immigration machine and tucked it into my passport. Sometimes they ask for it upon departure and sometimes they don't. Have fun on your trip!! Which resort did you choose?

[@karenbobo2614]

Visitax- American Airlines has the pay link under your trip, under trip requirements.

[@newtravelescapes]

Air Canada and Westjet do as well. Thanks for the info! 😊

[@jaythesilverwolf777]

​@@newtravelescapes How about Southwestairlines?

[@jaythesilverwolf777]

​@@newtravelescapes How about Southwestairlines?

[@odaliscpadillavargas7154]

Hi great video, I am visiting Cancun this next May and I wonder if i need to get any form like a visitax and pay for it before getting to the airport.

[@newtravelescapes]

Depends on where you are coming from. I am told that occasionally visitors from the UK may still get paper forms from their airline but not all airlines. USA and Canada can use the E-gates and a biometric passport so no forms are required. 🙂 You can pay the Visitax online any time before your departure from Mexico. Sometimes they ask for the QR code as proof of payment and sometimes they don't bother checking. Hope that helps. 😊

[@odaliscpadillavargas7154]

Perfect thanks hopefully they dont ask. Thanks im flying from US

[@newtravelescapes]

@@odaliscpadillavargas7154 you should be just fine. 😊. Have a great trip!

[@user-fo3tt9rw1b]

I have heard that customs has been taking longer for many travelers due to increased random checks and sniffer dogs. Were you held up in customs and if so, how long? We have a boat that we need to catch only 2 hours after landing, will that leave enough time?

[@newtravelescapes]

We were not held up by Customs at all but there were a lot of people as you could see. Just under an hour to get through the Egates lines (immigration) and another hour to get our baggage. Baggage was the biggest delay. It took forever. It was two hours before we saw our bags after getting off the plane. If you can fly carry-on only that will help a bit. Customs was a walk through they only stop you if they suspect something or if it is for something random. We saw the sniffer dogs stopping everyone with baby formula or food. Mostly those with strollers. Finding your transportation also takes some time. They don't move too quickly out there because it is busy. I don't know where you are catching your boat but I DON'T think two hours is enough time to get through the airport, find your transportation, and drive to the docks to catch your boat. There is no 'fast track' system through CUN that I have heard of. Sorry, I'm sure that sucks to hear but I would modify things if it were me.

[@lingdatang669]

3:40 E passport

[@newtravelescapes]

Electronic passport / Biometric passport

[@1daniellaz]

Thanks for the info will be going next month, but i am still a bit confused, if i am 18 and over and have the camara looking symbol in my us passport i can go to the e check in line??

[@newtravelescapes]

Yes you can 😊

[@1daniellaz]

@@newtravelescapes ok thank you

[@jonlaske1252]

Do you have any further information if we are required to pay the visitax if we are staying in the hotel district of cancun? If so how do we pay it. Thanks

[@newtravelescapes]

Anyone visiting the State of Quintana Roo, including the hotel zone, is required to pay the VisiTax. The price increased in February 2024 due to the government policies. It went from $18.80 to $20.80 USD. You can pay it through the government website visitax.gob.mx or TravelKore. TravelKore is the only website other than the government one authorized to collect the tax so beware is using any other site. Your travel agent is often able to pay it for you, for an additional fee. Personally, I find the government website can be a bit glitchy sometimes. TravelKore is more user friendly. You will get a QR code as proof of payment. Sometimes they ask for it when you're departing. Sometimes they don't. It is still very disorganized. Hope that helps 😊

[@jb.8992]

Does the CUN airport have luggage cart rentals available or people assisting with luggage?

[@newtravelescapes]

They were free when we were there in Feb and located by the baggage carousels upon arrival. When you arrive back for departure you can grab one inside or hire a porter to lend a hand. 😊

[@elysiumstarz]

Hi, I arrived in Cancun the other day, and scanned my new Canadian passport but it wouldn’t scan, I wonder if it’s because of the hard plastic page of our new passports? they told me to go to a dedicated customs counter on the right hand side of the e-gates.

[@newtravelescapes]

It's possible it was the machine. My husband has one of the new passports with that card-like picture page and his worked fine. My son has an older one and his didn't scan. I think the machines can be a bit glitchy.

[@heathermckinnon1865]

The thing about the Visitax is people are still not paying it and nothing is happening to them. It's a state tax, not federal, so it couldn't be tied to your passport.

[@newtravelescapes]

I agree with you. People aren't paying it and at the moment nothing is happening if you don't. Currently, the State has not waived its right to collect taxes due from the date the law changed (December 23rd 2022). This still leaves many of us guessing as to whether we could be presented with a bill for all unpaid taxes right back to this date. This has been alluded to by the State so they must be tracking whether or not you have paid through your passport scans. Tim Scurry from Travelkore told Open Jaw that he’s heard of travellers who’ve asked if they need to make up missed payments have been told that is the case. I trust Mr. Scurry's take on this so for us, we will pay it and count it as far as our vacation costs. If there is a chance that we will be refused entry without paying back taxes I'm not risking it. Is it still the stupidest tax implementation I have seen in a decade? It sure is. 😜

[@steevkelly]

5:32 re: buying alcohol at the duty-free - what are the limits for entering mexico?

[@newtravelescapes]

As far as I know, it is up to 3 liters of spirits or 6 liters of wine. Double check for yourself online but that is what allowed last I checked. I believe the value has to be under $500 USD but that may have increased.

[@donsteven848]

Do international travelers have to fill out an FFM form online before reaching immigration? And if yes how do we get that done?

[@newtravelescapes]

International being from where? USA and Canada, no. You can use EGates or regular immigration lines. UK, I also don't believe you need paper forms. It is digital when you arrive but the Egates aren't set up for UK yet. Hope that helps 😊

[@jonsminecraft]

For the rental car sharks, you just say you are going to Belize. Most car rental do not allow you to go to belize (I only know of 1 in Cancun that allows it, and its not on airport property). That will get them off you fast, though if you are asking for tourist advice at the booth between that first set of doors and the exit to outside, the person will be much less likely to help you (they now have no way to get commission)

[@newtravelescapes]

Great ideas and advice! Thanks for the tips ☺️

[@user-rt8gu7co8f]

So the paperwork isn’t needed anymore? Only ur passport? Is it electronic paperwork you have to fill out? First time going your video was perfect!!

[@newtravelescapes]

If you have a biometric passport and you are from USA, Canada, or Mexico you don't need forms. Just proceed to the EGates and away you go 😊🍸

[@kristybryant4914]

When it comes to customs and declaration, if you have nothing to declare, what does that mean exactly? Me and two friends are going to the Moon Palace Resort and already have transportation coming from there to pick us up.

[@johnwoodham3263]

Means you are within the limits of what you are allowed to bring in.

[@newtravelescapes]

It just means that you haven't exceeded your limits of what you are allowed to bring into mexico (i.e: alcohol, cigarettes, cigars, NO vape pens or NO pharmaceuticals). If you haven't exceeded your limits and you don't have any banned items then you 'have nothing to declare'. If you exceed your limits then you have to 'declare' it and pay the duty. Hope that clarifies it a bit better. 😊

[@kristybryant4914]

@@newtravelescapes so to go through the other thing for immigration, will you have to have travelled at least once out of the country so they have your information?

[@newtravelescapes]

@@kristybryant4914 By 'thing' do you mean the EGates? You can use those as long as you have a biometric passport and you are from the USA, Canada, or Mexico. No need to have used it before. All the info they need is embedded into the photo page of your biometric passport. You will know your passport is biometric if there is an image of an 'old-timey camera' on the cover. 😊 If you don't mean the EGates then please clarify what 'thing' you're referring to and maybe I'll have a better answer for you. ☺️

[@likenangel5]

I have a question. Can you fill out the FMM form online before you arrive? If so where do I go? Or does it have to be once you are at the airport. Can someone enlighten me on this please?!

[@newtravelescapes]

Here is the latest info that I know of about this. Hope it helps 😊 www.cancunairport.com/new-tourist-card-information.html

[@likenangel5]

@@newtravelescapes thanks!!! ❤️

[@reynosamanA3]

Do we have to tip private transportation drivers? And if so, how much ?

[@newtravelescapes]

We tip them. Usually 150 to 250 MXN depending on how many people are in our group, if they are on time, and how personable the driver is.

[@jasminemarshall1372]

do you have to go through xray security again ?

[@newtravelescapes]

No. Once you are off the plane you go through immigration, grab your bags, customs may choose to inspect your bags or they may not. It is random. No second x-ray any longer. That never made a whole lot of sense to me at the time 😉

[@47akss]

Can you go through regular line, cause my wife has international passport n I have US passport?

[@newtravelescapes]

I would say go through the regular customs lines but you can double check with the staff at the bottom of the escalator if you're in doubt.

[@marilynmedina469]

Do I still need to fill up custom declaration card upon arrival? Coming from Canada

[@newtravelescapes]

Nope. You're good and you can use the Egates when you arrive. 😊

[@johnwoodham3263]

Depends on the terminal you are arriving in. T3 and T4 no customs form. T2 still need to do a customs form. Check with your airline as to which terminal they fly into.

[@keystoevolve]

can you uber from the airport to your resort?

[@newtravelescapes]

Unfortunately, ride shares aren't allowed at CUN. There are many transportation companies you can book online in advance to get you to your hotel. We did make a video about our favourites you may find helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpqXqKiplNJobs0

[@LFY_OFFICAL]

@@newtravelescapesis this for the whole of Cancun or no? Because the Uber website say they support cancun

[@jaythesilverwolf777]

Question. Do you need a tourist card when you arrive? If you don't have one when you arrive can you fill one out there when you go to immigration or customs?

[@newtravelescapes]

Depends on where you are travelling from. USA, Canada, or Mexico you can use the EGates if you have a biometric passport and you don't need to fill out anything. From some parts of Europe / UK you may need to fill out paperwork that they give you on the plane but not always. 😊

[@jaythesilverwolf777]

@newtravelescapes Hmm ok. Thanks for the reply. I'm trying to figure and find out everything because I'm flying Southwestairlines from AZ.

[@newtravelescapes]

@@jaythesilverwolf777 Do you have a biometric passport? (It is indicated by the old time camera icon on your passport cover.) You very likely do so you should be able to use the EGates and not have any paperwork. If you can't use the EGates for some reason then you are probably still good to go through customs and they will simply scan your passport. IF on the off chance you need to fill out the tourist form they almost always hand it out on the plane before you land. We have not had to fill out a paper customs/immigration form for a couple of years now. If there is anything else I can help with feel free to reach out. We have been through this airport more than 40 times now so I'm pretty familiar with it. 😊

[@jaythesilverwolf777]

@newtravelescapes I'm not sure honestly but I will check it out when I can. And hopefully it's valid to because you did mention it has to be 180 days or something like that for E check. And gotcha on the rest you said thanks. Gonna be my first time too so I'm really excited. :)

[@newtravelescapes]

@@jaythesilverwolf777 so exciting!!!!! Lmk if there is anything else I can help with. Where are you staying?

[@lyoliko]

Hi Thanks for the video 👍 If I travel with my kids under 18 I can't use e-gate? Thanks

[@newtravelescapes]

My pleasure 😊 You're right. You will need to use the regular lines to go through immigration when travelling with kids. They move pretty quickly these days now that there are more E-Gates available to move people through.

[@lyoliko]

@@newtravelescapes Thank you

[@newtravelescapes]

@@lyoliko I'm happy to help. 😊. I'll be back through CUN tomorrow so I hope to have something new to report.

[@lyoliko]

​@@newtravelescapes Have a nice holiday!!! We arrive at the end of the month

[@newtravelescapes]

@@lyoliko nice! Which resort are you staying at?

[@ruzlanislam5742]

Time 4:57 shows its the Bangladesh Airport....am i missing something??

[@newtravelescapes]

Nope. You're right. I used that as an image that shows what an Egate looks like. It is a better pic to explain how the machines work than the ones I managed to get. CUN was super busy and as you can see from my video the actual footage of the EGates isn't great. The Info doesn't change it is just a better picture to show travelers an example of what they need to walk through. We've been through the Egates in Sydney, Dubai, Singapore, Toronto etc and they are all variations of the same thing. My intention was to show a good image of the machine.

[@laurieperrone7043]

Thank you for the video, I am from Canada but flying out of Michigan. What papers do I need to get into Cancun?

[@newtravelescapes]

You won't likely need anything but your passport. ☺️ Canadians have had biometric passports for a long time so all of your info should be available to the E-Gate machines. Enjoy your trip. ☺️

[@laurieperrone7043]

@@newtravelescapes what if yu are not going thru the egates? you still just need a passport?

[@heathermckinnon1865]

Sorry. Did I miss if this was T3 or T4?

[@newtravelescapes]

T3. We also have videos through T4 if it is helpful but they are very similar. 😊

[@ojsimpson6362]

Thank you for great advices ! I wached the video about transportation. It was all helpful. What about the train.......from the Airport to Hoteleria Zone ? Or to the Playa del Carmen ? Any updates on that ? Thank you very much.

[@newtravelescapes]

So glad you found the videos helpful. Thank you! 😊 The Mayan train is running but according to our latest transfer driver only a few locals use it. It isn't streamlined for tourists at the moment. It might work well for tourists to do excursions in the future but I wouldn't count on it yet.

[@ojsimpson6362]

@@newtravelescapes😁👍. We used "USA Transfers" too......last may. And also...we check beds and mattresses very carefully, after your video.😅

[@newtravelescapes]

@@ojsimpson6362 👍👍😁

[@dilrajdhaliwal748]

Do they check your bags, I heard that takes another hour? Or is that random

[@joeyschenk8972]

I am also wondering this

[@newtravelescapes]

It is random and even if they do check they are pretty quick.

[@kimberlymejia6181]

@@newtravelescapesdo they just check bags or person also?

[@newtravelescapes]

@@kimberlymejia6181 Customs can check whatever they want. I have never had my person checked but if they feel they have a reason to check you they will. Bags seem to be random OR if the dogs alert them to something. Last year they actually checked the bags of everyone on the entire flight for one of our trips but on several other trips we walked right through.

[@creditmaster3464]

Hey so there aren’t any fees when entering Mexico as an American ?

[@newtravelescapes]

Nope. Anything you need to pay upon entry is already included in either your air fare or your hotel booking. 😊

[@user-gm2wd8lw7o]

I believe the visitax has to be paid before arrival.

[@bunnyblue5421]

Before you leave Mexico.