Mexico City Streamlining Customs

Image: PHOTO: Mexico City Airport. (photo via Flickr/Waywuwei)
Image: PHOTO: Mexico City Airport. (photo via Flickr/Waywuwei)
Gabe Zaldivar
by Gabe Zaldivar
Last updated: 5:00 PM ET, Tue April 18, 2017

If you find yourself flying into Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport, some congratulations are in order. Things are now extremely easier for its foreign travelers.

You are undoubtedly familiar with the red light-green light scenario that greets travelers at this and other airports. No, it's not the game we played as kids. A green light means you are free to carry on past customs while a red means you must show your bags, which will be searched.

According to Riviera Maya News, the airport is currently engaging in a testing phase at Terminal 2 that eliminates that scenario.

Essentially, your bags will have already been checked by what is described as a mobile x-ray device as they go from airplane to airport.

So, there is no need to queue up and push a button in what is the airport's version of a Harry Potter sorting hat.

[READMORE]READ MORE: How to See Mexico City in Three Days [/READMORE]

Mexico News Daily reports that those declaration customs forms you are used to filling out prior to landing will also get the ax. The change should be welcomed with open arms by international travelers who will take any amount of extra efficiency as they can get amid their busy itinerary.

Thanks should be directed towards the country's Tax Administration Service (SAT), which, according to RMN, is trying to simplify entry for the multitude of travelers that pass through this congested terminal. Riviera Maya News states that the country enjoyed a 4.1 percent increase in visitors in 2016, necessitating an evolution to its entry process.

The Yucatan Times reported back in January that traffic was up all over the country: "During December 2016, total terminal passengers increased 16.8% in the Company's 13 airports, compared to the same period of the previous year."

Domestic traffic represented a 19 percent uptick while international passenger visits were up nearly 14 percent.

While in a pilot phase, the program is said to have its next stop with a gradual integration at Terminal 1.

From there, it should have its day at airports around the country, including Los Cabos, Guadalajara, Monterrey and Cancun.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, What Advisors Need to KnowThursday, August 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Stay ahead with the latest updates from Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, featuring upscale...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...
Upcoming Webinar
Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, What Advisors Need to KnowThursday, August 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Stay ahead with the latest updates from Fiesta Americana Travelty Collection, featuring upscale...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...