Quick answer: Before flying home from Los Cabos, plan to use up the over-the-counter products you buy during your trip, because U.S. Customs (CBP) says that in most cases U.S. citizens may not import drugs obtained outside the U.S. Pharmacy in Cabo shares this general guide for travelers leaving Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo; always check official CBP and TSA rules before you fly.
Many visitors to Los Cabos pick up sunscreen, stomach remedies or pain relievers during their trip and wonder what to do with the leftovers on the way home. Below is a summary of general guidance from U.S. agencies. It is not legal advice, and rules can change, so confirm with the official sources linked below.
What U.S. Customs says about medicines
- FDA rules apply to Rx and OTC. According to CBP, travelers carrying prescription or over-the-counter medications must comply with FDA laws and regulations.
- U.S. citizens. CBP advises traveling only with your own medication prescribed to you and/or legally obtained in the U.S., and says that in most cases it is illegal to obtain drugs outside the U.S. and import them for personal use, with limited exceptions decided by the FDA.
- Visitors to the U.S. Non-U.S. citizens may be allowed to bring their own medications, generally with a prescription or doctor’s note in English and, as a rule of thumb, no more than a 90-day supply.
- Declare what you carry. Declare medicines at U.S. customs and keep them in their original, labeled containers.
Airport security and carry-on bags
- According to TSA travel tips, medication is allowed in carry-on and checked bags, and TSA recommends keeping it in your carry-on.
- Medically necessary liquids over 3.4 oz (100 ml) are allowed in reasonable quantities if you tell the officer at the start of screening.
- Everyday liquids such as sunscreen, after-sun gel or mouthwash follow the standard liquids rule in carry-on bags.
- Security at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is run by local authorities, so follow the instructions of officers and your airline.
Practical tips before you leave Los Cabos
- Buy only what you need for your stay, in small sizes when possible.
- Use up or leave behind opened products such as large sunscreen bottles.
- Keep the medicines you brought from home in their original containers, separate from anything bought in Mexico.
- If you are flying to Canada or another country, check that country’s customs agency.
Need something during your stay?
Pharmacy in Cabo delivers over-the-counter wellness and personal care products, in travel sizes when available, to hotels, villas and homes in Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo and the Tourist Corridor.
- WhatsApp: +52 624 409 5065
- Phone: +52 624 409 5065
- Email: help@pharmacyincabo.com
- Online: browse the Pharmacy in Cabo shop
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring medicines I bought in Los Cabos back to the U.S.?
Check before you buy. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says that, in most cases, it is illegal for U.S. citizens to obtain drugs outside the U.S. and import them for personal use, with limited exceptions decided by the FDA.
Does that include over-the-counter products?
CBP says travelers with prescription or over-the-counter medications must comply with FDA laws and regulations. The simplest approach is to use what you buy during your trip and not plan to take it home.
Do I need to declare medicines when entering the U.S.?
Yes, declare any medicines you are carrying when you go through U.S. customs. Declaring them lets officers decide what is allowed.
What about the medicines I brought from home?
CBP advises U.S. citizens to travel only with their own medication that was prescribed to them and/or legally obtained in the United States. Keep it in its original, labeled container.
I am not a U.S. citizen. What applies to me?
CBP says non-U.S. citizens visiting the U.S. may be allowed to travel with their own medications, generally with a prescription or doctor’s note in English and no more than a 90-day supply as a rule of thumb.
Can I pack medicines in my carry-on?
Yes. TSA allows medication in carry-on and checked bags and recommends keeping it in your carry-on. Airport security at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is run by local authorities, so follow officers’ instructions.
Are liquid medicines over 3.4 oz allowed in carry-on bags?
TSA allows medically necessary liquids over 3.4 oz (100 ml) in reasonable quantities if you tell the officer at the start of screening. Everyday liquids such as large sunscreen bottles follow the standard liquids rule.
Is this legal advice?
No. This article is general information based on CBP and TSA guidance. Rules can change, so check the official sources, your airline or your home country’s customs agency before you travel.
I live in Canada. Do the same rules apply?
No, Canada has its own rules. Check the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) before you travel.
Do you deliver prescription medications?
No. Pharmacy in Cabo delivers over-the-counter (OTC) wellness and personal care products only. For prescription medications, please see a licensed doctor and a local pharmacy in person.
Related
- Travel Pharmacy Essentials for Cabo
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen in Cabo San Lucas
- English-Speaking Pharmacy in Cabo San Lucas
- Pharmacy in Cabo FAQ
Note: Pharmacy in Cabo delivers over-the-counter wellness and personal care products only. This article is general information, not medical advice. For health questions, please consult a licensed healthcare professional, and in an emergency call 911.
