Note: Procedures are subject to change at any time. Mexico likes to keep us all on our toes, so this guide provides the most common practices – and answers many questions” asked and answered” by thousands of visitors every year.
When Arriving
Immigration and Customs
Upon arrival at PVR, you’ll head to Immigration and Customs—just follow the signs. Here’s what you need to know for a smooth process:
Immigration
- Customs Form: You’ll be given a Customs Form during your flight or upon entry into the secure area. Make sure to fill it out before you get into the Customs line.
- Two Lanes: Once you arrive at Immigration, there will be two lanes:
Tourists Lane:
For tourists only. Have your passport open to the picture page & follow the instructions for scanning your passport through the machines. If you go through the scanners, you will receive a paper receipt with a QR code. Please download your TOURIST VISA information shown & screenshot it & keep it on your phone. IF YOU LOSE the receipt , you can now get a copy by going to this link & following the prompts, you can download your FMM here: https://www.inm.gob.mx/spublic/portal/inmex.html.
If you do not have it at departure, you might be fined, and you then must go to a local bank outside of the airport to pay the fine and then return to check-in.
If instead, you are shown to an Immigration Agent— your passport will be stamped with your relevant Tourist Visa information showing the date of entry, the number of days your Tourist Visa is valid & the last date you must leave Mexico.
Residents Lane:
For Temporary and Permanent Residents, proceed to the far left lane (labeled for Mexicanos). Have your passport and residency card ready. If you lost your Residency card, you must explain what happened. They will have you sit for about 30 minutes while they process your paperwork, which you will need to take to the Immigration Office within 30 days to get your new card, where you will pay a fee for the new card. It’s excellent practice to always have a photocopy of your Residency Card (front & back) saved on your phone to show proof you had one.
Rules: Cell phones, cameras, hats, and sunglasses are prohibited in the Immigration area. You’ll be reminded of this before deplaning. Failure to follow these rules can result in fines or even arrest.
- Be Patient. The entry process has improved, but it can still take time due to the volume of flights and seasonal events or holidays. Relax—you’re officially on vacation! If you need a bathroom, it is next to the resident lane.
Customs
- Luggage Claim: After clearing Immigration, head to the right to collect your luggage.
- Customs Form Check: You will line up again to present your filled-out Customs Form to an agent before proceeding to the luggage scanner.
- Luggage Scan: Place all bags, purses, and carry-ons on the scanner. If any items are flagged, you’ll be asked to open your luggage for inspection.
- Exit: Once cleared, you’ll pass through a walkway known as the “shark tank.”
The Shark Tank
This is the area where timeshare salespeople will try to offer “free rides,” “tequila samples,” and “perks” in exchange for attending a timeshare presentation. A polite “no gracias” will suffice if— you’re not interested, or you can say you’re a local. They’re simply doing their job, so be respectful as you navigate.
Pro tip: Walk quickly, smile, and as you pass through, keep saying no gracias about 8 to 10 times.
Transportation & Exiting the Terminal
- Rental Car Booths: You stop here to let them know you have arrived and where to catch their shuttles or to book a car. Note: Renting a car is unnecessary unless you plan to do some significant driving, like day trips or overnighters. We’d recommend using taxis, Uber, buses, or one of the many professional car services.
- ATM Machines: ATMs are conveniently located to your right as you exit the walkway.
- Official Taxi Services: You’ll find official taxi booths for three licensed companies on your right as you exit. You can pay with cash or credit card and even pre-book rides. They will give you a ticket to take outside to their representatives, who will take you to a car.
- Meeting Arrangements: If you have arranged pickups or are meeting friends and family, they will be waiting here if on foot. Be sure to handle your transportation needs inside the terminal before stepping outside.
For more detailed information about transportation options in Puerto Vallarta, check our Transportation Guide (link to article). Welcome to Puerto Vallarta! Enjoy your stay!
When Departing
When it’s time to say goodbye to Puerto Vallarta, here’s a quick guide on what to expect when departing from PVR, whether a tourist or a resident.
Immigration Stamp for Residents
- Temporary & Permanent Residents: Before you check in for your flight, you must have your passport stamped by Immigration (INM).
- Location: The INM kiosk is on the outer wall across from the American Airlines check-in counters, next to the self-check-in machines. (see photo below)
- Hours: Typically, the kiosk is open from around 9:30 AM to 10 PM, depending on staffing.
- Alternative: If your flight departs outside these hours, you can visit the airport a day earlier to get your passport stamped. Some travelers have noted that airline agents have performed this task at the check-in counter; however, we can’t verify this.
- No Stamp? If you cannot get the stamp due to the closed kiosk, you may face issues upon re-entry. In that case, explain the situation politely to the Immigration officer. Take a photo of the closed kiosk to show them if it’s outside of standard business hours.
Airport Check-In and Security
- Check-In: RT & RP. Once you have your INM stamp, proceed to your airline’s check-in counter to drop off your bags and receive your boarding pass.
TOURISTS must provide the paper TOURIST VISA they received upon entry at the airport. If you do not have it, you will be required to go to a local bank (outside the airport and likely causing you to miss your flight) and pay a fine. DO NOT LOSE IT!- Note: During peak season or particular holidays, you may have to use the self-check-in kiosk before proceeding to the counter.
- Heading Upstairs: Take the escalator, stairs, or elevator to the second floor to reach Security.
- Stay to the right as you walk past the shops and restaurants until you reach the Security entrance.
- Security Process: Follow the instructions of the security agents.
- Identification: Have your passport open to your photo and ready, or for domestic flights, your immigration card.
Shoes: Unlike many airports, you generally won’t need to remove your shoes here.
Beyond Security: Duty-Free and Gates
After passing through security, you’ll enter a duty-free area filled with shops, a food court, and more stores. Keep an eye on the signs, as gate numbers are clearly marked.
Thank you for visiting Puerto Vallarta—we hope to see you again soon!
