Bringing pole spears into mexico question

[John Larsen]

Planning on bringing 3 Home made lionfish spears to my D/M Friends in a few weeks, has any one had experience doing this and are there any Issues with getting them through Customs/Immigration ?

 

[FuzzyNutz]

I've brought a short pole spear on a couple vacations. The only time I was ever questioned was coming through customs on the way back into the country. I was pulled aside as a 'random' search, and when they pulled the spear out and asked what it was for, I said "uhh... killing stuff", got a laugh, and was on my way. It's not a problem to bring 'weapons' with you while you travel, you just can't have them on the plane with you - i.e.: must be inside your checked luggage under the aircraft. Judging by the amount of spears I saw from visitors on the island, I'd say you're not likely to run into any problems.

 

[firstdive2005]

Hi Larry, I have brought a new spear in nearly every trip I do to Coz, and I go there a lot. Not once during a search have the customs guys ever said anything about the spears. They have questioned me on tools. Just pack them safely in your checked. Does your dive op know you well enough to let you use one? Good hunting to you. kev

 

[Dirty-Dog]

+1 for bringing them without any trouble. It's not like Mexican airports aren't used to divers.

 

[mstevens]

must be inside your checked luggage under the aircraft

I strongly recommend asking them to put your checked luggage inside the aircraft rather than under it.

 

[charlesml3]

First of all, Immigration doesn't care. They only care about YOU. Where you came from and how long you're staying. They have zero interest in what you're carrying.

Customs only cares if you're importing goods into the country without paying any required duty taxes. All you have to do is say you're using them while you're there (if they even ask). You can accidentally forget to put them in your dive back for the return trip home.

-Charles

 

[Spearfishing Cozumel]

No problem to bring them John. By law you are allowed to bring 2 spear (guns) a person. Also make sure they are hand powered and not air powered. Pneumatic spears are not allowed. I wanna add to Charles comment that customs not just checks the import of goods. As well they check for example if you bring in goods that are not allowed according to the weapon law (like more than 2 guns or pneumatic). In case of any questions John, tell customs it is fishing gear.

 

[Thomthumb]

I have bought in over a dozen homemade pole spears. No problems in my luggage. The DMs appeciate them when you leave. But the DMs also ask that they are over 20 inches long, so nobody gets stung if the spines get to close to the shooter.

 

[Johnoly]

In case of any questions John, tell customs it is fishing gear.

Ditto what Leo said above. I brought a speargun on my Coz Trip earlier this year and when asked at Coz Customs, I just told them it was fishing gear and they didn't even blink and sent me through. US customs returning was the same question and answer. Not a problem at all.

But don't forget to get a Mexican fishing license which you can get on line and is easy and very cheap if your charter doesn't have one. Don't need no hassle at the dock.

 

[John Larsen]

Thanks every one for the great advice...be in coz in 2 days!