How Private Jet Customs Work in Mexico

Flying by private jet to Mexico offers a completely different experience from commercial aviation, but there are customs and immigration procedures that every passenger and operator should understand. In this guide, we walk you through the process step by step, with a focus on the advantages of operating from Toluca International Airport (MMTO).

What Happens When You Arrive in Mexico by Private Jet?

Unlike commercial flights where passengers stand in long lines at massive terminals, private aviation operates through FBOs (Fixed Base Operators). These are private terminals that handle everything — from fueling and ground handling to customs and immigration clearance — all in an exclusive setting with VIP lounges.

When landing at an airport like MMTO Toluca, the typical process looks like this:

1. Landing and direct taxi to the FBO. The aircraft parks right in front of the private terminal — no need to pass through commercial terminals.

2. Immigration and customs at the FBO. Immigration and customs agents come directly to the private terminal. At Toluca, customs and immigration services operate full-time for international flights, ensuring efficient clearance regardless of arrival time.

3. Luggage handling. Baggage is unloaded directly from the aircraft to the FBO lounge. No conveyor belts, no waiting.

4. Direct departure. Once procedures are complete — rarely taking more than 20 minutes — passengers walk directly to their private vehicle or helicopter transfer.

The APIS System: Updated Requirements

Mexico has recently updated its APIS (Advance Passenger Information System), implementing a two-step process that applies to all private and charter flights:

First submission: Passenger information must be submitted at least two hours before departure, for both inbound and outbound flights.

Second submission: A confirmation of passengers on board is sent after doors close and before takeoff.

This system allows Mexican authorities to verify passenger information in advance, speeding up the clearance process upon landing.

Important Rules You Should Know

Consistency in operation type. If you enter Mexico as a private non-revenue flight, all legs within Mexico must maintain the same status. Mexican authorities are very strict about this requirement.

Mandatory stops from the Caribbean and Central America. Any aircraft entering Mexico from Central America, South America, or the Caribbean must make a technical stop at either Cozumel or Tapachula for security inspection and customs clearance before continuing to their final destination.

Required passenger documentation:

• Valid passport
• Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) or visa depending on nationality
• Customs declaration (for items exceeding duty-free allowances)

Why Toluca (MMTO) Is the Best Point of Entry

Toluca International Airport has more than eight FBOs offering comprehensive customs and immigration clearance services. Operators on site include Signature Flight Support, Jetex, and Universal Aviation.

Specific advantages of MMTO for customs procedures include:

• 24/7 customs and immigration for international flights
• 4,200-meter runway (the longest in the country), accommodating aircraft of any size
• Less congestion than AICM (Mexico City), which speeds up both landing and clearance procedures
• VIP transfers to the Santa Fe business district in under 40 minutes by ground or 15 minutes by helicopter

Fees and Customs Tariffs

For fiscal year 2026, CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) has adjusted prepayment fees for business aircraft on their first arrival, as well as per-passenger arrival fees. While these fees apply on the U.S. side, they are important to consider when planning cross-border flights between Mexico and the United States.

On the Mexican side, airport and FBO service fees vary by operator and services requested. At Numen Aviation, we coordinate the entire process so you don't have to worry about these details.

Numen Aviation: Friction-Free Clearance

At Numen Aviation, we operate exclusively from Toluca Airport (MMTO), where our team coordinates directly with customs and immigration agents to ensure a smooth clearance process. From pre-flight documentation to the moment you board your transfer vehicle, we handle every detail.

Need to coordinate an international flight?
Contact us at +52 444 234 8942 or message us on WhatsApp for a personalized quote.

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Numen Aviation — Beyond First Class. Private jet charter from Toluca Airport (MMTO), serving Mexico, the United States, the Caribbean, and Central America.