Is Codeine legal in Mexico?
- Legal status
- Codeine is a controlled narcotic requiring a prescription under the General Health Law (Ley General de Salud, art. 226 fraccion system); COFEPRIS-registered combination antitussives are dispensed on prescription.
- Consequences if caught
- Unauthorised possession or supply is prosecutable as a narcotic offence; prescribed personal use is lawful.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed and dispensed as a controlled narcotic medicine.
- Documentation
- Carry a prescription; codeine is controlled at the pharmacy - a personal-use quantity with documentation is advised.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Mexico’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →