Is Ketamine legal in Mexico?
- Legal status
- Psychotropic substance under Article 245, Fracción III of the Ley General de Salud (therapeutic value but a public-health concern).
- Consequences if caught
- Illicit possession or supply is prosecuted under the narcomenudeo provisions (arts. 473–482 LGS) and federal drug offences.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescription medicine (single-use prescription retained by the pharmacy); acquisition largely restricted to licensed veterinary/medical channels.
- Documentation
- Carry a doctor's letter/prescription; check COFEPRIS guidance for controlled substances. Note some OTC medicines legal abroad are prohibited in Mexico (e.g. codeine, pseudoephedrine — Actifed/Sudafed/Vicks inhalers). Keep medicines in original packaging.
- Ley General de Salud, art. 245 fr. III
- diputados.gob.mx
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 →
