Puerto Vallarta Airport; Everything You Need to Know – 2023

This comprehensive guide to navigating the Puerto Vallarta Airport has been tested and approved by many of Hola Teddy’s best friends! Continue reading to learn how to complete a customs form, tips for avoiding a timeshare sales pitch, and zip through to the taxi stand.

The only remotely stressful part of traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is navigating the airport. During the first few months we lived in Puerto Vallarta, we had nine friends come visit. (How great is that?! No one ever came to visit us when we lived in Durant, Oklahoma, haha!) Because we want everyone to love Puerto Vallarta as much as we do, I put together this thorough Guide to Navigating the Puerto Vallarta Airport. I hope it helps you when you arrive in paradise!

Definitive Guide to Navigating the Puerto Vallarta Airport

On the plane, you will receive a Customs Declaration Form. Make sure you bring a pen so you can fill it out on the plane. Note: sometimes the flight attendants run out of these. If that happens, don’t worry, there will be someone handing them out inside the airport.

First stop: Immigration

NOTE: If you traveled to Puerto Vallarta prior to July 28, 2022, you might remember completing two forms. One of those forms, referred to as an FMM, has been eliminated. When a tourist enters Mexico, the agent will stamp your passport. Inside the stamped area, the agent will write the number of days you are allowed to stay in the country.

• There will be an obvious queue for visitors, which usually moves very quickly. 
• Give the agent your passport. The agent may ask you a few questions, but they usually keep it quick. 
• Agent will stamp your passport, write the number of days you are staying inside the stamped area, and give it back to you.
• Before you leave the agent, make SURE that the agent wrote the correct number of days inside the stamped area. I don’t personally know anyone that has experienced a problem, but have read about tourists inadvertently overstaying their travel visas just because an agent wrote the wrong number.
• You can put your passport in a safe place now.

Second Stop: Pick up checked luggage

• It is a bit of a walk from immigration to the baggage pick up area, but it’s impossible to get lost!
• Pick up your luggage and move to the queue for customs. 

Third Stop: Customs

• Sample form pasted below.
• Customs in Puerto Vallarta is really informal. It literally consists of a random checkpoint.
  • An agent will take your declaration form then point you to a button to push. 
  • Most of the time, you will get a green light. If you get a green light, you are good to keep going.
  • Don’t panic if you get a red light. The agent will direct you to a table where they will make a quick pass through your luggage. If they ask you any questions, just give them a quick explanation for why you have the item. They really don’t care (as long as you don’t have fruit or meat). 

Final Challenge: SHARK TANK! 

• After you get a green light in customs, you will pass through sliding glass doors into what we affectionately refer to as the “Shark Tank”. 
• Here you will find about 100 Mexicanos offering you every kind of timeshare, taxi, tequila, etc.
• Smile. Walk quickly. Eyes straight ahead. If you just have to speak, the perfect phrase is, “no gracias”. 
• Do NOT stop to talk to these folks. They are captivating, but will waste your precious vacation hours! 
• Upon exiting the “Shark Tank” you will see tons of people there to welcome their folks. 
• At this point, you can hire a taxi (rates are set by the government, so as long as you know where you are going, you’re fine).

Forms:

Customs Declaration Form (only 1 form needed per family)

Note: Mexico uses day/month/year format

Recap – Everything You Need to Know About the Puerto Vallarta Airport

If you read this guide closely, you will have no problems navigating the Puerto Vallarta Airport. It is a modern and super clean airport that is a cinch to navigate. Come prepared, and you will be in and out in no time! Now, where is that fruity drink with an umbrella?

Related posts (to help with that fruity drink suggestion!):

16 Best Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone

5 Most Romantic Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta; 2022 edition