Mexico Travel Guide

Browse the Mexico Photo Gallery

Passports and Visas

All foreign passengers to Mexico must hold a tourist card (FMT form), which is issued free of charge, and obtainable from airlines, Mexican Consulates, Mexican international airports, and border crossing points. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travelers transiting through the United States are required to present a passport, or other valid travel document, to enter or re-enter the United States. Foreign passengers to Mexico should ensure that their passports and other travel documents are in good condition - even slightly torn passports will not be accepted. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Mexico. A visa is not required, for stays of up to 180 days.

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Mexico. A visa is not required, for holders of British passports endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas) or British Subject, nor for for holders of a valid visa for the USA, for stays of up to 180 days.

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Mexico. A visa is not required, for stays of up to 180 days.

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Mexico. A visa is not required, for stays of up to 180 days. Note that visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC Business Travel Card, provided that the card is valid for travel to Mexico (i.e. endorsed with "MEX" on its reverse side).

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Mexico. A visa is required. Note that visa exemptions, for stays of up to 180 days, apply to holders of a valid visa for the USA.

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Mexico. A visa is not required, for stays of up to 180 days.

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Mexico. A visa is not required, for stays of up to 180 days. Note that visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC Business Travel Card, provided that the card is valid for travel to Mexico (i.e. endorsed with "MEX" on its reverse side).

Healthcare

Those entering Mexico from an infected area require a yellow fever certificate. There are no vaccination requirements for visitors to Mexico, however visitors should take medical advice if traveling outside the major tourist areas. A malaria risk exists in some rural areas, but not on the Pacific and Gulf coasts, and dengue fever is on the increase. Sensible precautions regarding food and water should be followed and visitors are advised to be cautious of street food and stick to bottled water. Medical facilities are basic, so medical insurance is recommended.

Safety

There is a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks in public places. Crime is high in Mexico, especially in Mexico City, where robberies and muggings are prevalent. Travelers should avoid displays of wealth and be particularly vigilant on public transport, at stations and tourist sites. Only use authorized taxi services, from the taxi rank. All bus travel should be in daylight hours and if possible it is advisable to travel first class. Women traveling on their own should be alert, especially in tourist areas, as a number of serious sexual assaults have occurred in Cancun recently. Visitors drawing money from cash machines or exchanging money at bureau de change should do so in daylight hours and be especially vigilant on leaving.

There have been reports of tourists being approached by 'questionnaire agents', who use visitors' personal details to mislead relatives about their well-being, so be cautious. Visitors are advised to be wary of people presenting themselves as police officers attempting to fine or arrest them for no apparent reason, leading to theft or assault; if in doubt ask for identification, and, if possible make a note of the officer's name, badge number and patrol number. The practice is most common in Cancun where increasing numbers of motorists in rental cars have been stopped and threatened with imprisonment if an immediate fine is not paid.

Recent reports of the drug cartel wars in Mexico may seem alarming to tourists traveling to Mexico, however most of this violence is concentrated along the border between Mexico and the United States. The violence is generally between drug cartels and law enforcement agents and tourists are generally unaffected provided they keep to tourist zones and do not travel to the affected areas. Hurricanes may affect the coastal areas between June and November.