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U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Mexico Ahead of Spring Break

The warning is asking travelers to “travel smart” and “be informed."

marako85/Getty Images

The United States is warning travelers heading to Mexico to be aware of their surroundings ahead of the spring break holiday season.

The warning , which was issued this week by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, reminds travelers to “travel smart” and “be informed” as “thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during spring break” each year. The embassy continued that “while the vast majority travel safely,” visitors should be aware of issues with crime, drugs, unregulated alcohol, drownings, and more. 

“Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations,” the embassy warned. “U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.”

The warning also reminded American travelers that drug possession and use is illegal in Mexico, including medical marijuana. It also advised that unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, that counterfeit medication is common, and that guns are illegal in Mexico.

When it comes to the country’s popular beaches, the embassy reminded travelers some beaches may have strong rip tides and “may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.”

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a similar spring break warning last year .

The U.S. Department of State classifies different states in Mexico under different warning levels. While travelers can “exercise normal precautions” when traveling to the Campeche and Yucatan states, the State Department warns them to “exercise increased caution” when heading to places like Baja California Sur (where Los Cabos is), Mexico City, and Quintana Roo (where Cancun is) due to crime.

The State Department also asks American travelers to “reconsider” going to the state of Jalisco, which is home to popular destination Puerto Vallarta , due to the danger of crime and kidnapping.

The State Department recommends Americans who do travel to Mexico keep people at home informed of their travel plans and enroll in the department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to both receive alerts and make it easier to locate them if an emergency occurs.

Travelers heading to international destinations can view all current travel advisories on the State Department's website at  travel.state.gov .

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U.S. State Department warns to avoid parts of Mexico over ongoing violence, kidnappings

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The State Department is urging U.S. citizens to avoid travel to parts of Mexico over fears of kidnappings and other crime across multiple states, renewing warnings as tourists make travel plans for spring break season.

The department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has issued multiple advisories in the last several weeks over the ongoing violence in Mexico. Cartel violence erupted in Culiacan in early January after authorities arrested Ovidio Guzmán , a leader of the Sinaloa drug cartel and son of imprisoned drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

A State Department spokesperson said the safety and security of U.S. citizens is the department’s highest priority, adding that officials are aiming to provide relevant information for people to make travel plans. Rather than issue a nationwide risk assessment for Mexico, the department provides a state-by-state summary .

State Department officials urged U.S. citizens to not travel to the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas over crime concerns.

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The six states have received the strongest warning from the Bureau of Consular Affairs, which cited shootings between gangs that injured or killed bystanders, and kidnappings in which tourists and lawful permanent residents or “green card” holders were targeted.

The Bureau of Consular Affairs issued its last countrywide advisory on Mexico in October and subsequent advisories on individual Mexican states in recent weeks. Officials advise U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Baja California, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos and Sonora due to crime and kidnapping.

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Last month, Orange County public defender Elliot Blair died while on vacation at a resort in Rosarito in the state of Baja California. His family believes the 33-year-old was killed under mysterious circumstances, while Mexican officials have called his death an accident.

U.S. officials also ask tourists to exercise increased caution when traveling in 17 Mexican states, including Quintana Roo, which is home to the popular tourist destination Cancun. There have been disputes in the state between Uber and Cabify drivers and taxi unions, which have turned violent and injured U.S. tourists, according to the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Mexico.

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U.S. State Department Renews Warning About Travel To Mexico — Where It Says Visitors Can Travel This Spring

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Mexico is one of the most popular international destinations for American travelers. Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen particularly draw high numbers of tourists from the U.S.

However, as the spring break and Easter travel season approaches, anyone planning a trip to Mexico this spring must reckon with the sobering news of four Americans who were recently attacked by gunmen while traveling in Mexico.

The four individuals had traveled to Mexico so one could have a medical procedure. Then, in the city of Matamoros in Tamaulipas state, just south of Brownsville, Texas, the four were shot at and kidnapped. Two of them were killed in the gunfire. The other two, one of whom was also shot, have now been returned to the U.S., according to NBC News .

The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico issued a statement reminding U.S. citizens that it previously issued a travel advisory listing Tamaulipas state as a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” area in Mexico.

The natural inclination for anyone planning to travel to Mexico, as well as for family and friends of those prospective travelers, is now to question whether or not it’s safe to visit Mexico.

Zachary Rabinor, founder and CEO of the travel company Journey Mexico, says it’s important to remember that the Americans were killed and kidnapped a long distance from popular tourist destinations in Mexico.

“To put things in perspective, Matamoros is about 1,360 miles away from Cancun,” Rabinor said, according to CNN . “That’s about the equivalent distance from the Texas side of the border to Chicago, Illinois.”

Jaime Lopez-Aranda, a senior security manager at travel risk management firm International SOS, agrees that popular resort areas are still fairly safe.

“It is relatively safe for travelers to head to tourist destinations and major urban centers such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey,” Lopez-Aranda told CNN Travel.

Importantly, the U.S. State Department has issued a number of advisories for U.S. citizens traveling to various Mexican states in recent weeks. Now, as violent crime and kidnapping rates increase across Mexico, Americans considering travel to all but two of the states in Mexico should be aware of renewed and increased warnings, the State Department cautions.

“Violent crime — such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery — is widespread and common in Mexico,” the State Department explains .

“The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted,” the State Department continues. “In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.”

Here are the State Department’s travel advisories for each of Mexico’s states.

Do Not Travel To

The State Department advises U.S. citizens to not travel to five states in Mexico due to increasing levels of crime and kidnapping.

Those states are Colima (where Manzanillo is located), Michoacan, Sinaloa (where Mazatlán is located), Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas (home to Zacatecas City).

Guerrero — where Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, and Ixtapa are located — is also on the State Department’s “Do Not Travel” list because crime is widespread in those areas.

Reconsider Travel To

The State Department advises U.S. citizens to “reconsider travel” to five states in Mexico due to crime and kidnapping.

Those states are Baja California (where Tijuana is located), Chihuahua, Guanajuato (where Guanajuato City is located), Jalisco (home to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta), and Sonora.

The states of Durango and Morelos are also on the State Department’s “Reconsider Travel To” list due to high crime rates.

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To

The State Department advises U.S. citizens to “exercise increased caution when traveling to” 17 areas of Mexico, primarily due to crime rates but also due to the threat of kidnapping in some places.

Those states are Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur (where Cabo San Lucas , San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz are located), Chiapas, Coahuila, Hidalgo, Mexico State, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca (home of Oaxaca City and Huatulco), Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo (where Cancun , Cozumel, Tulum, and Riviera Maya are located), San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz.

Mexico City is also on the list due to high crime rates.

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To

The State Department advises U.S. citizens to “exercise normal precautions when traveling to” Campeche and Yucatan, where Chichen Itza and Merida are located.

Know Before You Go

If you decide to travel to Mexico, the State Department offers some guidance.

“Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos,” the State Department recommends. “Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.”

U.S. citizens with an emergency are also reminded that they can call the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico for help.

U.S. citizens on their way to Mexico are also advised to make a note of U.S. Embassy & Consulates emergency contacts in the area where they will be traveling.

Finally, the State Department recommends international travelers enroll in STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program .

Doing so enables U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate. That way travelers can receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in their destination country, make it easy for the U.S. Embassy to contact travelers in the event of an emergency, and also make it easier for family and friends to contact travelers in case of an emergency.

For more about changing travel conditions in countries around the world, be sure to read our Travel News content, including:

• New Cost To Travel To Europe Delayed Until 2024 — What Visitors Need To Know
• Traveling To Europe This Spring? 5 Countries Where Strikes Could Affect Your Trip
• TSA Is Asking Travelers With Pets To Stop Doing This One Thing — Here’s What It Is

Jim Fulcher has been a writer and editor his entire career. In addition to writing, he also enjoys traveling--particularly in an RV. Over the course of numerous trips, Jim has driven an RV through West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. His favorite national park is Yellowstone, which he has visited three times.

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Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? Here’s What You Need to Know.

A spate of incidents, including a kidnapping and the death of two Americans near the border, have prompted travel warnings from the U.S. government.

By Elisabeth Malkin and Isabella Kwai

Two Americans found dead after they were attacked and kidnapped near the border. Airports shuttered amid gang violence in Sinaloa. Turmoil among taxi drivers in Cancún.

A number of recent security incidents have raised concerns about the risks of traveling to Mexico, where more than 20 million tourists flew last year to visit the country’s beaches, cities and archaeological sites, or to obtain health care .

Ahead of the spring break holiday, a popular time for American tourists to visit the country, the U.S. Embassy issued a travel alert , urging visitors to exercise caution by avoiding dangerous situations and drinking responsibly, among other recommendations. “Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations,” the alert said. And the State Department has warned tourists to steer clear of six states, including the state of Tamaulipas, where the recent kidnapping occurred — and to exercise increased precautions in other popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cancún, Tulum and Mexico City.

An overwhelming majority of visitors enjoy a safe vacation in Mexico, and tourists are largely sheltered from the violence that grips local communities. But the attack and kidnapping of four Americans in the border city of Matamoros, two of whom were later found dead, along with recent disorder in Cancún and violence in early January that forced the closure of three airports in northwest Mexico, is prompting questions about whether the country’s broader unrest is spilling into other destinations.

What happened on the border?

On March 3, four Americans from South Carolina traveling in a white minivan crossed the border from Brownsville, Texas, into the city of Matamoros, in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. One of the Americans was scheduled for cosmetic surgery.

Soon after the Americans crossed the border, gunmen fired on their vehicle and then abducted the group in a pickup truck. Officials later said that two of the group were found dead at a rural location alongside the other two, who had survived.

The Americans were attacked as a result of “confusion,” according to Irving Barrios, the state prosecutor in Tamaulipas. Matamoros has a long history of violence and highway shootouts, though that reputation has partially subsided in recent years. Then, in late February, one gang moved into the city to wrest control of drug sales from another, said Eduardo Guerrero, the director of Lantia Intelligence , a security consulting company in Mexico City.

“There are places in the country where the situation can change abruptly from one week to another,” he said. While the motives in the attack remain unclear, the Americans had “very bad luck,” Mr. Guerrero said, because they likely stumbled into a battle between the two gangs.

What happened earlier this year in Cancún?

Uber has been challenging the taxi unions for the right to operate in Cancún and won a court decision in its favor on Jan. 11. The ruling infuriated the powerful unions, which are believed to have links to local organized crime figures and former governors. Taxi drivers then began harassing and threatening Uber drivers.

The conflict generated widespread attention after a video of taxi drivers forcing a Russian-speaking family out of their rideshare car went viral, and after unions blocked the main road leading to Cancún’s hotel zone. That prompted the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to issue a security alert .

Mr. Guerrero said that the authorities will try to negotiate some kind of compromise, but there was a probability of more violence ahead.

Have authorities curbed violence that might affect tourists?

As a rule, criminals in Mexico are careful not to kill tourists, Mr. Guerrero explained, because doing so “can set in motion a persecution that can last years,” the consequences of which can be “very dissuasive,” he said.

But the rule doesn’t always hold. And in two popular destinations for foreign tourists — Los Cabos , at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, and the Caribbean coast — local and state officials have recently sought help from the United States to take on organized crime that threatened to drive off tourists.

A spasm of violence at the end of 2021 and early 2022 rattled the tourist industry along the Riviera Maya, the 80-mile strip of Caribbean resorts south of Cancún. Two visitors were killed in crossfire between local gangs in Tulum; a gunfight on a beach in Puerto Morelos sent tourists running for cover into a nearby hotel; a hit man gained entry to a luxury hotel in Playa del Carmen and killed two Canadian tourists believed to have links to organized crime.

The federal government sent National Guard units to patrol the beaches, and Quintana Roo state authorities asked U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, to provide intelligence, Mr. Guerrero said. Local authorities, flush with tourism revenues, invested in the police, which is typically the weakest link in Mexican law enforcement.

The joint approach led to a lull in gangland gun battles in Quintana Roo’s tourist areas, and experts say that drug sales to meet foreign demand no longer take place on the street, although they are continuing more discreetly.

The success in tamping down drug violence in Quintana Roo follows a similar improvement in Los Cabos a couple of years ago when U.S. authorities also collaborated with local officials in the state of Baja California Sur. The murder rate soared in Los Cabos in 2017 amid cartel wars, and although tourists were not targeted, that year police chased gunmen into the lobby of a luxury hotel in San José del Cabo, and a cooler containing two heads was left in a tourist area.

What about tourist areas in other states?

Even in states where crime is very high, tourist areas have generally been spared. San Miguel de Allende, a haven for U.S. retirees, is an island of relative peace in a state, Guanajuato, that has been riddled with cartel violence .

The Pacific Coast state of Jalisco, home to the resort of Puerto Vallarta, picturesque tequila country and the cultural and gastronomic attractions of the state capital, Guadalajara , is also the center of operations of the extremely violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel . The cartel’s focus of violence is in the countryside; Puerto Vallarta and the beaches to its north, including the exclusive peninsula of Punta Mita and the surfers’ hangout of Sayulita, are all booming — and, despite drug sales, the cartel’s control seems to limit open conflict.

Mexico City has become a magnet for digital nomads and shorter term visitors , and concerns about violence there have receded. The city’s police force has been successful in reducing violent crime, particularly homicides, and the number of killings has been cut almost in half over the past three years.

Are there any other safety concerns?

Street crime is still a problem almost everywhere, especially in bigger cities and crowded spaces. Kidnapping and carjacking are a risk in certain regions and many businesses that cater to tourists operate under extortion threats. While tourists may not be aware of underlying criminal forces, their power sometimes spills out into the open in spectacular shows of violence.

The attack in Matamoros is only the most recent example. Mexican border cities, which have long endured waves of violence, are not typically tourist destinations, although Americans often cross the border to visit family, seek out cheaper health care or dine at restaurants.

Three airports in the state of Sinaloa, including the beach destination Mazatlán, were closed on Jan. 5 amid gang violence after Mexican security forces arrested Ovidio Guzmán López, a son of Joaquín Guzmán Loera, the crime lord known as El Chapo, who is serving a life sentence in the United States. A stray bullet fired by cartel gunmen shooting at a Mexican military plane as it landed at the airport in the state capital, Culiacán, clipped an Aeromexico plane preparing to take off for Mexico City. Nobody was hurt and the plane returned to the terminal.

In August, gunmen positioned burning cars and buses to block roads around Guadalajara in response to a military raid on a meeting of criminal bosses. In October, a local politician was shot and killed in an upscale steakhouse in suburban Guadalajara as terrified diners crawled to safety.

Pierre de Hail, the president of Janus Group Mexico, a risk management company in Monterrey, is skeptical that security has improved. “There is too much random risk,” he said. “It’s all about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

What precautions should tourists take?

Mr. de Hail recommends researching the resort and news from the area you’re visiting. The U.S. State Department provides state-by-state information about travel risks in Mexico. As of early March, the department had issued its strongest possible warning — Level 4: Do Not Travel — for six states, including Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur are at Level 2, indicating that visitors should exercise increased caution. (By comparison, the same Level 2 advisory is applied to France and Spain.)

The Matamoros incident shows how violence can flare up in places that have been quiet recently. Mr. Guerrero suggests searching on the internet before traveling for news of recent outbreaks.

Mr. de Hail also suggests buying travel insurance in case of a medical emergency or theft, and recommends that tourists keep a low profile to avoid attracting attention, he said, warning that it is easy to misread situations.

As anywhere, common sense should prevail, Mr. de Hail said: Don’t wear expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid dark and deserted places. He recommends making a copy of your passport, remaining alert while walking home at night and not leaving your drinks unattended. “I have had numerous cases of people asking for help because they were extorted coming back from bars,” he said.

He added: “If you’re staying in a place that has a report of strikes or demonstrations, don’t go there. You’re a fish out of water.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Isabella Kwai is a Times reporter based in London, covering breaking news and other trends. More about Isabella Kwai

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La Rioja, Spain:  A drive through rolling vineyards will take you to 5 family-run restaurants  where you’ll find flavorful, affordable dishes you can linger over for hours.

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Travelers to Mexico now see state-specific travel warnings from the US government

Travelers to Mexico heeding U.S. State Department warnings should be aware of new state-specific alerts for various parts of Mexico.

The State Department's official travel warnings for Mexico should be used by travelers to evaluate safety concerns in specific Mexican states, based on a breakdown of risk indicators such as crime and kidnapping for specific destinations, rather than the country as a whole.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

While the State Department normally issues a Level 1 to 4 warning for each country in the world based on concern for the overall safety for travelers, the travel advisory for Mexico was last updated as "Other" on May 2.

Per a State Department official, the change for Mexico warnings is a result of the State Department shifting gears last month away from COVID-19 concerns, which is currently the focus of warnings from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"In March 2021, the Department updated its Travel Advisory framework to more heavily weigh the CDC's COVID-19 Travel Health Notices (THN) levels," a State Department official said. "This meant that from March 2021 to April 2022, our Travel Advisory levels were in most cases directly correlated to the CDC's COVID-19 THN levels."

State Travel Advisories no longer match the CDC's COVID-19 Travel Health Notice levels as of April, which is when the CDC removed every country from its highest Level 4: Do Not Travel warning in an effort to reserve that highest alert level for limited circumstances.

"The Department of State's goal is that U.S. citizens planning travel to Mexico focus on the particular area of ​​​​Mexico to which they will be traveling," they said.

Read more: The difference between CDC and State Department travel warnings

Travelers should continue to view Mexican state-specific advisories like they do country advisories, as they are based on risk factors which include the possibility of tourists encountering concerns related to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, hostage-taking, civil unrest, natural disasters and health.

Mexico's current warning advises travelers should be aware of "widespread and common violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery," while also noting that the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico since travel by government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted.

"In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities," the warning reads.

Additionally, the State Department says travelers should not currently travel to, or should reconsider or exercise increased caution when traveling to 30 of the 32 listed areas.

The Department is currently advising Americans to avoid traveling to the regions of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas "due to crime and kidnapping," while asking tourists to "reconsider travel" to Baja California, Nayarit and Mexico State, among other areas. The language regarding travel to those states has not changed since April but has been expanded to include additional territories.

Earlier this week , Mexico Tourism Secretary Miguel Torruco Marqués and U.S. Ambassador Rena Bitter, the Undersecretary of State for Consular Affairs, discussed the State Department's approach to travel advisories for Mexico, which for much of the pandemic, has warned Americans of travel to certain parts of Mexico due to an increased risk of crime.

Read more: UPDATE: Using new ranking system, CDC removes every country from 'do not travel' list

Marqués reportedly asked the State Department to differentiate between isolated acts of violence that occur near tourist destinations and how those events are positioned as affecting the likelihood of crime visitors may face overall, such as how an event like last week's death of two people in a bar in Cancun ultimately factors into the government's weekly travel advisories.

The tourist secretary pointed out that "some isolated cases of insecurity are found several kilometers from tourist destinations," according to local reporting.

This recent conversation between government officials follows the deployment of 6,000 troops in Cancun, part of an increased security presence in response to crime and drug trafficking issues seen this year, including two fatal shootings in January involving Canadian tourists at a five-star hotel in Playa del Carmen and another incident that killed a bar manager at a nearby beach club .

In addition to the State Department, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, which regularly issues safety updates regarding travel to Mexico , has also issued separate enhanced warnings for travelers this year, including in March when they told Spring Break goers to consider the risk of crime, sexual assault and illegal drug use in popular tourist destinations.

Read more: Americans should consider safety factors beyond COVID-19 when traveling this summer, State Department says

Bottom line

Travel advisories issued by the State Department and those warnings related to COVID-19 via the CDC should be taken for what they are — an official warning from the U.S. government. Traveling abroad always involves an inherent amount of risk as you are stepping off American soil.

"We are committed to providing U.S. citizens with clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions," the State Department official said. "We provide comprehensive safety and security information for every country in the world to help citizens assess the risks of travel."

Should you choose to travel to a country with an elevated travel warning , note that you may not be able to receive assistance from the U.S. government due to limited services being available.

Related: Airlines concerned about safety in Mexico City's airspace

U.S. State Department's Travel Warning on Mexico Remains Ahead of Spring Break

In December, the U.S. State Department renewed its travel warning to parts of Mexico, replacing a previous warning from April of last year. In it, the department warns U.S. travelers about the risk of traveling to 14 of Mexico’s 31 states— including the popular spring break destinations of Baja California Sur, Nayarit, and Guerrero—due to violence and crime. No advisory is in effect for the federal district of Mexico City or the state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Tulum .

Though the warning notes that "there is no evidence that criminal organizations have targeted U.S. citizens based on their nationality," and that " resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico generally do not see the level of drug-related violence and crime that are reported in the border region or in areas along major trafficking routes," it also mentions that in certain Mexican states, U.S. citizens have been the victims of violent crimes, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. As Danica Lo previously reported for Traveler , travel warnings, as opposed to travel alerts, tend to stay in place for much longer, and are often rooted in longer-term instability endemic to a region that poses a risk to travelers.

Mexico is one of the world's top-ten most visited countries; it saw 11.44 million international tourists in 2016 alone. Stats even show that some 50 percent of college students plan a warm-weather getaway for spring break, with Mexico as one of the top destinations. And while it pays to review the State Department’s warnings and alerts, it doesn't always mean you should skip your trip, writes Eric Jordan, who points out that this renewed warning is largely an update about a country where the vast majority of visitors travel without incident every year. Unsure about whether or not your upcoming trip will be affected? Check out the state-by-state breakdown .

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• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Mexico March 12, 2024 There have been reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in people traveling to the United States from Tecate, in the state of Baja California, Mexico.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites, chagas disease (american trypanosomiasis).

• Accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth
• From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink.
• Avoid Bug Bites

Chagas disease

• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Mexico, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Mexico. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Some diseases in Mexico—such as dengue, Zika, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Mexico include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Mexico. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Mexico’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Mexico. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Mexico may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Mexico, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Mexico, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Mexico .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in Mexico, dial 066, 060, or 080. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.

Learn as much as you can about Mexico before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on Mexico from the US Department of State.

Americans in Mexico have been arrested for purchasing souvenirs that were, or looked like, antiques and that local customs authorities believed were national treasures. Familiarize yourself with any local regulations for antiques and follow these tips:

• When you are considering purchasing an authentic antique or a reproduction, ask if you are allowed to export these items before you purchase them.
• If you buy a reproduction, document on the customs form that it is a reproduction.
• If you buy an authentic antique, obtain the necessary export permit (often from the national museum).

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Mexico for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Mexico travel advice

Latest updates: Entry and exit requirements – added information on tax-exempt items

Last updated: September 5, 2024 15:43 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, mexico - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

Regional Advisory - Avoid non-essential travel

• Chiapas, excluding the cities of Palenque via highway 186 from Villahermosa, San Cristobal de las Casas and Tuxtla Gutiérrez
• Chihuahua, excluding Chihuahua City
• Colima, excluding the city of Manzanillo if accessed by air
• Guerrero, excluding the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo if accessed by air
• Jalisco, within 50 km of the border with Michoacán state
• the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park in Morelos
• Michoacán, excluding the cities of Morelia and Patzcuaro
• Nayarit, within 20 km of the border with the states of Sinaloa and Durango
• Nuevo León, excluding the city of Monterrey
• Sinaloa, excluding the cities of Los Mochis and Mazatlán
• Sonora, excluding the cities of Hermosillo, Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Peñasco
• Tamaulipas, excluding the city of Tampico
• Zacatecas, excluding Zacatecas City

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Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico.

If you’re a victim of a crime, you must report it immediately to local authorities. Criminal investigations require that a formal complaint be made in person. You should hire a local lawyer to represent your interests and follow up on your case after you return to Canada. Failure to do so may result in incomplete investigations or long delays in bringing cases to trial.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in Mexico. Remain vigilant in airports, bus stations, buses and the Mexico City metro system.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times,
• Keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• Don’t show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery

Organized crime

Criminal groups, including drug cartels, are very active. ‎Clashes between cartels or gangs over territory, drugs and smuggling routes are common. Armed clashes between security forces and drug cartels can occur without warning.

In some parts of the country, the military, the navy and federal police forces have been deployed to maintain a visible presence and combat organized crime to improve security conditions. They maintain a visible presence and:

If you plan on travelling to Mexico:

• be vigilant
• don’t show signs of affluence
• stay in tourist areas
• be very cautious on the roads, including major highways
• avoid travelling at night
• research your destination thoroughly
• monitor local media for the latest information

Tourist areas

Mexican authorities have made efforts to protect major tourist destinations, resulting in lower levels of gang-related violence in these areas. However, incidents of violent crime still occur in major cities, popular tourist areas and resorts. Fighting between criminal gangs and cartels has taken place in:

• restaurants

Innocent bystanders have been injured or killed. You may be in the wrong place at the wrong time and become a victim of violent crime.

Border areas

Criminal activity and violence occur regularly in border areas. Confrontations between organized criminal groups and Mexican security forces continue to pose a risk. Shootouts, attacks and illegal roadblocks may occur without warning.

The situation is tense in the border area between:

• Mexico and the United States
• Mexico and Guatemala

You should travel to Mexico by air to avoid criminal incidents at international land border crossings.

If you plan to cross an international land border:

• remain extremely vigilant
• use only official border crossings

Armed robbery

Armed robbery occurs frequently. Criminals sometimes follow a victim after they exchange or withdraw money.

Criminals on motorcycles often rob other motorists and pedestrians on the roads.

• Don’t show signs of affluence
• Stay in hotels and resorts with good security
• Don't resist an attack
• Rent cars without stickers or other advertisements for the rental company
• Ensure that you only stop in major centres, at reputable hotels or at secure campsites
• Avoid withdrawing or exchanging money in public areas of the airport
• Don’t leave valuables in the vehicle

Canadian travellers have been physically and sexually assaulted. In some cases, hotel employees, taxi drivers and security personnel at popular tourist destinations were involved. Sometimes, hotel staff are not helpful and try to dissuade victims from reporting the incident to the police.

There are reports of individuals posing as police officers and driving cars resembling police vehicles committing:

• physical assault
• sexual assault

If you are in Mexico:

• avoid walking after dark
• avoid deserted streets at night and isolated areas

Are you a victim of sexual violence?  – Government of Canada and British Embassy in Mexico City

Carjackings

Carjacking is common on roads along the Pacific coast and northern borders. Criminals mainly target:

• camper vans
• sport utility vehicles 
• pickup trucks

If you believe that you’re being followed, go directly to a police station.

Kidnappings

Kidnappings, including express kidnappings, occur frequently throughout Mexico. Kidnappers have targeted foreigners, including Canadians.

If you're kidnapped:

• comply with the kidnappers’ requests
• don’t resist

Express kidnappings may occur in large urban areas. Criminals kidnap the victim from the street or a taxi and force the person to withdraw funds from an ATM. Victims may be held overnight to make a second withdrawal after midnight. Thieves often work in cooperation with or pose as taxi drivers. 

• Only use reputable cab companies or ride-sharing apps
• Avoid hailing taxis on the street
• If you're threatened by armed criminals, stay calm and don’t resist

Home break-ins

Tourists staying in private and rental homes have been the victims of break-ins and burglaries. Make sure you lock windows and doors securely.

Disputes over timeshare arrangements occur. Timeshare sales representatives may be very persistent and often use pressure tactics to make a sale.

Members of criminal groups often pose as real estate representatives offering to buy your property for large amounts for use as a timeshare. They may never pay for the property or charge high administrative fees.

You're legally entitled to cancel a timeshare contract without penalty within 5 working days. It's illegal for timeshare companies to ask you to sign a waiver that prevents you from cancelling a contract. To cancel your contract, you must write directly to the timeshare company.

Before purchasing a timeshare:

• carefully review the contract
• consult a Mexican attorney
• only provide your credit card number if you are sure you want to make the purchase
• keep copies of all correspondence

If you suspect fraud in the real estate procedures, contact the Federal Attorney’s Office of Consumer immediately.

• Federal Attorney’s Office of Consumer (PROFECO)  – Mexican Government (in Spanish)
• Should I buy a timeshare in Mexico?  – Embassy of Mexico in Canada
• Should I sell my timeshare in Mexico?  – Embassy of Mexico in Canada

Online scams

Travellers fall victim to online scams, including phishing emails and romance scams. Certain scams target senior citizens.

 Scam victims are subject to:

• coercion into acting as a drug or money courier for criminal groups
• forced money transfers and withdrawals of funds

Before travelling to Mexico to visit someone you met online:

• be wary of individuals who ask you to carry a package from Mexico on their behalf
• beware of people who show a keen interest in you online

Useful links

• Alcohol, drug and travel
• Warning to Canadian Seniors Targeted by International Drug Smuggling Scams
• Overseas fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs frequently.

When using your debit or credit card:

• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• don't withdraw large sums of cash
• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overcharging

Certain establishments, such as bars or nightclubs, may try to overcharge you.

Discussions about overcharging have turned violent. Tourists have been threatened and forced to pay the bill.

• Always confirm the price of an item before ordering 
• Do not leave an open tab 
• Avoid giving your credit card to bar or restaurant staff 
• Check your bill for accuracy before paying 

Extortion schemes are common in Mexico. Incidences of virtual kidnappings are increasing and are more common than traditional forms of kidnapping.

Virtual kidnappings

Virtual kidnappings are a form of extortion. Victims are neither captured nor detained. Criminals use threats and knowledge of their victim’s personal information to create the impression of a kidnapping and demand ransom from the victim’s friends and family.

Criminals gather information on their victims from a variety of sources, including:

• social media
• watching and eavesdropping on conversations
• phone theft or hacking

Criminals use many tactics in virtual kidnapping. Many of these tactics involve criminals calling potential victims in their hotel rooms, posing as their friends or family members in distress, posing as government officials or claiming to represent criminal gangs.

 Always protect your personal information, both in person and over communications networks.

• When you answer the phone, wait for the caller to speak
• If the caller asks who is speaking, you're threatened on the phone or hear screams, hang up immediately and report the call to the authorities
• Don't discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information with strangers
• Never leave your cell phone unattended
• Ensure your cellphone is password protected and enable two-step verification for your applications
• Don't share personal details to strangers in person, over the phone or on social media, especially when using hotel phones
• Don’t admit visitors to your room

If you believe a friend or family member is the victim of a virtual kidnapping, you should contact the Government of Canada to verify if the kidnapping is legitimate before taking any action or sending ransom money.

Police corruption

Legitimate police officers have demanded money from tourists or arrested tourists for minor offences such as:

• drinking alcohol on the street
• public urination
• traffic violations

They have requested immediate cash payment in exchange for their release. This practice is common in tourist areas.

If this occurs:

• don’t hand over your money or your passport
• ask for the officer’s name, badge and patrol car number
• ask for a copy of the written fine, which is payable at a later date, or insist on going to the nearest police station
• Payment of traffic violations  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Some incidents of assault, rape and sexual assault against Canadian women have occurred, including at beach resorts and on public buses. 

• Always remain vigilant
• Do not accept offers of transportation from strangers
• Avoid walking alone at night

Advice for women travellers

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Mexican law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Mexican society, particularly in rural areas.

2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are disproportionately targeted for violence and can face discrimination.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Spiked food and drinks

There are reports of criminals adding drugs into items that could put you at risk of sexual assault or robbery.

Items include:

• food and drinks

Incidents are most likely to occur:

• in nightclubs
• in bars and restaurants
• on public transportation, including taxis on the street

While you’re in Mexico

• be wary of accepting these items from new acquaintances
• never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers
• order drinks in sealed bottles or cans instead of in plastic cups

Unregulated alcohol

Some bars, restaurants and resorts have served unregulated alcohol. Some travellers have reported getting sick or blacking out after drinking alcohol.

• Buy alcohol from reputable establishments
• Seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick

Alcohol, drugs and travel

Mexico's standards for the height of balcony railings are considerably lower than those in Canada. Falls have resulted in deaths and injuries. Exercise caution when standing close to balcony railings.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur frequently and roadblocks are common during demonstrations. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation, as well as airport closures.

It’s illegal for foreigners to conduct political activity in Mexico, including participating in demonstrations. If you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner, you may face detention, deportation, and the denial of future entry into Mexico.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common and powerful waves make swimming and water sports dangerous. Several drownings occur each year.

Many beaches don’t have warning flags to indicate unsafe conditions and they don’t always have lifeguards on duty.

Lifeguard services do not always meet Canadian standards.

• Consult local residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
• Respect the areas reserved for swimming

Water sports

Tour operators do not always comply with Canadian standards, and many don’t conduct regular safety checks on their equipment.

Canadians have been involved in accidents where operators of recreational vehicles demand compensation exceeding the value of the damage caused to the vehicle or equipment.

If you undertake water sports:

• use a reputable company
• make sure that your travel insurance covers incidents related to this type of recreational activity
• wear appropriate safety equipment, such as helmets and life jackets
• do not use the equipment if you are unsure of its safety
• do not dive if you have been drinking alcohol or using other substances

Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism

Outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, scuba diving, and other extreme sports can be dangerous.

Tour operators may not meet Canadian safety standards.

If you intend to participate in adventure tourism activities: 

• share your itinerary with a friend or family member if you’re alone
• stay on marked trails and consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that covers incidents related to this type of recreational activity
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to tackle the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you have proper equipment and bring sufficient water
• monitor weather conditions and other possible hazards
• refrain from using equipment if you are unsure of its condition or safety

Power outages

Mexico sometimes experiences power shortages.

Power outages could impact essential services, such as:

• public transportation, including flights
• medical services
• the public water supply
• telecommunications
• banking transactions
• the supply of basic necessities

Telecommunications 

The telecommunications network is not reliable in rural areas.

Canadian cell phones generally work in major cities.

Using data plans outside Canada  

Road safety

Fatal accidents are frequent.

Police don’t strictly enforce traffic laws, including for drinking and driving. Police don’t regularly patrol the highways. Crime is common on highways, especially in rural areas.

Toll highways are typically better maintained than secondary highways. 

• Only use frequented rest areas and gas stations
• Avoid travelling after dark
• Only use toll roads and highways
• Fill your gas tank before you travel
• Always keep doors and windows closed and locked
• Don’t hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers
• Road alerts – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Information on roadside assistance – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Pre-paid toll card (in Spanish)

Road conditions

Road conditions vary greatly throughout the country. Many common hazards, including construction and speed bumps, are unmarked and many roads or exits are unsigned.

Road conditions can be dangerous, especially on rural roads, due to:

• abandoned vehicles blocking the road
• sharp curves
• slow-moving vehicles
• stray livestock

Driving habits

Drivers don’t always respect traffic laws and often:

• drive at excessive speeds
• drive aggressive or reckless
• don’t use signals to indicate turns or lane changes
• don’t routinely stop at pedestrian crosswalks 

Vehicles and bicycles often operate without sufficient lights and reflectors.

Illegal Roadblocks

Illegal roadblocks are common. Heavily armed gangs have attacked travellers on intercity highways who fail to stop or pay a ‘toll’.

If you are threatened by criminals, stay calm and don’t resist.

Checkpoints

The military and federal police search for drugs and firearms at checkpoints throughout the country.

Public transportation

Some public and private vehicles are poorly maintained. 

The Mexico City metro is often very crowded and a popular place for pickpocketing. During rush hour, there are metro cars reserved for women and children at the front of the trains.

The Metrobus in Mexico City is generally reliable. There are sections reserved for women and children at the front of the buses.

Crime is common on intercity buses.

• Don’t use mini buses
• Take direct bus routes
• Only use bus companies that offer VIP or executive class transportation travelling on toll roads
• Travel only during daylight hours
• Do not carry large sums of cash
• Exercise caution at bus stations

In Mexico City, all government-authorized taxis have licence plates starting with “A” or “B.” Taxis from designated stands have a company logo and icence plate number on the side of the car.

Official taxis in Mexico City are pink and white. Users can reserve these taxis on the CDMX app.

• Only use officially marked taxis
• Never share a cab with strangers

When arriving at an airport in Mexico, pre-pay the taxi fare at the airport inside or outside the terminal and ask to see the driver’s official identification.

My taxi  – CDMX app (in Spanish)

Ridesharing services

Ridesharing apps are available at some airports.

Disputes between taxi and ride-share service drivers may occur. Although tourists have not been targeted, you may be caught up in these incidents and be harassed or injured. 

If you use a ride-sharing app:

• confirm the driver’s identity and license plate before getting in the car
• use the security features in rideshare apps

Pirates commit attacks and armed robberies against ships in coastal waters in the Bay of Campeche. Travellers should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report  - International Maritime Bureau

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Mexican authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Mexico.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required Business visa: required Work visa: required Student visa: required

Canadians travelling to the northern border zone (within 21 kilometres of the U.S. border) for work don’t need a visa for stays of 72 hours or less.

If your employer is processing your visa for you:

• obtain copies of all correspondence between the employer and the Mexican immigration authorities
• verify that these copies are stamped by the immigration authorities
• request a receipt from your employer for any document that you provide for purposes of obtaining the visa
• don't surrender your passport to your employer

Activities requiring a visa

You may not be able to undertake the following activities while visiting as a tourist:

• volunteer work
• religious/missionary work
• certain types of eco-tourism

For information on the type of visa required for these activities, contact the Mexican Embassy or the closest Mexican consulate.

Travelling to Mexico by Land – Embassy of Mexico in Canada

Tourist card

When you enter Mexico for a stay of less than 180 days, you are required to have a Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) or Tourist Card.

If you enter Mexico by air:

• the immigration official will stamp your passport and note the number of days you are allowed to spend in Mexico, or
• if you are a tourist, you will go through an E-gate kiosk where you will scan your passport and self-register your entry. You will receive a receipt and have 60 days to download your e-tourist card

If you enter Mexico by land:

You must present a completed tourist card unless you stay in Mexico for less than 72 hours within the northern border zone. You can complete the tourist card form online before your arrival. However, you must print the form and present it to the migration official at the port of entry. You can also obtain a tourist card at the immigration office located at the border.

If you don’t obtain a tourist card upon arrival, you may face:

You should keep your tourist card with you at all times as proof of your legal stay in Mexico. You may be asked to show it to Mexican officials when exiting the country or if you are stopped at an immigration checkpoint. If you are unable to show your tourist card or digital tourist card upon departure, you will have to pay for a replacement.

• Portal access for digital tourist card  – Government of Mexico
• Multiple Immigration Form  – Government of Mexico

Length of stay

An immigration official will determine the number of days you can remain in Mexico and note it:

• on your tourist card if you’re entering by land 
• in your passport if you’re entering by air

You may not automatically be allowed to stay in Mexico for a maximum period of 180 days. If you're seeking the maximum number of days, you may be required to:

• explain the purpose of your trip to the immigration official
• provide details about your trip (accommodations, funds, return flight, etc.)
• provide a letter of invitation, if staying in someone’s home

You won’t be able to request an extension or change the condition of your stay from inside the country.

Tourism tax

Most visitors must pay a tourism tax.

This tax is normally included in airline ticket prices. Visitors arriving by road or sea will have to pay this tax at a bank following entry. The bank receipt must be attached to the tourist card for submission at departure.

You don't have to pay this tax if:

• you're entering by land for tourism purposes, and your stay will not exceed 7 days
• you're travelling to the northern border zone for less than 72 hours
• you're travelling to Mexico on a cruise ship

Other entry requirements

Immigration officials may ask you to show them:

• a return or onward ticket
• proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
• proof of accommodations

Mexico has a list of tax-exempt items you can include in your luggage. If you exceed the allowed limits, you will be required to pay an expensive tax and your items may be confiscated. Customs officials pay particular attention to electronic devices, alcohol, and cigarettes. Make sure you carefully read the list of tax-exempt items before travelling to Mexico.

Items you can include in your luggage – Mexico’s National Customs Agency

Dual citizenship

If you enter and leave Mexico as a dual citizen, you must identify yourself as a Mexican citizen and carry valid passports for both countries.

Laws about dual citizenship

Criminal records

Canadians with a criminal record or a warrant for arrest may be refused entry and returned to Canada or to a third country on the next available flight.

• Children and travel

To leave Mexico, children under 18 who are a citizen or resident of Mexico must carry:

• a Mexican Minor Travel Consent Form; or
• a notarized consent form if travelling without a legal guardian
• Mexican minor travel consent form – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 26 August, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Salmonellosis is a common illness among travellers to this country. It can be spread through contaminated food or beverages, such as raw or undercooked poultry and eggs, as well as fruits or vegetables.

Practice safe food and water precautions . This includes only eating food that is properly cooked and still hot when served.

Pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, those over 60 years of age, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.

Cases of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella have been reported among Canadian travellers returning from Mexico. These strains of Salmonella do not respond to some of the recommended antibiotics if treatment is needed.

Most people recover on their own without medical treatment and from proper rehydration (drinking lots of fluids).

• Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Travellers with severe symptoms should consult a health care professional as soon as possible.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The level of risk may vary by:

The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.

Learn more:

Insect bite and pest prevention Chikungunya

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)   is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

The quality of care varies greatly throughout the country. Good health care is available in private hospitals and clinics in major cities, but health care services are limited in rural areas.

Health care from private hospitals and clinics is generally expensive. Most private facilities don’t deal directly with medical insurance companies and will require payment with a credit card in advance or a bank transfer/direct deposit.

Mental health services are extremely limited in Mexico, particularly outside of Mexico City. Services and treatment standards may differ substantially from those in Canada.

Most healthcare providers speak Spanish.

Emergency and ambulance services are widely available. Response times vary widely depending on traffic and availability of services and may be slow in rural areas.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive, and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Contaminated beaches

Storm run-off, sewage or oil may affect the water quality at some beaches. Water can contain bacteria, parasites and viruses and cause illness.

• Avoid swimming in polluted water
• Avoid swallowing water while swimming

Medical tourism

Canadian travellers have had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad.

Before leaving for medical travel, you should do your research, considering:

• the health and financial risks
• the medical facility
• language barriers
• travel insurance coverage

You should discuss your medical plans with your primary healthcare provider in Canada before travelling. Most provincial and territorial health care programs are extremely limited in their coverage offered abroad.

• Ensure that the healthcare providers you choose are authorized by the Mexican health authorities
• Ask to see the credentials of the healthcare providers
• Obtain a written agreement detailing the proposed treatment or procedure
• Travelling outside Canada to receive medical care
• If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return
• Medical tourism  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

Some prescription medications may not be available in Mexico.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining its legality in Mexico. 

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Medication cannot be sent to Mexico from Canada via courier services.

Many types of medication, both over the counter and prescription, are readily available with little oversight. Counterfeit medication is common in certain parts of Mexico.

If you purchase medication in Mexico:

• obtain a local prescription
• exercise caution
• purchase from a reputable location

Air quality

You may experience health problems caused by air pollution in major cities. In Mexico City, air pollution peaks between December to March.

Consult your doctor before booking your trip if you have lung, heart or respiratory problems.

Altitude sickness

Mexico City is 2240 metres above sea level. In some parts of the country, you may experience health problems due to high altitudes.

Altitude sickness can be life-threatening. It may require immediate medical evacuation.

• Know about the symptoms of altitude sickness
• Find out how to prevent or reduce the effects of altitude sickness

Death abroad

If you plan to retire or spend long periods of time in Mexico, or travel there for medical procedures, you should:

• share your plans or wishes with relatives
• make sure important documents can easily be located
• make arrangements in case of your death while in the country
• What if I Die in Mexico?
• Death outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Penalties for breaking the law in Mexico can be more severe than in Canada, even for similar offences.

Foreign nationals are often held in pre-trial detention and there can be lengthy delays before a trial.

Police may detain you for up to 72 hours for many petty crimes including:

• failure to pay a bill
• disorderly behaviour

Detention conditions are below the standards of Canadian prisons.

• The Mexican criminal law system
• Arrest and detention

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Mexico are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Mexico to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Mexican authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Imports and exports

The Mexican government enforces strict laws on the possession, importation and trafficking of firearms and ammunition.

Anyone entering Mexico with a firearm or ammunition without prior written authorization from Mexican authorities is subject to imprisonment.

It is illegal to enter the country with knives with blades longer than 6cm.

Vehicles and boats

Mexico has very strict rules on importing foreign vehicles and boats.

You must enter Mexico with the proper import permit and insurance since it cannot be obtained once you are in Mexico. If you fail to provide the proper permit and insurance, you could:

• face a fine
• have your vehicle seized

You must present a paper document of your vehicle registration to obtain a vehicle importation permit from Mexican authorities. If you present a digital document of your vehicle registration, your vehicle may be refused entry into Mexico.

• Importing foreign vehicles  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Temporary vehicle import application system  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Travelling to Mexico by land  – Embassy of Mexico in Canada

Cigarettes and alcohol 

If you are over 18, you can bring into Mexico up to: 

• 10 packs of cigarettes 
• 25 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco 
• 3 litres of alcohol 
• 6 litres of wine 

If you bring more than the allowed quantities, even if you declare or hand them over to authorities, you will have to pay a hefty import tax.

It’s illegal to remove archaeological artifacts or to export such items from Mexico.

• What is included in your luggage?  – Government of Mexico
• Restricted goods  – Government of Mexico

Smoking and vaping 

Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all public places except for clearly marked designated smoking areas. This includes the following places: 

• beaches 
• hotels 
• markets 
• parks 
• restaurants 

You may be fined or arrested if you’re caught smoking in public. 

Electronic cigarettes

It’s illegal to bring, sell or distribute:

• electronic cigarettes 
• vaping devices 
• vaping solutions 

Customs officials could confiscate these items if you have them in your possession upon arrival. You could also be fined or detained. 

Merchandise that you cannot bring into Mexico – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Mexico.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Mexico, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Mexico.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Mexico, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Mexican court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Mexico to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Identification

Authorities may request to see your identification at any time, including your, tourist card or proof of your legal status in Mexico. Carry your original identification at all times.

Identity documents

The names on your identification must match those on your birth certificate to obtain official Mexican documents, including:

• marriage certificates
• immigration documents

Middle names are often not included in Canadian identity documents. This has caused significant difficulties for many Canadians planning to move to Mexico or dealing with the Mexican Civil Registry. Obtain a Canadian passport that will meet Mexican requirements prior to applying for residency.

Investments

Mexican real estate agents are not licensed or regulated. Disputes related to property acquisition or other investments are costly and take time to resolve.

If you plan to buy property or make other investments in Mexico:

• seek legal advice in Canada and in Mexico before making commitments
• choose your own lawyer
• avoid hiring a lawyer recommended by a seller

Rental accommodations

Rental agreements between two individuals in Mexico are considered a private matter and are not regulated by the government.

If you encounter difficulties with a rental agreement, you must obtain the services of a local lawyer.

You should carry an International Driving Permit.

International Driving Permit

Auto insurance

Mexican liability insurance is mandatory. Canadian automobile insurance is not valid in Mexico.

You can obtain insurance at the Mexican border. You should obtain full coverage, including coverage for legal assistance.

If you’re involved in a traffic accident, you may face serious legal problems, including imprisonment. If you don’t have Mexican liability insurance, you could be prevented from leaving the country until all parties agree that adequate financial satisfaction has been received. If you’re found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of an accident, or if you don’t have a valid driver’s licence, your insurance will be considered invalid.

You could be taken into custody and have your vehicle seized until responsibility for the accident is determined and all fines are paid. You must report any accident you’re involved to the police.

Criminals may deliberately cause traffic accidents and threaten you with violence in order to make insurance claims or request cash from the other party.

Driving restrictions in Mexico City

To reduce air pollution, the Hoy No Circula (No Driving Today) program restricts some cars from driving in Mexico City from Monday to Saturday between 5 am to 10 pm.

Additional driving restrictions apply between February and June when pollution levels are high.

You will face driving restrictions depending on:

• the last digit of your license plate
• where your license plate was issued
• your car’s emission sticker

Hoy No Circula program is strictly enforced. You may face heavy fines and temporary confiscation of your vehicle if you don’t comply. Consult the Hoy No Circula calendar before driving.

Electric and hybrid cars are exempted from these restrictions. Gas-fueled cars of a 2008 model or later may obtain a tourist pass valid for selected drive days.

• Driving restrictions calendar for Mexico City  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Tourist pass  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Ministry of Environment  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

Buying or selling a vehicle

You can only buy a car in Mexico if you are a temporary or permanent resident.

Selling your imported vehicle is illegal in Mexico and is subject to penalties including:

• car seizure
• deportation

The currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso (MXN).

You must declare upon arrival and departure if you carry more than $10,000 USD or equivalent in other currencies in:

• money orders
• any other receivable document 

Failure to make this declaration is against Mexican law and often results in detention.

There is a limit to the amount of U.S. dollars that residents and foreigners can exchange in Mexico, depending on your immigration status. The rule doesn’t apply to Canadian dollars, but some financial institutions, hotels and currency exchange bureaus don’t make the distinction.

Money declaration – Government of Mexico

Mexico is subject to various natural disasters, which can occur at any time.

In the event of a natural disaster:

• monitor local news to stay informed on the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• Secretary of Integrated Risk Management and Civil Protection  – Government of Mexico City (in Spanish)
• Get prepared

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Mexico. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. You could face serious safety risks during a hurricane.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Severe storms outside Canada
• Large-scale emergencies outside Canada
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings – U.S. National Hurricane Center

Severe heat waves occur during the hot season, from April to May in the south, and from July to September along the Pacific Coast.

Know the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, which can both be fatal.

Sun and heat safety tips for travellers

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains can cause flooding and landslides, especially between June and November. They can hamper overland travel, especially in rural areas. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

Landslides — Get Prepared

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Mexico is located in an active seismic zone and there is a risk of earthquakes, aftershocks and landslides.

Earthquakes occur, particularly in Mexico City and the following states:

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of a tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

• Latest earthquakes  - U.S. Geological Survey
• Tsunami alerts  - U.S. Tsunami Warning System

Forest fires

Forest fires may occur, particularly during the dry season from:

• January to June in the centre, north, northeast, south and southeast
• May to September in the northwest

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

• stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments

Daily report on wildfires  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

Mexican authorities are closely monitoring multiple active volcanoes including:

• Popocatepetl

Access to national parks in these areas could be restricted at any time without notice.

Eruptions could occur at any time. They sometimes lead to short-notice evacuations of surrounding areas, and ash clouds may also disrupt domestic and international flights.

Exposure to falling ash and toxic fumes from active volcanoes can affect your health.

If you are planning to travel near active volcanoes:

• consult a physician in advance to determine associated health risks if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• familiarize yourself with local emergency plans
• avoid restricted areas
• be prepared to modify your travel arrangements or even evacuate the area on short notice

In the event of a volcanic eruption:

• Popocatepetl volcano updates – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Colima Volcano  – University of Colima (in Spanish)

Local services

In case of an emergency, dial 911.

Roadside assistance

The Angeles Verdes is a highway patrol service that provides free assistance on all major toll highways from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You can download the App on your mobile device.

In case of an emergency, you can also dial 078 or 800 006 8839 (toll-free in Mexico) to reach them.

Consular assistance

Aguascalientes, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Estado de Mexico, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Michoacán, Morelos, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, San Luís Potosí, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Zacatecas.

Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo north of the municipality of Solidaridad, including Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres and Holbox

Baja California, Sonora

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Mexico, in Mexico City, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Is it safe to travel to Mexico? What to know ahead of spring break.

The latest context and advice about violence, protests and travel warnings from the u.s. government.

As spring break planning heats up, incidents of violence in Mexico continue to make news — leaving travelers to wonder whether a perennially popular destination is safe to visit.

A rash of recent headlines proclaimed that the U.S. State Department was warning against visiting Mexico leading up to the busy vacation season. Although the department has “do not travel” warnings in place for six states, a representative told The Washington Post that it has not updated its travel advisories for Mexico since October.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico have, however, issued a handful of security alerts since January for Ciudad Juárez and several cities in Sinaloa and Quintana Roo states. Reuters reported that an Aeromexico plane was struck by gunfire in early January; the Culiacán airport closed because of violence following the arrest of alleged fentanyl trafficker Ovidio Guzmán, son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

“In light of widely publicized security incidents in popular tourist destinations, please remember that all destinations have some level of risk,” a Jan. 23 alert about taxi disputes in Cancún notes. “Violent crime — such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery — is widespread and common in Mexico.”

Most recently, four U.S. citizens were kidnapped from their vehicle by unidentified armed men in Mexico, the FBI said. The Americans crossed the border Friday into the city of Matamoros , across from Brownsville, Tex. Two were found dead, Mexican officials said Tuesday, and two were rescued and returned to the United States.

A California public defender died in January at a resort in Baja California in what local authorities characterized as a fall from the third floor of the hotel. His family has questioned that ruling, the Orange County Register reported , pointing to analysis of the autopsy that showed injuries inconsistent with a fall.

The United States, of course, has its own problems with violence; mass shootings have averaged more than one a day in 2023, and homicides reached their highest levels in decades over the past few years. Other countries, including Canada , Germany and Australia , routinely warn their citizens about gun crime when traveling to the United States.

Through November of last year, more than 30 million U.S. citizens traveled to Mexico, an increase of 18 percent from the previous year, according to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Here’s what government, security and travel experts say visitors should know.

Tourist drug demand is bringing cartel violence to Mexico’s most popular resorts

More travel news

How we travel now: More people are taking booze-free trips — and airlines and hotels are taking note. Some couples are ditching the traditional honeymoon for a “buddymoon” with their pals. Interested? Here are the best tools for making a group trip work.

Bad behavior: Entitled tourists are running amok, defacing the Colosseum , getting rowdy in Bali and messing with wild animals in national parks. Some destinations are fighting back with public awareness campaigns — or just by telling out-of-control visitors to stay away .

Safety concerns: A door blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet, leaving passengers traumatized — but without serious injuries. The ordeal led to widespread flight cancellations after the jet was grounded, and some travelers have taken steps to avoid the plane in the future. The incident has also sparked a fresh discussion about whether it’s safe to fly with a baby on your lap .

• Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores

The Government of Mexico expresses its concern regarding the US warning against travel

Foreign affairs - tourism joint press release.

Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores | 21 de abril de 2021 | Comunicado

The Government of Mexico expresses its concern regarding the expansion of the U.S. State Department's Level 4 travel advisory to include 180 countries, among which are: Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Spain, and others. This action has a bilateral impact on the reactivation of tourism and connectivity with the North American region.

We are joined to the United States by an extensive and complex common border and a diversity of natural markets, which together with Canada make up one of the main supply chains in the world. In addition, we share communities that reside in both countries and families in both nations. 

In 2019, tourism between Mexico and the United States reached 173,364,000 international visitors between the two countries, with 92,094,000 visitors from the United States traveling to Mexico, and 81,270,000 traveling from Mexico to the United States. This volume of international tourism between the two countries represented a total expenditure of USD 26.873 billion, of which Americans spent USD 18.617 billion in Mexico, and Mexicans spent USD 8.256 billion in the United States.  Limiting tourism and productive and business activities by restricting the movement of travelers between the two countries would represent a loss for the two economies, within our countries, at the border and for the cruise industry.

In addition, in 2019, there were 10,775,249 flights from the U.S. to Mexico, a figure that attests to the increasing connectivity between our countries. This has implications for the intensive tourism and economic and social exchanges, and affects families and communities in both countries. For Mexico, this agenda represented 8.7 percent of GDP in 2018. 

At the global level, Mexico has emphasized the need for equitable and collective responses, since there can be no global solutions if there are countries lagging behind. To combat the pandemic, Mexico has promoted universal inoculation and international cooperation for access to vaccines. Proof of this are its biosafety and vaccination measures, which have placed it among the 15 countries that have received and administered the most Covid-19 vaccines, building international certainty and trust. 

Without denying the serious crisis that the pandemic represents for the world and the region, the Mexican authorities understand the impact that this decision has for both nations and will address the situation with their US counterparts, given that the measure is not directed solely at Mexico, but rather includes a large group of countries.  

Note: The figures used are from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), the Bank of Mexico and the National Migration Institute.

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Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall due to the threat of violent crime.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Mexico (PDF 1007.79 KB)

Americas (PDF 3.29 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 911 or go to the hospital.

Call 911 or go to the local police station.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall.

Reconsider your need to travel to Michoacán (except Morelia and Lázaro Cardenas and the Monarch butterfly reserves), Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in southern Chihuahua and the states of Guerrero (including Acapulco), North-eastern Sinaloa, North-western Durango, South-eastern Sonora (except for the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway), Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.

Reconsider your need to travel to:

• Michoacán (except Morelia and Lázaro Cardenas and the Monarch butterfly reserves)
• Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in southern Chihuahua
• Guerrero State (including Acapulco)
• North-eastern Sinaloa State 
• North-western Durango State
• South-eastern Sonora State (except for the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway)
• Tamaulipas State and
• Zacatecas State

due to high levels of violent crime (including kidnapping and extortion) and their volatile security situation.

• Avoid protests and large public gatherings. These can become violent. It's against the law for foreigners to participate in political activity. 
• Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping. Don't travel at night outside major cities. Drug-related violence is widespread.
• Kidnapping and extortion are serious risks. Don't draw attention to your money or business affairs. Only use ATMs in public spaces and during the daytime.
• Stop at all roadblocks, or you risk getting killed.
• Hurricanes and earthquakes are common in Mexico. Local authorities will direct you to your nearest shelter in the event of a hurricane. Know the earthquake safety measures where you're staying.

Full travel advice: Safety

• Malaria and Zika virus are risks in Mexico. If you're pregnant, ask your doctor about the risk of Zika virus before you travel.
• Mexico has insect-borne diseases, including dengue fever, chikungunya, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
• Parts of Mexico are at high altitudes. Air pollution can also cause health issues, particularly over winter (December to February). Talk to your doctor before you travel if you have heart, lung or breathing issues.

Full travel advice: Health

• Smoking, including vaping, is banned in all public places in Mexico, including beaches, parks, hotels and restaurants. Importing electronic cigarettes and vaping devices is also prohibited. You may be fined or arrested.
• Some activities are illegal for foreigners in Mexico. These include political activity, driving without insurance, and failing to report a road accident. Ensure you understand and follow local laws.
• Possessing or exporting ancient Mexican artefacts and carrying firearms or ammunition without a permit are also illegal. Apply for a firearm permit at a Mexican embassy or consulate before you arrive.
• Although same-sex marriage is legal in Mexico, some parts of the country are conservative. LGBTI travellers should consider limiting public displays of affection.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• If you're visiting for 180 days or less as a tourist, you'll receive a visa on arrival for the duration of your planned stay. You can't extend your visa if you plan to stay longer than advised to the immigration officer on arrival. Mexican authorities advise to avoid being detained or deported, you must complete an online Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) and obtain a QR code. 
• Make sure immigration officials stamp your passport on arrival, as this will state the number of days your visa will be valid. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Mexico for the latest details.
• To cross the land border between Mexico and the US, you must provide a verbal attestation for your reason for travel. Make sure you receive an entry stamp in your passport. 
• Periodic closures of Mexico's land borders with Guatemala and Belize may occur. Check with local authorities before crossing the border or taking a flight.
• If you're taking public transport or taxis, use only first-class buses and official registered taxis. Use ride-share services where possible instead of taxis. Crime levels on intercity buses are high, especially after dark.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy's social media accounts: ( Facebook ), ( X ).
• The  Australian Embassy in Mexico City  can provide consular assistance by email, phone, or appointment.
• You can also  contact the Australian Consulate in Cancún  for limited consular assistance.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Violent crime, violent crime.

Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, especially after dark.

Murder, armed  robbery ,  sexual assault  and  kidnapping  are high risks. These crimes can occur at tourist spots and resorts.

Criminals posing as police officers have committed sexual assault, extortion and robbery. They may drive fake police cars.

Gangs have attacked travellers after they've changed money at airports.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• avoid travelling at night outside major cities, including on major highways
• monitor the media for new safety risks
• don't change large amounts of money at the airport

Crime on intercity buses and highways is common in Mexico.

Thieves have robbed tourists on buses along the Pacific Highway, including from Acapulco to Ixtapa and Huatulco.

Violent carjackings have increased. The northern borders and along the Pacific coast are high-risk areas.

Criminals have attacked tourists on toll roads and highways. The Sonora, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and border regions are high-risk areas.

Organised crime groups have targeted large campervans and SUVs travelling in and out of the United States.

To reduce the risk of crime when travelling by road:

• use ride-share services where possible instead of taxis
• use official taxis from airports and pre-pay your fare at an official taxi company booth in the airport terminal
• use radio taxis or taxis at assigned stands (sitios), especially in Mexico City
• use first-class buses
• only travel during daylight hours and allow enough time to get to your destination before dark
• drive via toll roads (cuota)

Watch out for drink and food spiking, which can occur in bars, clubs and restaurants. You're at higher risk of sexual assault and theft if you get drugged.

Drug and gang violence

Violent crimes related to the drug trade are widespread in Mexico.

Shoot-outs, grenade attacks and car bombings have occurred in public places.

Targeted attacks have increased on the military, government officials and journalists.

You may become a victim of violence directed against someone else.

Federal police and the military use roadblocks and random vehicle checks to deal with drug-related violence.

Drug cartels set up unofficial roadblocks in the northern areas of Mexico to obstruct military and police movement.

Stop at all roadblocks, or you risk getting killed. Comply with the instructions given.

Risks are higher in those areas most affected by drug-related and gang violence, including:

• Northern border states – Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas
• Pacific coast states – Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit and Sinaloa
• Central region states – Guanajuato, Durango, San Luis Potosi and Zacatecas
• State of Mexico and the State of Veracruz on the Gulf coast
• Major cities along Mexico's border with the United States – Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Nogales, Piedras Negras and Reynosa

State of Guanajuato

Violence and drug cartel activity are on the rise across the State. 

Gang members are known to erect roadblocks on major highways. Murders, including mass killings, occur regularly. 

Even as a tourist, you risk getting caught up in violence inadvertently. 

Avoid known hot spots such as Acámbaro, Celaya, Irapuato, León, Salamanca, Silao and Santiago. 

State of Guerrero

The violent crime rate remains high, and the security situation is volatile.

Violent criminal gangs are more active in rural areas than cities.

Acapulco has high levels of violent crime, such as murder and shootings. The resort city is unsafe, especially outside tourist areas. Due to the precarious security situation following damage by Hurricane Otis, there's a threat of armed violence, banditry, and looting in cities and on roads.

Crime risks are lower in the tourist areas of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Taxco and on the toll road to Taxco than in other parts of Guerrero.

Protesters can disrupt toll booths along the road to Taxco, causing delays.

State of Michoacán

Many 'self-defence' groups have formed in the State. They are unpredictable, and the security situation is volatile.

Security near the Monarch butterfly reserves, including on the border with the State of Mexico, has deteriorated due to cartel activity.  

Crime is lower in Morelia city.

State of Tamaulipas

Tamaulipas has widespread criminal activity linked to drug trafficking. Kidnapping and extortion are also common.

State of Quintana Roo

Violent crimes related to the drug trade have occurred in tourist areas of Quintana Roo, such as Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Shoot-outs have occurred in public places, injuring or killing tourists.

State of Zacatecas

Zacatecas has widespread criminal activity linked to drug trafficking. Violence is increasing due to clashes between competing drug cartels. Kidnapping and extortion are common.

Other violent areas

High levels of violent crime and lawlessness occur in:

• the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in southern Chihuahua State
• north-eastern Sinaloa State
• north-western Durango State
• south-eastern Sonora State

Organised crime gangs operate in these regions. The Chihuahua-Pacific Railway is less affected.

The State of Mexico has a high level of violent crime. Murder,  assault , armed robbery, extortion and kidnapping are common.

According to Mexican Government statistics, Baja California Sur and Quintana Roo have reported significant increases in drug-related violence, particularly murder. The states with the highest homicide rates are Baja California Sur, Colima, Quintana Roo, Morelos, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Baja California, Chihuahua, Michoacan and Sonora.

To reduce your risks if travelling to violent areas, stay in:

• tourist areas
• well-known and well-frequented public areas with good access to safe transport in the evenings

To protect yourself from crime in violent areas:

• avoid road travel, especially at night
• avoid isolated locations
• pay close attention to your personal security
• stay alert to possible threats around you
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media for safety or security risks

Other crime risks

Petty crime.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is common. Take care on public transport, at tourist spots, airports, hotels and bus stations.

Thieves often work with or pose as taxi drivers. Be aware travellers have been robbed when using taxis hailed from the street. 

More information:

• Preventing crime and petty theft

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

Kidnapping is a serious risk in Mexico. Kidnapping occurs throughout the country, with the highest number of cases recorded in and around Mexico City, along the Gulf Coast from Tamaulipas to Tabasco states, and in other large cities. Kidnappers target a broad demographic, including foreigners and expatriates. Victims of traditional kidnappings are physically abducted and held captive until a ransom is paid. In some cases, the captors receive a ransom and kill the victim.

Some victims claim police officers are involved in their kidnapping.

Virtual kidnappings target people over the phone to extort money. Kidnappers pose as officials or cartel members and demand payments for the release of a family member they have allegedly detained. If you receive a call or message, contact local police.

Express kidnappings are also regularly reported in Mexico. Kidnappers force victims to withdraw funds from ATMs before they are released.

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited. 

To reduce the risk of kidnapping: 

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings 
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk 
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures 
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone 
• notify family or friends of planned travel and share your location 
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs 
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours 
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone 

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws. 

More information: 

Civil unrest and political tension

Demonstrations and protests.

It's illegal for foreigners to take part in political activity in Mexico.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. They're common and often:

• disrupt public services
• cause traffic delays
• stop movement around affected areas

Protesters may blockade roads.

Public protests in Mexico City are common. Expect protests and potential roadblocks in the states of Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guerrero and Michoacán.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• check local sources for details of possible strikes or unrest
• follow advice from local authorities
• change your travel plans in case of disruptions

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Swimming safety

Even strong swimmers can be at risk from undertows and currents on both coasts of Mexico. Obey the beach warning flags.

Climate and natural disasters

Mexico experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather , such as:

• earthquakes
• volcanic activity

If you're involved in a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• monitor local media and other sources
• contact your tour operator or airline

Register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  to receive alerts on major disasters.

Hurricanes and severe weather

Severe weather occurs in Mexico.

The hurricane season is from June to November. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning.

Landslides, mudslides and flash flooding can also occur, including in Mexico City.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• flights out may fill quickly
• adequate shelter may not be available
• electricity supply, communication networks and transport options may be disrupted. 

To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:

• listen to the instructions of local authorities
• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• identify your local shelter
• monitor alerts and advice from the  US National Hurricane Center  and local authorities

Earthquakes

Mexico experiences earthquakes and tremors each year. Aftershocks are common and can damage already weakened structures.

Earthquakes can disrupt power and communication systems.

Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you stay and visit.

Tsunamis may occur in Mexico.

Receive tsunami alerts by registering with the following:

• Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System
• Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, check local media.

Active volcanoes include the Popocatepetl and Colima volcanoes.  

Volcanic ash from eruptions of these volcanoes can disrupt domestic and international flights and cause airport closures. Exposure to falling ash and toxic fumes from active volcanoes can also affect your health, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments.

• Avoid the affected areas
• Monitor local media to remain informed
• Contact your travel agent or airline regarding airport and flight status
• Be prepared to change your travel arrangements or evacuate the area on short notice
• Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders

The  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  can give you general volcano alerts.

Travel Insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of someone you know, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Mexico. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Malaria  is a risk in Mexico, particularly in:

• the State of Chiapas
• rural areas of Nayarit, Oaxaca and Sinaloa
• some parts of Chihuahua, Durango and Sonora.

Zika virus  is widespread in Mexico. There's no vaccination for Zika virus.

Read the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care page on  Zika virus  for advice on how to reduce your risk.

If you're pregnant, the department recommends that you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas.

In Mexico, there's also a risk of:

• chikungunya
• chagas disease
• leishmaniasis

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider medication to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

High altitude and air pollution can cause health issues in some regions. Pollution peaks in winter from December to February.

If you have heart, lung or respiratory problems, ask your doctor for advice before you travel.

Foodborne, waterborne and other diseases are widespread. These include:

• tuberculosis
• cyclosporiasis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• get vaccinated before you travel
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

• Infectious diseases

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Private hospitals in Mexico City and other major cities provide a reasonable standard of care. Services are limited in rural areas.

Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is very expensive.

Doctors and hospitals are unlikely to work with your overseas travel insurer. You'll need to pay before they'll treat you, even for emergency care.

You can find hyperbaric chambers in major cities and resort towns where scuba diving is popular.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Smoking, including vaping, has been banned in all public places, including beaches, parks, hotels and restaurants. You may be fined or arrested.

Property laws

Property laws and time-share agreements can be complex.

Before you buy or invest in property, do your research and get legal advice.

In Mexico, it's illegal to:

• conduct political activity, including demonstrations
• possess ancient Mexican artefacts or export them from Mexico
• carry firearms or ammunition without a permit, including in Mexican waters
• drive a car without insurance
• fail to report a road accident.

If you need a firearm permit, apply at a Mexican Embassy or Consulate before you arrive.

You're responsible for any illegal items found in rented or borrowed vehicles. This applies even if you don't know they're there.

If you're the victim of a crime and want to report the incident, do so immediately to the nearest branch of the state prosecutor’s office (Agencia del Ministerio Público). A criminal investigation is not possible without a formal complaint to Mexican authorities. Complaints must be made in person before leaving Mexico.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Check if being an Australian-Mexican dual citizen may affect your travel.

Always travel on your Australian passport .

• Dual nationals

Local customs

Although same sex marriage is legal in Mexico, some parts of the country are conservative.

LGBTQIA+ travellers  should consider limiting public displays of affection.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

If you visit for 180 days or less as a tourist, you can get a visa on arrival. Be aware of the date that's stamped in your passport on arrival, as you may not receive the full 180 days. Your visa will expire on the entry stamp date. This is usually for the amount of time you indicate to the immigration officer that you are staying in Mexico.

To avoid being detained or deported, you'll need to:

• fill in an online Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) and obtain a QR code
• make sure your passport is stamped by immigration officials on arrival

You can complete the FMM online before you arrive or on arrival.

If you're entering by road, make sure you get the stamp on your passport at the immigration office  (Instituto Nacional de Migración: Spanish) . These are usually located near, but not directly at, a border crossing.

Present your completed FMM for inspection at immigration if entering by air. You'll need to show it when you leave Mexico.

Border measures

To cross the land border between Mexico and the US, you'll need to verbally provide the reason for your travel.

Periodic closures of Mexico's land borders with Guatemala and Belize may occur. Check with local authorities before crossing the border or travelling by plane.

Confirm your travel and transit arrangements directly with your airline or travel agent. 

Travel via the United States or Canada

If you're  travelling through the US , ensure you meet all current US entry or transit requirements, including if you're transiting through Hawaii. 

If you travel  through Canada , ensure you meet all entry and transit requirements. 

Other formalities

Mexico charges all visitors an immigration fee.

If you arrive on a commercial flight, the cost of your ticket includes the fee.

If you enter by land, the immigration office will arrange for you to pay the fee at a nearby bank. There's no exit tax.

A child under 18 years who's also a citizen or resident of Mexico must carry a  Mexican Minor Travel Consent Form  (Spanish) or a  notarised consent  if travelling with anyone other than their parent or legal guardian. 

You may need a permit if you arrive in Mexico by motor vehicle. Check with the Embassy of Mexico before you travel.

• Advice for people travelling with children

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This may apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport isn't valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian Embassy or Consulate .

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Mexico's official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN).

Declare amounts over US$10,000 or foreign currency equivalent. Do this on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

US dollars are widely accepted in holiday resort areas. You can't generally exchange Australian currency and traveller's cheques in Mexico.

ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Take care as credit card fraud occurs.

Carry cash if you're travelling to rural areas.

Most international hotels and tourist facilities accept credit and debit cards.

Ask your bank whether your ATM card will work in Mexico.

Local travel

Driving permit.

You can use your valid Australian driver's licence to drive in Mexico.

Road travel

Vehicles generally don't stop for pedestrians or indicate when they're turning. Intersections can be confusing, with vehicles coming from unexpected directions.

Strict laws cover insurance and reporting of accidents.

If you drive in Mexico:

• learn local road use and driving rules
• keep doors locked and windows up, even when moving
• use toll roads (cuota) to reduce the risk of crime

If you're a victim of roadside robbery or stopped at a roadblock, do as you're asked.

Driving on rural roads in Mexico is dangerous due to:

• poor road conditions.
• pedestrians and livestock on roads
• inadequate street lighting and signage

Criminals target vehicles, including campervans and SUVs, especially in rural areas.

• Driving or riding

Use ride-share services, where possible, instead of taxis. If this isn't an option, it's best to use registered official taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your hotel. To avoid issues:

• use official taxis from airports
• pre-pay your fare at an official taxi company booth at the airport
• use radio taxis or taxis waiting at assigned stands (sitios), especially in Mexico City

Public transport

Crime levels on intercity buses and highways are high, and the risks increase after dark. See  Safety

Use first-class buses.

Women travelling on public transport should be cautious.

• Transport and getting around safely
• Advice for women

Check  Mexico's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter . It details what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.

Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Ruben Dario #55 Corner of Campos Eliseos, Polanco Colonia Bosque de Chapultepec 11580 CDMX Mexico Phone: +52 55 1101 2200 Email: [email protected] Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au Facebook: Australian Embassy, Mexico City X: Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Consulate, Cancún

EDIFICIO GRUPO VIVO Calle Luciernaga esquina con Avenida Politécnico Región 501, Manzana 13, Lote 7 Cancún, Quintana Roo C.P. 77535, México Email:  [email protected]

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Mexico?

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Safety and security

This guide also has safety advice for  regions of Mexico .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.  

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on  staying safe abroad  and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out  how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Mexico

Terrorist attacks in Mexico cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Political demonstrations are common in Mexico City and can happen across the country. Demonstrations can be tense, confrontational and potentially violent. Onlookers can be quickly drawn in.

It is illegal for foreign nationals to participate in political activities in Mexico. If you join demonstrations, the Mexican authorities may detain and deport you.

Monitor local media and avoid all demonstrations. If you come across protests, move away from the area.

Crime is a risk to foreign nationals in Mexico, particularly in major cities and tourist resort areas. Street crime is a serious issue in these places.

Many Mexican and foreign businesses choose to hire private security. You should:

• research your destination thoroughly
• only travel during daylight hours when possible
• monitor local media
• tell trusted contacts your travel plans

If you want to report a crime, do so immediately at the nearest branch of the state prosecutor’s office (‘Agencia del Ministerio Público’). A criminal investigation is not possible without a formal complaint to the Mexican authorities. You must make a complaint in person before you leave Mexico.

The  Mexico City Command and Control Centre (‘Centro de Atención a Emergencias y Protección Ciudadana de la Ciudad de México’) has information and advice on safety in Mexico City in Spanish.

Take care withdrawing money from ATMs or using exchange offices (bureau de change). Criminals have targeted people using these services. It’s generally safer to use ATMs during daylight hours inside shops or malls. Avoid withdrawing large amounts and watch who is around you while you are at an ATM.

Protecting your belongings

Pickpocketing and theft are common, including on public transport. You should:

• avoid wearing expensive-looking clothing, jewellery or watches
• limit the amount of cash or credit and debit cards you carry
• watch your luggage, even in apparently secure places like the lobby of your hotel

Be wary of criminals posing as police officers and trying to fine or arrest you for no reason. They have targeted travellers driving rental cars.

Some genuine police officers have extorted money from tourists for alleged minor offences or traffic violations. If this happens:

• do not hand over money or your passport
• ask for a copy of the fine, which is payable later
• try to note the officer’s name, badge number and patrol car number

Criminals may try to get your friends or relatives to transfer money to Mexico. This can happen if your phone is stolen or hacked. Before you travel, agree how you will contact friends or relatives and how you would arrange to transfer money.

A common phone scam involves criminals posing as a kidnapped family member or employee and demanding money for their release. They may also claim a relative is being detained. If you are threatened over the phone, hang up and check on your family member or employee’s safety.

Drink and food spiking

Do not leave food and drinks unattended in bars and restaurants. Criminals have robbed or assaulted travellers after drugging them.

Tainted alcohol

Tainted alcohol has caused illness or blackouts. If you have any concerns, get advice from your tour operator or the local authorities.

Sexual assault

Sexual offences have been reported in tourist areas. Take care even in areas close to hotels, and especially after dark.

Kidnapping is more common in some areas of Mexico than others. See Regional risks for areas of higher risk. While tourists are not usually targeted, you should always remain aware of your surroundings.

Short-term opportunistic kidnapping (called ‘express kidnapping’) can happen, particularly in urban areas. Kidnappers force victims to withdraw money at an ATM to secure their release.

Longer-term kidnapping for financial gain also happens, and there have been allegations of police involvement. You should always remain alert and avoid travelling in higher risk areas, especially at night. Be discreet about discussing your financial or business affairs in places where others may overhear you.

Drug-related violence in Mexico has increased over recent years. Do not become involved with drugs of any kind.      

Some areas of Mexico have a high crime rate due to fighting between rival organised crime gangs. In these areas, there is a risk of being caught in the crossfire or of being mistaken for a gang member. While risks are lower in tourist areas, you should:

• take advice from local authorities or your hotel
• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• use reputable tourism or transport companies
• travel during the daytime where possible

Vehicle crime

Stay away from isolated roads and use toll roads (‘cuotas’) whenever possible. Keep car doors locked and windows closed, especially at traffic lights.

Violent carjackings and robberies happen along the Pacific Highway. If you suspect someone is following or watching you, drive to a police station or another safe place. Criminals have targeted large camper vans and sports utility vehicles (SUVs).

Criminals can deliberately cause traffic accidents to make insurance claims or get cash from the other party. They sometimes threaten violence or intimidation. Contact the authorities for support if necessary.

If you are involved in a carjacking, stay calm and surrender your valuables and your vehicle if asked. Resisting demands for your belongings can put you at significant risk of harm.

In remote areas, you may come across unofficial roadblocks, including on main roads. Local groups seeking money for an unofficial toll control these roadblocks. They can become violent and deny entry.

Unlicensed taxis

Unlicensed taxi drivers have robbed and assaulted passengers, including in Mexico City. Use the better regulated ‘sitio’ taxis from authorised taxi ranks or ask your hotel to order you a taxi. At airports, only use authorised pre-paid airport taxi services.

Licensed taxi drivers protesting about Uber have blocked roads near Cancun’s hotels. The protesters have pulled tourists from Uber taxis. Tourists have also missed flights due to roadblocks. Protests can happen without notice. Look for local announcements and follow your hotel’s advice on how to avoid protests.

Public transport

Be alert on public transport, at airports and in bus stations. Theft on buses is common, so keep your belongings safe.

There is a risk of bus hijacking. Try to travel on first-class buses using toll roads, which have a lower rate of incidents than second and third-class buses travelling on the less secure free (‘libre’) roads. Most first-class bus companies perform security checks when passengers board the bus.

Women travelling alone on public transport have been harassed, robbed and sexually assaulted.

Cancun and other tourist destinations

The Mexican government makes efforts to protect major tourist destinations, including:

• Nuevo Vallarta
• Playa del Carmen
• Puerto Vallarta

Criminals have physically and sexually assaulted British travellers in these locations. In some cases, hotel employees, taxi drivers and security personnel were involved. Hotel staff have sometimes been unhelpful and tried to convince victims not to contact police.

Rival criminal gangs have clashed in popular Cancun tourist destinations and surrounding areas. Gangs have not targeted tourists, but violent incidents could affect anyone nearby. Since 2021, several shootings have affected tourists.

Be very cautious after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Stay in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones. Follow advice from the local authorities and your tour operator.

Laws and cultural differences

For information on procedures, local laws or social services, you can contact Mexico City’s public telephone service LOCATEL  on 5658 1111 (English-speaking staff available).

Personal ID

The Mexican authorities can ask to see your passport and entry stamp to prove your entrance and stay. They do not accept copies or photos. To prove your visa status, you can get a digital registry of your entry documents from the Portal de Servicios INM (in Spanish). If you cannot show the correct documents, immigration officers may question and detain you while they check your immigration status. Depending on the outcome, they can deport you.

If you are a resident, the police may ask to see your Mexican residency card. They have detained British people for not having the correct documents.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It is illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices and solutions into Mexico or to buy and sell them. Customs officials will confiscate these items; and they could fine or detain you.

If you smoke or vape in a public place, you can get a fine of up to 3,000 Mexican pesos (about £150).

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for drug offences are severe and convictions carry sentences of up to 25 years.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relations in Mexico are generally tolerated, rather than accepted. Civil unions between same-sex partners are legal in Mexico. People may frown on same-sex couples showing affection in public. Read more  advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Surrogacy in Mexico

Only some Mexican states legally recognise assisted human reproduction, including surrogacy. Before you consider a surrogacy arrangement in Mexico, make sure you:

• learn and follow the relevant laws and regulations
• meet all legal requirements to take the child out of Mexico
• get independent legal advice

For more information, see surrogacy overseas .

Hotel balconies

In some hotels, balcony railings are low and there is a risk of falling.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Adventure sports.

If you take part in adventure sports, including paragliding, skydiving, scuba diving and jet-skiing, be aware equipment may not meet UK safety and insurance standards. British nationals participating in these activities have been injured and, in some cases, killed. Check your travel insurance covers you for all your planned activities.

Make sure the company you use:

• is reputable
• takes safety precautions
• uses up-to-date equipment
• is fully licensed and insured

Swimming safety

Sea conditions can be unpredictable, and some beaches are unpatrolled. Follow coastguard and local authority guidance on whether it is safe to swim.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society. 

Sharks and crocodiles

Shark attacks are rare in Mexico, but you should take care, particularly when surfing. Research the area and follow local advice.

Crocodiles normally live in lagoons and coastal areas in Mexico, including Cancun and Pacific coast resorts. Respect warning signs around lagoons in these areas and do not walk close to the water. Crocodiles have attacked and seriously injured tourists in the past.

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in Mexico, see information on driving abroad .

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Mexico. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1926 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

Driving standards

Driving standards are very different from the UK. Roads can have potholes, and conditions can be unpredictable. Be prepared to stop unexpectedly and beware of vehicles moving slowly, changing lane without indicating and going through red lights. Many drivers do not have car insurance.

Driving restrictions

To reduce pollution, the authorities ban cars entering parts of Mexico City and other places on some days of the week, based on their number plates. For details, check the Hoy no Circula programme (in Spanish).

The authorities strictly enforce these regulations. Offenders face heavy fines and temporary confiscation of their vehicle. Check with your car hire company to see if these rules apply to you.

In Mexico City, vehicles without registration plates from the State of Mexico (‘Estado de Mexico’) or Mexico City are not allowed to enter Mexico City from:

• Monday to Friday, 5am to 11am
• Saturday, 5am to 10pm

There may be further driving restrictions if air pollution is high, generally from February to June.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards .

The hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November and can affect the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Tropical storms and hurricanes cause floods, landslides and disruption to local services, including transport networks. After a hurricane there can still be continued flooding, high winds and rainfall.

Monitor local and international weather updates from the  US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including evacuation orders.

In 2023, Hurricane Otis hit the south coast near Acapulco. This Category 5 hurricane seriously damaged infrastructure along the coast, in Acapulco and between Zihuatenejo and Punta Maldonado. Reconstruction efforts continue to disrupt tourism, and the security situation is unpredictable. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Acapulco.

Earthquakes

There is a risk of earthquakes in most parts of Mexico. Tremors happen regularly, particularly in the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake  or  tsunami . There is also advice from the Mexican Ministry of Civil Protection (PDF) (in Spanish).

If you’re in Mexico City, you can download the 911 CDMX app on iOS or Android (accessible only by local phone numbers), which can warn you 60 seconds before earthquake movement starts. Although useful, this app cannot warn you about all types of earthquake.

Volcanic eruptions

The volcanoes Popocatépetl and Colima are active and closed to the public. The danger zones around both volcanoes change depending on the current level of activity.

There is currently a 7-mile (12km) exclusion zone around Popocatépetl and the alert level is level 2 of the amber tier .

Ash fall from Popocatépetl has previously disrupted air travel and caused flight cancellations at Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City. Check your flight status with your airline or operator. You can also follow Benito Juárez airport on Twitter .

Falling volcanic ash and toxic fumes can affect your health, especially if you suffer from a respiratory condition.

The  Mexican Disaster Prevention Centre has updates on Popocatepetl, Colima and other volcanoes. There is also Mexican government information on Twitter .

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