travel to mexico from uk

Mexico Entry Requirements for British Citizens

Mexico Visa Needed

(for stays of up to 180 days)

Tourist Card (FMM) Needed

(if traveling by land)

Citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland must meet a few simple entry requirements to travel to Mexico.

UK passport holders do not need a Mexican visa for short-term visits. However, they must get the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) , often referred to as the Mexico tourist card for Brits , if they’re entering by land.

Find out more about Mexico’s travel requirements for UK citizens in the information below.

What Do UK Citizens Need to Enter Mexico?

There are a few mandatory documents for British citizens heading to Mexico. The following items are required:

• Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) for land travel
• Valid UK passport — the expiry date must be at least 6 months after entering Mexico

The information on the FMM must match the British passenger’s passport.

Mexican immigration officials may ask to see additional documentation from Brits arriving by air.

UK passport holders may enter visa-free when staying for less than 180 days. However, this only applies to visits for tourism or business.

To work, study, volunteer, or visit for other activities , you’ll need to have the relevant type of Mexican visa for British citizens.

Mexico FMM for UK Nationals

The main entry requirement for British tourists and business travelers coming to Mexico by land is the FMM. You can get your FMM through this site.

Despite being referred to as a “tourist card”, the FMM is required by UK nationals visiting for business, in addition to being needed for holidays .

The specifications of the FMM for UK citizens are as follows:

• Valid for a single entry
• Allow visits of up to 180 days
• Consists of 2 parts — when reaching the Mexico border, local authorities will keep a part of the travel document, while UK visitors will be given the other part (slip of paper). The latter must be kept by travelers during the whole trip and be presented when leaving Mexico.

FMM requirements for UK Nationals

To apply, travelers from the UK must simply enter a few details into a brief online form, which can be found on our site. Once registered, the FMM is delivered by email.

Brits will need the following items to complete the FMM application online:

• A current UK passport with a remaining validity of at least 6 months at the time of arriving in Mexico
• A completed Mexican FMM application form registered to the British passport
• A credit or debit card with sufficient funds to pay online the processing fee of the Mexican tourist card
• An accessible email account, to receive notifications about the Forma Migratoria Múltiple

British travelers must show the FMM and UK passport to the authorities upon arrival at the border of Mexico to be allowed to enter.

Documents required to entry Mexico for British travelers

In addition to a UK passport and an FMM, Mexican immigration officials may also ask to see the following :

• Proof of intent to leave the country, such as an onward/return ticket
• Accommodation booking
• Proof of funds to support yourself while staying in Mexico

British visitors who are planning to stay with a friend or relative in Mexico may be asked to provide their address and/or a letter of invitation .

Brits who have goods to declare on arrival in Mexico will need to fill in a customs form beforehand .

Traveling to Mexico with a UK Emergency Travel Document

Mexico accepts UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) instead of a normal UK passport for the following:

• Airside transit

Passengers traveling with a UK ETD will still need an FMM .

UK emergency passports should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry to Mexico.

When leaving Mexico, the ETD must have an entry stamp . If the stamp you received on entry to Mexico has been lost, go to the immigration office at any Mexican international airport to replace it.

The British Embassy in Mexico

The British Embassy in Mexico City is the main diplomatic mission to Mexico and houses the offices of the British ambassador. It also provides consular services to British nationals abroad.

If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged while staying in Mexico, you can apply for a replacement or an emergency travel document from the British Embassy.

The Embassy can also provide assistance to British citizens on other matters. These include preparing or certifying documents, helping find services in Mexico, and giving general information.

We advise Brits traveling to Mexico to register with the Embassy to receive important information. You’ll also have a line of assistance in case of emergency.

Paseo de la Reforma, Torre de Angel 350-Piso 20

06600 Ciudad de México

British Embassy Updates for UK Citizens

British citizens may now easily register with the UK embassy in Mexico. This service allows you to enjoy extra peace of mind by receiving up-to-date information about security and safety in the country.

• Get the latest information from the UK Government to help plan a trip to Mexico.
• Be traced easily if an exceptional situation occurs, such as a natural disaster.
• Allow friends and family to get in contact quickly if emergencies occur at home.

British passengers can easily choose this service when getting a Mexican tourist card. Simply select the option for British Embassy registration on the application form payment page of this website.

British Consulates in Mexico

In addition to the British Embassy in Mexico City, the United Kingdom also has a Consulate General in Cancun . This diplomatic mission provides consular services to Brits living in or visiting the States of Yucatan and Quintana Roo.

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Can I go to Mexico? Travel rules from the UK explained

Travel to Mexico is back on the cards. But is the destination accepting British tourists, and what are the current entry requirements? Here’s everything you need to know.

Is Mexico on the UK's red list?

No, it was removed from the red list on Monday 11 October 2021, which means that hotel quarantine is no longer required for those returning to the UK. And the UK government will no longer manage quarantine hotels from the end of March 2022. 

As of Friday 18 March 2022, all people travelling from Mexico to the UK do not need to take any tests or quarantine when returning to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, as all UK Covid travel rules have been dropped. 

What are the entry requirements for visitors to Mexico arriving from the UK?

Travellers – whether fully vaccinated or not – do not currently need to show proof of a negative Covid test to enter Mexico, but they do need to register on the Mexico Vuela Seguro Platform before boarding their flight to Mexico, and should show the QR code upon arrival at the airport. Depending on where you are staying, your hotel may also ask you to fill in a health questionnaire  on arrival. 

The land border between the US and Mexico is currently closed for all unvaccinated travellers for tourism and recreational travel reasons. It reopened for travellers going to the US who have been vaccinated with WHO-approved Covid vaccines and cargo, trade and healthcare workers on 8 November 2021.

Tourists should fill out an immigration form and keep it on-hand when they enter and leave Mexico. These should be available on your flight, or can be filled out online in advance. 

As with any overseas trip, it’s recommended that you check current travel advice in the days before departing the UK, as this can change regularly. We also recommend purchasing valid travel insurance with Covid cover in case of any changes during your trip.

You can also search using these:

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Trip planning, travel destinations, destination highlights, mexico lifestyles, living & lifestyle, lifestyle planning, real estate, healthcare & wellbeing, leisure assistance, lifestyle assistance, insurance coverages, property assistance, about mexperience, mexico essentials, discover more, mexico entry requirements—for leisure, business or residency.

This guide explains what you need to know about entry requirements when you are visiting Mexico for leisure, for business, or to take up residency here.

Mexico entry requirements for tourists and short term visitors

Mexico visitors permit, fmm.

Passport holders from countries on Mexico’s no visa required list do not need to apply for a formal visa to visit Mexico. They may, instead, use a visitor’s permit, known as a FMM ( Forma Migratoria Multiple ).

For the countries that don’t need a visa , a Mexico Visitor’s Permit (FMM) is issued in place of a visa. Learn more about Mexico’s visitor permit, the FMM .

How long is your Mexico visitor permit valid?

When you enter Mexico as tourist or business visitor, the immigration official at the port of entry will grant you a number of days stay in Mexico and write this on your visitor permit. This will be a maximum of 180 days; but it may be less than 180 days.

Check to see how many days you are granted to determine your exit date.

Learn more about the number of days being granted  to people arriving in Mexico under the auspice of a visitor permit, FMM.

Visitor permits cannot be extended or renewed

The Visitor Permit (FMM) will always expire after the number of days written on the permit: it cannot be extended beyond the number of days the immigration official grants when you arrive in Mexico, even if this is less than the maximum allowance of 180 days; and cannot be renewed.  You must leave the country before it expires.

Your Mexico Visitor Permit, FMM

Do I Need A Visa to Visit Mexico

Entry to Mexico: Essential Information for All Travelers

Regardless of whether you come to Mexico for leisure, for business or to take up residency here, take note of the following:

Required documentation

For a summary of the documentation required to enter Mexico, see Documents required for travel and entry to Mexico

Minors traveling to Mexico alone

Minors traveling to Mexico alone, or unaccompanied by at least one parent or their legal guardian: Read Traveling with Minors to Mexico .

Passport validity

The maximum period of time that a visitor/tourist may stay in Mexico under the auspice of a visitor permit (FMM, see above) is six months.

Therefore we recommend that your passport, regardless of country of origin, should be valid for a minimum period of six months, however long you intend to stay to avoid any potential problems at the port of entry.

Immigration authorities at the port of entry may allow or deny entry of any person into Mexico. If you have a passport that is valid for less than six months and you intend to stay in Mexico for a short period of time —perhaps a vacation— the Immigration Officer might allow you entry, especially if you can show a return air ticket.

Notwithstanding this, we recommend that you and your family members hold passports valid for at least six months from the date you intend to enter Mexico.

For holders of U.S. Passport Cards

U.S. passport cards are less expensive than passport books and can be used by U.S. citizens who cross the border between the United States and Mexico by land or sea. These look like a driver’s license, and are more robust and less bulky than a passport book. You can learn more about Passport Cards on this page of the US State Department web site. If you are a holder of a U.S. Passport Card, please note that this is NOT valid for air travel to Mexico . Passport Cards can only be used to cross the border between the United States and Mexico by land or sea ports. A passport is required for air travel to and from the the United States.

Traveling to Mexico via the United States:

In January 2009 the United States government introduced new rules for travelers entering the country using the Visa Waiver Program (US State Dept). See Also: Travel to Mexico via the USA

Arriving to Mexico by cruise ship

If you are traveling on a cruise ship that visits Mexico, you will be asked to complete a Visitors Permit/FMM (see information above) at your first Mexican port-of-call.  This permit will be valid for a maximum of 21 days.  Ask your cruise company for details.

Traveling in transit through Mexico

As of February 2004 foreigners passing through one of Mexico’s international airports to a third country no longer require a visa or any migratory documentation, provided that they remain at the airport and depart Mexico within 24 hours of arrival. See Also: Entry Procedure at Mexican Ports

Entry requirements for business visits to Mexico

Mexico welcomes business visitors and makes the immigration procedure for short visits straightforward by means of a special section on the Visitor’s Permit described above.

Business visits to Mexico

If you are traveling on business, or representing a company to conduct business in Mexico, and you hold a passport from a country on Mexico’s “ no visa required list ” you do not need to apply for a formal visa to visit Mexico. You can, instead, use a visitor’s permit —the same entry permit and procedures used by tourists to enter Mexico (see section above for full details).

If the country you hold a passport for does not appear on the no-visa list , you should check with your nearest local Mexican Consulate  for details of visa requirements before you travel to Mexico.

Longer-term business visits to Mexico

If you plan to work or live in Mexico longer periods ( more than 180 days ), you will need to apply for a business visit visa.

This visa enables the visitor to live, work and do business in Mexico, provided that certain criteria are satisfied. You can get more detailed information about long-term living and working permits on Mexperience by connecting to the Immigration Page that contains lots of information and advice about living and working in Mexico. See also: Working in Mexico

Entry requirements for residency in Mexico

People wishing to travel to Mexico to live, work, or retire must meet certain criteria to do so. Mexperience has comprehensive sections of information dedicated to these topics of interest:

Residency visas and immigration

Our guide to Mexico Visas and Immigration page gives an overview of the requirements for temporary and permanent residency in Mexico. Also see the regularly-updated  Mexico Immigration FAQs page for the most-commonly asked questions about immigration to Mexico.

Entry Procedure at Mexican Ports

The entry procedure will vary depending on where you arrive in Mexico and whether you arrive as a visitor or as resident. See also: Procedures for Entering and Leaving Mexico

Mexican Customs procedures and allowances

Like all countries, Mexico has policies on what can be brought in to the country without paying duties or taxes.

Your customs allowances when entering Mexico

Allowances are subject to change without notice, but listed below are the principal items followed by some tips about entry to Mexico.

• Personal Luggage: including new and used goods for personal use to include clothes, footwear, personal hygiene and beauty items which, according to the form: ‘reasonably respond to the duration of the trip and that due to its quantities may not be used for commercial purposes’;
• Two photographic or video cameras and twelve rolls of film or videotapes;
• Two mobile phones or pagers;
• One used or new laptop; one used or new printer; one projector;
• Two used or new items of sports gear;
• One CD player or portable music player; one DVD player;
• One musical instrument;
• Three surfboards; four fishing rods; a pair of skis;
• Ten packs of cigarettes (200 cigarettes total), twenty-five cigars OR 200 grams of tobacco (over 18s only);
• Vaping imports banned: The commercial import of vaping products was banned in February 2020; however, small quantities  for personal use by visitors to the country should not be confiscated (vaping itself is not illegal in Mexico); bringing an ‘excess’ deemed reasonable for personal use may cause your entire supply to be confiscated.
• Three liters of liquor AND six liters of wine (if the person is aged over 18 years);
• There is a US$300 tax exemption on items you import (in addition to those already listed above) when you enter the country by means or air or maritime transport; the exemption is reduced to US$50 if you travel in by land, except at Easter, Summer Holidays and Christmas time, when the land exemption limit is increased to US$300.

Please Note:  Refer to the Mexican Customs web site for full details about customs allowances as these limits are subject to change with little or no notice .

MEXICAN CUSTOMS: TIPS & ADVICE FOR TRAVELERS

Bringing prescription drugs to Mexico:  You are allowed to bring prescription drugs into Mexico provided that you have the accompanying documentation which proves a medical need. If you or a member of your family are taking prescription drugs, be sure to take the prescription/doctor’s note with you, which includes the patient’s name and the name of the medication(s) to prove medical need of the drugs you are carrying in case your luggage gets inspected.

Don’t bring firearms or ammunition!   A foreign firearms license is not valid in Mexico ; if you own a gun, don’t take it to Mexico with you and don’t bring any ammunition with you either. The only exception is a firearm and ammunition used for hunting purposes; but you will need to apply for a special permit – contact your local Mexican Consulate . Being in possession of lethal knives, firearms of all types, and even a single round of ammunition is a Federal crime in Mexico: caught in possession of a firearm can land you in very serious trouble—even if you have a license for it that was issued in your home country. See Also: Mexico’s Strict Gun Laws

Type and quantity of items : Don’t bring anything that obviously looks like you’re planning to resell goods; for example, several laptop computers. These items will get heavily taxed or confiscated. Items for personal use will be allowed, new or used, but only in quantities that are commensurate with the definition of ‘personal use.’ If you are carrying large quantities of anything, or if the Customs Inspector believes you are trying to commercialize any of the goods you are carrying, then you may be interviewed further.

Drug smuggling: Every year, foreign nationals are arrested and convicted for drug smuggling in Mexico.  Don’t attempt to smuggle any narcotics – not even small amounts of ‘soft’ drugs, e.g. cannabis/marijuana. You may be required to present documentary evidence for any powerful prescription drugs you need to carry on your person (i.e. doctor’s prescription, see note above about prescription drugs.) Narcotic offenses (use of, import, export, dealing) are likely to land you in a Mexican prison for many years. Don’t expect your consulate to bail you out because it won’t be able to. 20-25 year prison sentences for drug and serious firearm-related offenses are not uncommon in Mexico.

What you may take home from Mexico

Customs allowances into your home country will depend on where you live.

If you are planning to do a lot of shopping in Mexico, you should check at the information desk at (air)port of departure in your home country for the latest duty-free allowances.

Most goods classed as art and craft work are free of import taxes and you can bring as many home as many as you like, provided the quantities would be considered ‘for personal enjoyment’. Check with your local port/customs authorities for details.

The following items are are typical of duty-free allowances in many countries:

• 200 Cigarettes;
• 50 Cigars or 250g of Tobacco;
• 2 liters of wine;
• 1 or 2 liters of liquor (depending on country);
• 60cl of perfume;
• In addition to the above: a US dollar or euro amount of goods, ranging from about US$300-$500, depending upon the country. If you go over the monetary limit, duty and tax is usually payable on the whole amount not just the sum above the limit;
• Exact rates and amounts vary by country/trading block. Check with the information desk at your home country’s port of departure for the latest details on allowances

Leaving Mexico and Consular Contacts

Leaving mexico.

There are some procedures to follow when you depart Mexico, whether you are a visitor, or resident here:

If you are in Mexico as a tourist/visitor: When you leave Mexico, you will need to show your visitor permit you were issued with when you arrived. See also: Your Mexico Visitors Permit, FMM

If you are resident in Mexico be sure to the immigration desk at the airport or land border to show your residency card and get passport stamped before you leave the country . See also: Procedures for entering and leaving Mexico

Foreign Embassies and Consulates

Foreign nationals may be able to get assistance from their country’s consulate.  Read our article about seeking consular assistance in Mexico for further details.

Directory of Mexican Consulates Abroad

Directory of Foreign Consulates in Mexico

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Mexico Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from the United Kingdom to Mexico

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

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Can I travel to Mexico from the United Kingdom?

Most visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mexico.

Can I travel to Mexico if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Mexico without restrictions.

Can I travel to Mexico without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Mexico without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Mexico?

Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Mexico.

Can I travel to Mexico without quarantine?

Travellers from the United Kingdom are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Mexico?

Mask usage in Mexico is not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Mexico?

Restaurants in Mexico are open. Bars in Mexico are .

What you need to know about traveling to Mexico right now

Aug 31, 2021 • 4 min read

Mexico is open to visitors but restrictions apply in some regions once you're there © Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images

Mexico is open for travel but COVID-19 cases remain stubbornly high, particularly in tourist hot spots. Despite this, the county is continuing to welcome visitors with almost no testing and quarantine restrictions—though local restrictions are in place across individual states through a four-tiered traffic light system.

Travelers should check the regulations and recommendations of their government before planning any travel. Currently the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that unvaccinated travelers avoid nonessential travel to Mexico . If you're traveling to Mexico, here's what you need to know.

Can I travel to Mexico right now?

Mexico is open to travelers from all around the world and commercial flights are operating in and out of the country. Travelers who go to Mexico are required to complete a health declaration form and scan the QR code it generates on arrival.

Passengers arriving at Mexican airports may be subject to health screenings including temperature checks. Those showing symptoms of COVID-19 could be asked to quarantine. Travelers entering by land may also be subjected to health screenings and temperature checks. Although a COVID-19 test is not required for entry, US travelers will need to take a COVID-19 test  before flying home to the US.

Read more: Best time to visit Mexico

On March 21, 2020 the US and Mexico closed their shared land border to non-essential travel, and those restrictions have been extended every month since. The current land border restrictions are in place until at least September 21, 2021. 

Mexico is on the UK's red list for travel. This means that any UK citizen or resident who arrives into the UK from Mexio will have to quarantine in a government-approved hotel for 10 days upon arrival.

For travel within Mexico, some restrictions on intercity and interstate transit apply, but those details vary from place to place; the US State Department’s Local Resources section has a comprehensive breakdown .

Will I have to quarantine when I arrive in Mexico?

Anyone who shows signs of COVID-19 upon arrival may be returned to their country of origin or asked to voluntarily quarantine , but it’s not mandatory at this time. The government is strongly encouraging preventative measures like social distancing and hand-washing, with masks required in some parts of the country though not all. A full breakdown of measures can be found here .

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Mexico?

A negative viral COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery is required for anyone traveling by air to the US and they should be performed no more than three days before departure. The US Embassy says results for PCR and antigen tests are reliably available within 72 hours in Mexico. Many hotels, resorts and tour operators provide antigen tests for guests, and some airport have mobile COVID-19 testing stations in departure halls. PCR tests can be performed in hospitals and labortories.

What COVID-19 restrictions apply in Mexico?

Mexico is one of the few countries in the world that doesn't require mandatory testing or self-isolation upon arrival. But that doesn't mean that it's business as usual when you get there. The Mexican government has implemented a four-tier color-coded traffic light ( semáforo) system that corresponds to the level of COVID-19 transmission in each state. What's open depends on the rate of contagion in the area you're visiting. The levels range from green to red , with green for locations where COVID-19 is the least severe and restrictions are at their lowest level. Red is in place for locations where COVID-19 is most severe, and restrictions are at their highest level.

The traffic light system is updated every two weeks and the current restrictions are in place until September 5. However, the Mexican government warns that the classification of each place is subject to change at short notice, especially if there is a sudden increase in transmission.

Read more:  Top 5 road trips in Mexico

Green Level

Chiapas is the only state classified as green. All non-essential businesses are open here without restrictions.

Yellow Level

Baja California , Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Guanajuato , and Yucatán are at yellow level.

Under yellow, markets, supermarkets and golf courses can operate at 100% capacity. Hotels, restaurants, cinemas, theaters, beaches, public parks, theme parks, water parks, and tour guide services are typically capped between 50% and 70% capacity.

Orange Level

Sonora , Durango, Zacatecas , San Luis Potosí , Nayarit, Jalisco , Aguascalientes , Veracruz , Querétaro , Michoacán , Estado de Mexico, Ciudad de Mexico , Morelos , Tlaxcala, Oaxaca , Campeche , and Quintana Roo are at orange. Popular tourist resorts of Cancún ,  Tulum and Playa del Carmen are classified as yellow.

Nonessential businesses are open with stricter capacity limits. Hotels, restaurants, beaches, open-air parks, historical sites and gyms are limited to 50% capacity. Markets and supermarkets can operate at up to 75% capacity. While shopping malls, theaters, museums, and cultural events will be limited to 25% capacity.

Colima, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, Puebla , Tabasco , and Tamaulipas.

Under red level, only essential businesses and services may operate. Hotels are only open to critical workers. Parks open at 25% capacity. Residents are encouraged to remain at home and face coverings are required in public.

COVID-19 snapshot

This story was first published on August 18, 2020 and last updated on August 31, 2021.

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Travelling to Mexico from the UK: Travel Guide

Mystical Mayan ruins, out-of-this-world beaches, amazing cuisine... These are just a few of the reasons UK nationals visit Mexico each year.

But what do you need to know before visiting? What COVID-19 requirements and restrictions are in place? Are there places you shouldn't visit?

In this article we'll outline essential information for those travelling to Mexico from the UK.

Travel: UK to Mexico - Do I need a visa?

Under the tourist visa on arrival scheme, the maximum length of stay is 180 days for a UK national. However, you might not be granted the full period; check the ‘Temporalidad’ section of the visa stamp to find out how long you can stay.

Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.

If you lose your passport, you'll need to pay 600 Mexican Pesos to replace the entry stamp.

Mexico Tourist Card: What is it?

The entry immigration form - or Mexico Tourist Card - should be completed before arrival. While some airlines hand out this immigration form, not all do.

It's quicker and easier to complete the form online, then print out the Tourist Card.

To quote the official Mexico Tourist Card site: "All you need is your passport, flight information, address or name of the hotel where you are staying, and a printer..."

Mexico travel advice: COVID-19 requirements?

• Visitors must be vaccinated
• Covid-19 testing is not required
• Quarantine not required
• Masks recommended in enclosed public spaces including public transport.
• The UK government website states "There are no COVID-19 specific entry requirements regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status."

Are there places I shouldn't go in Mexico?

Yes. Gov.uk has published a map of areas that "The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to".

See the map here . This page also provides further Mexico travel advice. 

The FCDO may advise against visiting certain cities and states - such as Chihuahua and Sinaloa - but with exceptions.

The Mexican Government has dedicated resources to protecting tourist resort areas such as Cancun, but it's still possible to become a victim of robbery, assault and vehicle hijacking.

The FCDO strongly advises visitors not to become involved with drugs, since "Drug related crime and violence is prevalent and is on the increase."

Hurricane season in Mexico

Hurricane season runs from June to November and is likely to impact both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Flooding, landslides, and transport disruption are all possible - and can occur many hundreds of miles from storm epicentres.

Travel insurance for Mexico

The FCDO strongly urges UK visitors to take out comprehensive travel insurance .

Be sure you understand what is and isn't covered by your policy – e.g., will it cover medical costs if you fall ill with Covid-19?

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Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

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Mexico (North America)

Advice for all destinations, vaccinations and malaria risk.

Review both the Vaccination and Malaria sections on this page to find out if you may need vaccines and/or a malaria risk assessment before you travel to this country.

If you think you require vaccines and/or malaria risk assessment, you should make an appointment with a travel health professional:

• How to make an appointment with a travel health professional

A travel health risk assessment is also advisable for some people, even when vaccines or malaria tablets are not required.

• Do I need a travel health risk assessment?

Risk prevention advice 

Many of the health risks experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccines and other measures need to be taken.

Always make sure you understand the wider risks at your destination and take precautions, including:

• food and water safety
• accident prevention
• avoiding insect bites
• preventing and treating animal bites
• respiratory hygiene
• hand hygiene

Our advice section gives detailed information on minimising specific health risks abroad:

• Travel Health Advice A-Z

Other health considerations

Make sure you have travel insurance before travel to cover healthcare abroad.

Find out if there are any restrictions you need to consider if you are travelling with medicines .

Know how to access healthcare at your destination: see the GOV.UK English speaking doctors and medical facilities: worldwide list

If you feel unwell on your return home from travelling abroad, always seek advice from a healthcare professional and let them know your travel history.

Vaccinations

• Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including for example, seasonal flu vaccine (if indicated), MMR , vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
• Courses or boosters usually advised: none.
• Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Rabies; Tetanus; Typhoid.
• Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Hepatitis B.

No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.

Notes on the diseases mentioned above

• Diphtheria :  spread person to person through respiratory droplets. Risk is higher if mixing with locals in poor, overcrowded living conditions.

Risk is higher if travelling to countries where there hepatitis A is circulating in the local population, or to areas where personal hygiene and sanitation is poor.

Risk is higher for those visiting more frequently, staying longer, visiting friends and relatives, children through bites, cuts and scratches and those who may require medical treatment during travel.

• Tetanus :  spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A total of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine are recommended for life in the UK. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available.
• Typhoid :  spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes.You cannot be vaccinated against malaria.

Malaria precautions

• Malaria risk in Mexico is low and is present intermittently throughout the year. In recent years, the states of Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Durango, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa and Tabasco have reported cases. 
• Malaria precautions are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.
• See malaria map – additional information can be found by clicking on the Regional Information icon below the map.
• Low to no risk areas: antimalarials are not usually advised.
• If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever seek medical attention promptly. Remember malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure.

Other Health Risks

Altitude and travel, dengue fever.

There is a risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) in this country.

Please be aware that the risk of COVID-19 in this country may change at short notice and also consider your risk of exposure in any transit countries and from travelling itself. 

• The 'News' section on this page will advise if significant case increases or outbreaks have occurred in this country.

Prior to travel, you should:

• Check the latest government guidance on the FCDO Foreign travel advice and country specific pages for travel to this country and the rules for entering the UK on return.
• Ensure you are up to date with UK recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination.
• You can check this in the FAQ's.
• If you are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 you should carefully  consider your travel plans  and consider seeking medical advice prior to making any decisions.

For further information, see  Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)  and  COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel  pages.

Zika Virus Infection

This country has been categorised as having a risk of Zika (ZIKV) virus transmission.

ZIKV is mainly spread through mosquito bites. The mosquito responsible most commonly bites during daylight hours and is common in towns and cities. 

The illness is usually mild but infection during pregnancy may lead to babies being born with birth defects. There is no vaccine currently available against ZIKV.

Advice for All Travellers

You should practice strict mosquito bite avoidance at all times. Do not travel without adequate travel insurance . Seek pre-travel health advice from a travel health professional 6 to 8 weeks in advance of travel.

Additional recommendations for pregnant travellers or those planning pregnancy

If you are planning pregnancy in the very near future you should consider whether you should avoid travel to this country.

• contact your GP, obstetrician or midwife for further advice, even if you have not been unwell or had any symptoms of ZIKV infection
• use barrier methods of contraception during and after travel and for the duration of your pregnancy, even in you have not been unwell or had any symptoms of ZIKV infection
• If you develop symptoms of ZIKV infection, it is recommended that you avoid becoming pregnant for a further 2 months following your recovery
• 2 months afterwards if you are female
• 3 months afterwards if you are male or if both partners travelled

These measures reduce the chance of sexual transmission of ZIKV and/or the risk of ZIKV infection in pregnancy.

For further information, see Zika virus infection page.

• 116 additional items in the news archive for this country

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Mexico Entry Requirements for UK Citizens

If you’re a British citizen traveling to Mexico, you must understand the entry requirements for your nationality. Checking these rules is a vital step to successfully preparing for your trip.

This page provides a detailed description of Mexico’s entry conditions for UK citizens. It covers:

• Required documents
• Passport requirements
• Entering Mexico from the U.S.
• British embassy and consulates

Mexican Visa Exemption for Canadians

Canadian citizens do not need a visa for Mexico for stays of up to 180 days for either tourism or business trips.

Additionally, you can transit through Mexico as a national of Canada for up to 30 days visa-free.

The visa exemption also applies to holders of a valid Permanent Resident Card or visa issued by Canada.

When do I need a Mexican visa for Canadians?

Those planning to engage in other activities or to stay beyond the permitted visa-exempt period will need to apply for the relevant visa from a Mexican embassy or consulate in Canada.

Types of Mexican visas available to Canadians include work, student, and residency visas, each with its criteria and application process. For the most current visa information and to apply, consult the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate in Canada.

Passport Requirements for UK Citizens Entering Mexico

Your British passport must meet Mexico’s passport requirements for overseas visitors. It’s vital to check that your passport meets these requirements before you plan your trip .

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. It must also have enough space for entry and exit stamps.

Can I enter Mexico with a UK Emergency Travel Document (ETD)?

You're still permitted to enter Mexico if you have an Emergency Travel Document instead of a passport. The document must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

Travel to Mexico From the UK

When planning a trip from the UK to Mexico , it's essential to consider the common flight routes, airline options, and practical information to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Common flight routes between the UK and Mexico

Direct flights from the UK to Mexico primarily depart from major airports such as:

• London Heathrow

Popular Mexican destinations include:

• Guadalajara
• Mexico City

These direct routes are serviced by airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Aeroméxico .

For travelers looking to explore other parts of Mexico, connecting flights can be arranged from these destinations to various airports across the country.

British citizens entering Mexico from the U.S.

If you’re planning on entering Mexico by land from the United States you must understand how to cross the border correctly .

Key documents to consider include:

• FMM tourist card
• Visitax (for Quintana Roo state)
• Driving documents (if traveling by car)

Even if you’re just transiting through the U.S., you may still need entry documents to enter the country. Be sure to check the entry requirements for Mexico and the entry requirements for U.S. before you travel.

British Embassy and Consulates in Mexico

It’s useful to know where the British Embassy and consulates are when traveling in Mexico. This ensures that you know where to go if you require assistance during your trip.

British Embassy in Mexico

The British Embassy in Mexico is located at the following address:

British Embassy in Mexico City

Rio Lerma 71

Col Cuauhtémoc

06500 Mexico City

British consulate in Mexico

There’s a British consulate in Cancun at the following address:

British Consulate General in Cancun

Torre Europea, Office 202

Blvd. Kukulcan KM 12.5

Cancun Hotel Zone

77500 Cancun

FAQs for British Citizens Traveling to Mexico

Below are some common questions for UK travelers going to Mexico.

Do UK citizens need to pay Visitax?

If you’re visiting the state of Quintana Roo, you’re required to pay the tourist tax. This is mandatory for all tourists entering the state.

Do I need a visa to enter Mexico as a British citizen?

No, British citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 180 days. You may need other documents, such as a tourist card and/or Visitax confirmation.

Do I need any vaccinations to enter Mexico from the UK?

No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but it's wise to be up-to-date on routine vaccines . Check health advice for any recommendations before traveling.

Is my UK driver's license valid in Mexico?

Yes, you can drive with a UK driver's license in Mexico, but consider getting an International Driving Permit for longer stays or if you plan to drive extensively.

Visa and entry requirements Mexico

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Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and most EU countries do not need visas to enter Mexico as tourists for less than 180 days. Other Europeans can stay for ninety days. Non-US citizens travelling via the US, however, may need a US visa.

Visas, obtainable only through a consulate (in person or by mail), are required by nationals of South Africa and many developing countries, as well as by anyone entering Mexico to work, to study or for stays longer than six months. Business visitors usually need a Business Authorization Card available from consulates, but nationals of countries exempt from a tourist visa can enter on business for up to thirty days on a tourist card. For more detailed information on who needs a visa, visit the website of the Instituto Nacional de Migración .

Tourist cards and the derecho de no inmigrante

All visitors, regardless of nationality, need a valid passport and a tourist card (or FMM – Forma Migratoria Múltiple ). The only exception applies to visits of less than three days to the 20km, duty-free strip adjoining the US border, into which you can come and go more or less as you please (though you still need a passport or photo ID). Visitors entering by land and passing beyond this Zona Libre (you’ll be sent back at a checkpoint if you haven’t been through customs and immigration) are also required to pay a M$295 derecho de no inmigrante entry fee, payable at a bank. Some land crossings have a bank at the border post, otherwise you’ll need to go to a bank to pay it before you leave Mexico.

Tourist cards are otherwise free, and if you’re flying direct, you should get one on the plane, or from the airline before leaving. A good travel agent should be able to arrange one for you, too, and they’re also issued by Mexican consulates (every major US city and most border towns have one), in person or by post. Finally, failing all these options, you should be able to get tourist cards at airports or border crossings on arrival. However, if they’ve run out, you’ll have to twiddle your thumbs until the next batch comes in, and if your passport is not issued by a rich Western country, you may encounter difficulty in persuading border officials to give you a card at all; it’s therefore preferable to get one in advance. Entering from Belize or Guatemala, it’s not unknown for border posts to run out of tourist cards, or for officials to (illegally) demand a fee for issuing them. To find the address of an embassy or consulate not listed here, see under “Representaciones” at sre.gob.mx .

Most people officially need a passport to pick up their tourist card, but for US and Canadian citizens entering by land, all that’s required is proof of citizenship (an original birth certificate or notarized copy, for instance, or naturalization papers), along with some form of photo ID (such as a driver’s licence). Passports are still best, however.

A tourist card is valid for a single entry only, so if you intend to enter and leave Mexico more than once you should pick up two or three. On the card, you are asked how long you intend to stay. Always apply for longer than you need, since getting an extension is a frustrating and time-consuming business. You don’t always get the time you’ve asked for and at land borders with Belize and Guatemala, they sometimes only give fifteen or thirty days (though they may give you more if you specifically ask). Immigration officers sometimes ask to see bank statements or other proof of sufficient funds for your stay, especially if they judge that you do not look sufficiently wealthy (or are from a developing country).

Don’t lose the tourist card stub that is given back to you after immigration inspection. You are legally required to carry it at all times, and if you have to show your papers, it’s more important than your passport. It also has to be handed in on leaving the country – without it, you may encounter problems and delays. Note that contrary to what crooked border officials may tell you, there is no exit fee when leaving Mexico.

Should you lose your tourist card, or need to have it renewed, head for the nearest immigration department office (Departamento de Migración); there are branches in the biggest cities. In the case of renewal, it’s far simpler to cross any of Mexico’s borders (or even fly to Cuba or Jamaica) for a day and get a new card on re-entry than to apply for an extension; if you do apply to the immigration department, it’s wise to do so a couple of weeks in advance, though you may be told to come back nearer the actual expiration date. Whatever else you may be told, branches of SECTUR (the tourist office) cannot renew expired tourist cards or replace lost ones – they will only direct you to the nearest immigration office.

Mexican consulates and embassies abroad

Australia 14 Perth Ave, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600 t 02 6273 3963.

Belize Corner of Wilson St and Newtown Barracks, Belize City t 223 0193.

Canada 45 O’Connor St, Suite 1000, Ottawa, ON K1P 1A4 t 1 613 233 8988, embamex.sre.gob.mx/canada ; 2055 Peel, Suite 1000, Montreal, PQ H3A 1V4 t 1 514 288 2502, w consulmex.sre.gob.mx/montreal; 11 King St W, Suite 350, Commerce Court W, Toronto, ON M5H 4C7 t 1 416 368 2875, w consulmex.com; 1177 W Hastings St, Suite 411, Vancouver, BC V6E 2K3 t 1 604 684 3547,

w consulmex.sre.gob.mx/vancouver ; 833 4th Ave SW, Suite 1100, Calgary, AL T2P 3T5 t 1 403 264 4819, w sre.gob.mx/calgary .

Cuba 518 C 12 (at the corner of Ave 7ma), Reparto Miramar, Municipio Playa, Havana t 204 7722, w embamex.sre.gob.mx/cuba .

Guatemala 7–57 2ª Av, Zona 10, Apartado Postal 01010, Guatemala City

t 2420 3400, embamex.sre.gob.mx/guatemala ; 5 C 17–24, Zona 3, Quetzaltenango t 7767 5542 to 4, w consulmex.sre.gob.mx/quetzaltenango ; 3-A Av 4-74, Zona 1, Tecún Umán t 7776 8114, w sre.gob.mx/index.php/consulados/tecun-uman .

Ireland 19 Raglan Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 t 01 667 3105, embamex.sre.gob.mx/irlanda.

New Zealand 185–187 Featherston St, Level 2 (AMP Chambers), Wellington

t 04 472 0555, embamex.sre.gob.mx/nuevazelandia .

South Africa Parkdev Building, Brooklyn Bridge, 570 Fehrsen St, Brooklyn, Pretoria 0181 t 012 460 1004, w embamex.sre.gob.mx/sudafrica .

UK 16 St George St, London W1S 1FD t 020 7499 8586, w embamex.sre.gob.mx/reinounido.

USA 1911 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006 t 1 202 728 1600, w embamex.sre.gob.mx/eua ; and in nearly fifty other US towns and cities, including these near the border:

Arizona 1201 F Ave, Douglas, AZ 85607 1 520 364 3107, consulmex.sre.gob.mx/douglas 135 W Cardwell St, Nogales, AZ 85621 t 1 602 287 2521.

California 408 Heber Ave, Calexico, CA 92231–2811 t 1 760 357 3863, consulmex.sre.gob.mx/calexico ; 1549 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 t 1 619 231 8414, consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sandiego .

Texas 301 Mexico Bvd, Suite F-2, Brownsville, TX 78520 t 1 956 542 4431, consulmex.sre.gob.mx/brownsville; 2398 Texas Spur 239, Del Rio, TX 78840–8980 t 1 830 775 2352 or t 1 866 701 7777, w consulmex.sre.gob.mx/delrio ; 2252 E Garrison St, Eagle Pass, TX 78852 t 1 830 773 9255 or 6, consulmex.sre.gob.mx/eaglepass ; 910 E San Antonio Ave, El Paso, TX 79901 t 1 915 549 0003, consulmex.sre.gob.mx/elpaso ; 1612 Farragut St, Laredo, TX 78040 t 1 956 723 6369, consulmex.sre.gob.mx/laredo ; 600 S Broadway St, McAllen, TX 78501 t 1 956 686 0243, consulmex.sre.gob.mx/mcallen ; 127 Navarro St, San Antonio, TX 78205 t 1210 227 9145 or 6, w consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sanantonio .

Duty-free allowances into Mexico are three litres of liquor (or six of wine), plus four hundred cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g of tobacco, plus twelve rolls of camera film or camcorder tape. The monetary limit for duty-free goods is US$300 ($75 if arriving by land). If you are carrying more than US$10,000 with you, you must declare it. For full details, see w aduanas.gob.mx (click on “English” top right). Leaving Mexico, note that it is illegal to take antiquities out of the country, and penalties are serious.

Non-US citizens travelling through the US on the way to or from Mexico, or stopping over there, may need a US visa. If there’s even a possibility you might stop in the US, unless you are Canadian or from a country on the US visa waiver programme (this includes Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Germany, but not South Africa), obtaining a visa in advance is a sensible precaution. Application will normally involve making an appointment for an interview at a US embassy or consulate, which should be arranged as far in advance as possible; visit the website of the US embassy in your country of residence for further details.

Citizens of countries on the visa waiver programme will need to have a machine-readable passport and to apply online for authorization to travel via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization at w cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta (this does not apply to arriving in the US by land); also, if your passport was issued after October 26, 2006, it must have an integrated information chip. On entry you will be given an I-94 or I-94W form. Be sure to return it when you leave the US: if it isn’t returned within the visa expiry time, computer records automatically log you as an illegal alien. If for any reason you do not manage to hand in your form when you leave the US, you can mail it (with a letter of explanation and evidence of your departure from the US) to: DHS-CBP SBU, 1084 South Laurel Road, London, KY 40744, USA.

Many US airports do not have transit lounges, so even if you are on a through flight you may have to go through US immigration and customs. This can easily take two hours, so bear the delay in mind if you have an onward flight to catch.

Border crossings

There are some forty frontier posts along the US–Mexico border. Many of them are only open during the day, and are more or less inaccessible without your own transport. For a full list, see

w apps.cbp.gov/bwt . The main ones, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, are, from west to east:

San Diego, California (San Ysidro)–Tijuana, Baja California.

Calexico, California–Mexicali, Baja California.

Nogales, Arizona–Nogales, Sonora.

Douglas, Arizona–Agua Prieta, Sonora.

El Paso, Texas–Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua.

Laredo, Texas–Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas.

Brownsville, Texas–Matamoros, Tamaulipas.

Border practicalities

Crossing the border, especially on foot, it’s easy to go straight past the immigration and customs checks. There’s a free zone south of the frontier, and you can cross at will and stay for up to three days. If, as likely, you’re heading further south, however, be sure to stop at the Mexican immigration office, pay the M$294 entry fee ( derecho de no inmigrante ), pick up a tourist card (FMM) , and get it stamped and your bags checked. Otherwise, you’ll be stopped after some 20km and sent back to complete the formalities. See “ Entry requirements ”, for more information.

Troubled areas

The area bordering the US, particularly Ciudad Juárez , and also Tijuana, is the biggest hotspot in Mexico’s drugs war . Extra caution should be exercised when crossing this area, especially by car.

If you're planning a trip to Mexico, don't miss our Mexico itineraries and information on how to get there . 

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What Documents Do I Need for Mexico Travel?

• Passport or PASS Card
• Acceptable ID
• Mexico Tourist Card
• Where You'll Show Documents

Remember to Keep Track of Your ID and Tourist Card

• Travel Insurance

StudioLaurent / Twenty20

If you're a U.S. citizen planning a vacation to Mexico, you'll be happy to hear you don't need much in the way of documentation to cross the border. How you are traveling makes a difference, though. The documents you need to travel to Mexico by car or boat differ from what you need if you are flying. Though be aware that no matter which type of transport you choose, you can not travel to Mexico with a Real ID. Read on to discover just what you need to have with you to cross the southern border. 

What documents do I need to fly to Mexico?

To travel between the US and Mexico by air, you must have a valid passport. You cannot fly internationally with a passport card, and you cannot travel to Mexico with a Real ID.

Please be aware that you can no longer use proof of U.S. citizenship, like an embossed birth certificate, with a government-issued photo ID (more on those below) to get into or out of the country. Regardless of your ID choice, you will also need a Mexico tourist card , which you'll be given to fill out on the plane or at the border if you'll be traveling overland.

What documents do I need to travel to Mexico by car or boat?

To travel by land or sea, you can use a passport card or Enhanced Driver's License (residents of some U.S. states can get these) at the border. The documents you need to travel to Mexico by car or boat include:

• A passport or
• A passport card
• Trusted Traveler cards (SENTRI or FAST)
• State-issued Enhanced driver's license (when available)
• Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
• U.S. Military ID with military travel orders
• U.S. Merchant Mariner credential when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
• Native American Tribal photo ID card
• Form I-872 American Indian Card

Outside of a passport, the above documents are valid only for land and sea travel to Mexico. You cannot fly internationally with any ID except a passport.

Tip: It is far cheaper to get a passport at your leisure than to rush a passport just before you need it. If you need to rush a passport application , though, do it yourself—there's no need to pay even more for a passport expediting service.

How do I get a Mexico tourist card?

A Mexico tourist card, also called an FMM, is a government form declaring that you have stated the purpose of your visit to Mexico to be tourism, and it must be carried with you while you are visiting Mexico. Although more than one kind of Mexico visa exists, this is a simple declaration of your intention to vacation in Mexico for no more than 180 days.

It's essentially a standard arrivals card you have to fill in when entering most countries. At immigration, they'll attach a departure card to your passport to hand back when you leave the country. Make sure to fill this out in advance of arriving back at the airport to save time when passing through immigration. 

If you are driving to Mexico, you can get a tourist card at or near the border. If you are flying to Mexico, you will get a tourist card on the plane. 

Where will I need to show my documents in Mexico?

Whenever you cross the border into Mexico, you will need to show your travel documents.

If you are flying into Mexico, you will need to show your travel documents to the Mexico immigration agents before leaving the airport. You may have to show your travel documents again before picking up your luggage. When you leave Mexico by plane, you will need to show your travel documents before you pass through security and board the plane. You'll be expected to hand in your departure card as you pass through immigration, as well, so make sure not to lose it while you're in the country.

If you are driving into Mexico , you will need to show your identification before crossing the border. You will get a tourist card at or very close to the border, and you'll be expected to carry this with you at all times while you're in the country. If you are driving out of Mexico, you will need to show all of your travel documentation before crossing back into the United States. 

You will need to turn your tourist card in when you leave Mexico. And, while it's rare for you to need to produce your ID, if you're driving around the country you may pass occasional checkpoints. The last thing you want is to be taken down to the police station because you can't produce your ID. 

Tip: Don't Forget Travel Insurance 

Travel insurance is a travel essential, so if you're going to be going to Mexico and you're organized enough to be researching which documents you need, there are no excuses for not getting insured.

Suppose something serious happens while in Mexico, you'll need travel insurance. The costs of medical care can often add up to far more than you'd spend on insurance, and if it's so bad that you need to be repatriated to the United States, you could find yourself in seven figures worth of debt. It's not worth taking the risk: get travel insurance. 

Travel Insurance Documents You'll Need

You'll want to bring at least one copy of your travel insurance confirmation of coverage when you're traveling to Mexico. Your confirmation should have the insurance company's phone number on it in case you need to reach them, your policy number, and a thorough explanation of your coverage. We recommend bringing a digital copy and at least one physical copy, that way you'll have access to it at all times. It wouldn't hurt to have a digital copy of your policy terms and conditions either, just in case you need to refer back to it.

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Mexico travel rules: What are the latest restrictions for holidaymakers?

Mexico maintained some of the most laid-back rules throughout the pandemic. so what do you need to show to visit now, article bookmarked.

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While the world’s top travel destinations were closing their borders, imposing tests or weeks-long quarantine, or banning certain nationalities altogether, the Central American nation of Mexico kept its door largely open.

Even in the midst of red lists, amber lists and PCR test chaos, Mexico imposed the bare minimum of rules on international travellers, making it a haven for adventurous types as and when flights resumed for certain portions of the pandemic.

Now many countries have reopened to tourism, what is the situation for visitors to this beach and city favourite?

Here’s everything you need to know.

Do I need to take a test before travel to Mexico?

No - Mexico never had a pre-travel test rule, and you can still journey there without any Covid admin involved.

Do I need to show proof of vaccination?

No - the country never imposed a “vaccine passport” rule on visitors.

Do I need to fill in a passenger locator form?

Mexico did ask visitors to fill in its Vuela Seguro health form - which produced a QR code to be shown at the border - before travel throughout much of the pandemic, but the government dropped this requirement back in January 2022.

Do I need to wear a mask or follow any other Covid guidelines?

The states of Quintana Roo, Coahuila, Nayarit, Baja California Sur, Baja California, Mexico City , Tamaulipas and Nuevo León have all scrapped their mandatory mask rules in recent months - although face coverings are still required in Mexican airports. In other states you may be required to wear masks in crowded or indoor settings.

Do I need a visa?

Most tourists are eligible to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days, although officially the migration officer who inspects your passport has the final say on the duration you may stay in the country. You don’t need a visa, but you will have to fill in an immigration form on your way to the country, and hold on to it to show on your way out.

Immigration officers may ask to see your outbound ticket or details of when you plan to leave the country, as well as details of booked accommodation for your stay.

The Foreign Office also advises: “It is no longer possible to switch immigration status in-country. You can’t enter Mexico on a tourist visa and then change it for a work visa. You must apply at the Mexican Consulate of your normal place of residence in plenty of time before you are due to travel.”

How much time do I need left on my passport?

Your passport should be valid for the entirety of your proposed stay in Mexico.

Any other advice?

It is recommended to stay up to date with your Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid vaccinations.

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Mexico Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Mexico. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Dengue August 14, 2024 Dengue is a year-round risk in many parts of the world, with outbreaks commonly occurring every 2–5 years. Travelers to risk areas should prevent mosquito bites. Destination List: Afghanistan, and Austral Islands (Tubuai and Rurutu), and Bora-Bora), Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, El Salvador, French Guiana (France), French Polynesia, including the island groups of Society Islands (Tahiti, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iran, Laos, Mali, Marquesas Islands (Hiva Oa and Ua Huka), Mauritius, Mexico, Moorea, Panama, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Uruguay
• Salmonella Newport in Mexico May 30, 2024 Some travelers who have spent time in Mexico have been infected with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Newport.
• 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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Mexico Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 22, 2023, mexico - see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. 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. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sinaloa state due to  crime  and  kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• Mexicali Valley:  U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions.  The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
• Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours.  Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as  Tijuana ,  Ensenada , and  Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.  

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.  

U.S. government employees may not travel to the following restricted areas. All areas within the boundaries, including highway and roads unless specifically exempted, are restricted.  

East-Northeast Boundary – The eastern boundary follows the Mexican-Guatemalan border from the southern point on the Pacific coast, along the border, to the northern end point east of Netzahualcóyotl.  

Northern Boundary - From Netzahualcóyotl in a straight line southwest towards the northern limit of Ocosingo.  

Western Boundary - From Ocosingo in a straight line south to El Ocote. From El Ocote in a straight line west to San Francisco Pujiltic. From San Franciso Pujiltic southwest to just north of Mapastepec.  

South-Southwest Boundary - Highway 200 from Mapastepec to Tapachula. All towns along this highway are not restricted. The area to the north of highway 200 defines the southern boundary of the restricted area. From Tapachula, the restricted area boundary is north and east of the city limits and then extends southeast to the Pacific coast at Tres Hermanos San Isidro.  

Tapachula – Travel to Tapachula and within the city limits is not restricted. Highway 225, from Port Chiapas to Tapachula, to include the Tapachula Airport, is not restricted.  

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Ciudad Juarez:  U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border.  Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted.  Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

• U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
• Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura):  U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes.  Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
• City of Chihuahua:  U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
• U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport). 
• U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
• U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
• U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south. 
• Ojinaga:  U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
• Palomas:  U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including  Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. 

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
• Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña:  U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.  

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions: 

• Manzanillo:   U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.  
• Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.  

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

• West and south of Federal Highway 45:  U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state.  Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Areas south of Federal Highway 45D:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:  San Miguel de Allende ,  Guanajuato City , and  surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:

• Taxco:  U.S. government employees must use Federal Highway 95D, which passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, and stay within downtown tourist areas of Taxco. Employees may visit Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park during the day with a licensed tour operator.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , and  Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
• Federal Highway 80:  U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:  Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ,  Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) ,  Chapala , and  Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Federal Highway 15D:   U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Morelia:  U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
• Lazaro Cardenas:  U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the  Monarch Butterfly Reserve  located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Isthmus region:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east.  This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.  
• Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa:  U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:  Oaxaca City ,  Monte Alban ,  Puerto Escondido,  and  Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, 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. 

While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders.  Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.  U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Mazatlan:  U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
• Los Mochis and Topolobampo:  U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.  Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

• Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales:  U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
• Nogales:  U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
• Puerto Peñasco:  U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry:  U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
• San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos):  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits.  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.  U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo.  In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.

U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo:  U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
• Overland travel in Tamaulipas:  U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:  Chichen Itza ,  Merida ,  Uxmal , and  Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
• U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

Travel Advisory Levels

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

British teen ‘gang-raped in Magaluf by mob who invited strangers to join in’

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Eight men have been charged with gang-raping a British teenager at a hotel in Magaluf.

At least five of the group, made up of seven Frenchmen and a Swiss national, are said to have taken turns forcing themselves on the intoxicated 18-year-old while the others molested her at the BH Mallorca Resort hotel last August.

They egged each other on and filmed themselves carrying out the half-hour attack before posting clips to a ‘well-known social media network’, according to newspaper Diario de Mallorca.

Reports at the time of the alleged attack said three initially targeted the teen before one went into the corridor to encourage strangers returning from their own night out to have ‘free sex’ with her.

All eight suspects being held on remand in prison in Majorca or on the Spanish mainland and are expected to remain behind bars until their trial.

Five of the men have been charged with rape and three with sexual assault. Other charges laid include mistreatment and privacy crimes relating to the publication of the mobile phone videos.

The investigating judge found evidence pointing to one of the suspects filming 14 videos lasting 170 seconds, and another filming five videos lasting 142 seconds, according to Diario de Mallorca.

No date for the men’s trial has yet been set and it was not immediately clear this morning if prosecutors or lawyers acting for the victim have already said what prison sentences they are seeking for the men if they end up being convicted as charged.

Six of the suspects, five Frenchmen and a Swiss national aged 18 to 26, were taken into custody in Majorca shortly after the alleged gang-rape.

Another two were subsequently held in France on a European Arrest Warrant issued by a Spanish judge and extradited.

After the incident involving the British teenager, the BH Mallorca Resort said it was cooperating fully with the authorities and offered its support to the unnamed holidaymaker.

A spokesman said in a statement at the time: ‘The BH Mallorca Resort deeply regrets what has happened and would like to manifest its firm and forceful repudiation of the alleged sexual attack that occurred in the early hours of Monday August 14 at the hotel.

‘The hotel also wants to demonstrate its solidarity with the alleged victim of this aggression.

‘We are co-operating fully with the Civil Guard and its investigators in everything they consider to be necessary.

‘This hotel ratifies through this statement its commitment to the condemnation of all types of sexual attacks that affect peoples’ dignity and physical integrity.

‘Behaviour that undermines those rights has no place in this establishment.’

Police said in a statement after the last of the eight arrests: ‘The Civil Guard has closed the investigation sparked by the alleged gang rape that took place in a hotel in Magaluf in the early hours of August 14, 2023.

‘Officers saw early on the complexity of the investigation, as the alleged aggressors didn’t form part of the same group of friends but encouraged by other participants, had allegedly joined the group action in sporadic acts, meaning no type of relationship existed between them.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

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Mexico City travel guide: art and design

Being in Mexico City feels, I imagine, like being in Paris in the 1920s, or London in the 1960s: at the epicentre of a new world. 

Art, design, music, fashion, food… Mexico's thriving capital wasn't named Time Out's 2023 top cultural destination in the world for nothing. A high-altitude valley ringed by mountains is an appropriately dramatic setting for a megalopolis built on ancient ruins: the famed Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. Even for this lifelong Londoner, the sheer scale of Mexico City is dizzying. I was grateful for the 17th-floor rooftop restaurant of my hotel, the Andaz Mexico City Condesa : its 360-degree views of the city, with the high rises of the bohemian La Condesa neighbourhood reflected in the infinity pool, offer a way to get your bearings. 

There's so much to do in a city of over 20 million people that it's best to narrow your focus. With its 170 museums, innumerable galleries, a world-famous annual art fair, architectural history and punchy street murals, the home of Frida Kahlo sits deservedly alongside Rome or Barcelona as an art capital of the world. If you know your avant-garde from your art deco, this is the city for you. 

What to see and do

The newly opened hotel, Andaz's second in Mexico and 25th globally, is inspired by the work of famed Mexican architect Luis Barragán, so it would be spurious not to begin with Casa Estudio Luis Barragán , the studio-turned-museum of the 20th-century titan, 10 minutes' walk away.

The nearly intact 1948 building is considered one of the most important 20th-century homes. It blends modern landscaping with light, colour and clever use of corners to bring the outdoors inside, emblematic of Barragán's style. This stylish-but-soothing Unesco World Heritage Site, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, will give you the worst kind of interior design envy – and that's to say nothing of its art collection, with works by Picasso and homegrown Diego Rivera. The warm, glowing pink walls make Farrow & Ball's Dead Salmon look like… well, dead salmon. 

Head around the corner to the tiny Kurimanzutto , a large warehouse room that's one of Mexico City's trendiest galleries and contemporary art spaces, showcasing 33 international artists.

Next, walk via the artificial 19th-century lake to another of the many artistic offerings in the bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec forest): the National Museum of Anthropology . It's an ode to the country's rich pre-Hispanic history, and one of the world's foremost archaeological museums. Contemporary art lovers also shouldn't miss the Museo de Arte Moderno (MAM) or nearby Rufino Tamayo Museum.

If street art is preferred, the tree-lined nextdoor neighbourhood of La Roma is home to a corner of delight: La Romita. A little plaza and its adjoining tiny cobbled streets are plastered in the type of spontaneous murals most cities would commission at great cost. The brightness of the colours, and the ambition of the murals, contrast with the shabby, pre-gentrified village vibe. 

Walking around the shaded avenues of Roma Norte and La Condesa gives design fans something to look at. There seems to be some sort of local competition for the most attractive, art nouveau-style security bars on the windows, usually ringed by bright colours beloved of Mexicans or a dramatic flourish of flowers. 

It's a fair way south from artistic La Condesa, but a must-see is the Frida Kahlo Museum . Her Casa Azul (Blue House) was home to arguably the most famous female artist of all time – and certainly, the international face of Mexico – as well as tempestuous Diego Rivera, who she married twice, or one of their many lovers. 

It's hard to describe the sensation of seeing her familiar work in the context of her cobalt home. Looking out from her bedroom window to her lush jungle of a garden, or standing by her painting table to see your own face in the mirror, surrounded by her pre-Columbian artefacts, European antiques and Mexican folk art, as well as her crutches and carefully adapted indigenous costumes that hid her broken body is like a glimpse inside her mind. 

A word of warning: you have to buy your tickets (270 Mexican pesos, or about £12.50) via the official website, at least a week in advance. If you do not have the right ticket for the correct time slot, you won't get in, even if you are a reincarnation of Kahlo herself. 

Where to stay: Andaz Mexico City Condesa

Andaz, a luxury boutique brand, is a Hindi word for "personal style". Andaz Mexico City Condesa can attest to that. 

The neon-lit mirrored staircase that goes up to the lobby is outrageously flamboyant, while the lobby itself is understated elegance in soothing earthy colours, neatly encapsulating the two faces of this hotel. 

Downstairs there are little touches like QR codes with information about the contemporary artwork and a discreetly tucked away Pasa Spa & Wellness centre, where you can have one of the most effective massages I've ever experienced. 

The relaxed Derba Matcha Café is a popular spot for young professionals for a smoothie or latte. The warm pastel velvets, plentiful plants and pastries are an influencer's paradise. The chef claims his concoctions are better than any you can get in Paris, which I put to the test.

The compact, ultra-modern rooms are also everything you'd expect from five-star boutique luxury: off-the-charts thread counts, sophisticated lighting systems and gleaming marble bathrooms. But the designers evidently had fun, with the bright pink obelisk and the vinyl records that seemed to have been chosen for their tantalising covers. 

The Tulum beach-style 17th-floor Cabuya Rooftop , a boho bar and restaurant, is accessible via a bright pink geometric-patterned lift. The walls are covered with vibrant murals by artist Edoardo Aldama: whales, turtles, octopuses and seabirds in primary colours, lit by lanterns dangling from the foliage ceiling. 

This is a destination: a place to be seen. The seafood-dominated menu, inspired by the flavours of the Baja and Yucatán regions, make it too compelling to leave. I particularly adored the sweet and sour octopus and fresh ceviche . 

The hotel goes on an unexpected tangent with its 'Wooftop' Beer Garden & Canine Club, a dog-friendly restaurant with a terrace. You can sip a beer and enjoy some nachos or a blackened fish taco, made in a street-food truck, while your pampered pooch sits on a bean bag next to you. There's also a doggy exercise area and – you'd have to see it to believe it – a special dog menu serving "vegan barkcini", non-alcoholic "beer for dogs" and the "woof slider" of ground beef, rice and beet. 

It's the kind of place a certain type of influencer would come to celebrate their dog's birthday – out-of-place kitsch, but very fun.

While this hotel might not be right for honeymooners or families with young kids, it's ideal for trendy professionals, fashion designers or bohemian art lovers.

How to get there

There are direct flights from London to Benito Juárez International Airport, with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic, but at nearly 12 hours it's a big ask. Stop off en route on Mexico's east coast – direct flights from all over the UK will get you to Cancún in just over 10 hours – and fend off the jet lag on the beach. 

Then it's just a 2.5-hour flight west to Mexico City, and a short cab or subway ride into the city. 

Harriet Marsden was a guest of Andaz Mexico City Condesa , and luxury tour operator, Untold Story Travel , which offers bespoke travel experiences to Mexico and destinations around the world. 

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Complete Guide to moving to the UK from Mexico

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Table of Content

Relocating from mexico to the uk, what are the legal requirements for mexican citizens moving to the uk.

What is the cost of living in the UK?

Moving to the UK from Mexico benefits

How to set up your finances in the uk, what is a self-sponsored route, emigrating to the uk as a non-mexican national, joining uk family members as a non-mexican national.

It is estimated that around 9,000 Mexican citizens call the United Kingdom home and that the wider Latin American community in London has increased tenfold to around 113,500 in the past decade. Mexican nationals come to the UK for many reasons, including joining families, the availability of excellent job opportunities, the British culture and its rich history, and the excellent education opportunities on offer.

In this complete guide, we will explain the immigration requirements for moving from Mexico to the UK, how much it costs to live here and provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about moving as a Mexican citizen to the UK.

For help with moving to the UK from Mexico, whether on a temporary or permanent basis, please contact one of our specialist immigration solicitors . We have helped many Mexican nationals relocate easily and seamlessly.

The legal requirements that you need to meet to move to the UK will depend on which visa you apply for, as explained below:

UK Skilled Worker visa

The UK Skilled Worker visa is the preferred immigration route for many overseas workers, including Mexican citizens who want to live and work in the UK. It allows holders to stay for up to 5 years and then apply for permanent settlement and British citizenship 12 months later. You can also bring your family members with you to the UK. The eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker visa are as follows:

• Hold a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence – the job must be in an eligible occupation.
• Have an annual salary of at least £38,700 per year or the ‘going rate’ for your occupation. You may be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa with a lower annual salary if you have a PhD, a job on the UK government’s immigration salary list, or are a new entrant to the job market, and
• Meet the English Language requirements by successfully completing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) or holding a degree that was taught in English.

UK Student visa

To study at a UK university, college, or school as a Mexican citizen, you will need to apply for a student visa. Applicants must:

• Be 16 years old or over
• Have been offered a place on a course with an approved educational provider
• Meet the English language requirements, and
• Have sufficient savings to support yourself while you are in the UK.

Once your course has ended, you can apply for a UK Graduate visa . This will allow you to stay in the UK for up to 24 months to find skilled employment. If you are then successful in finding suitable employment, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa, which will allow you to settle permanently after 5 years and gain UK citizenship one year later.

UK Innovator Founder visa

For Mexican business people and entrepreneurs with plans to set up a new business in the UK, the Innovator Founder visa is a great option. By choosing this route, visa holders can gain indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after just 3 years rather than the 5 years necessary for most other visas. To make an application for a UK Innovator Founder visa, you must:

• Be 18 years or over
• Have a new, unique, viable, and scalable business idea, and
• Have your business idea endorsed by an approved endorsing body.

Family visa

The UK family visa provides a way for Mexican citizens to join family members already in the UK. Family visa applicants must have a partner or spouse, parent, or child who is a British citizen or has settled permanently here.

To join a spouse or partner, family visa applicants must be able to show that they have a combined income of £29,000 or more, which can be met through salary, savings, pensions, or income from investments. Applicants also need to meet the English language requirements, typically by passing an approved language test or holding a degree taught in English.

Family visa holders can stay in the UK for 5 years and then, if they wish, apply for permanent settlement and citizenship 12 months later.

The cost of living in the UK is around 37% higher than in Mexico, according to the cost of living comparison website Numbeo . When rent is factored in, the cost of living in the UK is 41.5% more than in Mexico. Restaurant prices in the UK are also 40% higher than in Mexico, while groceries are 25% higher.

It is important to bear in mind that while the cost of living in the UK is higher than in Mexico, wages are typically higher in the UK for skilled workers. In addition, the cost of living varies considerably depending on where you choose to live. For example, the cost of living in London is typically much higher than in the rest of the UK.

Emigrating to the UK from Mexico – Checklist

A Y & J Solicitors has successfully assisted many Mexican citizens and families in making the move to the UK seamless and efficient. We recommend taking the following steps to make the journey as easy as possible:

• Always seek the help of an immigration Solicitor based in the UK who can guide you and your family through each step of the immigration and relocation process. Depending on your needs, we will check the best route for you, handle your visa application, and answer any questions raised by the Home Office. Once you are in the UK, we can help you with your visa renewal, indefinite leave to remain, and citizenship application in future years.   
• Get a job before you apply for a work visa. We recommend utilising job search websites such as Indeed, Linkedin, and Totaljobs to assist in your job search. In addition, research and apply directly to employers listed on the Home Office’s register of licenced sponsors.
• Narrow down where you would like to live in the UK – don’t just look at London; there are hundreds of other places to consider that may suit your needs across the UK.
• Always visit the UK for at least 2 or 3 weeks before you decide where to move to. Moving without visiting may mean that the reality does not match up with your expectations.
• Create a detailed budget showing all of your income and likely living costs in the UK. This will help you to understand how comfortably you can afford to live here, the wages you need, and where you can live. We recommend factoring in the cost of groceries, car insurance, council tax, transport, electricity, heating, and any other costs you can think of.
• Estimate your relocation costs as accurately as possible, including your flight costs, removal costs, home rental deposit, transport, visa costs, healthcare surcharge, and
• If you have children, research the schools and the availability of places in your chosen area/s.

For Mexican citizens, the UK offers a whole range of benefits, including:

• A world-class transport system makes it easy and convenient to travel around the UK, other countries in Europe, and further afield.
• A strong and dynamic economy.
• Well-paid jobs.
• Low levels of ‘red tape’ make it easy to set up a business here
• Rich in history and culture
• Lots to see and do, including our beautiful towns, villages, mountains, hills, lakes, and countryside, and
• Access to the best schools and universities in the world.

When it comes to arranging your finances in the UK, there are three aspects to consider: your banking arrangements, UK national insurance, and tax.

• Opening a UK bank account – Wait until you have arrived in the UK before opening a bank account. You will need to provide proof of your identity and a permanent UK address.
• Transferring funds – There are various ways to transfer funds from your bank in Mexico to the UK. Two of the most common ways are to use a bank-to-bank transfer service or a money transfer service. Always use a company with a strong reputation, such as OFX or Wise, and ensure that the fees and the exchange rate are competitive.
• National Insurance Number – Before you start working in the UK, you must apply for a National Insurance (NI) number and provide this to your employer.
• Tax in the UK – If employed, your income tax will be collected through the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system and paid directly to HMRC on your behalf. If self-employed, you will need to complete and submit an annual self-assessment form to HMRC. An accountant in the UK can handle this for you.

The Self-sponsorship route provides an easier way for Mexican citizens to relocate to the UK without the need to find a job in the first instance. Instead, self-sponsorship allows Mexican nationals to establish and operate their own business and effectively sponsor themselves. This route also allows Mexicans to settle in the UK after a number of continuous years of residence (3 years with the Innovator Founder visa) and gain UK citizenship for 12 months.

AY&J Solicitors can guide you through the self-sponsorship process, ensuring that your application and those of your family members are processed efficiently and approved as quickly as possible.  

For non-Mexican nationals with plans to live, work, study, or join family members in the UK, it is also necessary to apply for a visa. If you are unsure which visa is best for your needs, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our friendly expert UK Immigration Solicitors  . We can quickly explain which visa to apply for based on your background plans and those of your immediate family members.

Non-Mexican nationals who wish to join a partner, spouse, parent, or child who is already settled in the UK will need to apply for a family visa. Your family member must either be a British citizen, a person with indefinite leave to remain, an EU/EEA national who started living in the UK before 1 st January 2021, or a person who holds UK refugee status. Family visa holders can apply for permanent settlement after 5 years of continuous residence and then British citizenship 12 months later.

What documents and information do I need to move to the UK from Mexico?

The exact list of documents you need to move to the UK from Mexico will depend on the type of visa you need. For example, if moving to the UK to work, you will need:

• A valid passport or other form of valid ID
• Proof of a job offer for an eligible occupation
• A Certificate of Sponsorship, and
• A bank statement showing that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any immediate family members

Depending on the language on your documents, you may need to have them translated into English. Your immigration lawyer will provide you with a comprehensive list of all the necessary documents based on your visa type.

Do Mexican citizens need sponsorship to work in the UK?

Yes, as a Mexican national, you require sponsorship from a UK employer in order to work in the UK. Alternatively, you can explore the self-sponsorship option explained above.

What should I consider before moving back to the UK from Mexico?

Being abroad for a long period of time may have impacted your credit rating, making it harder to borrow money or get a mortgage. If you are unsure, speak to a credit rating company to understand the steps to take to reestablish a healthy rating. It may also be useful to consult an accountant about your tax situation, as living in Mexico for over five years may mean you need to adhere to different income and capital gains tax regulations. Additionally, check if you need to ‘top up’ your national insurance contributions to be eligible for a UK state pension.

Moving from Mexico to the UK requirements

Please see the legal requirements for moving from Mexico to the UK above.

Can you move to the UK from Mexico?

Yes, however, Mexican citizens and their family members normally require a visa to live in the UK. Please see the visa options explained above.

Are Mexican citizens allowed to work in the UK?

Yes, as a Mexican citizen, you can work in the UK. You will need an offer of a job in an eligible occupation from a sponsoring employer, a Certificate of Sponsorship, and a work visa issued by the UK Home Office. Alternatively, you can come on a family visa, which also allows you to work.

Applying for a UK visa from Mexicco

As a citizen of Mexico, you can apply for a visa online . You will need to fully complete the application form, pay the application fees, and submit any evidence. An immigration law specialist based in the UK can handle your application on your behalf.

How long can a Mexican citizen stay in the UK?

How long your visa lasts will depend on the type of visa you hold, for example:

• Work visas – typically valid for up to 5 years.
• Student visas are valid for the length of the course, after which you can apply for a graduate visa to remain in the UK for an additional 2 years to seek employment.
• Family visas – typically granted for up to 5 years.

Most UK visas offer a route to permanent settlement after 60 months (5 years) or less in some cases (e.g. the Innovator Founder visa).

Please see the cost of living section above.

A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with all types of visa applications. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on +44 20 7404 7933 or at contact us today . We’re here to help!

Yash Dubal, Founder & Director of A Y & J Solicitors, is a renowned lawyer and entrepreneur. Known for innovative immigration law webinars, he's propelled the firm to award-winning heights. His work champions equality and accessibility, aiding UK immigrants. Yash also dedicates himself to social causes, participating in marathons for charities like the British Red Cross and Pratham. His dedication to immigrant success is unwavering.

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LIF-ting Xicotepec: UK and Mexican innovation transforming lives

The UK-funded programme, LIF, has joined efforts with a rural area in Mexico to improve health services.

A nephew of mine lost a leg to diabetes. Maybe he would have been saved if we had known about this program sooner.

Jaime Martínez, 55 years old.

Xicotepec in the state of Puebla is a rural area surrounded by hills and mountains where the lack of public services, economic marginalisation; and limited access to quality medical services can make life difficult.

Imagine waking up at two in the morning with an unbearable toothache with no health services nearby. The only available options are taking a pill that doesn’t relieve the pain, trying a home remedy (clove oil), or waiting until dawn to take a three-hour bus ride to the nearest doctor.

This is the daily reality for many people in Mexico, where 88% of dentists are in large cities; and doctors in rural areas serve more than 23 people a day.

In February 2024, a group of innovators from Mexico and Leaders in Innovation Fellows (LIF) decided to do something about it. Mariana Delgado, Pedro Ornelas, Enrique Hernández and Alfredo Gilbert organised a Community Health Services (CHS) Week in Xicotepec.

Lif-ting Xicotepec

LIF is a UK-funded programme that helps Mexican innovators develop inventions that can have a positive social impact by linking them with expert mentors and international networks, as well as funds to offer their high-tech products and services in communities in need of health services.

During CHS Week, 265 people received medical care, 90 mothers attended breast cancer prevention and screening sessions, 40 doctors were trained in wound healing, more than 200 people were trained in dental disease prevention; and 60 attendees were trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses. 

Ms. Ramirez, one of the beneficiaries, commented:

The service was very good and necessary. The truth is that we don’t go to the doctor often because we can’t afford it. 

Thanks to the LIF Programme, and access to medical tools and training, Xicotepec’s health system has been transformed.

Xicotepec has received a real ‘LIF-ting’, and this collaboration with the UK has made a real difference in helping to raise the quality of life and offering hope to this marginalised community. With continued efforts and support for innovation, more communities will be able to follow this example and improve their access to health services.

Are you a Mexican innovator? A new opportunity to participate in the LIF Program will open soon. Find out more here https://raeng.org.uk/lif .

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