travel to cancun visa requirements

Documents Required to Travel to Cancun

Cancun is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. To enjoy Cancun, travelers must have all the necessary documents to enter Mexico.

Passport holders from many countries can visit Mexico without applying for a visa . However, most visitors must complete the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), also known as the Mexican Tourist Card .

This article provides information about all the essential documents for visiting Cancun and how to process the Mexico FMM online.

What Do I Need to Travel to Cancun?

Foreign tourists must meet Mexico’s entry requirements to visit Cancun. Travelers need the following documents:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of entry
• FMM Mexico Tourist Card (if arriving by land)
• Visa for Mexico (when applicable)
• Return flight ticket
• Documentation proving the purpose of the visit (such as hotel reservation)
• Proof of sufficient funds

Do I Need a Visa to Go to Cancun?

Not all tourists need a visa to visit Cancun. Citizens of the EU, the United States, and Canada can go to Cancun for up to 180 days visa-free .

To stay longer than 6 months, or for non-tourism purposes, a visa is required.

Similarly, travelers from non-exempt countries need to apply for a Mexico visa for their trip to Cancun. Among the countries that require a visa for Mexico are Cuba, India, the Dominican Republic, and Albania.

Mexico Tourist Card for Visiting Cancun

All foreigners visiting Cancun need to complete a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), also known as a Mexico Tourist Card if they are arriving via a land border.

The FMM requirement applies to every overseas visitor arriving by land , regardless of whether or not they need a visa.

The Mexico Tourist Card proves that the visitor’s stay in Cancun is legal and specifies the number of days the holder may spend in the country.

An FMM is required to visit Cancun for tourism , business, and a range of other travel purposes for up to 180 days.

The Mexico Tourist Card can be completed up to 30 days before the flight to Cancun.

How to Apply for a Mexico Tourist Card for Cancun

Visitors can complete the Mexico Tourist Card online before traveling to Cancun. The following documents are required:

• Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months
• Debit or credit card to pay the FMM fees

Travelers should fill out the FMM application form with the requested information, including:

• Personal information : name, date of birth, gender, country of citizenship
• Passport details : country, number, issue date, and expiry date
• Travel plans : date of arrival and departure, accommodation address

Applicants should check all the information carefully before submitting the request.

Traveling to Cancun with the Mexico Tourist Card

Passengers must print their tourist card before traveling to Cancun. They will be asked to present it on arrival at the Mexican border together with the passport and if required, a Mexican visa.

One part of the FMM card is kept by immigration officials and the other part is returned to the visitor. This part of the tourist card must be retained as it will be required on departure.

The completed FMM does not guarantee entry, the final decision lies with Mexico border officials.

How long can I stay in Cancun with the FMM?

The Mexican tourist card is valid for stays of up to 180 days in Cancun or elsewhere in the country.

It can only be used to enter Mexico once . Returning tourists need to complete a new FMM each time they travel to Cancun.

Is It Safe to Go to Cancun?

As a resort and major tourist city, Cancun is generally a safe destination . Crime rates are lower than in other Mexican cities.

Public transport and taxis are safe to use although holidaymakers should remain vigilant.

Regarding health, Cancun has implemented the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travels protocols and achieved the Safe Travels stamp.

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Travel Advisory August 22, 2023

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

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

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.

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Passport must be valid at time of entry

One page per stamp

Yes, if visiting for more than 180 days

See Travelers’ Health section

Embassies and Consulates

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR U.S. CITIZENS IN MEXICO From Mexico: 800-681-9374 or 55-8526-2561 From the United States: 1-844-528-6611

U.S. Citizen Services Inquiries: Contact Form

U.S. Embassy Mexico City

Paseo de la Reforma 305 Colonia Cuauhtémoc 06500 Ciudad de México

U.S. Consulate General Ciudad Juarez

Paseo de la Victoria #3650 Fracc. Partido Senecú 32543 Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua

U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara

Progreso 175 Colonia Americana 44160 Guadalajara, Jalisco

U.S. Consulate General Hermosillo

Monterey, Esqueda 141 El Centenario 83260 Hermosillo, Sonora

U.S. Consulate General Matamoros

Constitución No. 1 Colonia Jardín 87330 Matamoros, Tamaulipas

U.S. Consulate General Merida

Calle 60 No. 338-K x 29 y 31 Colonia Alcalá Martin 97050 Mérida, Yucatán

U.S. Consulate General Monterrey

Avenida Alfonso Reyes 150 Colonia Valle del Poniente 66196 Santa Catarina, Nuevo León

U.S. Consulate General Nogales

Calle San José s/n Fracc. Los Álamos 84065 Nogales, Sonora

U.S. Consulate General Nuevo Laredo

Paseo Colon 1901 Colonia Madero 88260 Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas

U.S. Consulate General Tijuana

Paseo de las Culturas s/n Mesa de Otay Delegación Centenario 22425 Tijuana, Baja California

Consular Agencies

Acapulco Hotel Continental Emporio Costera M. Alemán 121 – Office 14 39670 Acapulco, Guerrero Cancun

Blvd. Kukulcan Km 13 ZH Torre La Europea, Despacho 301 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo

Los Cabos Las Tiendas de Palmilla L-B221, Km. 27.5 Carretera Transpeninsular 23406 San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur

Playa Gaviotas 202, Local 10 Zona Dorada 82110 Mazatlán, Sinaloa

Oaxaca Macedonio Alcalá 407, Office 20 68000 Oaxaca, Oaxaca

Piedras Negras Abasolo 211, Local 3, Centro 26000 Piedras Negras, Coahuila

Playa del Carmen Plaza Progreso, Local 33 Carretera Federal Puerto Juarez-Chetumal, Mz. 293 Lt. 1. 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

Puerto Vallarta

Paradise Plaza, Paseo de los Cocoteros 85 Sur, Local L-7 63732 Nuevo Nayarit, Nayarit

San Miguel de Allende Plaza La Luciérnaga, Libramiento Jose Manuel Zavala 165, Locales 4 y 5 Colonia La Luciérnaga 37745 San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Destination Description

See the  State Department’s Fact Sheet on Mexico  for more information on U.S.-Mexico relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

A valid passport book is required to enter Mexico by air, and those attempting to enter at an airport with a U.S. passport card only may be denied admission.

Review the Mexican government’s most current  entry, exit, and visa requirements  ( Spanish only ) or visit the  Embassy of Mexico  in Washington, D.C., for more information.

For travelers entering Mexico by air only, Mexican immigration authorities implemented a process to replace the previous paper Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM with a Forma Migratoria Multiple Digital or FMMD.  The FMMD process is in place at all 66 international airports in Mexico.  Upon arrival at an airport, Mexican immigration authorities will determine a traveler’s authorized length of stay and either place a date stamp in the traveler’s passport or direct the traveler through a self-service electronic gate (E-Gate) that will generate a printed receipt with QR code. Air travelers who wish to download a record of their FMMD or find more information on the FMMD process may visit the National Migration Institute’s (INM) website .

Travelers entering Mexico by land should have a valid passport book or card.  If you enter Mexico by land and plan to travel beyond the immediate border area (approximately 12 miles or 20 kilometers into Mexico), you must stop at an INM office to obtain an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM), even if not explicitly directed to do so by Mexican officials.  INM may opt to allow tourists entry of up to 180 days without a visa or may limit authorized stays to shorter periods at their discretion; visitors should confirm the specific length of authorized stay written on the entry permit (FMM) or by the stamp in their passport. Mexican immigration authorities could ask you to present both your passport and entry permit if applicable at any point and may detain you while they review your immigration status if you are not carrying your passport and proof of legal status in Mexico, or if you have overstayed your authorized stay. Immigration check points are common in the interior of Mexico, including in popular tourist areas far from the border.  

You will also need a temporary vehicle import permit to bring a U.S.-registered vehicle beyond the border zone. These permits are processed through Banjercito and require a deposit that will be refunded once the vehicle leaves Mexico.  For more information, visit the  Banjercito  website ( Spanish only ).

Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Sonora have a “hassle-free” zone that allows cars traveling without an entry permit or car registration within the zone. 

Mexican authorities can impound a vehicle that enters the country without a valid U.S. registration, a vehicle driven by a Mexican national who is not resident in the United States, or a vehicle found beyond the border zone without the temporary import permit.

Mexican law permits Mexican immigration authorities to deny foreigners entry into Mexico if they have been charged with or convicted of a serious crime in Mexico or elsewhere.

Travelers bringing in goods beyond their personal effects worth $300.00 or more must declare those goods with Mexican customs (SAT) Mexican customs  ( Spanish only ) or risk having them confiscated. This also applies to used goods or clothing, including items for donation. U.S. citizens driving such items into Mexico without declaring them or without sufficient funds to pay duty fees are subject to having their vehicle seized by Mexican customs authorities. For further information about customs regulations, please read our  customs information page .

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents in Mexico.

A parent or legal guardian departing Mexico with minor children should carry a notarized consent letter from the other parent if traveling separately. INM requires at least one parent to complete a  SAM  ( Formato de Salida de Menores, Spanish only ) for all Mexican or foreign minors with Temporary Resident, Temporary Student Resident, or Permanent Resident status departing Mexico alone or with a third party.  Further information about the  prevention of international parental child abduction  is available on our website.

Find information on dual nationality , and customs regulations on our websites. Both Mexico and the United States allow dual nationality.

Safety and Security

Travelers are urged to review the  Mexico Travel Advisory  for information about safety and security concerns affecting the country on a state-by-state basis.

U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Mexico should not expect public health and safety standards like those in the United States. Even where such standards exist, enforcement varies by location. Travelers should mitigate the risk of illness or injury by taking standard health and safety precautions.

The phone number to report emergencies in Mexico is “911.”  Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call.

Crime:  Crime in Mexico occurs at a high rate and can be violent, from random street crime to cartel-related attacks. Over the past year, Mission Mexico has assisted U.S. citizens who were victims of armed robbery, carjacking, extortion, homicide, kidnapping, pick-pocketing, and sexual assault. Increased levels of cartel-related violence have resulted in territorial disputes and targeted killings, injuring or killing innocent bystanders. Travelers who find themselves in an active shooter scenario should flee in the opposite direction, if possible, or drop to the ground, preferably behind a hard barrier.

Drivers on roads and highways may encounter government checkpoints, which often include National Guard or military personnel. State and local police also set up checkpoints in and around cities and along the highways to deter criminal activity and enforce traffic laws. In some parts of Mexico, criminal organizations and other non-governmental actors have been known to erect unauthorized checkpoints and have abducted or threatened violence against those who fail to stop and/or pay a “toll.” When approaching a checkpoint, regardless of whether it is official, cooperate and avoid any actions that may appear suspicious or aggressive.

While Mexican authorities endeavor to safeguard the country’s major resort areas and tourist destinations, those areas have not been immune to the types of violence and crime experienced elsewhere in Mexico. In some areas of Mexico, response time of local police is often slow. In addition, filing police reports can be time consuming. See our  Mexico Travel Advisory  for more information.

Demonstrations  occur frequently.  They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.  Protesters in Mexico may block traffic on roads, including major thoroughfares, or take control of toll booths on highways.  Travelers who encounter protesters who demand unofficial tolls are generally allowed to pass upon payment.  U.S. citizens should avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by authorities, as Mexican law prohibits political activities by foreign citizens and such actions may result in detention or deportation.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.  
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.  

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.  

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Mexico. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:   

• Romance/Online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Lucrative sales 
• Grandparent/Relative targeting 
• Free Trip/Luggage 
• Inheritance notices 
• Bank overpayments 

Mexico’s consumer protection agency,  PROFECO  (Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor, Spanish only), can sometimes  provide assistance  (Spanish only) to victims of such scams. In addition, there have been allegations of banking fraud perpetrated by private bankers against U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens who believe they have been victims of fraud can file a police report  file a complaint  (Spanish only) with the Mexican banking regulatory agency, CONDUSEF  (Comision Nacional para la Proteccion y Defensa de los Usuarios de Servicios Financieros, Spanish only), or consult with an attorney.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate for assistance.  Report emergencies to the local police at 911, report crimes already committed to the Ministerio Publico, and contact the Embassy or Consulate at +52-55-85262561.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

U.S. citizen victims of crime should contact the local authorities to file a Mexican police report before departing Mexico. In most instances, victims of crime will file reports with the Ministerio Publico (equivalent to the office of public prosecutor or district attorney in the United States) and not with police first responders. U.S. citizens should also inform the  U.S. Embassy or nearest consulat e . 

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .    We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care,
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police,
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent,
• provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion, 
• provide a list of local attorneys,
• provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States ,
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution,
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home,
• replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the  U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate  for assistance.

Kidnapping:  Mexico experiences very high rates of kidnapping.  If you believe you or your U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) relative has been kidnapped, please contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate immediately.

Robbery:  Mexico experiences robberies, typically in cities, in which abductors force victims to use their debit or credit card to withdraw money from ATMs in exchange for their release. Perpetrators commonly work in cooperation with, or pose as, taxi drivers. To minimize the risk of such robberies:

• Only use a reputable taxi company or a trusted ride-sharing app.
• Book taxis through your hotel or an authorized taxi stand.

Extortion:  Extortion schemes are common in Mexico.  In a typical scheme known as a virtual kidnapping, criminals convince family members that a relative has been abducted, when, in fact, the person is safe but unreachable.  The purported abductors will often use threats to persuade victims to isolate themselves, making communication with family members less likely.  Unable to reach their loved ones, family members often consent to paying the “ransom” demand.  Criminals use various means to gather information about potential victims, including monitoring social media sites, eavesdropping on conversations, or using information taken from a stolen cell phone.  Some of these extortions have been conducted from Mexican prisons.  You can reduce the risk of falling victim to this type of extortion through the following:

• Do not discuss travel plans, your room number, or any other personal information within earshot of strangers.
• Do not divulge personal business details to strangers in person or over the phone, especially when using hotel phones.
• If you are threatened on the phone, hang up immediately.

Sexual Assault:  Rape and sexual assault are serious problems in some resort areas. Many of these incidents occur at night or during the early morning hours, in hotel rooms, on hotel grounds, or on deserted beaches. In some cases, assailants drug the drinks of victims before assaulting them. Pay attention to your surroundings and to who might have handled your drink.

Credit/Debit Card “Skimming:”  There have been instances of fraudulent charges or withdrawals from accounts due to “skimmed” cards. If you choose to use credit or debit cards, you should regularly check your account to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions. Travelers should limit the amount of cash they carry in public, exercise caution when withdrawing cash from ATMs, and avoid ATMs located in isolated or unlit areas.

Alcohol:  If you choose to drink alcohol, it is important to do so in moderation and to stop and seek medical attention if you begin to feel ill. There have been reports of individuals falling ill or blacking out after consuming unregulated alcohol. The Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk,  COFEPRIS  ( Comision Federal para la Proteccion contra Riesgos Sanitarios, Spanish only ), is responsible for inspecting hotels, restaurants, and other establishments for health violations, including reports of unregulated alcohol. Please email COFEPRIS at  [email protected]  for more information or if you wish to file a report. You can file a report online (Spanish only) via the COFEPRIS website, by calling the COFEPRIS call center at 800 033 50 50 (from Mexico) or +52 (55) 5080-5425 (from the United States), or by scheduling an appointment  (Spanish only)  to visit a COFEPRIS office.

There have also been instances of criminals drugging drinks to rob or sexually assault victims. Additionally, if you feel you have been the victim of unregulated alcohol or another serious health violation, you should notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate . You may also contact the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries).

Drug Smuggling:  Mexican criminal organizations are engaged in a violent struggle to control trafficking routes. Criminal organizations smuggling drugs into the United States have targeted unsuspecting individuals who regularly cross the border. Frequent border crossers are advised to vary their routes and travel times and to closely monitor their vehicles to avoid being targeted.

Tourism:  In major cities and resort areas, the tourism industry is generally well-regulated.  Best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced.  Hazardous areas and activities are identified with appropriate signage, and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country.  Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and/or provide life-saving assistance.  In smaller towns and areas less commonly frequented by foreign tourists, the tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in or near major cities.  First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical treatment.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Since 2016, Mexico has opened seven multilingual Centers for the Care and Protection of Tourists (CAPTA) and Tourist Assistance Centers (CATTAC) in Los Cabos, La Paz, Acapulco, Playa del Carmen, Mazatlan, Ciudad Madero, and Queretaro. These offices have proven helpful assisting U.S. citizen visitors in resolving disputes with merchants and government entities, filing criminal reports, securing needed services, and locating special needs accommodations. 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

The Mexican government is required by international law to contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate promptly when a U.S. citizen is arrested if the arrestee so requests.  This requirement does not apply to dual nationals.  

Firearms and Other Weapons:  Weapons laws in Mexico vary by state, but it is generally illegal for travelers to carry weapons of any kind including firearms, knives, daggers, brass knuckles, as well as ammunition (even used shells). Illegal firearms trafficking from the United States to Mexico is a major concern, and the Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against taking any firearm or ammunition into Mexico. If you are caught entering Mexico with any type of weapon, including firearms or ammunitions, you likely will face severe penalties, including prison time. U.S.-issued permits allowing an individual to carry weapons are not valid in Mexico.  Visit the Department’s  Traveling Abroad with Firearms webpage .

Vessels entering Mexican waters with firearms or ammunition on board must have a permit previously issued by a Mexican embassy or consulate.

Drugs:  Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence or fines.  

Electronic Cigarettes (Vaping Devices):  It is illegal for travelers to bring electronic cigarettes (vaping devices) and all vaping solutions to Mexico. Customs will confiscate vaping devices and solutions and travelers could be fined or arrested. Avoid delays and possible sanctions by not taking these items to Mexico. 

Real Estate and Time Shares:  U.S. citizens should exercise caution when considering time-share investments or purchasing real estate and be aware of the aggressive tactics used by some sales representatives. Before initiating a real estate purchase or time-share investment, U.S. citizens should consult with a Mexican attorney to learn about important regulations and laws that govern real estate property.

Mountain Climbing and Hiking:  The Mexican government has declared the area around the Popocatepetl and the Colima volcanoes off limits. In remote rural areas, there can be limited cell phone coverage and internet connectivity, and it may be difficult for rescue teams and local authorities to reach climbers and hikers in distress.

Potential for Natural Disasters:  Mexico is in an active earthquake zone. Tsunamis may occur following significant earthquakes. Please visit our  disaster and crisis preparedness  webpage for more information. For additional information concerning disasters, see:

• U.S. Embassy Mexico City website
• Civil Protection  ( Proteccion Civil, Spanish only ) provides information from the Mexican Government about natural disaster preparedness
• U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  provides general information about natural disaster preparedness
• U.S. Geological Survey  provides updates on recent seismic and volcanic activity

Storm Season:  Tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico or along the Caribbean and Pacific Coast between May and November can produce heavy winds and rain. Please visit our disaster and crisis preparedness  webpage for more information.

Spring Break:  Millions of U.S. citizens visit Mexican beach resorts each year, especially during “ spring break ” season. The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18. See the “Alcohol” section above to learn more about the risks associated with drinking, as well as reports of illnesses associated with the possible consumption of unregulated alcohol.

Resort Areas and Water Activities:  Beaches in Mexico may be dangerous due to strong currents, rip tides, and rogue waves. Warning notices and flags on beaches should be taken seriously. Not all hazardous beaches are clearly marked. If black or red warning flags are up, do not enter the water. Strong currents can lead to dangerous conditions for even the most experienced swimmers. U.S. citizens simply walking along the shore or wading have been swept out to sea by rogue waves, and some citizens have drowned or disappeared at Mexican beaches. Avoid the consumption of alcohol while engaging in water activities and do not swim alone. 

Boats used for excursions may not be covered by accident insurance and sometimes lack adequate life jackets, radios, and tools to make repairs.  Participation in adventure sports may not be covered by accident insurance and safety protections and regulations for these activities may differ from U.S. standards.  Visit  our website  and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about adventure travel.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also be subject to fines or forced to relinquish the goods if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or on the organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Intersex (LGBTQI+) events in Mexico. However, due to sporadic reports of violence targeting LGBTQI+ individuals, U.S. citizens should exercise discretion in identifying themselves publicly as LGBTQI+. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and Section 6 of the  Department of State’s Human Rights Report for Mexico  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:   Mexican law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.  The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access.  Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure in more rural and remote parts of the country, and more common in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure in major cities.  U.S. citizens with disabilities should consult individual hotels and service providers in advance of travel to ensure they are accessible.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  There were several reports of sexual assault or domestic violence involving U.S. citizen women over the past year. See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Excellent health facilities are available in Mexico City and other major cities. Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi to a health provider. Mexican facilities often require payment “up front” before providing medical care, and most hospitals in Mexico do not accept U.S. health insurance. A list of doctors and hospitals is available on the U.S. Embassy or consulate website.

U.S. citizens have lodged complaints against some private hospitals in Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Los Cabos to include exorbitant prices and inflexible collection measures.  Travelers should obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care in these locations.  Be aware that some resorts have exclusive agreements with medical providers and ambulance services, which may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention.  Some hospitals in tourist centers utilize sliding scales, deciding on rates for services based on negotiation and on the patient’s perceived ability to pay.  In some instances, providers have been known to determine the limits of a patient’s credit card or insurance, quickly reach that amount in services rendered, and subsequently discharge the patient or transfer them to a public hospital.

Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for information on Medical Tourism.

For emergency services in Mexico, dial  911 .  Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call.

Ambulance services are: 

• widely available in major cities but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards,
• not present in many remote and rural areas of the country,   
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.  
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.  

We do not pay medical bills:  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.  

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. 

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation as well.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Check the Mexican government’s Drug Schedule to ensure the medication is legal in Mexico. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information :

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery: 

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.   
• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations.  Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.  
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Mexico.  Several foreigners have successfully enlisted the support of  PROFECO  (Spanish only) in order to resolve disputes over medical services.
• Although Mexico has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely.  If you plan to undergo surgery in Mexico, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available and professionals are accredited and qualified.  

Pharmaceuticals

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas.  Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls.  Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.  
• The Drug Enforcement Agency reports counterfeit prescription pills are sold by criminals on both sides of the border. These pills are sometimes represented as OxyContin, Percocet, Xanax, and others, and may contain deadly doses of fentanyl. Counterfeit pills are readily advertised on social media and can be purchased at small, non-chain pharmacies in Mexico along the border and in tourist areas.  U.S. citizens have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.   
• Visit the  Mexican Health Department  website (Spanish only) or contact the  Embassy of Mexico  in Washington, D.C., for more information about obtaining a permit to import medicine into Mexico.
• For a list of controlled substances in Mexico, visit the  COFEPRIS  website (Spanish only) and the  Mexican Drug Schedule  (Spanish only). U.S. citizens should carry a copy of their prescription or doctor’s letter, but it is still possible that they may be subject to arrest for arriving in Mexico with substances on these lists. Note that a medicine considered “over the counter” in some U.S. states may be a controlled substance in Mexico. For example, pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed, is considered a controlled substance in Mexico. For more information, contact the  Embassy of Mexico  in Washington, D.C.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy  

• If you are considering traveling to Mexico to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page . 
• Surrogacy is legal for foreigners in most of Mexico, in some states surrogacy is either not legal or is not governed by regulation. 
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Mexico via assisted reproductive technology (ART) with a gestational mother, be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s citizenship. 
• Make sure you understand Mexican law, which can vary from state to state and is ambiguous in its treatment of non-Mexican or same-sex intending parents. Mexican courts, for example, may fail to enforce surrogacy agreements between non-Mexican or same-sex intending parents and gestational mothers.
• Gestational mothers are normally treated as the child’s legal parent with full parental rights in most states. The gestational mother’s name is typically listed on the Mexican state-issued birth certificate.  In Mexico City, the intended parents may be listed on the Mexican birth certificate if they can demonstrate a valid surrogacy agreement was in place regarding the child’s birth.
• Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk criminal prosecution.  Mexican authorities have made arrests stemming from surrogacy cases.

Carbon Monoxide

• Many hotels and other lodgings are not equipped with carbon monoxide detectors, even if they contain sources of this potentially lethal gas. U.S. citizens have died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning throughout Mexico. If your lodging is not equipped with a carbon monoxide detector, consider traveling with a portable one.

Water Quality: 

• In many areas in Mexico, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks might be made using tap water.

Altitude: 

• Many cities in Mexico, such as Mexico City, are at high altitude, which can lead to altitude illness. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Travel to High Altitudes .

Adventure Travel

• Participation in adventure sports and activities may not be covered by accident insurance and safety protections and regulations for these activities may differ from U.S. standards.  Visit  our website  and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website  for more information about adventure travel.

General Health

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Typhoid Fever
• Travelers’ Diarrhea
• Chikungunya
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
• Parasitic Infections
• Chronic Respiratory Disease
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Mexico.   

Air Quality

• Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Mexico. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.

For further health information, go to:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

  Private Residential Treatment Facilities: 

• These facilities provide care to U.S. citizens throughout Mexico and include child behavior modification facilities, rehabilitation facilities, and assisted living centers. 
• There is a wide range in standards for education, safety, health, sanitation, immigration, and residency.  Staff licensing may not be strictly enforced or meet the standards of similar facilities in the United States.  
• The State Department has received reports of abuse, negligence, or mismanagement at some of these facilities. U.S. citizens should exercise due diligence and do extensive research before selecting a residential treatment facility.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of U.S. citizen deaths in Mexico. If you have an emergency while driving, dial “911.” If you are driving on a toll highway (“ cuota ”) or any other major highway, you may contact the Green Angels ( Spanish only ), a fleet of trucks with bilingual crews, by dialing 078 from any phone in Mexico.  Generally, individuals involved in an accident who do not require immediate medical care should contact their insurance providers, who may come to the site to provide an immediate assessment.

Avoid driving on Mexican highways at night. Travel with a charged and functional cell phone capable of making calls in Mexico. Travelers should exercise caution at all times and should use toll (“ cuota ”) roads rather than the less secure free (“ libre ”) roads whenever possible. Do not hitchhike or accept rides from or offer rides to strangers anywhere in Mexico. Travelers encountering police or security checkpoints should comply with instructions.

Road conditions and maintenance across Mexico vary with many road surfaces needing repair. Travel in rural areas poses additional risks to include spotty cell phone coverage and delays in receiving roadside or medical assistance.

Vehicular traffic in Mexico City is subject to restriction Monday through Saturday, according to the license plate number, in order to reduce air pollution. For additional information, refer to the  Hoy No Circula website  ( Spanish only ) maintained by the Mexico City government. See our  Road Safety Page  for more information.  Also, visit  Mexico’s national tourist office website , MexOnline, and Mexico’s customs website  Importacion Temporal de Vehiculos  ( Spanish only ) for more information regarding travel and transportation.

Traffic Laws:   U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in Mexico. Mexican law requires that only owners drive their vehicles or that the owner be inside the vehicle. Failing to abide by this law may lead to impoundment and a fine equal to the value of the vehicle.

Mexican citizens who are not also U.S. citizens or LPRs may not operate U.S.-registered vehicles in Mexico. Mexican insurance is required for all vehicles, including rental vehicles. Drivers involved in accidents, even minor incidents, may be subject to arrest if they are found to be driving without proper insurance, regardless of whether they were at fault. Driving under the influence of alcohol, using a mobile device while driving, and driving through a yellow light are all illegal in Mexico.

If you drive your vehicle into Mexico beyond the immediate border area (approximately 12 miles into Mexico), you must apply for a temporary vehicle import permit with Mexican customs, Banjercito , or at some Mexican consulates in the United States. The permit requires the presentation of a valid passport and a monetary deposit that will be returned to you upon leaving Mexico before the expiration of the permit. Failing to apply for a temporary vehicle import permit may lead to impoundment and a fine equal to the value of the vehicle. 

Vehicles crossing into Mexico must have a valid license plate and registration sticker. Mexican authorities will often refuse to admit vehicles with temporary or paper license plates. Vehicles with expired registration or unauthorized plates will likely be confiscated and the operator could be charged with a fine equal to the value of the vehicle.

The Mission Mexico Vehicle Recovery Unit  assists with the return of stolen U.S. vehicles recovered by Mexican authorities.

If you have an emergency while driving, dial “911.” If you are driving on a toll highway (“cuota”) or any other major highway, you may contact the Green Angels (Spanish only), a fleet of trucks with bilingual crews, by dialing 078 from any phone in Mexico.  Generally, individuals involved in an accident who do not require immediate medical care should contact their insurance providers, who may come to the site to provide an immediate assessment.

Public Transportation/Taxis:  Security on public buses varies throughout the country but is considered a relatively safe transportation option in Mexico City and other major tourist centers. Passengers should protect their personal possessions at all times as theft is common. Intercity bus travel should be conducted during daylight hours in preferably first-class buses using toll roads.

Robberies and assaults on passengers in taxis not affiliated with a taxi stand (known as “libre” taxis) are common. Avoid taking any taxi not summoned by telephone or contacted in advance, including “libre” taxis. When in need of a taxi, telephone a radio taxi or “sitio” (regulated taxi stand) and ask the dispatcher for the driver’s name and the taxi’s license plate number. Application-based car services such as Uber and Cabify are available in many Mexican cities, and generally offer another safe alternative to taxis. Official complaints against Uber and other drivers do occur, however, and past disputes between these services and local taxi unions have occasionally turned violent, resulting in injuries to U.S. citizens in some instances.

See our Road Safety page for more information. 

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Mexico’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Mexico’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Mexico should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

If you enter by sea, review the Mexican boating permit requirements  prior to travel or contact the  Embassy of Mexico  in Washington, D.C., for more information.

Maritime Safety Oversight:  The Mexican maritime industry, including charter fishing and recreational vessels, is subject solely to Mexican safety regulations.  Travelers should be aware that Mexican equipment and vessels may not meet U.S. safety standards or be covered by any accident insurance.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Mexico . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Travel to Cancun from the United States: A Guide

• January 20, 2022

Table of Contents

Are you dreaming of palm trees, warm breezes, and swimming in the turquoise Caribbean waters of Cancun? Maybe you’re wondering if you can travel to Cancun from the US right now. The good news is that Mexico is open for tourism and Cancun is welcoming visitors from all over the world.

Tourism is alive and well in Cancun with only limited restrictions for travel. Have a look at our tips for traveling to make your journey and holiday stress-free. So, grab your suitcase and swimsuit. Cancun is waiting for you!

What Do I Need to Travel to Cancun?

Air travel from the united states to cancun.

Traveling by air to Cancun is by far the easiest means of travel to Cancun. Currently, there are numerous direct flights to Cancun leaving from major international airports throughout the United States including: American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines all have a strong network of non-stop flights from the United States.

Travel Requirements to Mexico

Tourist card for mexico.

US Citizens are eligible to travel to Cancun visa-free. However, when entering Mexico via air or a land border, you must present a Tourist Card upon entry AND exit.

The Tourist Card , Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), is an Entry Immigration Form that details information about foreign tourists visiting Mexico. Tourist cards are valid for up to 180 days and allow the holder to remain in Mexico as a tourist for the allotted time. Be sure to hold on to your tourist card and keep it in a safe place as you will need to hand it in when you are departing the country.

While on the airplane, your flight attendant will hand you the form to be filled out before you land and shown at customs when entering Mexico. The tourist card must be stamped by an immigration official, otherwise it is not valid. If you happen to lose your card while on vacation, don’t panic, you can get a replacement card at the airport on the day of your departure. Just make sure you plan to arrive in plenty of time and be prepared to pay the replacement fee.

Something to note is that recently, Mexican immigration officials have been giving tourists specific amounts of time that they are allowed to stay in Mexico, instead of the blanket 180 days that they used to give everyone. Immigration officials at the border may ask to see your return ticket and stamp your tourist card and your passport with the specific number of days that you will be in Mexico. So be prepared to show your return ticket when you arrive in Mexico.

COVID Travel Requirements for Entering Mexico

Mexico has made it very easy for tourists to come to Mexico with very few travel requirements. Air travel is allowed into Mexico and being fully vaccinated is not a requirement. Up until recently, visitors and residents entering the country had to complete a health declaration form online and scan the QR code prior to boarding their outbound flights and again upon arrival in Mexico. However, on January 1, 2022, Mexico officially discontinued this form. Now the requirements to enter Mexico are the same as they were pre-COVID. There is no need to take a COVID test before departing from the US or undertake any form of quarantine upon arrival in Mexico.

Getting into Mexico is relatively easy, but getting back to the US does require proof of a negative viral COVID test result (PCR/NAAT or antigen test for current infection) for all travelers age 2 and up, taken within 24 hours of arrival to the US regardless of vaccination status. Antibody tests are not compliant with the requirement.

If you’ve already tested positive for the virus within the last three months, you will need to show documentation of recovery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the combination of a recent positive viral test and a letter from your healthcare provider stating you are cleared for travel constitute documentation of recovery.

Travelers to Canada must provide proof of a molecular COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arriving in Canada. They must also enter their travel information, proof of vaccine, and quarantine plan (in the event of testing positive) in the ArriveCAN app prior to departure.

Currently, Mexico has had about 4,495,310 cases of COVID-19 and has administered at least 157 million doses of the vaccine .

As of January 10, 2022, 19 out of 32 Mexican states are listed as green in the national “stoplight” system. Green means that the risk of contagion is low, economic activity has resumed to near normal levels, and mask wearing is still recommended, but not necessarily mandatory, depending on the location.

Visitors are likely to find situations differ depending on where in the country they travel, with local restrictions varying. Stay up-to-date by checking the traffic light status chart , which is updated every two weeks.

Essential Travel Tips for Your Trip to Cancun

What to do before you travel to cancun.

There are a few key things you’ll want to check off your list before heading to paradise that don’t involve packing to make sure your journey goes smoothly.

• Pay the new mandatory tourist tax called “ Visitax ” online
• Fill out your Tourist Card on the plane or online
• Make sure your mobile is unlocked if you want to get a Mexican SIM card or sign up for an international plan with your home mobile carrier
• Bring at least 2 credit or debit cards so you have a backup should any complications arise

Mobile Tips

It’s always nice to have use of your mobile for calling Ubers, getting directions, or making reservations. Many American carriers such as T-Mobile even include Mexico in their plans, meaning you won’t need to change your SIM card.

If you do decide to get a Mexican SIM, the biggest mobile provider is Telcel and it’s super easy to get set up with them for data packages as long as your phone is unlocked.

If you just need sporadic Wi-Fi use, most hotels and cafes do offer free Wi-Fi.

Mexico Travel Apps

Putting the right stuff on your phone is almost as important as putting the right stuff in your suitcase. A few travel apps that are helpful in Mexico include: Uber, Google translate, WhatsApp, and XE Currency.

What to Bring to Cancun?

We all dream of living in our shorts, swimsuit, and flip-flops and Cancun has the perfect climate for warm weather outfits. Depending on what time of year you travel to Mexico, you’ll want to be prepared for a night out on the town, surprise rain showers, scorching sun, and sightseeing excursions into the lush jungles of the Riviera Maya during your holiday to Cancun.

Here’s Your Cancun Packing List:

• Warm weather clothes (casual beach wear and dress for nights of fine dining or clubbing)
• Sweater or light jacket for cool tropical evenings
• Lightweight rain jacket and umbrella for the rainy season
• Sandals and flip-flops
• Sneakers for jungle adventures
• Bathing suits (bring a few to rotate)
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Medications (don’t’ forget to bring non-drowsy Dramamine if you want to go on a boat trip)
• Sarong or quick-dry towel for water activities
• Extra change purse so you can carry cash in a few different spots
• A daypack or large tote bag to pack all your goodies for day trips and sightseeing
• Charging plugs and cables for your devices. You don’t need to bring adaptors because Mexico uses the same outlets as the US.

How to Stay Safe and Healthy in Cancun

It’s never a bad idea to be extra vigilant when you’re in a new country, but you don’t want fear to ruin your holiday. It’s all about being smart and aware. By following some simple tips, you can keep safe and stay healthy when you travel to Cancun.

Cancun is a world-famous destination for international tourists who come to enjoy the natural beauty, culture, and affordable holiday activities and accommodations. Restaurants and hotels in touristy areas are set up to cater to western traveler’s needs, reducing the need to be overly cautious about everything you eat and drink. The cuisine in the Yucatan is unique and delicious, eat until your heart’s content. But, do stick with bottled water to save yourself from missing out on your days in paradise.

While Cancun is a safe city, there is crime. Don’t make yourself a target by wearing expensive jewelry, being careless with your mobile, or flashing lots of cash when paying for items. Keep your cash in separate places (wallet and purse pocket) with smaller currency in your wallet.

Whether you are a solo traveler, couple or group, avoid walking on dark and empty streets at night. Stick to crowded and well-lit streets.

Wear your face mask in crowded areas, bring hand sanitizer and remember to apply it often, also practice social distancing and avoid getting too close to others who are not traveling with you.

Choose a resort that has a reputation for its health and safety standards, like Garza Blanca Cancun .

Understanding Money in Mexico

Mexico uses the peso (MXN). The average 2022 exchange rate is 20 pesos to the dollar. Download the XE Currency app for daily currency rates and exchanges.

How To Get Money

ATMs : It’s not hard to find an ATM in Mexico, especially in popular tourist areas. Generally speaking, the transaction fees on the Mexican side are quite low ($1-2 per transaction). You’re better off withdrawing your maximum daily limit to avoid multiple transaction fees for small withdrawals.

Cash Exchanges : There are plenty of cash exchanges in popular tourist zones, but you never get a very good rate from them.

Credit Cards : Mexico is still very much a cash-based society, but it’s becoming easier to use a credit card. You’ll have no problem using your card to pay for your hotel, rent a car, shop at larger shopping centers, pay entrance fees at major attractions, and at nicer restaurants and bars.

We hope that you have found our travel to Cancun guide useful and that it will come in handy when you decide to live the vacation of a lifetime in a beautiful tropical paradise. Happy travels!

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Passports & Visas

Upon arrival in Mexico, you will need to produce an up to date passport plus a visitor’s permit which is now known as the FMM “Forma Migratoria Multiple”. This form is provided free of charge by your travel agent, airline or at point of entry. As before, passport holders from countries on Mexico’s no visa required list do not need to apply for a formal visa to visit Mexico. If you’re visiting Mexico from the US or Canada, this applies to you. The immigration officer at passport control may also ask you to prove the necessary economic means and a return ticket to your country. Immigration will check your documents and stamp and process the form, handing you back the right-hand portion, which you must keep and surrender when you leave Mexico. If you lose this form, you will have to go to the immigration desk at the airport and may have to pay a fine for another one, so it is best to attach it to your passport so it cannot be misplaced.

Mexico Visa Policy permits citizens of the countries listed below to travel to Mexico without a visa. (FMTTV):

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Irland, Island, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweeden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs http://www.sre.gob.mx/

Explore the Mexican Caribbean

Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 1:09:33 PM EST (Cancun Time) Weather 84°F / 29°C

Cancun Airport is conveniently located approximately 18 km north of Cancun city centre with access to a large number of buses, coaches and taxis.

Visa Requirements by http://www.sre.gob.mx/

Cancun international airport | visa.

Frequently Asked Questions (National Migration Institute)

I am Mexican

I am a citizen of another country and i want to visit mexico., i am in mexico as a tourist., i am a citizen of another country but i live in mexico..

The National Migration Institute does not handle this procedure.  You need to go to the United States embassy or one of its consulates in Mexico, where they can tell you how to obtain the visa. You can also see http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/

What do I need to do if I want to invite a friend who is a citizen of another country to visit Mexico?

You need to apply for an entrance permit for your foreign friend at the National Migration Institute.

Consult the section on requirements or go to any of the offices of the National Migration Institute in Mexico for the information you need about how to apply for the permit.

I am married to a foreign citizen. What do I need to do to bring my spouse to Mexico?

You need to apply for an entrance permit for your spouse at the National Migration Institute so that he/she can enter Mexico as your economic dependent. You will need to show a marriage certificate.

What do I need to do to invite a family member who is a foreign citizen to Mexico?

You need to apply for an entrance permit for your relative at the National Migration Institute so that he/she can enter Mexico as your economic dependent. You will need to show proof of a direct, first degree relationship (siblings, parents, uncles and aunts, nieces and nephews) and proof of your economic standing.

I want to marry a foreign citizen. What paperwork is involved?

To marry a Mexican citizen, the foreign citizen must obtain authorization from the National Migration Institute.

To obtain this authorization, the foreign citizen must be in Mexico. His or her migratory status is irrelevant. He/she must provide the date, place and number of the office where the civil service will take place. The Mexican party must provide proof of his/her nationality.

Consult the section on requirements or go to any of the offices of the National Migration Institute (INM) in Mexico for the information you need about how to apply for the permit.

Where and how can I get a tourist visa to visit Mexico?

You need to go to a Mexican consulate abroad to ask about the requirements and to take the necessary steps to get your visa. The requirements differ from country to country.

If you are a citizen of Andorra, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, The United States of America, Uruguay or Venezuela, you do not need a visa to enter Mexico, although you must present a valid passport and fill out an immigration form for tourists, businessmen or women, stopovers or 'visiting advisors', which can be obtained in travel agencies, airlines or at the point of entry to Mexico.

The immigration officer at your point of entry into Mexico can also request that you demonstrate that you have sufficient economic solvency and a found trip ticket.

If you are a citizen of any other country, you need to go to a Mexican consulate to request a visa. If you have a family member, friend or acquaintance in Mexico, he or she can do this at the INM.

Consult the requirements or go to any of the INM delegations throughout Mexico for detailed information about requesting a visa.

How can I get permission to work in Mexico?

You must get permission from the INM to enter Mexico and authorization to do paid work. You must demonstrate that you have a job offer from a Mexican business or institute.

Consult the requirements or go to any INM delegation in Mexico for more details about what is required.

What documentation do I need to study in Mexico?

You need to get a student visa from the INM by demonstrating that you are enrolled in a Mexican school and that you have sufficient financial resources to fund your stay.What documentation do I need to study in Mexico?

Consult the section on requirements or go to any INM delegation in Mexico to find out about the specific requirements.

Can I extend my stay in Mexico?

You need to go to any INM office to request an extension of your visa. You need to have with you, your updated passport and the tourist card you filled out. You will also need to prove that you can finance your stay and you will have to pay a fee to extend the visa. This procedure takes only a few minutes.

Consult the section on requirements or go to any INM delegation in Mexico for exact information about this procedure.

I lost my tourist card. What do I do?

Go to any office or delegation of the INM to request a replacement.  You will need to bring your updated passport and the report of the loss or theft that you made to the proper authorities. A fee is charged for the replacement document.

Consult the section on requirements or go to any of the INM delegations in Mexico for more specific information about what you need to do in this case.

I want to stay in Mexico longer. What do I have to do?

You need to go to the INM and request an extension or renewal of your immigration document. To do this, you have to demonstrate that the original reasons for which you were granted the existing visa.

Consult the section on requirements or go to any of the INM's delegations in Mexico for more exact information about this procedure.

I lost my FM2 or FM3 How do I get a new one?

You must go to any INM office or delegation to request a new FM2 or FM3 Form. You will need to fill out an application and bring your passport and the report of the robbery or loss of the document that you made to the proper authorities. You will also have to fill out a new FM1 format and pay a fee.

Can I do any sort of work in Mexico?

If your immigration status is 'No inmigrante' or 'inmigrante' (non-resident immigrant), you need to get permission from the INM before you can work in an area that is different from the one for which you were authorized.

If your immigration status is 'Inmigrado' (resident), you can engage in any kind of legal and honest work. All you need to do is inform the INM.

Consult the section on requirements or go to any INM delegation in Mexico for more specific information about this procedure.

How do I bring my family to Mexico?

You need to apply for visas for your family members at the INM so that they enter Mexico either as tourists or as your economic dependents. You need to demonstrate that they are first-degree, direct descendents (brothers or sisters, parents, uncles, nephews or nieces). You will also need to demonstrate your economic standing.

Consult the section on requirements or go to any INM delegation in Mexico for more information about this procedure.

Cancun Entry Explained: Passport Rules for Land, Air, Sea

Ever dreamed of Cancun's turquoise waters but hit a passport panic? Relax. Whether by land, air, or sea, we're spilling the beans on border-hopping to paradise—no mysteries, just clear skies ahead!

Cancun is a popular vacation destination on the Yucatan Peninsula known for its beaches and nightlife. This city is often visited by honeymooners, spring breakers, and those looking to enjoy a good time. Cancun consists of a downtown area, El Centro, and beachfront, Zona Hotelera, but do you need a  passport  to go to Cancun?

Whether or not you need a passport to go to Cancun ultimately depends on your nationality. United States citizens and citizens from other countries except Canada must present a passport to enter Cancun, Mexico. Canadian citizens do not need a passport; instead, they can enter with a birth certificate and picture ID.

Minors 16 and older can travel to Mexico alone, but those under 16 need written permission signed by both parents. Follow along as we explore everything you need to know to enter Cancun and enjoy your trip to Mexico.

What Documents Do I Need To Fly To Cancun?

Credit: ingimage

When traveling to Cancun, tourists must meet Mexico’s entry requirements. Visitors must have the following documents.

• A passport valid for at least six months from the date you enter Mexico.
• FMM Mexico Tourist Card
• If applicable, a Visa for Mexico
• Proof of a return flight ticket
• Documentation that proves the purpose of the visit, such as a  Cancun hotel  reservation.
• Proof of sufficient funds

Can I Use My Birth Certificate To Go To Mexico?

All visitors, regardless of age, flying to Mexico cannot use a birth certificate and must have a passport booklet. Those arriving by land or sea do not have to have a passport booklet. U.S. citizens 16 or younger can use a certified copy of a birth certificate to go to Mexico.

Children on a group trip with an adult chaperone are not required o have a passport until they are 19. However, a written and notarized letter granting permission is required with the birth certificate, and both parents must sign it.  Often, it is better to have a passport to prevent confusion or the possibility of being denied entry into Mexico.

Can I Use My REAL ID To Enter Cancun?

A REAL ID is a driver’s license with advanced technology. You cannot use a REAL ID to enter Cancun. You can, however, use a passport card depending on your method of travel. If you are flying to Cancun, you can not use a passport card to enter. If you are driving to Cancun or taking a cruise to Cancun, you can use a passport card.

A passport card is REAL ID compliant, but you should have a passport booklet in case you need to fly home. Keep in mind that these are only valid when entering the U.S. at land border crossings.

Related Read:   The 10 Best All-Inclusive Tulum Resorts

Do You Need a Passport to Drive to Cancun?

To drive to Cancun, you don’t need a passport booklet, but there are required documents to get through the Ready Lane. Ready Lanes use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to move cars through the border in a timely manner. To be Ready-Lane eligible, all travelers must be 16 or older and have an RFID-enabled card.

The following types of identification are RFID-enabled:

• Enhanced Driver’s Licenses or Enhanced Tribal Cards
• U.S. Passport Cards
• Enhanced Border Crossing Cards
• Trusted Traveler Program Cards include NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry, or FAST
• Enhanced Permanent Resident Cards

Driving To Mexico? You Need Proper Vehicle Registration And Permits

If you plan to drive in Mexico, make sure you take the steps to ensure you have everything you need. You will need a Mexico tourist insurance policy whether you drive your own car or rent one. If you rent a car, the rental company will guide you on how to get tourist insurance.

If you are traveling more than 12 miles across the border, a TVIP or FMM card is required. This card allows Mexican and non-Mexican citizens to drive across the border. You can get these cards at the Mexican border, but it is a long process, so plan ahead of time.

Of course, you will need a form of identification, such as a passport, a driver’s license, and proof of car insurance. You may also need to present a credit card for payment. If you’re renting a car, the minimum age is 21.

Mexico Border Crossing Requirements 2022

Credit: Shutterstock

To cross the Mexican border, there are several documents you need in 2022. Here is a checklist of what you should bring with you.

• U.S. passport or passport card
• Mexico entry permit from a National Migration Institute
• Current proof of vehicle registration
• Correct car insurance for driving in Mexico
• Current driver’s license
• If you finance your car, a letter of permission from your lender
• A temporary vehicle import permit (not needed if staying on the Baja Penninsula)

Current Travel Restrictions for Cancun

Currently, there are no travel restrictions for Cancun. COVID-19 documentation is no longer required to enter Mexico. If you’re flying, you must pass a health screening at the airport when you land in Mexico.

Depending on where you’re staying in Cancun, your lodging may have you fill out a health questionnaire. To return to the United States, you will have to present a negative COVID-19 test taken one day prior to travel. If you had COVID-19 90 days prior to your trip, you might have to provide documentation of recovery to reenter.

Related Read:   Best Time to Visit Mexico's Riviera Maya

Do You Need To Get A Vaccine To Go To Cancun?

Cancun, Mexico, is open for international travel for all visitors, and there are no vaccine requirements. However, all travelers, vaccinated or not, may be subject to health screenings, such as a temperature check, upon arrival. If you do exhibit symptoms, you may have to undergo additional health screenings or quarantine.

When departing Cancun, you must present a negative COVID-19 test to board the plane back to the U.S. Each airline has its own rules, so contact your airline before arrival and departure for any additional requirements.

If you are going on a cruise, remember that cruise lines may have different regulations. Some cruise lines require passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than two days before boarding. Therefore, contacting your specific cruise line is best to ensure you have everything necessary for boarding.

Related Read:   10 BEST Cozumel Snorkeling Spots

Does A Child Need A Passport To Go To Cancun?

Children of any age must have a passport when traveling to Cancun by plane. Children under the age of 16 traveling to Mexico by car or cruise ship can use a passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. It’s worth remembering that it is always safest to have a passport book in case you have to fly home unexpectedly.

Minors may travel alone, but if they are younger than 16, they will need written permission signed by both parents. Parents must also make sure to get the letter of permission notarized. This also applies if a minor younger than 16 is traveling with an adult that is not their parent.

Do You Need A Visa To Go To Cancun?

A visa is not required when vacationing in Cancun if you are a citizen of the EU, United States, or Canada. These citizens can visit Cancun for up to 180 days. To stay longer than six months, or if you’re going for non-tourism purposes, you will need a visa.

If you are traveling to Cancun from a non-exempt country, you will need to apply for a Mexico visa. To apply for a visa, visit the  Mexico consulate website .

Related Read:   Do You Tip at All-Inclusive Resorts?

Do You Need A Passport If You Go To Cancun On A Cruise?

Taking a cruise to Cancun is one of the most popular ways to visit the city. You do not need a passport if you go to Cancun on a cruise if it’s a closed-loop cruise. A closed-loop cruise is a cruise that departs and returns to the same United States port.

If you’re taking a cruise to Cancun, you only need a photo ID and proof of citizenship. Your driver’s license and birth certificate or naturalization certificate should suffice. However, it is highly recommended to bring your passport in case of an emergency.

For example, if something happens that requires you to go home by plane, you would need your passport.  Therefore, bringing your passport ensures you cover all your bases.

Wrapping Up When You Need A Passport For Cancun

Similar to other locations in Mexico, not much preparation is required when traveling to Cancun. You do, however, want to plan accordingly when traveling by any method of transportation.

Ultimately, your nationality and method of travel will determine whether or not you need a passport to enter Cancun. If you travel to Cancun by plane from the United States, officials require you to present a passport. If you travel to Cancun by plane from Canada, you can enter with a birth certificate and picture ID.

Minors do not need to carry a passport, but they must have a birth certificate or naturalization papers. Any U.S. citizens traveling to Cancun by cruise ship do not require a passport if it is a closed-loop cruise.

In other words, the cruise must include a departure and return to the same U.S. port. Remember that it is always recommended for all travelers to have a passport in case an unexpected return flight is necessary.

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Do You Need a Passport to Go to Cancun?

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Cancun, Mexico, is a popular tourist destination for American travelers, but a common question before departure is, “Do I need a passport to go to Cancun?” The short answer is yes, but it also depends how you arrive there — by ground, air or sea.

Can you go to Cancun without a passport? Yes, but like other destinations , only in specific circumstances. That’s why it’s important to be prepared with the right information so you don’t get caught off guard. Having a passport for Cancun when you are traveling there is the easiest and safest way to avoid any hassles.

But, there are alternatives. Here are all of the different ways to arrive in Cancun, which will help you determine can you go to Cancun without a passport.

» Learn more: Need a passport for a trip? Give yourself a big time cushion

Arriving by air

Do you need a passport for Cancun if arriving by air? Yes.

If flying to Cancun (or any Mexican airport), both adults and children must travel with a passport book (not just the passport card or other form of government identification).

Double check that the passport is valid for the entire duration of your visit, and you will want to make sure you have at least six months remaining on the passport from your departure date.

Airlines will check this and may not let you board the flight, although the official word from the Mexican government says otherwise. It only requires that your passport is valid for the entirety of your intended trip.

When crossing an international border, you do need a passport for Cancun and will be asked to complete an immigration form providing some personal details before entering the country.

» Learn more: The guide to different types of U.S. passports

Arriving by car

Do you need a passport to go to Cancun, Mexico, by car? Chances are you won’t be crossing an international border and arriving by car to Cancun. Its position along the Yucatan Peninsula is quite far from the U.S. border, which means it would be a long ride.

While you wouldn’t need a passport to enter Cancun itself, you would need either a valid passport book or passport card to cross the international border. Passport cards are an option when applying for a new passport, and they are accepted at certain border crossings by land, like when entering Canada or Mexico.

» Learn more: When you should renew your passport

Arriving by sea

A common way for visitors to arrive in Cancun is by cruise ship. Doing so also has special privileges.

Closed-loop cruises , which depart and return to the same country, even if visiting other countries along the way (as long as they are part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative), usually do not require traveling with a passport. Instead, an official birth certificate and government-issued identification (like a driver’s license) would be enough.

Be sure to check with the cruise line, though, as some companies may still require a passport to travel. Of course, if you have to fly to another country to board the cruise, you would need a passport.

Keep in mind though that without a passport, your travel options become more limited. In the event of an emergency when you need to disembark the ship in another country, a passport is required.

You would also need a passport to fly home from another country should your plans change. This is why it is always wise to travel with a passport if you have one, just in case of an emergency or travel disruption. You’ll avoid a lot of hassle that way.

Do you need a passport to go to Cancun, even if you were to arrive on your own personal boat? No, the same rules would apply as if you were on a cruise ship, although there may be other maritime permits needed for bringing a boat to Mexico and entering port.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Do you need a passport to go to Cancun, Mexico?

It depends on how you travel to Cancun, but there are some instances where it is not necessary to have a passport for Cancun. If you have a valid passport, it is always wise to travel with it in the event of an unexpected change in plans.

Mexico is a country rich with adventure, culture and heritage, and Cancun is one of the most popular destinations for its wide range of beach resorts and activities. Just be sure you are prepared for your trip so you won't run into any disappointments at the border.

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Cancun ends entry form requirement for US visitors

Cancun tourism officials have announced that U.S. citizens — as well as those from Canada and many other countries — no longer have to complete the Forma Migratoria Multiple immigration form to enter Mexico. The form was blamed for delays at immigration, although airport staffing issues have perhaps been more of a pain point.

Regardless of the root causes of airport delays, tourists to Cancun should be delighted about one benefit from the form's demise: Visitors will no longer have to retain a piece of that pesky immigration card to exit the country. Prior to the change, losing the scrap of paper resulted in a fine and delay in departure.

U.S. citizens will now be automatically granted a stay permit for 180 days upon arrival in Cancun, and other select airports, as part of this pilot program.

"Tourists who come on vacation will not have to fill out a form, neither printed nor electronic. Instead of a form, they are just going to put a stamp on (passports)," Sergio González Rubiera, the executive president of the Mexican Association of Travel Agencies, said.

For more details about the new entry process for Cancun, read on.

For more TPG news, deals and tips, sign up for our daily newsletter and download the free TPG app .

Cancun travel becomes easier

Cancun is a hugely popular vacation destination for U.S. tourists. Its long strip of beachside hotels and resorts and cheap flight options make it an affordable and quick vacation getaway.

The FMM form had been a requirement for all incoming tourists. Passengers could either fill out the form on an inbound flight or complete it online before the trip; it would typically take less than 30 seconds to fill out.

Some local officials claim the removal of the form requirement will save hours of wait time, but because the form is so short, this may be doubtful.

Still, it is certainly true that having one less form will not increase entry time, and it will definitely be one less thing for incoming passengers to worry about. There won't be any more panicked questions of "What was our flight number again? Does anyone have a pen I can borrow?" Plus, there's always that one guy in line just ahead of you who forgot or neglected to sign it, delaying your arrival to Senor Frogs by critical minutes.

In particular, keeping the little paper receipt as part of the FMM form had been a pain point for travelers who often lost track of it during the course of a tequila-infused week at Cancun's beaches.

At the Cancun airport, departing passengers who were unable to present the slip of paper from the FMM form received $25 fines and had to wait for new immigration cards. For this reason alone, FMM's demise is a cause for celebration among Cancun visitors.

Related: Cancun essentials: everything you need to plan a perfect trip .

Bottom line

While the elimination of the FMM entry form certainly won't solve all of the wait and delay issues at Cancun or other airports in Mexico, it will reduce at least one small step in the immigration process.

The streamlined entry pilot program for Cancun may be rolled out across other airports in Mexico in the coming months. Keep your eye on Mexico tourism announcements and TPG reporting for all the latest about travel to Mexico.

What Documents Do I Need To Travel To Cancun Mexico?

Planning a trip to Cancun, Mexico? That’s fantastic! Cancun is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. But before you start packing your bags and dreaming of lounging by the turquoise sea, it’s important to know what documents you’ll need to make your travel to Cancun a smooth and hassle-free experience. In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential documents you’ll need to have in order to travel to Cancun, Mexico.

First things first, you’ll need a valid passport. Your passport should be up-to-date and have at least six months of validity remaining from your planned date of departure. Remember, your passport is not only your ticket to entry into Cancun, but it’s also required for re-entry into your home country. So make sure to double-check the expiration date and renew it if necessary. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to make a photocopy of your passport and keep it in a separate location, just in case.

In addition to your passport, you may also need a tourist card or visa, depending on your nationality. For many travelers, a tourist card, also known as a FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), is required. This can be obtained online or at the airport upon arrival. The tourist card allows you to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days for tourism purposes. However, it’s important to note that the specific requirements may vary based

Table of Contents

What Documents Do I Need to Travel to Cancun, Mexico?

Traveling to Cancun, Mexico is an exciting adventure filled with beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. However, before you embark on your journey, it’s essential to ensure you have all the necessary documents to enter the country. This article will guide you through the required paperwork, helping you have a smooth and stress-free trip.

When traveling to Cancun, Mexico, the most crucial document you need is a valid passport. Your passport serves as proof of your identity and nationality, allowing you to enter the country legally. Ensure that your passport is not expired and has at least six months of validity beyond your planned departure date from Mexico. It’s also a good idea to make copies of your passport and store them in a separate location in case of loss or theft.

In addition to having a valid passport, it’s essential to fill out a Mexican Tourist Card, also known as the FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple). This card is usually provided by airlines or at the point of entry when you arrive in Mexico. You must complete the FMM accurately and keep it with you throughout your stay. When leaving the country, it will be collected by immigration officials.

Visa Requirements

For many travelers, visiting Cancun, Mexico, does not require a visa. Citizens from several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and most European Union countries, can enter Mexico as tourists without a visa. However, it’s important to check the specific requirements based on your nationality, as some countries have different visa policies.

If you are unsure whether you need a visa or not, you can check with the Mexican embassy or consulate in your home country. They will provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa requirements for your trip to Cancun.

Tourist Card

As mentioned earlier, the Mexican Tourist Card, or FMM, is a crucial document for travelers entering Mexico. The FMM is typically provided by airlines or distributed at immigration checkpoints. It is a simple form that you need to fill out with your personal information, including your name, nationality, passport number, and the purpose of your visit.

Once you have completed the FMM, you must keep it safe and present it to immigration officials upon arrival in Mexico. They will stamp the card and provide you with a portion to keep with you. It’s important to hold on to this card throughout your stay and return it to immigration when leaving the country. Failure to do so may result in fines and difficulties when reentering Mexico in the future.

Proof of Accommodation

When traveling to Cancun, it’s advisable to have proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or a letter of invitation if you are staying with a friend or family member. Immigration officials may ask for this information to ensure you have a place to stay during your visit. It’s always a good idea to have printed copies or digital versions of your accommodation details readily available for presentation if required.

Additionally, having proof of onward travel can also be beneficial. Although it’s not always strictly enforced, some airlines and immigration officials may ask for evidence of your plans to leave Mexico within the allowed tourist stay period. This can be in the form of a return flight ticket or a ticket to another destination.

Travel Insurance

While not a mandatory requirement, it’s highly recommended to have travel insurance when visiting Cancun, Mexico, or any foreign destination. Travel insurance provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances. It offers peace of mind and ensures you are protected throughout your trip. It’s important to review different policies and choose one that suits your needs and provides adequate coverage for your travel to Cancun.

In summary, when preparing for your trip to Cancun, Mexico, make sure you have a valid passport, complete the Mexican Tourist Card (FMM), and check if your nationality requires a visa. Have proof of accommodation and onward travel plans readily available, and consider purchasing travel insurance for added protection. By having all the necessary documents in order, you can fully enjoy your time in Cancun and create unforgettable memories.

Key Takeaways: What Documents Do I Need to Travel to Cancun, Mexico?

Frequently asked questions, what documents do i need to travel to cancun, mexico.

When planning a trip to Cancun, Mexico, it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary documents to enter the country. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Mexico. This is a requirement for all travelers entering Mexico.

2. Tourist Card: As a tourist, you’ll need to complete a Tourist Card (also known as a FMM form) upon arrival in Mexico. This form will be provided by the airline or at the immigration desk. Make sure to keep it safe, as you’ll need to present it when departing the country.

3. Return or Onward Ticket: Mexican immigration authorities may ask for proof of your plans to leave the country, so it’s advisable to have a return or onward ticket. This can be a flight, bus, or train ticket showing your departure from Mexico within the allowed timeframe.

4. COVID-19 Requirements: Due to the ongoing pandemic, Mexico has implemented certain health protocols for travelers. Make sure to check the latest requirements, which may include a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination.

Do I need a visa to travel to Cancun, Mexico?

Most travelers to Cancun, Mexico, do not require a visa for short visits. If you hold a valid passport from one of the visa-exempt countries, you can enter Mexico for tourism or business purposes for up to 180 days. However, it’s important to note that visa requirements may vary depending on your nationality, so it’s always a good idea to check with the Mexican embassy or consulate in your country before you travel.

If you plan to stay in Mexico for longer periods or engage in activities other than tourism or business, you may need to apply for a different type of visa. It’s best to consult the Mexican embassy or consulate for specific visa requirements based on your travel plans.

Are there any additional requirements for traveling to Cancun, Mexico during COVID-19?

Yes, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are additional requirements for traveling to Cancun, Mexico. These requirements may change over time, so it’s essential to stay updated with the latest information. Here are some common COVID-19 requirements:

1. Negative COVID-19 Test: Some airlines and Mexican authorities may require a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or antigen) taken within a specified timeframe before your departure. Check with your airline and the Mexican embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

2. Health Declaration Form: You may be required to complete a health declaration form, providing information about your health status and recent travel history. This form is typically provided by the airline or available online before your trip.

3. Face Masks and Social Distancing: While in Mexico, it’s important to adhere to local health guidelines, which may include wearing face masks in public spaces and practicing social distancing.

Can I travel to Cancun, Mexico with an expired passport?

No, you cannot travel to Cancun, Mexico, with an expired passport. Mexican immigration authorities require all travelers to have a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond their planned departure date from Mexico. It’s crucial to ensure your passport is up to date before making any travel arrangements to avoid any complications or being denied entry into the country.

If your passport is expired or will expire soon, make sure to renew it before your trip to Cancun, Mexico, to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Is travel insurance necessary for a trip to Cancun, Mexico?

While travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for entering Cancun, Mexico, it is highly recommended. Travel insurance provides financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, or other travel-related issues.

Before purchasing travel insurance, carefully review the policy coverage, including medical expenses, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation. Make sure the policy meets your specific needs and covers any activities you plan to engage in during your trip to Cancun, Mexico.

Final Thoughts on What Documents You Need to Travel to Cancun, Mexico

So, there you have it! We’ve covered all the essential documents you need to travel to Cancun, Mexico. Now, you might be thinking, “Do I really need all these documents? Can’t I just show up with my passport?” Well, while a passport is crucial, there are a few additional documents that you should carry to ensure a smooth journey.

First and foremost, make sure you have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining. This is a non-negotiable requirement for international travel. Additionally, if you’re a citizen of certain countries, you may need a visa to enter Mexico. Check with the Mexican embassy or consulate in your home country to confirm if this applies to you.

Furthermore, it’s always a good idea to have a printed copy of your travel itinerary, hotel reservations, and return flight tickets. These documents can come in handy if you encounter any unforeseen circumstances during your trip. Remember to keep these papers in a safe place, such as a travel folder or a digital cloud storage platform, for easy access.

Lastly, consider carrying a photocopy of your passport, just in case it gets lost or stolen. It’s an extra precaution that can save you a lot of time and hassle if the unexpected happens. Keep this copy separate from your actual passport, ideally in a different bag or pocket.

By ensuring you have all the necessary documents

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Mexico entry requirements and Cancun travel checklist 

As of 2010, every foreign national visiting Mexico is required a valid, currently unexpired passport to enter the country. In the past, U.S, citizens could enter with any official proof of citizenship document such as birth certificate or a green card, however this is no longer the case. Without a passport that is valid for at least 180 days after you arrival date, you will not be allowed into the country. You must have your passport with you from the moment you arrive at the airport in your home country. There are no exceptions for minors. When your arrive to Mexico you will be given a tourist card (form FM-T). You need to fill this short form that includes: name, number of days to be spent in Mexico, passport number, final destination of your trip, city of origin, dates of travel and means of arrival. Business travelers will also be given a FM-N 30 Days form, which will allow them to do business for a period of up to 30 days, but you cannot accept a job. Those who need to enter the country for reasons other than tourism and business, or to stay for more than 180 days, will need to apply for a visa at a Mexican consulate in their home country before coming to Mexico. It is important that you keep this form safe during your trip, as you will be required to turn it when leaving the country. If you lose or damage it you will be charged a $24 USD fee to replace it. When traveling with minors, Mexican law requires that any non-Mexican citizen under the age of 18 departing Mexico must carry notarized written permission from any parent or guardian not traveling with the child to or from Mexico. This permission must include the name of the parent, the name of the child, the name of anyone traveling with the child, and the notarized signature(s) of the absent parent(s) as well as the reasons for the trip. For the latest entry requirements go to: Mexico-entry-requirements

Mexico Visa Policy permits citizens of the countries listed below to travel to Mexico without a visa: Andorra, Anguila, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cayman Islands, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Commonwealth countries, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, French Guyana, Gibraltar, Guadalupe, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Latvia, Liechtestein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malasia, Malta, Micronesia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Perú, Poland, Portugal, Rumania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad, Turks and Caicos, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela.

What should you pack?

• Casual, comfortable clothes, like T-shirts and shorts
• Business casual attires for visiting some restaurants or night clubs
• Any important medications: bring enough for your whole trip
• Basic first aid kit: bandages, ointments, aspirins, and other over-the-counter medications you normally use in case you need them. Pack them in one kit and do not mix them with your other things. (You can buy medication in Mexico easily, but you cannot buy antibiotics without prescription)
• During the winter you may need a light sweater or sweatshirt for the occasional cool evening
• Raincoat or waterproof windbreaker in case of rain
• At least 2 swimsuits
• Walking shoes or sandals for the beach (the sand gets really hot, shoes are important)
• A camera: you may use your smartphone or you may want to bring a proper camera, water resistant or waterproof cameras are a plus
• Sunscreen: bring plenty of sunscreen, Cancun is a hot, tropical destination where the sun shine bright most of the year. It is very important for getting the most from your vacation to avoid getting sunburn. You will find that more and more places have banned non-biodegradable sunscreens in recent years to protect the environment. If you bring non-biodegradable sunscreen it may be taken from you at one point. We strongly recommend bringing biodegradable sunscreen to ensure you can use it everywhere you go.
• Insect or mosquito repellent: as with sunscreen, non-biodegradable insect repellents are banned in many places
• Dry-bags, ziplock bags, or other waterproof containers to protect your important belongings from water and sand while at the beach
• Snorkel equipment: If you plan on doing a lot of snorkeling, having your own gear would be a good investment
• A backpack comes very handy for tours and excursions
• Reusable water bottle
• Reusable straws: many places have stopping using plastic straws and they are soon to be banned in the state and not every place offers an alternative

What Documents Do I Need for Mexico Travel?

StudioLaurent / Twenty20

• Passport or PASS Card
• Acceptable ID
• Mexico Tourist Card
• Where You'll Show Documents
• COVID-19 Documents
• Travel Insurance

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 in order to visit this beautiful country! Read on to discover just what you need to make sure you have with you in order to cross the border south. 

Passport or PASS Card?

To return to the U.S. from Mexico by land, sea, or air, you must present a passport or PASS card (available to anyone) or Enhanced Driver's License (residents of some U.S. states can get these) at the border.

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.

Identification Acceptable for Crossing U.S./Mexico Borders by Land

For decades, it was the case that U.S. citizens could use a combination of proof of U.S. citizenship, like a birth certificate and a driver's license or other state-issued photo ID, to return from Mexico to the U.S. At that time, it was still the case that passports weren't needed to return from Mexico by land even after it became necessary to use a passport to return to the U.S. by air.

All of that changed back in 2009, and you must now have a passport, PASS card, Enhanced Driver's License, or other acceptable ID. A full list of IDs you can use is below: 

• A Valid Passport
• Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
• State Issued Enhanced Driver's License (when available)
• Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
• U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
• Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
• Form I-872 American Indian Card

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 to Get a Mexico Tourist Card

A Mexico tourist card, also called an FMT, 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 Mexico border, 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 customs 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. 

COVID-19 Related Documents

At this time, there is no required COVID-19 documentation to enter Mexico. Once you land (if you're flying), you will be required to pass a health screening at the airport, and depending on where you're staying for the duration of the trip, you might need to fill out a health questionnaire at your lodgings.

However, those travelers returning to the United States must present a negative COVID-19 test at least one day prior to travel. If you had COVID within 90 days of your trip, you could also use documentation of recovery to get back over the border.

Remember to Keep Track of Your ID and Tourist Card

You will need to turn your tourist card in when you leave Mexico, and you might need ID at different points during your Mexico visit, although after seven months spent traveling across the country, I've never been asked for mine.

While it's rare for you to need to produce yours, it's best to keep everything on your person at all times, just in case you are asked. 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. There's plenty that can go wrong on a vacation to Mexico: your overnight bus could be in a crash; you could get pickpocketed while walking around a market; you could contract dengue fever; you could fall from your hotel balcony (it's happened.) 

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 have 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 compay's phone number on it in case you need to reach out to 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.

Mexican Tourist Cards and How to Get One

How to Get a Passport in the U.S.

Do I need a passport to travel to Mexico?

Parent Authorization Letter for Minors Traveling to Mexico

Top 9 Mexico Travel Myths Debunked

Rocky Point: A Complete Guide

Passport Requirements for Driving to Canada

Passports and Mexico Entry Requirements for Children

Before You Travel to Mexico

8 Things to Do Before You Travel by Air

Visiting the Caribbean Without a Passport

Renting a Car in Mexico

Driving in Mexico: What You Need to Know

Travel Documents You Need to Visit Mexico

How To Get a U.S. Passport or Passport Card

Best Ways to Prepare for Airport Security Screenings

Everything you need to know before visiting Cancún

Jan 24, 2024 • 6 min read

Prepare for your visit to Cancún with our guide to health, safety and etiquette in the Mexican hotspot © Wei Fang / Getty Images

If my frequent travels to Cancún have taught me anything, it's that paradise will throw you a curveball from time to time.

Among the setbacks, I've experienced a costly car break-in, brazen price gouging and a debilitating bout of sickness with dengue fever, an ordeal that still makes my joints ache just thinking about it. But every time I found myself in need of help, the good folks in Cancún have stepped up big-time, and that's no small thing.

While some first-time visitors never leave the touristy, high-gloss hotel zone – which I get, the stunning resort offers pillow-soft Caribbean beaches – you’ll kick yourself later if you overlook the Centro, a bustling downtown.

This is where you can mingle with locals in the neighborhood cantinas and barter at traditional markets. Visit one atmospheric taco joint and you’ll be glad you made the effort. 

With that in mind, here are nine essential tips to make your Cancún trip run as smooth as possible.

1. Stay alert but don't let the clickbait headlines spook you

Despite all the grim news about Mexico 's drug-related violence, Cancún and the wider Yucatán Peninsula are generally considered safe.

Granted, you should never treat the crime problem lightly, but drug gangs rarely target tourists, especially if you avoid illicit activities.

That said, it's important to keep a close watch on your drink in bars and nightclubs. There have been reports of some tourists getting their drinks spiked with so-called date rape drugs. You should also avoid withdrawing money from ATMs at night, and never carry large amounts of cash.

2. Monitor hurricane season and seaweed surges

Cancún's hurricane season runs from June to November, and over the years the city has seen powerful storms cause devastating damage. Always check the latest weather forecast before you board a plane.

Also, keep a close eye on sargassum seaweed surges ( sargazo in Spanish), which can turn Cancún's turquoise waters brown. These blooms leave mounds of smelly, decomposing macroalgae carpeted across otherwise white sands. An influx of seaweed makes swimming and sunbathing downright unpleasant.

If it happens when you're in Cancún, consider doing less beach time and splash around in hotel pools and cenotes (freshwater sinkholes) instead.

The invasive surges occur intermittently, usually from March to August, but they can be unpredictable. The NGO  Red de Monitoreo de Sargazo posts daily updates on beach conditions in Cancún and the nearby Riviera Maya .

3. Tip generously and haggle respectfully

Keep in mind that many Cancún service workers (namely restaurant and hotel employees) depend on tips to supplement miserable wages. In restaurants, leave a 15% gratuity if the service is not already included.

Remember to check the bill carefully, though – some unscrupulous establishments have been known to tack on a "service fee" in the hope that customers unknowingly leave an additional tip.

For airport and hotel porters, tip about M$25 a bag, while for tour guides give an extra 10–20% of the cost of the outing, or perhaps a bit more for full-day excursions. Gas station attendants typically get about M$5 to M$10.

Bartenders, baristas and taxi drivers generally do not expect tips but always welcome them. It's acceptable to haggle with the market and street vendors to a certain degree, but remember that they're just trying to make a living.

4. Don't forget to pack ID, bug spray and casual clothing

To rent a car, you'll need to show a passport, driver's license and credit card. Mexican law requires you to have liability coverage, known in Spanish as daños a terceros .

Citizens from the US, Canada and EU countries, as well as residents from dozens of other nations, do not need visas to enter Mexico as tourists.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes and the sun, pack biodegradable insect repellent, long-sleeve shirts and a pair of pants. You'll definitely need the bug spray when visiting during the muggy wet season from May through October.

Even if you have repellent or sunscreen of the biodegradable variety, do not use them while swimming or snorkeling in fragile ecosystems such as coral reefs and cenotes. Loose-fitting clothes that dry quickly will serve you well for water activities and rainy days.

5. Explore the surrounding countryside

You can usually find plenty of things to do in the hotel zone and downtown Cancún but try to squeeze in at least one trip to see a different side of the Yucatán Peninsula. Seven to 10 days should give you ample time to tour Cancún and beyond.

Venture south to check out ancient ruins, jungle-set swimming holes and small fishing towns along the Riviera Maya, or head east on a day trip to  Valladolid , a colonial city with a rich Maya history.

Alternatively, the nearby islands of  Isla Mujeres and  Isla Holbox provide blissful nature escapes for snorkeling, diving and kayaking adventures.

6. Carry cash and bring a credit and/or debit card

Even though most places in Cancún accept major credit cards, it's always useful to carry some cash, especially in the smaller surrounding towns and islands.

Many hotels, and even some restaurants, accept US dollars, but they normally offer an unfavorable currency exchange rate.

The ubiquitous ATMs accept foreign debit cards but expect to get dinged with international transaction fees for withdrawals.

The same goes for many retail purchases as well. Some major credit cards won't charge such fees, giving you the most bang for your buck. Cancún's ATMs dispense Mexican pesos.

7. All-inclusive resorts are great, but you're missing Cancún's food scene

The hotel zone is home to most of Cancún's all-inclusive hotels, though high-end resorts are also cropping up in Punta Sam and along the sublime  Isla Blanca peninsula, north of downtown.

The all-inclusive experience ranges from luxurious adults-only setups with above-and-beyond service (personal butlers and all) to slightly more affordable family-friendly accommodations.

If you're looking for a safe, self-contained environment with multiple restaurants, bottomless drinks, easy beach access, alluring outdoor pools, and kid-focused activities, book an all-inclusive.

If you prefer the resort experience without the meals and booze, some places offer room-only rates. This pushes you to get out and dive into Cancún's diverse culinary and nightlife scene. Budget travelers will find more options downtown, where hostels and mid-range digs abound.

8. Rideshare services are available in Cancún

The app-based transportation service Uber operates in Cancún, but due to a long-running dispute by taxi union members, drivers and their passengers have faced harassment and, in some cases, attacks.

If you decide to use Uber, do so at your own risk. Do not order a car from the airport, bus station, ferry terminals, or other points where rival taxis may be watching.

For the most affordable transportation from the airport, look for the red ADO bus , which runs frequently from the airport terminals to downtown Cancún's first-class bus terminal. However, if you're staying in the hotel zone, you're better off taking a shuttle or cab.

9. Don't drink the water, and try street food with caution

Cancún's tap water is generally not safe to drink unless you know it's filtered (agua filtrada) . The same goes for drinks prepared with ice; when in doubt go without. Bottled or purified (purificada) water is your best bet to stay hydrated, and you'll need plenty of it to avoid heat exhaustion.

Eating street food can be somewhat dicey in Cancún, but it's a tantalizing risk that many visitors are willing to take.

This article was first published October 2023 and updated January 2024

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Mexican Adventures

Discover the Essential Passport Requirements for Visiting Cancun, Mexico

Yes, a passport is required when traveling to Cancun, Mexico. A valid passport is necessary for all foreign nationals, including citizens of the United States and Canada, to enter and exit Mexico.

Is a Passport Required for Travelling to Cancun, Mexico?

What documentation do i need to visit cancun, mexico, can i visit cancun without a passport, do i need a passport to enter mexico from the us for a cancun trip, is a passport mandatory for fly-in travel to cancun from other countries, can i enter cancun by land or sea without a passport, what are the passport requirements for visiting cancun, mexico, do children need passports to travel to cancun, mexico, can i use an enhanced driver’s license instead of a passport in cancun, do united states citizens need a passport for a short trip to cancun, mexico.

Yes, a passport is required for traveling to Cancun, Mexico.

To visit Cancun, Mexico, you will need the following documentation:

1. Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Mexico.

2. Travel Visa: Depending on your country of citizenship, you may or may not require a travel visa . Check with the Mexican embassy or consulate in your country to verify if you need a visa before traveling to Cancun.

3. Tourist Card: Most tourists visiting Cancun are required to obtain a Tourist Card, also known as a FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple). This card allows you to enter Mexico as a tourist and has a maximum duration of 180 days. You can obtain the Tourist Card either online or upon arrival at the airport in Cancun.

4. Return Ticket: It is strongly recommended to have a return or onward ticket to demonstrate that you plan to leave Mexico within the permitted tourist stay duration.

5. COVID-19 Documentation: Due to the ongoing pandemic, additional documentation related to COVID-19 may be required . This can include negative PCR or antigen test results taken within a specified timeframe before your arrival, health declaration forms, or proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Check the latest travel advisories and requirements from the Mexican government or your airline before traveling.

Remember to always check with the Mexican embassy or consulate in your country and refer to the latest travel advisories to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the required documentation for visiting Cancun, Mexico.

No, you cannot visit Cancun without a passport. It is a requirement for international travel to have a valid passport.

Yes, you need a passport to enter Mexico from the US for a Cancun trip.

Yes, a passport is mandatory for fly-in travel to Cancun from other countries. A passport serves as the primary identification document for international travel and is required to enter and exit Cancun, Mexico.

No, you cannot enter Cancun by land or sea without a passport. A valid passport is required for entry into Mexico, regardless of the mode of transportation you choose to use.

To visit Cancun, Mexico, you will need a valid passport. Your passport should have at least six months of validity remaining from the date of your entry into Mexico. Most nationalities, including citizens of the United States, Canada, and European Union countries, are not required to obtain a visa for stays up to 180 days for tourism purposes. However, it is always advisable to check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling .

Yes, children need passports to travel to Cancun, Mexico.

No, an enhanced driver’s license cannot be used instead of a passport in Cancun. A passport is the required document for international travel, while an enhanced driver’s license is only valid for land or sea travel between certain countries.

Yes, United States citizens need a passport for a short trip to Cancun, Mexico.

Sure! Here’s an example of an HTML table with useful data on the topic “Do You Need a Passport for Cancun, Mexico?” that can be built into the WordPress editor:

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• Isla Holbox
• Isla Mujeres
• Playa del Carmen
• Puerto Aventuras
• Puerto Morelos
• Riviera Maya

CANCUN AIRPORT IMMIGRATION

Get Peso’s Before Traveling

Exchange Money Today!

Visitors from the countries listed below do not require a VISA [FMTT] to enter Mexico.

• Czech Republic
• Lichtenstein
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• United Kingdom

*Chinese citizens with passports issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Source:   Instituto Nacional de Migracion

Visitors that require a VISA see:  Countries that need a visa(FMTT)

ENTRY IDENTIFICATION

For more information see:  Countries that need a visa(FMTT)

As of March 1, 2010, Canadian and U.S. citizens, including those with dual nationality, will be required to present a valid passport in order to enter Mexico. 

Visitors from the USA and Canada usually receive their  Tourist Card  to fill out on the airplane flying in.

For information regarding Notorization see:  Why Notorization

NO-Permanent Residents of the United States of America, and of Canada

The requirements for the issuance of a Tourist Visa (FMT) are:

• Fill out the Visa Application form. Application.pdf (download file to your computer)
• Apply at this Consulate General in person from 8:00 am to 11:45 am Monday to Friday
• Valid passport in original and one photocopy of the pages containing personal information, photograph of bearer and expiration date/extensions.
• Valid US visa for multiple entries; at least with 3 months of validity at the time of your filing and one photocopy.
• Valid I-94 and/or I-20 Form in original and one photocopy.
• Financial records (the last three months of your bank statements, pay stubs, international credit card statements and the actual credit card) with one photocopy.
• Payment of Consular fee.
• Passport or valid identification and travel document.
• Proof of economic solvency, with one of the following documents:
• Proof of stable employment or independent activity in your place of residency, accrediting a minimum monthly income of US$ 500.00, or
• Proof of real estate ownership, duly registered in your name, or
• Copy of your bank or securities account statement with average annual balance of at least US$ 2,000.00, or Copy of an international credit card.
• The citizens of Belize, Jamaica, El Salvador and Malaysia do not need visa, but they must go to some Mexican consulate to obtain stamp in their passport.

For family members (spouse, children, or parents) to accompany you, you must prove their status. As tourist, you will be able to remain in Mexico 180 days.

Countries that do not need a visa(FMTTV) You can enter Mexico without a visa showing your passport and the “migration Form for Tourists, Transmigrants, Visiting Businesspersons, or Visiting Consultants”, which you can obtain from travel agencies, airlines, or at your point of entry into Mexico. This option also applies for permanent legal residents in the USA, Canada or Japan, regardless of nationality. Under an agreement with Canada and the USA, those countries’ citizens may prove their nationality with a passport or other public documents, such as:

• Certified copy of birth certificate.
• Voter registration card.
• Naturalization certificate.

If any of these documents lack a photograph, travelers must prove their nationality with another official identification:

• Driver’s license.
• Identification issued by a state or official agency.

Although Canadian and US citizens do not need a passport, the National Institute of Migration recommends one to expedite passage through the point of entry.

IMPORTANT: From January 23, 2007, american citizens who travel to Mexico, to return to the United States airway they will have to present an in force passport.

I lost my tourist migration form  [What to do.] You must visit any National Institute of Migration office or delegation to apply for a replacement of your tourist migration form (http://www.inami.gob.mx/index.php?page/MEN_DIRECTORIO). The requisites are as follows:

• Police report confirming the loss or theft of your migration form.
• Payment of duties.

Visitors requiring a visa extension can apply in person to the immigration office in Cancun or Playa del Carmen: Cancun Immigration Office Located in downtown Cancun City on the corner of Avenida Nader and Avenida Uxmal. Open: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Monday – Friday Playa del Carmen Immigration Office Located in Plaza Antiguas Open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Friday

TOURIST CARD

Each family [or individual when traveling alone or in non-family groups] should be given  two forms  to fill out on the airplane flying to Cancun. It has been our experience that most airlines are familiar with this procedure but NOT ALL. If you do not receive these forms in-flight you will have to fill them out at the airport upon arrival [causing further delay].

One form is your  Customs Declaration  and the other is your:

Migration Form for Foreign Tourist, Transmigrant, Business Visitor or Councilor or Visitor

This form also goes by the name:

• Tourist Card
• Tourist Visa
• Tourist Migration Form
• Form I got on the Airplane

Each family/individual must fill out this form and submit it to Immigration upon arrival. The Immigration Officer will remove a portion of the card giving you the remainder, which they stamp. You must keep this card and surrender it to the check-in clerk when departing Mexico.

Immigration will stamp your Tourist Card valid for 30 days unless you ask for either: 60 or 180 days.

For information please see:  What if I lose my Tourist Card?

IF YOU FLY IN FROM INSIDE THE MEXICAN 30 MILE U.S. BOARDER ZONE

You must get a “Migration Form for Foreign Tourist, Transmigrant, Business Visitor or Councilor or Visitor” form, from the airport of departure, which you must take to a bank in the area of your destination. You pay the bank [$23.00] and they stamp your Tourist Card for you.

If you lose your Tourist Card, but you are not departing and you require it replaced:

I lost my tourist migration form  [What to do.]

You must visit any National Institute of Migration office or delegation to apply for a replacement of your tourist migration form (http://www.inami.gob.mx/index.php?page/MEN_DIRECTORIO).

The requisites are as follows:

PROLONGING MY STAY IN MEXICO AS A TOURIST

• Valid tourist migration form.
• Proof that you have sufficient economic resources to prolong your stay.

As a tourist, you may stay in Mexico for up to 180 days.

Visitors requiring a extension can apply in person to the immigration office in Cancun or Playa del Carmen:

Cancun Immigration Office Located in downtown Cancun City on the corner of Avenida Nader and Avenida Uxmal. Open: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Monday – Friday

Playa del Carmen Immigration Office Located in Plaza Antiguas Open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Friday

TERMINAL MAPS

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin.

One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.

Declare larger liquids.  Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Be the First to Know

Choose Your Preferences

Information that guarantees a better travel experience to the Yucatan Peninsula.

Behind the Scenes at The Grand Palladium 5 Star Resort on the Mayan Riviera

Short History Lesson of Tulum

Getting to Holbox from Cancun

8 Tulum Hotels that Set the Standard for Eco-Friendly Luxury

THINGS TO DO IN VALLADOLID

YUCATAN ECO INTRODUCTION

Yucatan history, cancun attractions & things to do, search by category.

• Traveler's Guide
• Places to Stay
• Food & Drink
• Yucatan Peninsula
• Things to Do
• Whale Shark
• Costa Maya – Chetumal
• Chichen Itza
• Real Estate
• Mayan Ruins

RECENT GUIDES

Other destinations.

• Private Rentals
• Private Transfers
• Private Tours
• Global Hotel Reservations

AREA HIGHLIGHTS

• Whale Sharks

IMPORTANT LINKS

• Travel Resources

Journey Pursuits

Cancun Travel: Green Card Holders’ Visa Requirements

Are you a green card holder planning to explore the beautiful beaches of Cancun, but unsure of the visa requirements? In this article, we will guide you through the different visa policies for green card holders traveling to Cancun, including visa waiver programs and tourist visa applications.

Understanding Mexico’s Visa Policy for Green Card Holders

Mexico has a unique visa policy for green card holders traveling to Cancun. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), green card holders are considered third-party nationals and are not eligible for visa-free entry into Mexico. However, there are still options for green card holders to travel to Cancun without a visa.

Visa Waiver Program for Green Card Holders in Cancun

The Mexican government has implemented a visa waiver program for green card holders traveling to Cancun. This program allows green card holders to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days without obtaining a visa. However, to be eligible for the visa waiver program, green card holders must meet certain requirements.

To qualify for the visa waiver program, green card holders must present a valid green card and a passport from their country of citizenship. Additionally, they must have a return ticket or a ticket to a destination outside of Mexico, and proof of financial means to cover their stay in Cancun. It is important to note that the visa waiver program only applies to tourist activities and cannot be used for business or work purposes.

Applying for a Tourist Visa at the Mexican Consulate

If green card holders do not meet the requirements for the visa waiver program or plan to stay in Cancun for more than 180 days, they must apply for a tourist visa at the Mexican consulate. The tourist visa application process may vary depending on the consulate, but generally requires the following documents:

• A valid green card
• A passport from their country of citizenship
• Two passport-sized photos
• A completed visa application form
• Proof of financial means to cover their stay in Cancun
• A letter explaining the purpose of the trip and the duration of stay

It is important to apply for the tourist visa well in advance of the planned trip, as processing times may vary. Once the tourist visa is approved, green card holders can stay in Cancun for up to 180 days.

Frequently Asked Questions about Green Card Holders’ Visa for Cancun

Q: How long can green card holders stay in Cancun without a visa? A: Green card holders can stay in Cancun for up to 180 days without a visa if they meet the requirements for the visa waiver program.

Q: Can green card holders work in Cancun without a visa? A: No, the visa waiver program only applies to tourist activities. Green card holders who plan to work or conduct business in Cancun must obtain a work visa.

Q: What documents do green card holders need to apply for a tourist visa? A: Green card holders need a valid green card, a passport from their country of citizenship, two passport-sized photos, a completed visa application form, proof of financial means, and a letter explaining the purpose of the trip and the duration of stay.

Conclusion: Planning Your Cancun Trip as a Green Card Holder

Traveling to Cancun as a green card holder requires some planning and understanding of the visa policies. However, with the visa waiver program and tourist visa application options, green card holders can enjoy the beautiful beaches and culture of Cancun. Remember to check the requirements and apply for the appropriate visa well in advance of the planned trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Mexico set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Mexico’s embassy or consulate in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Mexico.

Passport validity requirements

If you are visiting Mexico, your passport should be valid for the length of your stay in Mexico.

Visa requirements

If you’re visiting Mexico as a tourist, you do not need a visa.

You’ll get a stamp in your passport with the number of days you are allowed to stay.

British Nationals entering Mexico by land must fill out an immigration form online .

Employment, voluntary work, research and eco activities

Tourists cannot undertake voluntary (including human rights) work, or activity, or any form of paid employment. To carry out this type of work, you must get the correct visa from the Mexican embassy before you travel.

You may need a visa for some adventure or ecotourism activities like caving, potholing or entomology, especially if they involve any scientific or technological research. The Mexican authorities may define scientific or technological research activities far more broadly than other countries. If in doubt, check with the Mexican Embassy in London well before your visit and ask for written confirmation if necessary.

Applying for a visa

For information on how to apply for a visa while in the UK read the Mexican Embassy in the UK website .

For information on applying for a visa while in Mexico, read the Mexican government website .

Entering Mexico via the USA

If you’re crossing the border into Mexico from the USA, and there isn’t an immigration officer at the port of entry to issue your visa on arrival or give you an entry stamp, find the nearest immigration office to get your passport stamped before continuing your journey into Mexico. Customs officials at the border should be able to tell you where to find the immigration office – it’s usually close to the border. If you don’t clear immigration correctly at this point, it is often more complicated to do so once you have left the border area.

If you are travelling to or from Mexico via the USA, even if you are only transiting, check the latest USA entry requirements on our USA travel advice or with the US Embassy in London . If you do not have the correct authorisation, you will not be allowed to travel to or transit through the USA.

Check with your closest US embassy or consulate for more information.

The immigration service has installed e-gates in some terminals of the main international airports. You can use them if you are a tourist aged 18 or over. Make sure you collect the ticket printed by the e-gate as you will need to present it when exiting the country.

You can get digital proof of entry and how long you are allowed to stay in Mexico, by downloading it from the Portal de Servicios del INM website within the first 60 days of your visit.

Entry tax for the state of Quintana Roo

The state of Quintana Roo charges all visitors a tax. You can pay before or during your stay on the VISITAX web portal , available in English. You can get help with the web portal at Cancun Airport. You must show proof of payment at the airport before leaving.

Travelling with children

If you are accompanying a child, you may be asked for:

• evidence of your relationship with the child– for example, a birth or adoption certificate, divorce or marriage certificates, a Parental Responsibility Order
• the reason why you are travelling with them

Dual nationals

Children with dual nationality of Mexico who are travelling without a parent or legal guardian must apply for a permit to leave the country.

Accommodation, funds and proof of departure

Mexican immigration officials may ask to see proof of your departure plans from Mexico before allowing you into Mexico. You may also need to:

• show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation
• prove that you have enough money for your stay

If you have been invited to stay in someone’s home, immigration officials may also ask for a ‘letter of invitation’ from the person you’re visiting. This should include as much information as possible, including the host and travellers:

• contact details
• address while in Mexico
• reason for visit

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can bring into and take out of Mexico. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Check whether you will need to declare anything on arrival to customs officials – read the guidance from the Mexican government (in Spanish) . If you have goods to declare, you must fill in an online form before travelling to Mexico. If you do not declare goods, they may be seized, and you may be fined.

Leaving Mexico

To leave Mexico, you must show your passport with the stamp showing the number of days you were allowed to stay.

If you lose your passport, you must pay a fee to replace the entry stamp. The fee is approximately 600 Mexican pesos, to be paid at a bank. Migration officers do not accept cash. You can replace the stamp at the immigration office at any international airport in Mexico or start the replacement process online on the Mexican government website . You’ll be told how to pay by the immigration officials.

False immigration officers can operate in international airports. Always refuse offers of help and head directly to the immigration office.

Departure tax

You may need to pay a departure tax when leaving Mexico by air or land. The cost can vary, and some airports or border crossings only accept cash. Most airlines include the cost within the ticket price. If in doubt, check with your airline or tour operator.

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How to Travel to Cancun with a US Green Card

Introduction, applying for a green card, the process of getting a green card, after you get your green card, traveling to cancun with a green card, what to do once you arrive in cancun, tips for a successful trip.

If you have a US green card, you can travel to Cancun without any problems. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind in order to make the most of your trip. Read on for our tips on how to travel to Cancun with a US green card.

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As a permanent resident of the United States, you may travel freely within the U.S. and its territories. However, if you plan to travel outside of the country you will need to take certain steps to ensure a smooth and legal trip.

Whether you are a new green card holder or have had your card for years, this guide will provide you with the information you need to travel to Cancun, Mexico with a US green card.

You must be eligible for a U.S. green card in order to travel to Cancun, Mexico. The quickest and most common way to obtain a green card is through family sponsorship, employment sponsorship, or refugee/asylee status. If you have a green card, you are considered a legal permanent resident of the United States and can travel freely within the country. You will need to present your green card whenever you return to the United States from a trip abroad.

If you are not a legal permanent resident of the United States, you will need to obtain a tourist visa in order to travel to Cancun. You can apply for a tourist visa at any Mexican consulate or embassy; however, it is recommended that you apply for your visa well in advance of your planned travel date, as processing times can be lengthy. You will need to provide proof of onward travel from Cancun, as well as evidence that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses while in Mexico. Once issued, your tourist visa will allow you to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days.

A Green Card holder (permanent resident) is someone who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. As proof of that status, a person is granted a permanent resident card, commonly called a “Green Card.”

The steps to getting a Green Card are: 1. Determine if you are eligible for a Green Card. 2. File Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with USCIS. 3. Attend a biometrics appointment. 4. Receive an interview notice and go to your interview at the USCIS office (if required). 5. After your interview, wait for a decision from USCIS on your I-485 application.

If you want to travel outside the United States, you need a passport from your home country. If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), you should carry your green card with you whenever you travel.

You can leave and re-enter the United States as often as you want while your green card is valid. If your trip will be longer than one year, you will need a reentry permit. If you will be gone for more than two years, you will need to apply for a returning resident visa.

When you return to the United States after traveling abroad, you should present yourself to a Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry and have your passport and green card ready. The officer will stamp your passport to show the date that you reentered the United States.

As a legal permanent resident of the United States (a “green card” holder), you are allowed to travel outside of the country and re-enter, as long as you have your green Card and a valid passport from your country of citizenship.

If you are planning to travel to Cancun, Mexico, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, while your green card allows you to travel freely to and from the United States, it is not considered a valid travel document in other countries. This means that you will need to carry your passport with you at all times while in Cancun.

Second, it is important to note that even though Cancun is technically part of Mexico, it is considered a “free zone” for customs purposes. This means that there are different rules for what goods you are allowed to bring into the country. For example, visitors to Cancun are allowed to bring up to two liters of alcohol per person into the country duty-free.

Finally, it is important to be aware of the potential for crime in Cancun. While the vast majority of visitors to Cancun have no problems, there have been reports of crime against tourists, including pickpocketing and robbery. To avoid any problems, make sure to take basic precautions such as keeping your belongings safe and being aware of your surroundings at all times.

Now that you have your US Green Card, you may be wondering what the next steps are for traveling to Cancun. While the process is fairly straightforward, there are a few things that you should keep in mind in order to make the most of your trip.

First and foremost, it is important to note that your US Green Card does not entitle you to free healthcare in Mexico. While the quality of care in Cancun is generally good, it is still important to purchase travel insurance before you depart. This will ensure that you are covered in case of any unforeseen medical emergencies.

When it comes to packing for your trip, it is important to remember that Cancun is a tropical destination. As such, you will want to pack light, breathable clothing that can withstand the heat and humidity. Be sure to also pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense sun.

Once you arrive in Cancun, the first thing that you should do is exchange your currency for Mexican Pesos. While US dollars are widely accepted, you will get a better exchange rate if you use Pesos. You can exchange currency at most banks and airports around Cancun.

When it comes time to explore, there are plenty of great things to see and do in Cancun. From exploring ancient ruins to lounging on the beach, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city. Be sure to take advantage of all that Cancun has to offer during your stay!

If you have a green card, also known as a permanent resident card, you can travel to Cancun, Mexico without applying for a tourist visa. However, there are a few things you need to do to ensure a successful trip.

First, make sure your green card is up-to-date and will not expire while you are traveling. If it will expire soon, you will need to renew it before your trip. You can do this by mail or in person at your local US Citizenship and Immigration Services office.

Second, apply for a passport from your country of citizenship. Even though you are a permanent resident of the US, you are still considered a citizen of your home country. You will need your passport to re-enter the US after your trip.

Third, make sure you have traveler’s insurance that covers medical emergencies and repatriation. This is especially important if you have any underlying health conditions that could require medical attention while you are away from home.

Finally, research the entry requirements for Mexico and make sure you have all the required documents with you when you travel. These requirements may include proof of onward travel and proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Mexico.

If you have a green card, you can travel to Cancun without a problem. Just make sure to bring your passport and green card with you when you go.

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Visa Requirements for Visiting Cancun, Mexico

Planning a trip to Cancun, Mexico? Make sure you're aware of the visa requirements before you go.

Cancun, Mexico, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. If you're planning a trip to this tropical paradise, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the visa requirements beforehand. Whether you're visiting for leisure, work, or transit, understanding the visa process will ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a visa to visit Cancun.

Tourist Visa Information

Planning a trip to Cancun? One of the primary requirements for most travelers is a tourist visa. The good news is that many countries enjoy visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival options, making it easier for tourists to explore this beautiful destination. Citizens from the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, Japan, and many other nations are exempted from visa requirements for short stays in Mexico. If you fall into one of these categories, you can enter Cancun with just your passport. However, it's always a good idea to check the latest updates from the Mexican embassy or consulate in your country to ensure you meet all the necessary conditions.

For those whose countries are not on the visa-exempt list, there's no need to worry! Mexico has a straightforward visa application process that allows you to obtain a tourist visa before traveling. Let's dive into the specific details.

When applying for a tourist visa to Cancun, it's important to gather all the required documents. These typically include a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a completed visa application form, a recent passport-sized photograph, proof of accommodation in Cancun, proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay, and a round-trip flight itinerary. It's essential to ensure that all documents are up to date and meet the specific requirements set by the Mexican authorities.

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your visa application to the Mexican embassy or consulate in your country. It's advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow for processing time. The visa application process usually involves filling out the application form, paying the required visa fee, and attending an interview at the embassy or consulate. During the interview, you may be asked about the purpose of your visit, your travel plans in Cancun, and your ties to your home country to establish your intention to return.

After submitting your application and attending the interview, the embassy or consulate will review your application and make a decision. If approved, you will receive your tourist visa, allowing you to travel to Cancun. It's important to note that the visa validity period and the duration of stay allowed may vary depending on your country of citizenship. Therefore, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific visa regulations applicable to your nationality.

Once you arrive in Cancun with your tourist visa, you'll be ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and ancient Mayan ruins that this destination has to offer. Whether you're interested in exploring the underwater wonders of the Great Mesoamerican Reef, lounging on the pristine white sands of Playa Delfines, or discovering the archaeological site of Tulum, Cancun has something for every traveler.

Remember to always carry your passport and visa with you during your stay in Cancun, as you may be required to present them when entering certain attractions or participating in organized tours. It's also advisable to keep copies of your documents in a safe place and to inform your embassy or consulate of your travel plans in case of any emergencies.

So, whether you're eligible for visa-free entry or need to apply for a tourist visa, Cancun welcomes you with open arms. Start planning your trip today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in this tropical paradise!

Visa Exemptions

While most countries require a visa to visit Cancun, there are a few exceptions. Some South American countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, have reciprocal visa agreements with Mexico. Citizens of these nations can enter Cancun without a visa for a specified period, usually up to 180 days. Additionally, if you hold a valid visa from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, or any of the Schengen Area countries, you may be exempted from the Mexican tourist visa requirement. However, these exemptions are subject to certain conditions and lengths of stay, so it's essential to check with the Mexican embassy or consulate in your country for accurate information.

Visa Application Process

If you need a tourist visa to enter Cancun, the visa application process is relatively simple. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the procedure:

• Contact the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate: Reach out to the Mexican embassy or consulate in your country to obtain the necessary application forms and gather information about the specific requirements.
• Complete the visa application form: Fill out the visa application form accurately and completely. Provide the required personal details, purpose of travel, and intended length of stay in Cancun.
• Prepare supporting documents: Gather the necessary documents, such as a valid passport, proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay, travel itinerary, hotel reservations, and travel insurance.
• Submit your application: Submit your completed application form along with the supporting documents to the Mexican embassy or consulate. Pay attention to any required fees, as non-refundable visa processing fees may apply.
• Attend an interview: Depending on the embassy or consulate's discretion, you may be required to attend an interview to further discuss your travel plans or provide additional documentation.
• Wait for visa approval: After submitting your application, it typically takes around two to four weeks for the visa to be processed. During this time, it's crucial to keep your travel plans flexible until you receive the official confirmation.
• Collect your visa: Once your visa is approved, you can collect it from the embassy or consulate. Ensure that you thoroughly check the visa's validity dates and any specific conditions you must adhere to during your stay.

It's important to note that visa requirements and application processes may vary slightly depending on your country of origin. Always consult the Mexican embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information to avoid any complications.

Required Documentation for Visa Application

When applying for a tourist visa for Cancun, you will need to provide various documents to support your application. Here are the essential documents you will likely need:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity from the date of your intended arrival in Cancun. Ensure your passport has enough blank pages for visa stamps.
• Completed visa application form, providing accurate and detailed information about yourself and your travel plans.
• Proof of sufficient funds, such as recent bank statements or a letter from your employer indicating your monthly income, to demonstrate that you can financially support yourself during your stay in Cancun.
• Travel itinerary, including your flight bookings, hotel reservations, and any planned activities or tours.
• Travel insurance coverage for the duration of your trip to Cancun. Make sure your insurance policy provides sufficient medical and emergency coverage.

These are general document requirements, and additional supporting documents may be requested based on your individual circumstances or the discretion of the visa application center. Ensure all documents are up to date, legible, and properly translated into Spanish or English if required.

Applying for a tourist visa to visit Cancun incurs a non-refundable visa processing fee. The exact fee may vary depending on your country of origin and the specific visa category. Generally, the fee is payable in the local currency of your country, or in some cases, in US dollars or euros. This fee must be paid at the time of submitting your visa application and is subject to change, so it's essential to check the current fee schedule with the relevant embassy or consulate.

Processing Time

The processing time for a tourist visa to visit Cancun may vary. Generally, it takes approximately two to four weeks for the embassy or consulate to process the visa application. However, during peak travel seasons or in exceptional circumstances, the processing time may be longer. It's advisable to apply for your visa well in advance of your intended travel dates to allow for any delays and to ensure a stress-free journey.

Visa Extensions

If you're already in Cancun and wish to extend your stay, it may be possible to apply for a visa extension. The process and requirements for visa extensions in Mexico can vary and usually involve visiting the nearest National Immigration Institute office. It's essential to consult with the immigration authorities or seek legal advice to understand the specific procedures and conditions for extending your visa in Cancun. Remember, overstaying your visa without obtaining an extension can result in fines, deportation, or future travel restrictions.

Work Visa Requirements

If you plan to work in Cancun, you'll need to obtain a work visa. Work visas are typically sponsored by Mexican employers and require a job offer or contract from an eligible company. The specific requirements and procedures for work visas in Mexico can be complex and depend on various factors, such as your occupation, qualifications, and the labor market situation. It's best to consult with an immigration lawyer or the Mexican embassy or consulate in your home country for accurate and up-to-date information regarding work visa requirements for Cancun.

Transit Visa Information

If you're transiting through Cancun on your way to another destination, you may need a transit visa, depending on your nationality and the duration of your layover. Mexico has specific transit visa requirements for certain countries, and travelers from these nations must obtain a transit visa before their journey. However, citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, and Japan, usually do not require a transit visa for stays shorter than 72 hours. It's crucial to check with the Mexican embassy or consulate in your country to determine whether you need a transit visa and to understand the specific conditions and requirements.

Special Cases

In some cases, specific groups of travelers may have special visa requirements or considerations when visiting Cancun. Students planning to study in Cancun will need to obtain a student visa, which generally requires enrollment in a recognized educational institution and proof of financial means. Journalists and media personnel may need to apply for a special visa for press or media-related activities. Business travelers may require a business visa, particularly if they plan to work or attend meetings or conferences in Cancun. It's crucial to check with the Mexican embassy or consulate for detailed information on visa requirements tailored to your specific travel purposes.

Cancun is a dream destination for many, and by familiarizing yourself with the visa requirements, you can make your travel plans a reality. Whether you're soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, or immersing yourself in the local culture, understanding the visa process will ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience in Cancun, Mexico.

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The Latest Travel Restrictions And Guidelines For Visiting Cancun, Mexico

• Last updated Aug 02, 2023
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category United States

Are you dreaming of tropical beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife? If so, Cancun, Mexico might be on your travel bucket list. However, before you pack your bags and book your flight, it's important to be aware of the current travel restrictions in place. Due to the global pandemic, Cancun has implemented various measures to ensure the safety of its visitors and residents. In this article, we will delve into the travel restrictions in Cancun, Mexico, giving you all the information you need to plan your trip responsibly.

What You'll Learn

What are the current travel restrictions in place for cancun, mexico, are there any specific requirements or documentation needed to enter cancun, mexico, are there any quarantine or testing requirements for travelers arriving in cancun, mexico, are there any restrictions or limitations on activities or tourist attractions in cancun, mexico due to covid-19, are there any specific travel advisories or warnings for cancun, mexico that travelers should be aware of.

As the world continues to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have implemented travel restrictions to limit the spread of the virus. One popular tourist destination that has been affected by these restrictions is Cancun, Mexico.

Currently, there are several travel restrictions in place for those wishing to visit Cancun. The Mexican government, in coordination with the local authorities, has implemented measures to ensure the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors.

One of the main restrictions in place is the requirement for travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival. This test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure. The test must be a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. Additionally, the test result must be in English or Spanish.

Another important restriction is that travelers must complete a health declaration form, known as the "Questionnaire of Identification of Risk Factors in Travelers." This form is available online and must be completed before boarding the flight to Cancun.

It is also worth noting that some airlines may require passengers to wear face masks during the flight. It is important to check with the specific airline regarding their mask policy and any additional health and safety measures they may have in place.

While there are travel restrictions in place, it is still possible to visit Cancun. However, it is important to be aware of and follow these restrictions to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience. It is also advisable to monitor any updates or changes to the restrictions, as they may evolve over time.

In addition to these travel restrictions, it is important to follow general health and safety guidelines to protect yourself and others while in Cancun. This includes wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, washing hands frequently, and avoiding crowded places.

It is also recommended to check the Cancun Tourism Board website or contact the local authorities for the most up-to-date information on travel restrictions and requirements.

While travel may look a little different during these challenging times, taking the necessary precautions and following the guidelines can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Cancun, Mexico.

Understanding the Travel Restrictions for L-2 Visa Holders: What You Need to Know

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Cancun, Mexico is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. If you are planning a trip to Cancun, it is essential to understand the specific requirements and documentation needed to enter the country. This article will outline the necessary steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry into Cancun.

The most important document you will need to enter Mexico, including Cancun, is a valid passport. Make sure your passport is current and will remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. This requirement is standard for most international travel destinations and is necessary to establish your identity and citizenship.

Tourist Card:

In addition to a valid passport, tourists entering Mexico, including Cancun, must also obtain a Tourist Card, also known as a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM). The Tourist Card allows visitors to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days for tourism purposes. This card is typically provided by airlines or at immigration checkpoints upon arrival. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mexico has implemented new entry requirements, and it is now recommended to complete the FMM application online before traveling to Cancun. The online application can be found on the Mexican government's official website or through affiliated travel agencies.

COVID-19 Requirements:

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Mexico has implemented additional entry requirements and health protocols to ensure the safety of visitors and residents. All travelers to Cancun are required to complete a health questionnaire upon arrival. This form includes questions about recent travel history, symptoms, and potential exposure to COVID-19. It is crucial to provide accurate information to facilitate the screening process.

Travel Insurance:

Although not mandatory, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance coverage before visiting Cancun. Travel insurance can provide financial protection against unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost baggage. Additionally, some insurance policies may offer coverage for the potential costs associated with COVID-19 testing, treatment, or quarantine requirements.

COVID-19 Testing:

While Mexico does not require a negative COVID-19 test result for entry, some airlines and countries may have specific testing requirements for outbound travel. It is essential to check with your airline and destination country's embassy or consulate to ensure compliance with their entry regulations.

Other Considerations:

While not strictly related to entry requirements, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind when planning your trip to Cancun. It is advisable to check the latest travel advisories and safety recommendations issued by your home country's embassy or consulate in Mexico. It is also recommended to carry copies of your passport, FMM, and travel insurance policy in case of loss or theft.

In conclusion, entering Cancun, Mexico, requires a valid passport, a Tourist Card, and compliance with any health protocols or requirements related to COVID-19. By ensuring you have the necessary documentation and adhering to entry guidelines, you will have a seamless and enjoyable experience in this tropical paradise.

Navigating Idaho Travel Restrictions: What You Need to Know

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many countries and cities have implemented travel restrictions and protocols to help control the spread of the virus. If you're planning a trip to Cancun, Mexico, it's important to be aware of any quarantine or testing requirements that may be in place for travelers arriving in the city.

As of the time of writing, there are no quarantine requirements for travelers arriving in Cancun, Mexico. The Mexican government does not require incoming travelers to quarantine upon arrival. However, it is advised to follow any guidelines or recommendations provided by health authorities.

In terms of testing requirements, Mexico does not currently have mandatory COVID-19 testing for travelers entering the country. There is no need to present a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival in Cancun. However, it is still highly recommended to undergo a COVID-19 test before traveling, especially if you are experiencing any symptoms or have been exposed to the virus.

While there are no specific quarantine or testing requirements, it is essential to follow general COVID-19 precautions to protect yourself and others. This includes wearing masks in public areas, practicing social distancing, washing hands regularly, and avoiding large gatherings.

It's important to note that the situation regarding travel restrictions and requirements can change rapidly. It is crucial to stay updated with the latest information from official sources, such as the Mexican government and the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, you should check with your airline and accommodation provider for any additional requirements or guidelines specific to your trip.

It's always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including COVID-19-related costs, in case of any unforeseen circumstances during your trip. Make sure to review the coverage and terms of your insurance policy before your departure.

In summary, as of now, there are no quarantine or testing requirements for travelers arriving in Cancun, Mexico. However, it is advised to follow any guidelines or recommendations provided by health authorities and to stay updated with the latest information. Taking necessary precautions, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing, is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

South Korea Travel Restrictions Update: What You Need to Know

As one of Mexico's most popular tourist destinations, Cancun is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse range of tourist attractions. However, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are some restrictions and limitations on activities and tourist attractions in Cancun. These measures have been put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and locals.

One of the main restrictions in Cancun is the limited capacity at tourist attractions. Many popular sites, such as the Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza, are operating at reduced capacity to allow for social distancing measures. This means that it may be necessary to book tickets in advance and plan your visit accordingly. It's also worth noting that some attractions may have specific time slots or entry requirements, so it's important to check the official websites or contact the attractions directly before your visit.

In addition to capacity restrictions, face masks are required in most public spaces in Cancun. This includes tourist attractions, shops, restaurants, and hotels. Visitors should come prepared with their own face masks and be prepared to wear them throughout their stay. Hand sanitizer stations are also available in most public spaces, and visitors are encouraged to practice good hygiene by regularly washing their hands and using hand sanitizer.

Another limitation to be aware of is the closure of some tourist attractions or services. While many attractions are open and operating, there may be some that are temporarily closed due to COVID-19. This could also include services such as guided tours or transportation options. Again, it's important to check the official websites or contact the attractions or service providers in advance to get the most up-to-date information.

It's also worth noting that the situation in Cancun can change rapidly, and restrictions may be tightened or eased depending on the local COVID-19 situation. It's important to stay informed and follow any local guidelines or regulations that are in place during your visit.

Despite these limitations and restrictions, Cancun still offers plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy their time in the city. The beautiful beaches are open to the public, and water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat tours are still available. Many restaurants and shops have adapted to the pandemic and are offering takeout, delivery, or outdoor dining options.

In conclusion, while there are some restrictions and limitations on activities and tourist attractions in Cancun due to COVID-19, visitors can still enjoy many of the city's offerings by planning ahead, following local guidelines, and practicing good hygiene. Cancun remains a popular destination, and with proper precautions, visitors can have a safe and memorable experience.

An Updated Guide to Hungary Travel Restrictions: What You Need to Know

Cancun, Mexico is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and ancient Mayan ruins. However, like any destination, it is important for travelers to be aware of any travel advisories or warnings that may be in place. Here are some key points to consider when planning your trip to Cancun:

• Drug-related violence: Mexico has had its share of drug-related violence in recent years, and Cancun is no exception. While the majority of violence is targeted at rival drug gangs, it is important to exercise caution and stay vigilant. Avoid traveling to areas known for drug-related activity, and stick to well-populated tourist areas.
• Petty crime: As a popular tourist destination, Cancun is also known for petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching. Be cautious of your belongings, especially in crowded areas or on public transportation. Keep your valuables secure and be mindful of your surroundings at all times.
• Hurricanes and natural disasters: Cancun is located in an area that is prone to hurricanes and other natural disasters. The hurricane season typically runs from June to November. Before traveling, be sure to check weather conditions and monitor any warnings or updates from local authorities. Follow any evacuation orders and have a plan in place in case of an emergency.
• Health and safety: Like any destination, it is important to take precautions to ensure your health and safety. Drink only bottled water, be cautious of the food you eat, and use insect repellent to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika virus or dengue fever. Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses.
• COVID-19: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected travel worldwide, and Cancun is no exception. Before traveling, check the latest travel advisories and restrictions related to COVID-19. Follow all health and safety guidelines, including wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and avoiding crowded areas.

It is always wise to stay informed and up to date with the latest travel advisories and warnings for any destination. Check with your country's government travel website or embassy for the most accurate and current information. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Cancun, Mexico.

Understanding Amtrak Travel Restrictions - What You Need to Know

Frequently asked questions.

Yes, there are travel restrictions in place for visiting Cancun, Mexico. The Mexican government requires all travelers to fill out a health declaration form and undergo a temperature check upon arrival. Additionally, travelers may be subject to random health screenings and COVID-19 testing. It is also recommended to check with your airline or travel provider for any specific requirements or restrictions.

As of the latest update, there is no requirement for travelers to provide a negative COVID-19 test before entering Cancun. However, it is advisable to check with your airline or travel provider as their individual requirements may vary.

There is currently no mandatory quarantine requirement for travelers arriving in Cancun. However, if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have come into contact with a confirmed case, it is recommended to self-isolate and seek medical attention.

Yes, tourists are allowed to visit popular attractions and enjoy the beaches in Cancun. However, it is important to follow local regulations and guidelines, such as wearing a mask in public spaces and practicing social distancing. Some attractions and establishments may have capacity limits or additional safety measures in place.

Travel restrictions and requirements for returning to your home country may vary depending on your nationality and the current situation in your home country. It is essential to check with your embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information regarding travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, and any necessary documentation or testing upon arrival in your home country.

• Susan Meyers Author

• Arjun Yadav Author Editor Reviewer

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Mexico travel advice

Latest updates: Health – editorial update

Last updated: March 25, 2024 12:02 ET

On this page

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

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

Guerrero - Avoid all travel

This advisory excludes the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Taxco, where you should exercise a high degree of caution.

Regional Advisory - Avoid non-essential travel

• all Chihuahua
• all Colima, except the city of Manzanillo
• all Coahuila, except the southern part of the state at and below the Saltillo-Torreón highway corridor
• all Durango, except Durango City
• Highway 45 between León and Irapuato
• the area south of and including Highway 45D between Irapuato and Celaya
• all Michoacán, except the city of Morelia
• the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park and surrounding areas
• the municipality of Xoxocotla
• the area within 20 km of the border with Sinaloa and Durango
• the city of Tepic
• all Nuevo León, except the city of Monterrey
• all Sinaloa, except the city of Mazatlán
• all Sonora, except the cities of Hermosillo and Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Peñasco
• all Tamaulipas
• all Zacatecas

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Deteriorating security situation in Guerrero State

Hurricane Otis struck Guerrero State on October 25, 2023. The security situation remains volatile and unpredictable after the storm. Damage to transportation and communications networks have left many towns and cities isolated, increasing the risk of criminal and gang activity.

Certain areas are particularly affected by banditry and violence, including:

• the highway between Acapulco and Zihuantanejo
• the highway between Acapulco to Chilpancingo

You should avoid all travel to Guerrero State. If you are in Guerrero despite the advisory, you should take necessary precautions to ensure your safety, including:

• avoid travelling alone or after dark
• exercise extreme vigilance
• monitor local media for the latest updates on the situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico. Arrest and detention rates are low and don’t deter criminal activity.

Criminal groups, including drug cartels, are very active. ‎Clashes between cartels or gangs over territory, drugs and smuggling routes are common.

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

• patrolling the streets
• setting up roadblocks
• conducting random vehicle checks  

If you plan on travelling to Mexico:

• remain vigilant at all times
• stay in tourist areas
• be very cautious on major highways
• avoid travelling at night
• monitor local media closely

If you’re the victim of a crime, you must report it immediately to local authorities. No criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint. Complaints must be made in person before leaving Mexico. You should hire a local lawyer to represent your interests and follow up on your case after you return to Canada. Failure to do may result in incomplete investigations or long delays in bringing cases to trial.

Violent crime

There are high rates of violent crime, such as homicides, kidnappings, carjacking and assaults, including in popular tourist destinations such as the Mayan Riviera (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Tulum), and Acapulco.

Criminal groups and drug cartels are present in tourist areas. Inter-gang and cartel fighting has taken place in restaurants, hotels and nightclubs frequented by tourists.

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

Border areas often see higher criminal activity and violence, including in rural areas. Confrontations between organized criminal groups and Mexican authorities continue to pose a risk. Shootouts, attacks and illegal roadblocks may occur without warning.

You should travel to Mexico by air to avoid international land border crossings, particularly along the border with the United States, in the following cities:

• Ciudad Juárez
• Nuevo Laredo

If crossing an international land border:

• remain extremely vigilant
• use only official border crossings

Armed robbery

Armed robbery occurs. Foreigners have been targets of robberies that sometimes involve assault.

Robbers will follow a victim after they exchange or withdraw money at airports, currency exchange bureaus ( casas de cambio ) or ATMs.

• Stay in hotels and resorts with good security
• If you are threatened by robbers, stay calm and don’t resist
• Avoid withdrawing or exchanging money in public areas of the airport

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

• Avoid walking after dark, especially alone
• Avoid isolated or deserted areas
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption

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

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs in Mexico. When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overcharging

Some bars and nightclubs may try to charge exorbitant prices. Discussions about overcharging may lead to threats of violence and security guards may force you to pay. Avoid running a tab or leaving your credit card with bar or restaurant staff.

Overseas fraud

Police officers

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

• drinking alcohol on the street
• urinating on public roads
• traffic violations

They have requested immediate cash payment in exchange for their release. Travellers driving rental cars have been targeted.

If this occurs:

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

Virtual kidnappings

Extortion, including virtual kidnappings, is the third most common crime in Mexico. Criminals use a variety of tactics to gather information about potential victims for extortion purposes, including using social media sites or eavesdropping on conversations

In a virtual kidnapping, criminals contact the victim’s hotel room landline and threaten the victim to stay in their room. The criminals then instruct the victim to provide information needed for the caller to use to contact family and friends, to demand the immediate payment of ransom for their release.

• Don't discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information around strangers
• Never leave your cellphone unattended
• Ensure your cellphone is password protected
• Don't divulge personal business details to strangers in person or over the phone or on social media, especially when using hotel phones
• If you're threatened on the phone or hear screams, hang up immediately
• When you answer the phone, wait for the caller to speak. If the caller asks who is speaking, hang up immediately.
• Don’t answer unrecognized or blocked phone numbers
• Don’t answer hotel landlines

Kidnappings

Mexico has one of the highest kidnapping rates in the world. Kidnapping, including virtual and express kidnapping, is a serious security risk throughout Mexico.

Kidnappers target all classes. Canadian citizens and contractors working for Canadian businesses have been kidnapped, mostly in areas that are not under the control of police and security forces.

If you're kidnapped:

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

Express kidnappings

Express kidnappings occur in large urban areas. This is a method of kidnapping where criminals ask for a small and immediate ransom.

Thieves most commonly work in cooperation with, or pose as, taxi drivers. They force victims to use their debit or credit card to withdraw money from ATMs in exchange for their release.

• Use only a reputable taxi company or a trusted ride-sharing app
• Book taxis through your hotel or an authorized taxi stand ( sitio )

Petty theft

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in Mexico.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, even in areas normally considered safe
• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Avoid showing signs of affluence, such as flashy jewellery, cell phones, headphones and designer bags
• Carry only small amounts of money
• Be cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs

Home break-ins

Tourists staying in rental homes have been the victims of break-ins and burglaries. Whether you're staying in private or commercial accommodations, make sure you lock windows and doors securely.

Women’s safety

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

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

• Exercise caution when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances
• Be wary of rides or other invitations

Advice for women travellers

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Unregulated alcohol

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

• Be cautious if you choose to drink alcohol
• Seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick

Alcohol, drugs and travel

Height standards for balcony railings in Mexico can be considerably lower than those in Canada. Falls have resulted in deaths and injuries.

• Exercise caution when standing close to balcony railings

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly throughout the country. Protests and roadblocks are common in:

• Mexico City, including to and from the airport
• the states of Chiapas, Guerrero, Michoacán and Oaxaca

Such incidents may last a long time, leading to shortages of fresh food, medicine and gasoline.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

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

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.

Many beaches don’t offer warnings of dangerous conditions and they don’t always have lifeguards on duty.

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

• Consult local residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
• Always obey warning flags at beaches
• Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities

Water sports

Tour operators may not adhere to international standards. Many operators don’t conduct regular safety checks on their sporting and aquatic equipment.

Also, Canadians have been involved in accidents where operators of recreational vehicles, such as watercraft, have demanded compensation exceeding the value of the damage caused to the vehicle or equipment.

If you undertake water sports, such as diving:

• choose a well-established and reputable company that has insurance
• ensure that your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose
• wear the appropriate safety equipment, such as helmets and life jackets
• ensure that equipment is available and in good condition
• don’t consume alcohol before the activity

If in doubt concerning the safety of the facilities or equipment, don’t use them.

Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism  

Outdoor activities, such as white water rafting, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, bungee, zip lining, paragliding, hiking, mountain biking, etc and other adventure activities can be dangerous if unprepared. Trails are not always marked, and weather conditions can change rapidly, even during summer.  

Tour operators may not always adhere to international safety standards. 

If you intend to practice adventure tourism: 

• consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company 
• obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be setting out  
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation   
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal  
• pay attention to the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, both of which can be fatal  
• avoid venturing off marked trails  
• ensure that you’re adequately equipped and bring sufficient water   
• stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard  
• refrain from using facilities or equipment if you have doubts on their safety  
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary  

Road travel

Road conditions and road safety.

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country.

Road conditions can be dangerous due to:

• sharp curves
• poorly marked or hidden road signs
• construction sites
• roaming livestock
• slow-moving or abandoned vehicles

Toll highways are typically safer and better maintained than secondary highways.

Mexican driving styles are very different from those in Canada. Many drivers don’t respect traffic laws, and police don’t strictly enforce these laws. Drivers often drive at excessive speeds and may be aggressive or reckless. Drinking and driving laws are not strictly enforced. Accidents causing fatalities are common. Police don’t regularly patrol the highways.

Roadblocks and checkpoints

Illegal roadblocks and demonstrations are common. Heavily armed gangs have attacked travellers on intercity highways. Criminals especially target sport utility vehicles and full-size pickup trucks for theft and carjacking.

The military searches for drugs and firearms at military checkpoints throughout the country.

• Avoid road travel at night between cities throughout the country
• Ensure that you only stop in major centres, at reputable hotels or at secure campsites
• Keep your car doors locked and the windows closed, especially at traffic lights
• Avoid hitchhiking which is not a common practice in Mexico
• Don’t leave valuables in the vehicle
• Rent cars that don’t have stickers or other advertisements for the rental company on them, as rental cars have been targets for robbery, sometimes using force
• Ensure operators provide insurance and helmets if renting scooters
• Travel on toll roads to lower the risk of targeted roadblocks and robberies
• Never attempt to cross roadblocks, even if they appear unattended

Public transportation

Remain vigilant in airports, at bus stations, on buses and on the metro.

The Mexico City metro is often very crowded and a popular place for pickpocketing. There are metro cars dedicated to women and children during rush hours. They are located at the front of the trains.

The Metrobus in Mexico City, which has dedicated lanes and stops, is relatively safe. There are sections dedicated to women and children at the front of the buses.

The “colectivos” and “pesero” mini-buses that stop when hailed are frequently targeted for robbery.

When travelling to other cities, use bus companies that offer VIP or executive class transportation. These buses only travel on toll roads, which lower the risks of targeted roadblocks and robberies, and follow a speed limit.

Taxis and ridesharing services

Disputes between taxi and ridesharing application drivers may occur, especially in Quintana Roo. They may result in:

• altercations

Although tourists have not been targeted, you may be caught up in these incidents and harassed or injured. 

In Mexico City, all government-authorized taxis have licence plates starting with “A” or “B.” Taxis from designated stands have both the logo of their company and the plate number stamped on the side of the car. Official taxis in Mexico City are pink and white. Users can validate the pink and white taxis on the CDMX app.

• Avoid hailing taxis on the street
• Don't share taxis with strangers

When arriving at an airport in Mexico, pre-pay the taxi fare at the airport (inside or outside the terminal) and ask to see the driver’s official identification. You can also use a ridesharing app to arrange for a pickup at certain airports. Not all airports in Mexico allow ridesharing service pickups.

If you use a trusted ridesharing app, confirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the car.

Mi Taxi  – CDMX app (in Spanish)

Cruise ship travel

Plan carefully if you plan to take a cruise departing from or stopping in Mexico.

Advice for cruise travellers

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters of the Bay of Campeche. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report  - International Maritime Bureau

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

Information about foreign domestic airlines

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

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

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

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

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

Regular Canadian passport

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

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

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

Other travel documents

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

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

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

Required documents

To enter Mexico, you must present a valid passport and a duly completed tourist card (Multiple Immigration Form). Carry documents to prove the purpose of trip, such as hotel or tour booking confirmations, as immigration officers may request them.

Tourist card

You must obtain a tourist card to enter the country unless you stay in Mexico for less than 72 hours within the northern border zone. 

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

It is highly recommended to keep your digital tourist card, or tourist card if entered by land, with you at all times as proof of your legal stay in Mexico. You may be asked to show it to Mexican officials when exiting the country or if you are stopped on an immigration check point.

If you are stopped at an immigration check point and you are unable to prove your legal stay, you may be fined, detained or expelled from the country.

Entering by land

If entering Mexico by land, you must stop at the immigration office located at the border to obtain a tourist card, even if not explicitly directed by Mexican officials. Immigration officials will write down on your tourist card the number of days you are allowed to stay in Mexico.  

You may complete the tourist card form online before your arrival. However, you must print the form and present it to the migration official at the port of entry.

Multiple Immigration Form  - Government of Mexico

Entering by air

If entering Mexico by air, you are advised to download your tourist card issued by Mexican officials upon entry.

Depending on your airport of entry:

• the immigration official will stamp your passport and note the number of days you are allowed to spend in Mexico or
• you will go through an E-gate kiosk where you will scan your passport and self-register your entry in the country. Only use this option if you are entering Mexico as a tourist.

Once in the country, whether you entered via a E-gate or not, you will be able to access the digital tourist card online. You have 60 days to download it.

If you are unable to show your tourist card or digital tourist card upon departure, you will have to pay for a replacement at the immigration office of any international airport before boarding.

Make sure to plan sufficient time at the airport to obtain a new card in time for your flight.

Portal access for digital tourist card  - Government of Mexico

Length of stay

An immigration official will determine the number of days you can remain in Mexico and note it on your tourist card. The maximum length granted for a tourism-related trip is 180 days; the maximum number of days is not granted by default.

If you're seeking the maximum number of days, you may be required to:

• explain the purpose of your trip to the immigration official
• provide details about your trip (accommodations, funds, return flight, etc.)

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

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

If you require a business or work visa, you should take care of the process yourself. If a prospective employer is processing your visa for you:

• obtain copies of all correspondence between the employer and Mexican immigration authorities
• verify that these copies are stamped by the immigration authorities as proof that your papers are being processed
• request a receipt from your employer for any document that you provide for purposes of obtaining the visa
• avoid surrendering your passport to your employer

Volunteer, religious, research and eco-tourism activities

You may not be able to undertake volunteer, religious/missionary, research or certain forms of eco-tourism activities while visiting as a tourist. Contact the Mexican Embassy or closest Mexican consulate for information the type of visa required for these activities.

Tourism tax

Most visitors to Mexico must pay a tourism tax.

This fee is normally included in airline ticket prices. Visitors arriving by road or sea will have to pay this fee at any bank in Mexico. There is a bank representative at every port of entry. The bank receipt must be attached to the tourist card for submission at departure.

You don't have to pay this tax if:

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

Dual citizenship

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

Laws about dual citizenship

Criminal records

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

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

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

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 25 March, 2024

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

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

Routine vaccines

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

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

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

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

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

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

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

Country Entry Requirement*

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

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

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

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Safe food and water precautions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

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

Insect bite prevention

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

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

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

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

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

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

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

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

During your trip:

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

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

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

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

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

Animal precautions

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

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

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

Person-to-person infections

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

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

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

Medical services and facilities

The quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.

Good health care is available in private hospitals and clinics, but it’s generally expensive. Most private facilities won’t agree to deal directly with medical insurance companies and will require payment with a credit card in advance or a bank transfer/direct deposit.

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

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

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

Travel health and safety

Medical tourism

Medical tourism is common in Mexico. Canadian travellers have had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad.

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

• the health and financial risks
• the medical facility where the procedure will be performed
• language barriers, which can lead to misunderstandings about your medical care and conditions
• travel insurance that includes coverage for the type of medical procedure you will be undergoing

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

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

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

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

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

Many types of medication—both over-the-counter and prescription—are readily available with little oversight. Counterfeit medication is common in certain parts of Mexico. If you need to purchase medication while in Mexico, make sure to get it from a reputable location.

Federal Commission for protection against sanitary risk  (in Spanish)

Air quality in Mexico City

In Mexico City, you may experience health problems caused by high altitude or by air pollution, which is at its peak during the winter months.

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

Death in Mexico

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

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

Keep in Mind...

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

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

You must abide by local laws.

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

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

Many petty crimes (such as public urination, failure to pay a bill or disorderly behaviour) can result in a 72-hour detention by police. Paying a fine can secure an early release from detention.

Detention conditions are below the standards of Canadian prisons.

• Overview of the criminal law system in Mexico
• Arrest and detention

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

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Smoking is prohibited in all public places except for clearly marked designated smoking areas. This includes but is not limited to:

• restaurants

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

Electronic cigarettes

It’s illegal to bring electronic cigarettes/vaping devices and solutions into Mexico.

You could have these items confiscated by customs officials if you have them in your possession. You could also be fined or detained.

It is strictly prohibited to sell or distribute these devices and solutions in Mexico.

Imports and exports

The Mexican government strictly enforces its laws concerning possession, importation and trafficking of firearms.

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

It is also illegal to enter the country with certain types of knives.

Importing vehicles and boats

Mexico has very strict rules regarding the importation of foreign vehicles and boats.

You must enter Mexico with the proper import permit and insurance, since it cannot be obtained once you are in Mexico. You may face a fine and have your vehicle seized if you enter Mexico without the proper permit.

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

• Vehicle importation  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Temporary vehicle import application system  – Banjército
• Travelling to Mexico by land  – Mexican Embassy in Canada

Cigarettes and alcohol

If you are older than 18, you are allowed to bring into Mexico up to:

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

If you bring more alcohol and cigarettes into Mexico than allowed, even if you declare your imported items, you will be subject to a high import fee. You will still be subject to a significant fee if you decide to relinquish your imported items

It’s illegal to possess archaeological artefacts or to export such items from Mexico.

• Goods you can bring to Mexico as part of your personal luggage  – Government of Mexico
• Goods you cannot bring into Mexico  – Government of Mexico
• Agricultural product restrictions  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

Political activity

It’s illegal for foreigners to conduct political activity in Mexico, including participating in demonstrations.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

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

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

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

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Mexico.

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

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

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

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

If you are in this situation:

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

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

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

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

There are no clear procedures or regulations about surrogacy in Mexico.

If you're considering surrogacy, seek advice from legal professionals knowledgeable in Canadian and Mexican laws and citizenship procedures.

Identity documents

The names on your identity documents must be identical to those on your birth certificate to obtain official Mexican documents, such as marriage certificates, immigration documents or passports.

Middle names are often left off Canadian identity documents. This has caused significant difficulties for many Canadians. If you plan on residing in Mexico or dealing with the Mexican Civil Registry, obtain a Canadian passport that will meet Mexican requirements.

Identification

You should carry photo identification.

Authorities can ask you to show identification and a proof of your legal status in Mexico. They can demand to see your tourist card at any time. You must carry the original at all times. You must carry the original at all times, and should also carry a photocopy of the identification page of your passport.

Investments

If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Mexico, seek legal advice in Canada and in Mexico. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Mexican real estate agents are not licensed or regulated.

• Choose your own lawyer
• Avoid hiring a lawyer recommended by a seller

Problems with timeshare arrangements occur.

Timeshare representatives may be very persistent. They use pressure tactics and offer free tours, meals, gifts or alcoholic beverages.

It's illegal for timeshare companies to ask you to sign a waiver that prevents you from cancelling a contract. You're legally entitled to cancel a timeshare contract without penalty within 5 working days. Contracts must be cancelled in writing directly with the timeshare company.

Before purchasing a timeshare:

• gather as much information as possible
• review carefully the contract; anything not included in the contract will not be honoured
• provide your credit card only if you are sure you want to make the purchase
• keep copies of all correspondence

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

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

Rental accommodations

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

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

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Auto insurance

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

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

Automobile insurance is much more expensive in Mexico than in Canada. Many local drivers don’t have any form of car insurance.

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

If you’re involved in a traffic accident, you may face serious legal problems, including imprisonment. You could be taken into custody until responsibility for the accident is determined and all fines are paid. You must report any accident you’re involved in to the police.

Driving restrictions in Mexico City

The Hoy No Circula (No Driving Today) program restricts some cars from driving in Mexico City and in some municipalities of the State of Mexico, from Monday to Saturday, from 5 am to 10 pm.

You will face driving restrictions depending on:

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

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

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

• Hoy no circula – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Tourist pass  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Ministry of Environment  – Government of (in Spanish)

Buying/selling a vehicle

You must be either a temporary or a permanent resident if you wish to buy a car in Mexico.

It’s illegal to sell your imported vehicle in Mexico. If you do, your vehicle may be seized and you may be subject to a fine and deportation.

The currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso.

In some parts of Mexico, particularly tourist destinations, hotels and other service providers may advertise prices in USD.

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

When carrying more than US$10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, cash, cheques, money orders or any other monetary instrument, you must declare the amount exceeding US$10,000. Failure to make this declaration is against Mexican law and often results in detention.

Hurricane Otis

Hurricane Otis made landfall in Acapulco on October 25, 2023, causing significant damage to infrastructure. Avoid all travel to Guerrero state.

There are significant disruptions to the following essential services in Acapulco:

• transportation, including flights
• power distribution
• water and food supply
• telecommunications networks
• emergency services
• medical care, including hospitals.

Latest advisories  – U.S. National Hurricane centre

Mexico is subject to various natural disasters, such as:

• earthquakes
• volcanic eruptions
• torrential rains, floods and mudslides
• forest fires

In the event of a natural disaster:

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

Hurricane season

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

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

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

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings  - United States’ National Hurricane Center

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains can cause flooding and landslides. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Mexico is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions can occur.

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

Useful links:

• National Seismological Institute  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Latest earthquakes  - U.S. Geological Survey
• Tsunami alerts  - U.S. Tsunami Warning System
• Centre for Studies and Research of Volcanology  - University of Colima (in Spanish)

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

In case of a significant fire, stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments.

Local services

In case of an emergency, dial 911.

Roadside assistance

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

You can download the App on your mobile device.

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

Consular assistance

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

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

Baja California, Sonora

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

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

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

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

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

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

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

  Avoid non-essential travel

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

  Avoid all travel

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