nhs travel advice mexico

Travel health advice and travel vaccinations

You should make an appointment for a travel health risk assessment if you’re travelling abroad and think you need:

• a malaria risk assessment
• further advice

A travel health professional will take you through your travel health risk assessment.

Your GP is no longer your point of contact for a travel health risk assessment, including travel vaccines.

NHS travel health service

NHS Scotland provides a travel health service that includes some free vaccines.

To find information on how to make an appointment for a travel health risk assessment in Scotland, contact the NHS health board where you live.

Private travel clinics

You can also visit an independent (private) travel clinic for:

• a travel health risk assessment
• travel advice
• other travel vaccines

You should arrange a travel health risk assessment 6 to 8 weeks before you travel. This gives time for any vaccines you need to become fully effective.

If your trip is sooner, remember it’s never too late to get advice.

Travel health risk assessment

If you’re planning to travel outside the UK, your travel health needs will depend on your individual situation. This includes:

• your destination
• how long you’ll stay
• what you’ll be doing
• your general health

The fitfortravel website provides country-specific advice on:

• recommended vaccines
• other risk prevention advice

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

A travel health risk assessment is also recommended for some people, even when vaccines or malaria tablets aren’t required. This includes:

• older people
• those with a weakened immune system
• those with long-term conditions that need medications
• pregnant women

Travel vaccines

The following travel vaccines are free on the NHS in Scotland:

• diphtheria, polio and tetanus (combined booster)
• hepatitis A

It’s likely that you’ll have to pay for vaccines against:

• yellow fever
• Japanese encephalitis
• tick-borne encephalitis

You may also have to pay for the following vaccines if they’re only needed for travel purposes:

• hepatitis B
• tuberculosis (TB)

Proof of vaccination

To enter some countries you may need proof that you have had particular vaccines. This includes the yellow fever vaccine.

Yellow fever vaccines are only available from designated centres. To find out if you need a yellow fever vaccine or proof of the vaccine, you should contact a yellow fever clinic.

To request a list of any other vaccines held on your GP record, contact your GP practice. GP practices cannot provide proof of COVID vaccine.

Preventing risk while travelling

Vaccines or anti-malarial tablets will not protect against all travel health risks. This means you’ll need to take extra steps to protect your health whilst travelling abroad.

The fitfortravel website has further advice on preventing health risks whilst travelling. This includes information on:

• general travel advice
• disease prevention

Travelling abroad to visit friends and relatives

If you’re travelling abroad to visit friends or relatives, you may be at higher risk of developing travel-related illnesses. For example, malaria or typhoid. This could be because:

• you may be living with the local community
• your trip might be longer than the average holiday
• you might be visiting more rural areas where it’s difficult to take precautions that reduce your risk

The fitfortravel website provides information and advice on visiting friends and family abroad .

Travel safety advice

You can find country-specific safety and security advice through the UK government website .

Travel insurance advice

Many countries don’t have the same access to medical treatments as the UK and can be expensive.

It’s recommended that all travellers get comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.

When you return home

If you become unwell and/or develop a fever when you return home, it’s important to get medical advice as soon as possible. You should seek medical help even if it’s up to 1 month after you’ve been travelling.

Always make sure you tell the health professional that you’ve recently travelled abroad. This is especially important if you have been to a country where malaria is a risk.

Donating blood after travelling abroad

Travel outside the UK can affect whether you can give blood donations. This is because some infections may be caught abroad. This is usually through mosquito or other insect bites.

There are conditions for donating blood if you’ve been to certain countries. This can depend on your length of stay and some other factors.

Further information on donating blood after travelling abroad

Source: Public Health Scotland - Opens in new browser window

Last updated: 01 March 2024

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Mexico Traveler View

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

• Packing List

After Your Trip

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

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Dengue August 14, 2024 Dengue is a year-round risk in many parts of the world, with outbreaks commonly occurring every 2–5 years. Travelers to risk areas should prevent mosquito bites. Destination List: Afghanistan, and Austral Islands (Tubuai and Rurutu), and Bora-Bora), Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, El Salvador, French Guiana (France), French Polynesia, including the island groups of Society Islands (Tahiti, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iran, Laos, Mali, Marquesas Islands (Hiva Oa and Ua Huka), Mauritius, Mexico, Moorea, Panama, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Uruguay
• Salmonella Newport in Mexico May 30, 2024 Some travelers who have spent time in Mexico have been infected with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Newport.
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Mexico March 12, 2024 There have been reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in people traveling to the United States from Tecate, in the state of Baja California, Mexico.

⇧ Top

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

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

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

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

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites, chagas disease (american trypanosomiasis).

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

Chagas disease

• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

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

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

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

Tuberculosis (TB)

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

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

Eat and drink safely

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

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

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

Prevent bug bites

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

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

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

What type of insect repellent should I use?

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

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

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

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

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

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

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

Stay safe outdoors

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

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

Stay safe around water

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

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

Keep away from animals

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

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

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

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

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

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

Reduce your exposure to germs

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

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

Avoid sharing body fluids

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

Protect yourself:

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

Know how to get medical care while traveling

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

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

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

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

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

Select safe transportation

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

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

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

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

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

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

Think about the driver.

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

Follow basic safety tips.

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

Medical Evacuation Insurance

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

Helpful Resources

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

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

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

Maintain personal security

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

Before you leave

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

While at your destination(s)

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

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

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

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

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

Healthy Travel Packing List

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

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

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

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

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

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

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

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Mexico Travel Advisory

Travel advisory september 6, 2024, mexico - see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with updates for Chiapas, and Durango.

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 of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D and between Ciudad Juarez and interior cities as noted in the Chihuahua section. 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 .
• Sinaloa state due to  crime .
• 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 .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• 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 .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime .
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime .
• 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  X/Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and X/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.

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

Reconsider travel due to crime.

U.S. government employees may not travel to the municipality of Ocozocoautla and to the following restricted areas in the southeastern region. All areas within the boundaries, including highway and roads unless specifically exempted, are restricted. East-Northeast Boundary: the eastern boundary follows the Mexican-Guatemalan border from the southern point on the Pacific coast, along the border, to the northern end point east of Netzahualcóyotl. Northern Boundary: from Netzahualcóyotl in a straight line southwest towards the northern limit of Ocosingo. Western Boundary: from Ocosingo in a straight-line south to El Ocote, from El Ocote in a straight-line west to San Francisco Pujiltic, from San Franciso Pujiltic southwest to just north of Mapastepec. South-Southwest Boundary: Highway 200 from Mapastepec to Tapachula. All towns along this highway are not restricted. The area to the north of highway 200 defines the southern boundary of the restricted area. From Tapachula, the restricted area boundary is north and east of the city limits and then extends southeast to the Pacific coast at Tres Hermanos San Isidro.

 U.S. government employees may travel to Tapachula within the city limits and on Highway 225, from Port Chiapas to Tapachula, including the Tapachula Airport.

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

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Exercise Increased Caution

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.

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

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

U.S. government employees may not travel to any area in the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , Taxco , 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.

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

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

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

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

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

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

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. 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.

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

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 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. While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured and killed innocent bystanders, including U.S. citizens. Violent crime, including homicides and assaults, has increased in Tulum.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. Exercise increased caution after dark in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum and remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

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.

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

• 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.

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

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

To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

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

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

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

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

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

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

Travel Advisory Levels

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Safety and security

This guide also has safety advice for  regions of Mexico .

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

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

Terrorism in Mexico

Terrorist attacks in Mexico cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Protecting your belongings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drink and food spiking

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

Tainted alcohol

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

Sexual assault

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vehicle crime

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

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

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

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

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

Unlicensed taxis

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

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

Public transport

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

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

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

Cancun and other tourist destinations

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

• Nuevo Vallarta
• Playa del Carmen
• Puerto Vallarta

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

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

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

Laws and cultural differences

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

Personal ID

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

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

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

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

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

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

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

LGBT+ travellers

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

Surrogacy in Mexico

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

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

For more information, see surrogacy overseas .

Hotel balconies

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

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Adventure sports.

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

Make sure the company you use:

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

Swimming safety

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

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

Sharks and crocodiles

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

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

Transport risks

Road travel.

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

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

Driving standards

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

Driving restrictions

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

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

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

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

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

Extreme weather and natural disasters

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

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

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

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

Earthquakes

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

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

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

Volcanic eruptions

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

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

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

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

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

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Zika virus is mainly spread by mosquitoes found in some parts of the world. For most people it's mild and not harmful, but can cause problems if you're pregnant.

Check if you're at risk of Zika virus

Zika virus is usually caught by being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Very rarely, you can get the virus by having sex with someone who has it.

Zika virus is found in parts of:

• South and Central America
• the Caribbean
• the Pacific islands

The type of mosquitoes that carry Zika virus are not found in the UK.

Check before you travel

It's important to check the risk for the country you're going to before you travel.

Find out more about the Zika virus risk in specific countries on the Travel Health Pro website

How to avoid Zika virus

If you're travelling to an area where Zika virus is found, get advice from a GP, nurse, pharmacist or travel clinic before you go.

It's best to do this at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel, but you can still get advice at the last minute if you need to.

There are things you can do to avoid getting Zika virus while you're travelling.

Most people have few or no symptoms if they get Zika virus.

If you do have symptoms, they're usually mild and last around 2 to 7 days.

The most common symptoms include:

• a high temperature
• sore, red eyes
• swollen joints and joint and muscle pain
• a rash and itching all over the body

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You've recently travelled to a country with a Zika virus risk and:

• you feel unwell
• you or your partner are pregnant
• you or your partner get pregnant within 3 months of coming back to the UK
• have numbness, pins and needles, muscle weakness or pain in your feet and hands that spreads to your arms and legs

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .

Get medical advice quickly if you have Zika virus symptoms while you're travelling.

Treatments for Zika virus

There are no specific treatments for Zika virus.

If you have symptoms, you should:

• get plenty of rest
• drink lots of fluids
• take pain relief, such as paracetamol

If you're pregnant and have Zika virus, your midwife or hospital doctor will talk about the risk with you and may arrange an ultrasound scan to check your baby's growth.

You may also be referred to a specialist for more monitoring.

Complications of Zika virus

Zika virus can harm a developing baby if you get it when you're pregnant.

It can cause problems with the baby's brain and the baby having an unusually small head (microcephaly).

You can have Zika virus without having any symptoms. This is why it's important to avoid getting pregnant for up to 3 months after you've come back to the UK from a country where there's a Zika virus risk.

Speak to your midwife or doctor for advice if you're worried your unborn baby may be affected by Zika virus.

Rarely, Zika virus can also cause Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) , a serious condition that affects the nervous system.

Find out more

• GOV.UK: how long to avoid getting pregnant after travelling to a Zika risk area
• best use of medicines in pregnancy (bumps): Zika virus
• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: Zika virus infection and pregnancy

Page last reviewed: 18 February 2022 Next review due: 18 February 2025

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Health advice for travel abroad

Peer reviewed by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP Last updated by Dr Toni Hazell Last updated 10 Feb 2023

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In this series: Travelling to remote locations Ears and flying Jet lag Motion sickness Altitude sickness

Travelling abroad means encountering unfamiliar places and situations which may carry unexpected risks. Good planning and risk assessment allow us to anticipate and avoid many possible difficulties. This leaflet considers preparation for travel, aspects of personal safety, and health when travelling. It points to sources of information and advice to help in planning.

In this article :

Research and planning, personal safety when travelling abroad, special groups of travellers, and finally.

Continue reading below

Country information

In these days of adventure travel, when it can seem as though travelling to somewhere unusual, remote or simply very different is a commonplace event, it is easy to forget the dangers and importance of being informed and prepared.

Read more about travelling to remote locations .

It is always advisable to know about the places you are travelling to, particularly if they are unfamiliar and even more so if you have never travelled there before. There are many sources of specific advice on the countries you are visiting.

Consider checking the UK government's Foreign Travel Advice by Country, which will update you if there are specific issues which might affect your safety in the countries you are visiting. Watch the news, pay attention and give yourself the opportunity to be aware of the things which might affect your decision to travel. Remember that if the UK government issues a travel warning regarding a particular country or area of the world, this may invalidate your travel insurance. Check, additionally, the CIA's World Factbook, which offers a slightly different view with information on history, people, government and transportation.

Travel insurance is an important part of your trip. Insurance protects your possessions and travel arrangements, but also your health. Accidents and illnesses happen everywhere, including overseas. The cost of medical treatment can be very high. An uninsured patient may struggle to find treatment without paying upfront. The cost of medical repatriation, if needed, can be extremely high.

Adventure tourism and sports

Make sure that your insurance covers the type of holiday you are taking. Make sure that you understand the limitations of your policy.

Some insurers will not cover high-altitude trekking holidays, for example. These travellers are strongly advised to obtain specialist insurance which includes helicopter evacuation.

Most insurers charge an extra premium for dangerous activities, including winter sports.

Many insurers will not cover travellers to any area if the Foreign Office has advised against travel there.

Your insurer may also decline to cover you if you deliberately put yourself in harm's way by taking unusual risks without informing them. For example, a policy which covers scuba diving may only cover you to a certain depth and not below.

Medical conditions

Your insurer must be fully informed of any pre-existing medical issues which might invalidate your policy if not notified:

Remember that if your doctor advises you against travelling on medical grounds then it is likely that your insurance, even if already in place, will become invalid.

Global Health Insurance Card (formerly European Health Insurance Card)

If travelling to Europe make sure you have a GHIC card. These may be applied for through the GOV.UK website (see 'Further Reading and References' below), and are free. The GHIC card is the post-Brexit version of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which itself replaced the E111 form.

It will not cover any private medical healthcare or costs, such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, repatriation to the UK, or lost property.

It is also not valid on cruises.

It is therefore important to have both a GHIC and a valid travel insurance policy in place before you travel.

Some insurers now insist you hold a GHIC and many will waive the excess if you have one.

If you need urgent health help during a visit to Europe, dial 112. The European emergency number is valid in all EU/EEA member states and is free of charge.

Reciprocal health agreements

Some non-European countries also offer 'reciprocal' health treatment for UK visitors. This means that if you're visiting any of these countries and need urgent or immediate medical treatment, it will be provided at a reduced cost or, in some cases, free. The range of medical services may be more restricted than under the NHS.

A list of reciprocal agreements, by country, is available on the GOV.UK website (see 'Further Reading and References' below).

Personal documents

Obtain passports and visas well in advance. You may be refused permission to travel at the airport if you don't have the right documentation and visas. Keep a copy of the front page of your passport at home in case of loss. Check the requirements of the country that you are visiting - some will not accept a passport which is more than 10 years old, even if it has not yet expired, and some need you to have a passport which is valid for at least six months after you leave the country.

It can be useful to take some passport photographs with you for unexpected visas and other permits. Some national parks, for example, will require a photo permit for entry.

Consider how you will obtain cash at your destination. Advise your bank of your travel plans and keep access to more than one way of accessing money overseas, in case you lose a card or a card fails to work. Keep a record of your credit card numbers, passport number, driving licence number and the 'stop' numbers for lost credit cards and phones.

Patient picks for Travel advice

Travelling to remote locations

Remote travel is easy and accessible. However, once you get to your destination you may find yourself in a very different environment from the one you're used to.

by Dr Toni Hazell

Accidental injury

The greatest risk to travellers is not of tropical diseases, dangerous animals or high-risk sport, but of death on the road. Worldwide, road accidents are the most frequent cause of death amongst travellers. Less-developed countries typically have much higher rates of road deaths and injuries compared with their richer counterparts. Therefore, the more adventurous your travel plans, the more danger you are likely to face on the roads. This problem is compounded by the fact that poorer countries usually have less quantity and quality in their hospital and ambulance services too. Any badly injured person who cannot be transported rapidly to an adequate hospital is more likely to die. You can minimise the risks of driving abroad in several ways:

Always wear a seatbelt (or a helmet if on a bike).

Never drive under the influence of alcohol. In many countries driving with any blood alcohol present at all is illegal.

Rent cars from reputable car companies which regularly service their vehicles.

Check the tyres, lights and brakes yourself.

Make yourself aware of the rules of the road in the country you are in.

Consider whether there is an alternative to driving yourself, particularly if conditions are very unfamiliar.

Avoid hiring motorbikes and mopeds, which are statistically associated with a higher incidence of personal injury and death.

Lock the doors of your car when driving, particularly after dark.

Alcohol and drugs

Consider your personal safety when using substances that can impair your judgement and common sense.

Use alcohol in moderation only and never use it when driving.

Remember that the effects of alcohol may be more marked if you are lacking in fluid in the body (dehydrated) and you may drink more than you intended to.

Drink water, rather than alcohol, for thirst.

Don't swim if you've been drinking alcohol.

Avoid illicit drugs. Even if you are not breaking the law, you may be stepping outside your comfort zone and ability to take care of yourself. Don't make yourself vulnerable.

Most crime is minor and opportunistic; however, it occurs worldwide. Some destinations have a higher risk of violent crime and sexual assault than others. Be sensible and plan ahead. Be vigilant regarding personal security.

Try not to stand out as a potential target.

Consider whether wearing valuable or visible jewellery may be inappropriate for your destination.

Keep your cash hidden and try to carry some low-denomination notes.

Use only licensed taxis and don't share them with strangers.

Be cautious with alcohol and don't leave drinks where they can be tampered with.

Look as though you know where you're going.

Keep your credit card in sight when using it to pay and ask for the printed receipt.

Stay aware of your surroundings.

Don't commit a crime yourself, either deliberately or through ignorance of the law. Obey the law in countries that you visit; respect dress codes and traditions.

Don't buy or use illegal drugs. Most countries take a very strong view on travellers carrying illegal drugs.

Don't carry packages through customs for other people; pack your own luggage and don't leave it unattended.

Be aware that some countries prohibit the consumption of alcohol.

Be aware that flouting dress codes may break the law in some countries..

Climate and environmental hazards

Understand your destination and what you plan to do there. What risks will you face? There may be several aspects of your destination that are not only unfamiliar to you in everyday life but which also pose a risk. These include:

Remember that the sun can damage your skin at altitude, even in the absence of heat, in the shade and even when wearing sunscreen. See the separate leaflet called Sun and Sunburn for more details .

Observe sensible precautions when swimming:

Pay attention to local signs alerting you to dangerous tides or currents, or to dangerous marine animals, including jellyfish, snails and biting fish.

Watch children carefully: the sea is not like a swimming pool and it can be very easy to lose track of them.

Don't swim beyond your capabilities.

Don't swim when alone - particularly not in the sea.

Take care when diving - consider hidden rocks. Don't dive in harbours and off jetties. Beware of swimming where there are jet skiers or other vessels.

Don't swim immediately after a heavy meal.

Heat and humidity

These can cause a number of adverse effects, including prickly heat, fainting, cramps, swelling of hands and feet and heatstroke.

Risks are greater if undertaking strenuous activity in the heat of the day.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke cause headache, dizziness, feeling sick (nauseated) and sweating and, as the condition gets worse, dry skin, collapse and confusion. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition and needs urgent medical help. Patients need to be rested, given sufficient fluids (hydrated) and cooled.

Small children may just become quiet and listless.

Take suitable clothing to stay cool; avoid overexertion in the heat of the day. Remember to stay hydrated. Be aware of the dangers of overheating and don't overdo it. If trekking or backpacking, be particularly aware of the need for water, salt and energy replenishment. Whatever you are doing, stay hydrated and seek attention if you become unwell. See the separate leaflet called Sun and Sunburn for more details.

Sea - boats and boards Make sure that you know the rules of navigation and the waters that you are in. Understand the hazards, including dangers from marine animals and from other boats. If in charge of a motorboat, always wear the kill cord and make sure your crew members have the right flotation aids. Know how to use the radio and your flares.

Lakes and rivers Understand your environment. Some lakes and rivers may not be safe for swimming, due to the presence of freshwater parasites which can cause serious infections in human beings. Parasites are living things (organisms) that live within, or on, another organism.

Snow and ice Insurance is essential when taking part in winter sports, as mountain rescue services and helicopter evacuations in most countries are not free of charge. See the separate leaflet called Dealing with the Effects of Cold and the section providing advice for travelling to remote locations.

Altitude sickness If you are travelling to altitude, see separate sections dealing with altitude sickness and advice for travelling to remote locations for more details. Follow the guidance on how quickly to ascend and when to stop or go back down. In some cases it may be appropriate to consult a private travel clinic (not your GP) for an altitude sickness medication prescription to take with you.

Building standards Building construction in holiday destinations is not always as reliable as we expect it to be at home. Fire regulations may not be adhered to. Recent accidents abroad have highlighted risks of poorly maintained boilers, of dangerous balconies and of cloudy swimming pools:

If you have concerns about where you are staying, move to different accommodation.

Sleep with windows open and don't lean on balcony parapets.

Don't swim in cloudy swimming pools or trust poorly constructed safety barriers.

Check fire escapes and make sure that there is a way out and that you know what it is.

Extreme activities Many holidaymakers now seek the thrill of 'extreme' adventures, such as bungee jumping, swimming with sharks or paragliding. If taking part in these activities make sure that you feel happy with the way the operation is being run - ask yourself:

Do the guides seem sensible and experienced?

Are they paying attention to safety?

Do you feel comfortable that the activity is well organised?

If in doubt, go elsewhere.

Wildlife Make yourself aware of the wildlife hazards in the places you are visiting.

Large predatory animals may need particular precautions. Attacks are uncommon compared to other travel dangers and most are avoidable. In parts of the Northern USA, trekkers and campers should carry bear spray to ward off bear attacks. In parts of Australia, beaches are not safe for swimming, due to the presence of sharks and crocodiles. Large predators on African safari trips are a threat to life and limb if proper precautions are not observed.

Biting animals (including dogs, cats, bats, foxes and monkeys) may carry rabies (see below). If you are bitten, seek help. Consider whether you need rabies vaccination (generally recommended for those more likely to come into contact with local animals, including those travelling 'off the beaten track' for prolonged periods).

Venomous animals such as snakes and scorpions may pose a risk to health. Be aware of what you may encounter and know how to identify it. Never touch insects, caterpillars, spiders, snails or other animals you find on your path. It is best to assume that all snakes are both aggressive and venomous.

Whilst large or venomous animals pose the most dramatic wildlife risk to travellers, mosquitoes are a much greater threat to travellers' health. Take all possible precautions to minimise insect bites, including covering your skin and using insect repellent and mosquito nets. Use prevention (prophylaxis) against malaria and vaccination against yellow fever where appropriate (see under 'Health', below).

Remember also the dangers posed by marine life such as corals, jellyfish and octopuses.

Terrorism and civil unrest

Country-specific travel sites advise of specific dangers. However, in 2017 the range of countries where terrorism could possibly take place includes many places that UK travellers visit regularly (and of course terrorist attacks also occur in the UK). Also, the types of attacks we have seen were often impossible to predict.

Be alert to what is going on around you. Watch the news before you leave. Learn what you can about the country you are visiting.

The NHS Fit for Travel website (see under 'Further Reading and References' below) offers updated information, by country, on specific and general health issues which you might expect there.

Vaccinations

Make sure that you have all the vaccinations you need. Book an appointment with your GP or practice nurse three to six months ahead of your holiday in order to plan a programme of vaccination. Some vaccinations are given as a course of separate jabs and some cannot be given together. See the separate leaflet called Travel Vaccinations for more details . If your GP does not have the resources to offer the appointments that you need then you may need to attend a private travel clinic instead. These costs should be seen as a necessary part of the cost of travel.

Be aware of the risks of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism associated with air travel. Speak to a private travel doctor if you feel you may be at particular risk. Protective travel socks may be recommended and some patients are advised to take aspirin for travel.

If you have any doubts about whether you are fit to travel by air then speak to a private travel doctor. Your GP is very unlikely to be trained or insured to write a letter to say that you are fit to fly, and consultant assessment for this purpose is generally not available on the NHS. l. Some groups of people should not travel by air. These include:

Women more than 36 weeks pregnant.

Those with active communicable diseases, including tuberculosis, although the risk of transmission is generally low.

Those who have angina or chest pain at rest, or have had a recent heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke.

People with ear infections, or infection of the sinuses, nose and Eustachian tubes.

Those who have had recent surgery or injury where trapped air or gas may be present. For example, gastrointestinal surgery, face and eye injuries, brain surgery or eye operations.

People with severe chronic respiratory disease, or breathlessness at rest.

People with air trapped between the chest wall and the lung ( pneumothorax ).

Those who have sickle cell anaemia.

Those who have psychotic illness, except where fully controlled.

Try to minimise jet lag: get maximum sleep on the flight and drink all the water you can. Read more about jet lag .

if you are affected by travel sickness, take the precautions which usually help you. If using medication, make sure that you tolerate your medication well. Remember, however, that medicine that makes you appear sleepy or drunk may result in you not being allowed to travel. See separate section on dealing with motion (travel) sickness for more details.

Malaria prevention

Take all necessary precautions against malaria. It is a serious disease which can, at the very least, spoil your holiday and, at the very worst, be fatal. This includes medication to prevent malaria and protection against biting mosquitoes. It is very important to protect yourself, even if returning to a country where you have family or where you have previously lived. Immunity is not inherited and is only partially acquired by living there for a long time.

Garlic and citronella do not prevent mosquitoes from biting you. Cover your skin to avoid bites, especially after sunset when malarial mosquitoes bite. Use mosquito nets and insect repellent devices such as candles and coil burners.

Consult the NHS Fit for Travel website for up-to-date advice on the malaria regimen recommended for the countries you will be visiting. There is normally a choice of medication. Make sure that you can tolerate the medication you choose before you go. Remember that malaria prophylaxis does not offer absolute protection: minimising exposure to mosquito bites is also important. The risks of mosquito-borne disease are always greater where there is disease in the human population.

See the separate leaflet called Malaria Prevention for more details .

Water, and traveller's diarrhoea

In the UK we are accustomed to trusting the water that comes out of the tap. However, this isn't possible all over the world. Stream water and river water are not usually clean enough to drink, unless you are so high up a hill that it is certain that no people, cattle or other animals have been in the water above you.

Travellers who drink the contaminated water may find themselves exposed to the organisms that cause travellers' diarrhoea.

If you are not sure that you can trust the water in the countries you are visiting, obtain bottled water. Only drink this from a bottle if it was sealed when you purchased it. Alternatively, purify water yourself. Where bottled water is readily available, it may be a good idea to have a back-up system for purification. Purification is also more environmentally friendly than bottled water since the same bottle can be refilled.

If water needs to be purified for drinking then it should also be purified for brushing teeth.

The best ways to purify water are boiling, water purification tablets, ultraviolet devices or filtration using purpose-designed filters:

If boiling, a rolling boil for one minute is sufficient at normal altitudes (three minutes at altitudes above 2000 metres).

Water purification tablets are not palatable to everyone but are fast and effective.

Filtration is very effective, even for brackish or sandy water. Filters for sterilising water are usually sold by travel equipment shops. These filters must not be confused with those designed only to remove smells and chlorine from domestic water.

Battery-operated pen devices are easy to carry and can destroy bacteria, viruses and cryptosporidium parasite in clear water.

Diet and traveller's diarrhoea

It is important to find a middle ground between sampling local cuisine and avoiding 'traveller's tummy'. Be aware of the risks and apply commonsense when eating out. The most common causes of infection from food are salmonella , Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and norovirus . Others, including campylobacter and giardia are also common, particularly in the developing world.

Whilst these illnesses are acquired from contaminated food, cutlery or plates, they may also be acquired from elsewhere. For example, your fellow travellers, from local people and even from touching contaminated lavatory flushers or taps.

Take precautions around drinking water (see above). Don't have ice or ice cream in places where you wouldn't drink the tap water.

Cook it, wash it, peel it or forget it. Eat freshly cooked food and fruit that you can peel.

Avoid cold cooked meats, salad (which may have been washed in contaminated water), runny eggs and unpasteurised dairy products.

Think about fish. Do you trust the source? Is it really fresh? Shellfish can accumulate contaminants whilst in the sea. Shellfish may be better avoided in many places. Smaller fish tend to be safer than larger fish where there is any doubt.

Make sure hot food is thoroughly cooked and, ideally, not reheated. Be particularly wary of undercooked chicken or pork. In some developing countries food may not have been refrigerated. If you see evidence that food is left lying around uncovered where you are, take care.

Avoid unsealed mayonnaise, although sealed condiments are fine.

If purchasing from street vendors consider how the food has been kept and cooked.

Generally, busier restaurants have a better throughput of food and so it's more likely to be fresh.

it is easier, these days, for vegetarians and vegans to travel. However, the concept of what you are happy - or not happy - to eat may not be familiar wherever you go. This, combined with potential barriers of language, may make it difficult to obtain exactly what you want.

If you have special dietary needs, particularly food allergies, consider in advance whether the countries you are visiting will be able to meet them. If you are uncertain, you may need to take energy bars and other supplements with you, or purchase food at a local store.

It is difficult to avoid all hazards completely, particularly if you are travelling off the beaten track. Therefore, it is best, whilst taking the necessary precautions, to travel prepared. Take treatments for traveller's diarrhoea in your medical kit. See the separate leaflet called Traveller's Diarrhoea .

Infections and diseases

See individual leaflets on this website for specific illnesses and conditions. Some of these may be illnesses to which you are not normally exposed when at home, such as malaria and typhoid . Others are conditions which you can acquire anywhere, such as the common cold.

It is important to remind yourself that most travellers do not acquire serious illnesses abroad and that with sensible precautions you are also unlikely to do so. These include:

Make yourself aware of the risks of disease in the countries you are visiting: read the news, check country advice.

Have the recommended vaccinations.

Take the advised protective measures against malaria.

Protect yourself against insect bites.

Be careful where you swim, take local advice before swimming in fresh water.

Take care with diet and hygiene.

Take care when exposed to those who are infected (this is particularly important for aid workers - see below).

Avoid areas where there are disease outbreaks, civil unrest and natural disaster.

If the worst happens and you develop symptoms, seek medical advice early. Avoid self-medication unless there is really no alternative. Local experts are more likely than you are to know what your symptoms are most likely to represent.

If you develop an unexplained temperature within six months of returning home from a malarial region, tell your doctor or health professional. The risk of this being malaria or another 'tropical' disease declines considerably after the first month. However, it does not drop to almost zero until six months.

Bites and stings

Most bites and stings are a nuisance rather than a serious threat to health. However, there are exceptions to this. See the separate leaflet called Insect Bites and Stings . Protect yourself against insects: take an effective insect repellent (at least 20% DEET) and cover your arms and legs as much as possible to minimise biting.

Venomous bites . Make yourself aware of the biting animals that you could encounter on your travels. Find out what you should do if you are bitten. Don't panic - seek help urgently, as you may need antivenom or other supportive treatment. Remember that most venomous bites and stings are not lethal, as most are designed to disable smaller animals than you.

Infected bites . A bite is a 'dirty' puncture wound and even a tiny insect bite can become infected. If redness around a bite continues to increase on the second and third day then it may be infected. Remember in particular to check boots for insects in the morning.

Diseases acquired from insect bites . In addition to malaria there are many other insect and arthropod-borne diseases. These include yellow fever , dengue, Zika virus, chikungunya fever, West Nile virus and Japanese encephalitis . Be aware of what the risks are where you are travelling and seek advice if you develop symptoms. The best prevention for the avoidance of mosquito-borne diseases against which there is no vaccine is the avoidance of bites.

Rabies is endemic in wild animal populations in many parts of the world. It can be acquired from the bites or scratches of various mammals, including dogs, cats, bats, monkeys and foxes. Rabies can, less commonly, be acquired through inhalation of bat droppings. Don't touch animals and if bitten seek medical advice (and if it is possible to isolate the animal for testing, do so.) If you think you are at increased risk of animal contact, consider rabies vaccination.

The risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from casual sex when travelling is high. Condoms provide good but not complete protection. STIs like gonorrhoea , chlamydia and syphilis may cause serious long-term disability. Hepatitis B and HIV are also spread sexually.

High proportions of sex workers are infected with STIs. Large numbers of the population in many parts of Africa are infected with HIV, and AIDS is common. Infection is widespread in many countries in Asia and South America.

It is safest to avoid casual sex when travelling. You are taking a risk which, if you were not on holiday, you might find unacceptable. If you do have sex with a stranger, always use a condom.

Needing emergency treatment abroad

In some developing countries medical supplies, including needles and syringes, are cleaned and re-used. Travel packs are available from some chemists and travel clinics. Packs contain sterile equipment for use in an emergency. A needle kit should be supplied with a certificate showing contents and the reason for its purchase - useful for clearance at customs.

In most of Western Europe, North America, Japan and Australasia all donated blood is now screened for HIV antibodies. However, in most developing countries much of the blood donated is unscreened. The risks from blood transfusion may be high. Points to consider are:

Accidents are the most common reason for needing a blood transfusion.

Blood transfusion should only be accepted when essential.

Pregnancy or any medical condition which may lead to heavy blood loss should be taken into account before travelling to destinations where good medical facilities will not be available.

Knowing your blood group in advance may make it easier to find a blood donor in an emergency.

Travelling with children

This presents different challenges, depending on the age of your child or children. Of course travel broadens the mind and can teach children a great deal. It may, however, be easier for adults to tolerate or forget the difficulties of travelling than it is for children. When making any journey with children consider what special risks, if any, your journey and destination may mean for them. Ask yourself, are the benefits of your trip worth this, or should you delay or go elsewhere? Children will need special consideration - in particular, in areas of:

Vaccination.

Malaria prevention.

Motion (travel) sickness.

Managing long journeys.

Air travel, including ear pain.

Diet and hygiene.

Water purification.

Adventure tourism.

Environmental hazards, including sun, sea and altitude.

Understanding risk (clearly this will vary with the age of the child).

Safety in motor vehicles (for example, child seats).

Planning ahead

Allow plenty of time for journeys with young children.

Book ahead to be sure of your accommodation.

Arrange vaccinations well in advance and explain the purpose to children old enough to understand.

Take something to occupy your child on the journey.

Avoid sweets. Use savoury snacks instead.

Consider investing in a child location device for your journey. The child wears a small device fixed to their clothes and you keep the transmitter. When you have a small wandering child in a busy airport consider writing your mobile number on their arm in case they wander off and become lost.

Take the child's usual painkilling medicine (nothing else will taste the same).

Keep them involved in your plans and experiences.

Take appropriate clothing for them.

Children generally find antimalarial medication difficult. Chewable tablets taste bitter, and liquid preparations are often even worse. Make sure your children can cope with the recommended medication before you arrive in the malarial zone. The Further Reading resources section contains information on how to teach children to swallow tablets.

Travelling with medication

Permission to carry drugs Travellers carrying prescribed controlled drugs carry a letter of confirmation from their doctor. This includes personal details, travel dates and the drug/s and amount to be carried.

The Home Office allows you to take up to 90 days of controlled drug medication abroad. However, you must also comply with the entry requirements of the countries you are visiting, which may be different. It is also advisable to contact the embassy/consulate/high commission of the destination country to check regulations. Some countries have specific lists of restricted medicines and may confiscate your supply.

A copy of a recent prescription should be carried for any prescribed psychotropic including antidepressants.

For other prescribed medicines it is unlikely that any restrictions will be imposed although carrying a copy of the prescription is advisable.

For suspected restricted medication check the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) website (see 'Further Reading and References' below) for the requirements. In many cases the regulations allow you to take up to 30 days' supply as long as you are carrying a prescription or doctor's certificate. Carrying greater than 30 days' supply may require special importation licences.

Travelling with medication Always keep medicines in packaging together with the patient information leaflet. If taking liquid medication through an airport try to take volumes of less than 100 ml, with your name and dose clearly indicated on the bottle.

Crossing time zones Travel may significantly lengthen or shorten your day through the crossing of time zones. If you are taking regular medication then seek advice from your health professional regarding whether you need an extra dose or a reduced dose to address this. For many medications this won't be necessary. However, for some, such as patients with diabetes who are taking insulin, a change of four hours or more to the length of the day is likely to need addressing. Keep sufficient medication in your hand luggage for your journey, allowing for delays.

Relief workers

Relief workers are at greater risk than other travellers. They may face greater hazards and health risks because of flooding, unstable buildings, debris, lack of electricity, water, sanitation, health facilities and law enforcement. They are in close contact with local people and may share their exposure to infectious disease and lack of access to clean water for washing and drinking.

Those undertaking this work should consult with a travel health advisor as soon as practicable for advice on vaccine and malaria recommendations and other advice on protecting their health. Relief workers should ideally be in good physical and mental health, well briefed, and equipped as necessary to deal with the challenges of their environment.

Travelling when pregnant

Travelling when pregnant needs special consideration and planning. You should research your intended destination and consider whether it is right for you. Consider the medical facilities in the country you are visiting and any outbreaks or travel warnings. Advise your doctor or a doctor specialising in pregnancy and childbirth (an obstetrician) of your intention to travel. In particular:

There are restrictions on the vaccinations pregnant women can receive.

Pregnant women and their babies are at increased risk if they contract malaria.

Pregnant women can take some kinds of malaria prophylaxis, although others are not safe in pregnancy.

Pregnancy carries an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Some diseases such as Zika virus are a particular threat to pregnancy.

Most commercial airlines accept a pregnant traveller up to 36 weeks of gestation (up to 32 weeks for multiple pregnancies). Some airlines require documentation from your doctor or midwife to confirm you are in good health, and the due date. Your GP will not be trained or insured to write a letter to say that you are 'fit to fly' - they will only be able to give you a letter stating the facts of your pregnancy. If the letter needs to contain the words 'fit to fly' then you will need to visit a private travel doctor.

Travelling to visit relatives abroad

If you are normally resident in the UK but are travelling to visit relatives abroad, it's easy not to think of this as a 'holiday' and not to think of it as needing the same level of planning.

Remember that if you travel abroad to visit relatives - even if this is to a country in which you yourself were formerly resident - you need to do much of the same planning. In particular:

Insurance: your residence in the UK may mean that you have no more entitlement to healthcare on your trip than any other traveller.

Vaccinations: protect yourself against disease with a normal travel vaccine schedule - you are as vulnerable as the next person. Consider rabies vaccination if you are likely to encounter stray dogs, and educate your children about the risks of petting stray animals.

Malaria: don't be tempted to ignore the recommended precautions because your relatives say they never get malaria. They may be immune or partially immune due to repeated infections. However, you will not be, even if you once were.

Food and water: the food and water in the country you are visiting is now as foreign to your digestive system as it is to anyone else's, so you have the same vulnerability to traveller's diarrhoea as any other traveller. Take the usual precautions.

Cultural and social differences can be a challenge to you and to your children, even if your ethnic origin is in the country you are visiting. You and they will be adjusting to a different climate and possibly to other situations:

Seeing different religious practices.

Separation from family and friends at home.

Changes in living standards.

Different social amenities.

Language differences.

Economic inequalities.

Many problems can be overcome through experience and sympathetic support from family and friends.

The key to a successful holiday is careful, thorough preparation. This is true even if you are off on a carefree, backpacking, 'go where the mood takes me' trip. The NHS Fit for Travel website offers the following 'Ten Tips' to help you remain safe and healthy:

Before your trip

See a health professional specialist several months before travel.

Ask about vaccinations that are recommended for your specific destinations.

Make up a first aid and medical kit containing regular and special medication for the trip - carry it in your hand luggage.

Make sure you have evacuation and travel insurance.

During your trip

Take precautions against malaria when needed. Prevent mosquito bites and take malaria pills as advised.

Road safety is important - wear safety belts in cars, helmets on bikes and avoid night-time driving and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Abstain from casual sex or practise safe sex with condoms to prevent HIV and other STIs.

Verify and consume safe water and food. Have a supply of medicine for self-treatment of diarrhoea.

Use sunscreen. Sun can be more intense over water, over snow and at altitude.

Leave animals alone, as they may transmit rabies. Seek help if bitten.

If fever develops during or after a trip, seek medical help immediately .

Dr Mary Lowth is an author or the original author of this leaflet.

Further reading and references

• Lackner JR ; Motion sickness: more than nausea and vomiting. Exp Brain Res. 2014 Aug;232(8):2493-510. doi: 10.1007/s00221-014-4008-8. Epub 2014 Jun 25.
• Foreign Travel Advice by Country ; GOV.UK
• The World Factbook ; Central Intelligence Agency
• NHS Fit For Travel: Travel health information for people travelling abroad from the UK ; Health Protection Scotland
• Information on carrying medication overseas ; International Narcotics Control Board
• Wright T ; Middle-ear pain and trauma during air travel. BMJ Clin Evid. 2015 Jan 19;2015. pii: 0501.
• Sleep disorders - shift work and jet lag ; NICE CKS, September 2023 (UK access only)
• Apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) ; GOV.UK
• Helping your child to swallow tablets ; Medicines for children, 2017

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Next review due: 9 Feb 2028

10 feb 2023 | latest version.

Last updated by

Peer reviewed by

8 Jul 2016 | Originally published

Authored by:

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Mexico

Mexico is known for its warm weather, natural beauty, and rich culture. Travellers can experience breathtaking beaches, to local celebrations and unique culinary history.

Among the most popular destinations in Mexico are Acapulco, Cancun, Los Cabos, and Cozumel. There is plenty to see and explore all across the country, from the dense rain forests to the arid deserts.

One of the greatest draws of Mexico is the remnants of ancient civilizations. Beyond these civilizations, many of the colonial buildings from the Spanish-era remain untouched.

To get the full experience of Mexico, it is best to interact with the locals as much as possible. They are generally friendly, and very proud of their culture. Sit and enjoy some agave liquor with the locals, and you may find yourself wishing you didn’t have to leave.

On This Page: Do I Need Vaccines for Mexico? Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Mexico? What is the Climate Like in Mexico? How Safe is Mexico? Driving and Snorkeling in Mexico What Should I Take To Mexico? Canadian Embassy in Mexico

Do I Need Vaccines for Mexico?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Mexico. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Mexico: COVID-19 , hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , rabies , meningitis , polio , measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) , Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) , chickenpox , shingles , pneumonia and influenza .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

• COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for all travellers
• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Accelerated schedule available
• Typhoid – Food & Water – Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay.
• Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) – Various Vectors – Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
• TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – Wounds & Airborne – Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
• Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
• Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
• Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
• Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.
• Meningitis – Airborne & Direct Contact – Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
• Polio – Food & Water – Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.

See the tables below for more information:

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Mexico. Speak with a travel health specialist about your itinerary and the potential need for antimalarials.

Mexico is an affected area of the Zika virus . Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid travel to Mexico. Take extra precautions against Zika infection including insect repellents and mosquito netting.

Dengue is another mosquito-borne illness found in various parts of Mexico. Take the same precautions against this infection as you would Zika.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now .

Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Mexico?

No visa is required to enter Mexico for business or tourism stays under 90 days. Upon arrival, those using a Canadian passport will be issued a tourist card. The cost is $20 USD but the fee is included in most airline tickets. Residents of Canada who are legal immigrants using foreign passports also do not need a visa for business or tourism visits to Mexico.

Sources: Embassy of Mexico and Canadian Travel and Tourism

Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

What is the Climate Like in Mexico?

Because of its size, Mexico has a diverse climate.

The Tropic of Cancer splits the country into temperate and tropical zones. Regions north of the 24th parallel have a cooler climate during the winter months. Regions to the south have a more constant climate throughout the year. On the coast on both sides of Mexico, the climate is generally hot and humid, especially in the summer.

In contrast, Mexico City’s temperatures can drop to freezing in the winter. Areas of higher elevation can even see snow during these months. Most of the northwestern area of Mexico has a desert climate. The eastern coast has a tropical climate characterized by a wet season during the summer. Be sure to research the area that you are travelling to and bring appropriate clothing. Bring breathable clothing that you will not be adverse to sweating in.

How Safe is Mexico?

Violence from drug cartels is a major problem in Mexico. Do not travel out alone after dark, especially in heavily populated urban areas. Always be alert, and look out for strange behavior. Keep track of your belongings, as pick-pocketing and other forms of petty theft are common. There have been instances of kidnappings by cartels in various parts of the country.

Possession of small amounts of narcotics is legal in Mexico, but it is best to avoid using drugs at all. The legal system is much harsher than in Canada. Consult with locals to find out where it is safe to travel without a guide, and what areas to avoid after the sun sets. They will be able to provide the most accurate information.

When swimming on the beach, look out for riptides. They can be difficult to detect but very strong. Be sure to use sunscreen, and be aware of jellyfish.

If you are travelling by bus, do not put your bag in the storage room of the bus. This is an easy way to have your belongings stolen. If you plan on using a taxi, call a taxi service and request one instead of hailing one from the street. Ride-share services like Uber are available in Mexico.

Diving and Snorkeling in Mexico

Mexico is an excellent destination for diving and snorkeling. With beautiful waters ripe with wildlife, there is plenty to see in the depths.

If you have a taste for danger, consider cage diving with Great White sharks off Guadalupe Island. You are outfitted with scuba gear, put into a metal cage, and lowered into the water. It is the closest you will be able to get to the sharks while remaining out of danger. It is not for the faint of heart.

If you are looking for a diverse array of aquatic life, look no further than the Sea of Cortez. It is very accessible to foreigners. It is a meeting point of tropical species from the south and species from the temperate zones of the north. This creates a unique ecosystem that will provide an unforgettable experience for travellers. There are plenty of local dive shops and places to charter a boat.

What Should I Take To Mexico?

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Mexico:

• Personal Hygiene Products – These can be expensive in Mexico, so it is best to bring them from home.
• Medications – Pharmacies are different in Mexico. It is safest to bring your medications with you from home.
• Close-toed shoes – It’s tempting to wear sandals, but fire ants and scorpions are a common problem.
• Breathable clothing – It can get quite hot in Mexico.
• Water purification tablets – It is recommended that you do not drink the tap water in Mexico. But, if absolutely necessary, it is best to have tablets on hand.

Canadian Embassy in Mexico

Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Mexico, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:

Embassy of Canada in Mexico City Schiller 529, Col. Bosque de Chapultepec (Polanco) Del. Miguel Hidalgo 11580 Mexico City, D.F. Mexico Telephone: (55) 5724.7900

If you have any questions about travelling to Mexico or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.

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UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Application Guide 2024

In This Article

1. Introduction to the Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme 2. What Is the UK ETA Scheme? 3. Do I Need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to Travel to the UK? 4. When Does the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Application Process Open? 5. How Do I Apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)? 6. Expanded Suitability Criteria for ETA Applications 7. Can I Travel to the UK if my Electronic Travel Authorisation is Refused? 8. Strengthening Immigration Control? 9. Contact Our Immigration Barristers 10. Frequently Asked Questions 11. Glossary 12. Additional Resources

1. Introduction to the Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme

In its latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 217) , published on 10 September 2024, the UK government has announced the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, a new scheme aimed at enhancing pre-arrival screening of non-visa nationals who are seeking permission to enter the UK as either a Visitor (other than as a Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitor ), staying in the UK for up to 6 months, or as a Temporary Work – Creative Worker under the Temporary Work – Creative Worker visa concession.

The ETA scheme applies to all nationals who do not currently require a visa to travel to the UK on the above routes and who do not hold any other UK immigration status, ensuring that all visitors are assessed before arrival. This initiative marks a significant step towards tightening immigration controls by providing a comprehensive understanding of all those travelling to the UK.

2. What Is the UK ETA Scheme?

The Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme is designed to close existing gaps in advance permissions for individuals travelling to the UK as Visitors and Temporary Creative Workers. By requiring those who do not need a visa to obtain an ETA before travel, the UK government hopes to be able to better screen and assess travellers for any potential risks before they reach the UK border.

Individuals applying for an ETA need to submit a valid application and satisfy various suitability criteria. If the Home Office is not satisfied that an applicant has made a valid application, or considers that they do not meet any of the suitability criteria, an application for an Electronic Travel Authorisation may be refused.

It is important to note that a person who is refused an ETA has not been refused permission to enter the UK. They may still be able to enter the UK, but in order to do so they will first need to apply for, and be granted, a UK visa.

This new layer of security aims to strengthen the country’s immigration system, enhancing the UK’s ability to prevent the entry of individuals who may pose a threat. However, as with any such scheme, Home Office assessments may be erroneous and, in appropriate cases, individuals who are refused an Electronic Travel Authorisation for visa free travel may still be able to qualify for a UK visa. Since UK visa applications following refusal of an ETA are likely to be complex, professional immigration law advice should be sought.

If your ETA application has been refused, contact our immigration barristers in London for expert advice on the merits of applying for a UK visa. Call our ETA refusal team on +44 (0)203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

3. Do I Need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to Travel to the UK?

Nationalities of the following locations (including countries and associated territories) are subject to the requirement to obtain an ETA for visa free travel to the UK:

(a) for travel to the UK on or after 15 November 2023: Qatar;

(b) for travel to the UK on or after 22 February 2024: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia;

(c) for travel to the UK on or after 8 January 2025: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British National (Overseas)), Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao Special Administrative Region, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall, Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan (only those who hold a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan), The Bahamas, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States, Uruguay;

(d) for travel to the UK on or after 2 April 2025: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City.

If you are a national of a location that is not mentioned in the list of countries and territories that require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) above then you are not eligible for an ETA. You must apply for a UK visa before visiting the UK.

To find out how our immigration barristers can assist your UK Visit Visa application, contact our specialist immigration team on +44 (0)203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

4. When Does the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Application Process Open?

The Electronic Travel Authorisation application process opened on 25 October 2023 for Qatari nationals travelling to the UK on or after 15 November 2023.

The ETA application process opened on 1 February 2024 for citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia travelling to the UK on or after 22 February 2024.

The ETA application process will open on 27 November 2024 for nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British National (Overseas)), Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao Special Administrative Region, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall, Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan (only those who hold a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan), The Bahamas, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States and Uruguay travelling to the UK on or after 8 January 2025.

The ETA application process will open on 5 March 2025 for nationals of Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Vatican City travelling to the UK on or after 2 April 2025.

5. How Do I Apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

You can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation using the ETA App, or via an online form.

When you apply for a UK ETA you will need to pay an Electronic Travel Authorisation application fee of £10, provide your contact and passport details, a valid passport photo and answer a set of questions about suitability.

Following the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 217) , published on 10 September 2024, UK ETA applicants will now be required to use a national passport when applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation, aligning this process with the visa requirements outlined in the Immigration Rules. Travellers using any document other than a national passport will need to apply for a UK visa instead of an ETA.

6. Expanded Suitability Criteria for ETA Applications

In our previous post, How to Apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA) , we noted that the Immigration Rules state that an application for Electronic Travel Authorisation will be refused in the following circumstances:

• Exclusion or deportation grounds: where the Home Secretary has personally directed that the UK ETA applicant be excluded from the UK; the UK ETA applicant is the subject of an exclusion order; or the UK ETA applicant is the subject of a deportation order or a decision to make a deportation order.
• Criminality grounds: where the UK ETA applicant has been convicted of a criminal offence for which they have received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more; where the UK ETA applicant has been convicted of a criminal offence unless 12 months have passed since the date of conviction. Please note both convictions in the UK and in any other country are relevant.
• Non-conducive grounds: where the UK ETA applicant’s presence in the UK is not conducive to the public good because of their conduct, character, associations or other reasons (including convictions which do not fall within the criminality grounds).
• Previous breach of immigration laws grounds: where the UK ETA applicant was over the age of 18 and overstayed their leave, breached a condition of their leave (unless entry clearance or a further grant of leave was later made with knowledge of the breach), used deception in relation to an immigration application.
• False representations: where in relation to a current or previous application false representations were made, false documents or false information submitted. Please note that it does not matter if this was relevant to the application or whether it was made with the UK ETA applicant’s knowledge. Also, where relevant facts were not disclosed.
• Debt to NHS grounds: where the UK ETA applicant has failed to pay charges on NHS use by overseas visitors and those outstanding charges have a total value of at least £500.
• Unpaid litigation costs grounds: where the UK ETA applicant has failed to pay litigations costs awarded to the Home Office.

Three important changes to the ETA suitability criteria have been introduced by the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 217) published on 10 September 2024:

• Overstayers: Changes are being made to the suitability criteria concerning overstayers. Under the current system, individuals who have previously overstayed their permission to remain in the UK can still be granted an ETA if they left voluntarily without being deported at the government’s expense. Moving forward, the suitability criteria for overstayers is being amended to bring them in line with the rules applied to visitors under part 9 of the Immigration Rules . This will allow for a more detailed consideration of the circumstances and duration of any previous overstays.
• Previous Visa Refusals: Individuals who have previously been refused a visit visa or permission to enter as a visitor will also be refused an ETA. However, if they have since been granted a visit visa or held valid permission that was not cancelled, they may still be eligible for an ETA. This change aims to prevent individuals who were previously deemed ineligible under the UK’s visitor rules from bypassing the system through an ETA. Such individuals will instead be required to apply for a visa, allowing for a more thorough review of their eligibility.
• Cancellation of ETA: If an individual has had their ETA cancelled, even for reasons unrelated to suitability, they will be refused a new ETA. Without this rule, individuals could be refused entry at the UK border, have their ETA cancelled, and then reapply to board another flight in an attempt to circumvent immigration controls. This change ensures that once an ETA has been cancelled, the applicant must apply for a visa and undergo a more detailed examination of their eligibility before being allowed to re-enter the UK.

If you consider that any of these ETA refusal grounds could apply to you, you may wish to seek expert legal advice before applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation.

7. Can I Travel to the UK if my Electronic Travel Authorisation is Refused?

As noted above, a person who is refused an ETA has not been refused permission to enter the UK. Therefore, if your UK Electronic Travel Authorisation application has been refused, you may still be able to enter the UK. However, in order to do so you will first need to apply for, and be granted one of the following UK visas:

Standard Visitor Visa Creative Worker Visa

If your application for a UK ETA has been refused and you wish to apply to enter the UK in one of the above-mentioned immigration routes, you may wish to seek professional legal advice in relation to the merits of your U.K. visa application.

8. Strengthening Immigration Control?

The introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme and the accompanying changes mentioned in this article reinforce the UK’s commitment to enhancing its immigration framework. By expanding pre-arrival screening and aligning the ETA with broader immigration rules, the hope is that the UK can better manage who enters the country and prevent abuse of the system, ensuring that those who do not meet the requirements are identified early in the process.

However, any such pre-assessment carries with it a risk of mistakes in Home Office decision-making. Errors of fact, law or judgement may lead to wrongful refusals, particularly for applicants with complex circumstances. For those who are refused an Electronic Travel Authorisation, it is crucial to seek specialist legal advice to understand the consequences and options available.

9. Contact our Immigration Barristers

If you would like assistance with applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation, advice on an ETA refusal decision or assistance with applying for a UK visa following a refused ETA application, contact our immigration barristers in London on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme?

The UK ETA scheme is a new system that requires non-visa nationals to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK as a Visitor or under the Temporary Worker – Creative Worker concession. It aims to screen visitors before they arrive in the UK to assess potential risks.

Who needs to apply for an ETA to enter the UK?

Nationals from countries that currently do not require a visa to visit the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation if travelling as a Visitor (up to 6 months) or a Temporary Work – Creative Worker. Specific dates for different countries to comply with the ETA requirement are outlined in this post.

When will the ETA requirement be implemented for various countries?

Implementation of the ETA scheme began in November 2023 for Qatari nationals and will extend to other countries over several phases, concluding in April 2025.

How do I apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation?

You can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation via the ETA app or an online form. You will need to provide your passport details, a valid passport photo, and pay a £10 application fee, along with answering suitability questions.

What happens if my ETA application is refused?

A refusal of ETA does not prevent you from entering the UK, but you will need to apply for a UK visa instead. It’s advisable to seek professional advice in this case.

Which factors could lead to a refusal of an ETA?

Refusals may occur due to criminal convictions, exclusion or deportation orders, previous immigration violations, or unpaid NHS charges, among other criteria listed in this post.

Can I still travel to the UK if my ETA is refused?

Yes, but you will need to apply for and be granted a UK visa, such as a Standard Visitor Visa or a Creative Worker Visa first.

What are the suitability criteria for the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme?

The suitability criteria include factors like criminal history, previous immigration offences, and health-related debt to the NHS. Changes in September 2024 introduced stricter criteria for overstayers and those previously refused visas.

Is the ETA a visa?

No, the ETA is not a visa. It is an authorisation required for non-visa nationals travelling to the UK as Visitors or Temporary Creative Workers, which must be obtained in advance of travel.

What if my ETA is cancelled?

If your Electronic Travel Authorisation is cancelled, you will need to apply for a UK visa to travel again, even if the cancellation wasn’t related to your suitability.

11. Glossary

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): A digital pre-travel authorisation required for nationals of certain countries who do not need a visa to enter the UK for short stays. It allows the UK government to assess travellers for potential security or immigration risks before they arrive.

Non-Visa Nationals: Citizens of countries that do not require a visa for short-term visits to the UK. However, under the new scheme, they must apply for an ETA.

Temporary Work – Creative Worker Visa: A visa category allowing creative professionals (e.g., actors, dancers, musicians) to work temporarily in the UK. Under the ETA scheme, non-visa nationals relying on a specific concession in this category must obtain an ETA.

Suitability Criteria: Conditions that must be met for an ETA to be approved. These include checks on criminal history, previous immigration violations, and compliance with UK laws (e.g., unpaid NHS debts).

Overstayer: A person who remains in the UK beyond the expiration of their permitted visa or leave to remain. Under the ETA scheme, overstayers may face more scrutiny in their applications.

Standard Visitor Visa: A visa type for individuals visiting the UK for short stays, including tourism, business, and medical treatment. If an ETA is refused, travellers may need to apply for this visa.

Exclusion Order: A legal directive that prevents an individual from entering the UK, usually issued for reasons related to national security or criminal activity.

Deportation Order: A formal decision by the UK government requiring a person to leave the country, typically due to criminal convictions.

NHS Debt: Outstanding charges owed to the National Health Service by overseas visitors who receive healthcare in the UK. Debts exceeding £500 may result in an ETA refusal.

Criminality Grounds: Refers to reasons for refusing an ETA based on a traveller’s criminal record, particularly if they have received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more.

Non-Conducive Grounds: Situations where an individual’s presence in the UK is deemed not conducive to the public good, such as due to their associations or actions that raise security concerns.

False Representations: Providing inaccurate or misleading information, documents, or claims during an application. If detected, this can result in an ETA or visa refusal.

Statement of Changes: An official government document that outlines updates and amendments to the UK’s immigration rules. The September 2024 Statement of Changes introduced the ETA scheme and additional suitability criteria.

UK Visa: A formal document allowing entry to the UK for a specific purpose (e.g., work, study, or tourism) and for a defined period. Required if an ETA is refused or for those who don’t qualify for an ETA.

Creative Worker Visa Concession: A visa concession allowing short-term creative professionals to work in the UK for up to three months without meeting full visa requirements.

12. Additional Resources

UK Government – Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme

Official UK government page outlining the ETA requirements, eligibility, and how to apply.

UK Government – Immigration Rules and Statement of Changes

The official document detailing the latest changes to UK immigration rules, including the introduction of the ETA scheme.

UK Government – Check if You Need a UK Visa

A tool to check whether you need a visa or an ETA to travel to the UK.

Visitor Visa Information

Guide on applying for a UK Visitor Visa, which may be required if your ETA is refused.

European Commission – Visa Policy for UK Visitors

A guide for EU and non-EU nationals about entry requirements to the UK post-Brexit, including information on the ETA scheme.

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

• General Travel Health Advice

Before you travel 

Before you book travel, do you need a travel health risk assessment, travel health risk assessment, record of previous vaccinations, a-z of scottish health board contacts.

If you're planning to travel outside the UK, your travel health needs will depend on your individual situation, including:

• your destination
• how long you'll stay
• what you’ll be doing
• your general health

You should read the country specific advice for your planned destination(s) for information on advisable vaccinations, malaria and other health risks:

• A-Z of Destinations

If you think you need vaccines, malaria advice and/or tablets, you should have a travel health risk assessment.

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

• older people
• those with a weakened immune system
• those with long-term conditions that require medications
• pregnant women

This site only provides general guidance on travel health risks. For tailored advice for your individual situation, we recommend you make an appointment with a travel health professional.

To make an appointment for a travel health risk assessment:

• In Scotland , you should contact the NHS health board where you live.
• In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you should contact your NHS GP.

Ideally, you should book your appointment 6 to 8 weeks before you travel. This gives time for any vaccinations you might need to become fully effective.

• If your trip is sooner remember it is never too late to seek advice.

How to make an appointment in Scotland

You can make an appointment with a travel health professional via your local health board . Please be aware that your initial risk assessment may be over the phone or by video call.

If you need help to understand how to access a travel health risk assessment in Scotland, please call the NHS Inform helpline on 0800 22 44 88.

• The NHS Inform helpline is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. ​

Not sure which is your health board?

When you get in touch with your health board or the NHS Inform helpline you should let them know your postcode. This can save you time by making sure you are contacting the right health board.

It is helpful to keep a record of any vaccines you have received in the past, including as a child.

If available, you should bring your vaccination record with you to your travel health risk assessment appointment so that the health professional can determine if you need any boosters before travelling abroad.

• To request a report of vaccines held on your GP record, you should contact your GP practice.
• Proof of COVID vaccination can be obtained using the COVID Status app .

Ayrshire & Arran

• Website: Vaccination Hub
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: NHS Borders Vaccination Service
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 01896 809 250 - call between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday-Friday

Dumfries & Galloway

• Website: NHS Dumfries & Galloway Travel Vaccinations
• Website: Fife Fit For Travel

Forth Valley

• Website: Travel Health Service NHS Forth Valley
• Website: Travel Vaccination | Vax Grampian

Greater Glasgow & Clyde

• Website: Greater Glasgow & Clyde Overseas Travel Vaccinations
• Website: NHS Highland Vaccination
• Contact your local GP for further information

Lanarkshire

• Website: NHS Lanarkshire Travel Vaccinations
• Website: NHS Lothian Travel Clinics
• Website: Sutherlands Pharmacy to book an appointment
• Telephone: 01856 873240 (Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30)
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 01595 743 319 (please leave a voicemail message)
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 01382 423 108 - call between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday-Friday 

Western Isles / Eileanan Siar

• Telephone: 0808 196 8383 - call between 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday-Friday 

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• Disease Prevention Advice