North and Central America and Caribbean

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• The hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November and can affect both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.  You should monitor local and international weather reports and follow the advice of the local authorities as appropriate.  See the Natural Disasters (Hurricanes) section of this advice and Tropical Cyclones for more details.

• Most visits are trouble-free, but crime and kidnappings continue. You should be particularly alert in tourist areas (especially on public transport and when dealing with real or purported policemen) and exercise caution when exchanging or withdrawing money. There has been a significant increase in drug related violence and killings in 2008 and 2009, particularly near the northern border and in Pacific states. See the Crime Section of this advice for more details. Travellers should avoid large crowds and demonstrations, and ensure they follow the advice of local authorities.
  

• 315,568 British nationals visited Mexico in 2008 (Source: Instituto Nacional de Migracion).  89 British nationals required consular assistance in Mexico in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (19 cases); hospitalisations (25 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (21 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (146 cases).
  

• There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.