North and Central America and Caribbean
Mexico
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Still current at: 03 December 2008
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Updated: 11 November 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary and Natural Disasters (Hurricanes) section (removal of reference to Hurricane Norbert). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Travel Summary
- On 16 October an earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale occurred along the coast off the state of Chiapas. There are no reports of human casualties or major damage. Visitors to the area should monitor local press and follow the advice of the local authorities.
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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 Hurricanes for more details.
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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. See the Crime Section of this advice for more details.
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There have been a high number of drug-related killings in 2008 so far, particularly in the northern border and Pacific states. On 15 September 2008 two grenades were thrown into crowds during the Independence Day celebrations in Michoacán, killing at least 7 people and injuring many more. Foreign visitors and residents have been among the victims in the border region but there is no evidence to suggest that they have been targeted because of their nationality.
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There have been three shark attacks along the Pacific coast this year, all involving surfers, approximately 150 miles from the Pacific resort of Acapulco close to Pantla and Troncones beaches near Zihuatanejo. Two of the attacks were fatal, one involving a foreign tourist. Although shark attacks are relatively rare in Mexico, you should exercise caution in these coastal areas, particularly when surfing.
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246,333 British Nationals visited Mexico from January to October 2007 (Source: Instituto Nacional de Migracion). The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Mexico in 2007 were for: replacing lost or stolen passports (136 cases); arrests or detentions, for a variety of offences (17 cases); hospitalisations (14 cases); and deaths, mainly from natural causes (12 cases).
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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 strongly 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.
Safety and security
Terrorism
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.
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.
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
Street crime is on the increase. Around 140 cases of stolen passports are reported to the Embassy every year. You should dress down and avoid wearing expensive jewellery or watches. You should be particularly alert on public transport, at airports, bus stations and tourist sites. Passengers have been robbed and/or assaulted by unlicenced taxi drivers, particularly in Mexico City. At airports, use only authorised prepaid airport taxi services. In Mexico City, use better regulated “sitio” taxis from authorised cab ranks.
Crime
Street crime is on the increase. Around 140 cases of stolen passports are reported to the Embassy every year. You should dress down and avoid wearing expensive jewellery or watches. You should be particularly alert on public transport, at airports, bus stations and tourist sites. Passengers have been robbed and/or assaulted by unlicenced taxi drivers, particularly in Mexico City. At airports, use only authorised prepaid airport taxi services. In Mexico City, use better regulated “sitio” taxis from authorised cab ranks.
Theft on buses is also common. All bus travel should be during daylight hours and on first-class buses if possible. Although there have been several reports of bus hijackings and robberies on toll roads (de cuota), buses on toll roads have a markedly lower rate of incidents than buses (second and third class) that travel the less secure "free" (libre) roads. Although most first-class bus companies perform security checks when passengers board buses, armed robberies of entire busloads of passengers still occur. Be vigilant; watch your hand luggage. Long distance bus travellers should stay alert.
Women travelling on their own should be particularly alert. There have been incidents of rapes on urban buses (micros) on routes in the south of Mexico City. Most attacks have occurred early in the morning or late at night. A number of serious sexual offences have also occurred in tourist areas in Cancun. Care should be taken even in areas close to hotels, especially after dark. Business travellers should keep a close watch on their briefcases and luggage at apparently secure locations such as the lobby of their hotel. Pick-pocketing is common on the Mexico City Metro. For more general information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad.
Exercise caution when withdrawing money from cashpoints or exchanging money at a Bureau de Change. It is safer to limit withdrawals or currency exchanges to small sums, and to only use cashpoints during daylight hours and inside shops or malls. Be especially vigilant when leaving a Bureau de Change as there have been incidents of people being followed and attacked.
Short-term opportunistic kidnapping – called “express kidnapping” – continues in urban areas, particularly in Mexico City. Victims are required to withdraw funds from credit or debit cards at a cashpoint to obtain their release. Where victims have friends or relatives living locally, a ransom may be demanded from them.
Longer-term kidnapping for financial gain also occurs, and there have been allegations of complicity by police officers. You should be cautious and discrete about openly discussing your financial or business affairs.
Be wary of strangers approaching you in person or contacting you by telephone, requesting personal information or financial help. They may be part of a scam operation. In particular, be wary of persons presenting themselves as police officers attempting to fine or arrest you for no apparent reason. There have been instances of visitors becoming victims of theft, extortion or sexual assault by persons who may or may not be police officers. When in doubt, ask for identification and if possible note the officer's name, badge number, and patrol car number.
Exercise caution when accepting food, drinks or rides from strangers. You are advised not to leave your food and drinks unattended in bars and restaurants. Cases of travellers being robbed or assaulted after being drugged have been reported.
Drug-related violence affects many states and is a particular problem in Sinaloa, Chihuahua, US border states and Pacific states. On 15 September 2008, two grenades were thrown into crowds during the Independence Day celebrations in Michoacán. Seven people have been killed with another 130 injured, some seriously. The perpetrators of this atrocity are still unknown, but it looks likely that they were drug traffickers. You are advised to be extra vigilant if travelling to these areas. There have been a high number of drug related murders in 2008 so far, including the shooting of a number of high ranking security officials in Mexico City. Attacks are aimed primarily at members of drug trafficking organisations, Mexican police forces, criminal justice officials, and journalists. Foreign visitors and residents have been among the victims of murders and kidnappings in the border region but there is no evidence to suggest that they have been targeted because of their nationality.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Mexico Country Profile
Political demonstrations can occur across the country. These can be tense, confrontational and turn violent, and onlookers can be quickly drawn in. You should avoid all demonstrations and monitor local media.
The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and participation in activities such as demonstrations may result in detention and/or deportation.
Local Travel
Political demonstrations can occur across the country. These can be tense, confrontational and turn violent, and onlookers can be quickly drawn in. You should avoid all demonstrations and monitor local media.
The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and participation in activities such as demonstrations may result in detention and/or deportation.
Local Travel
You should exercise particular caution if you have to travel after dark, and keep away from isolated beaches, ruins or trails at all times.
There is still tension in parts of the state of Chiapas, where armed groups are present. If you visit the highlands around San Cristobal de las Casas and the municipality of Ocosingo and the jungle area towards the Guatemalan border, you should exercise caution, particularly where crowds are gathered, and should not venture off main roads without seeking local advice.
Road Travel
UK and International Driving licences are valid in Mexico.
The Mexican style of driving and standards are very different from the UK. Be prepared to stop unexpectedly, and beware of potholes, slow moving vehicles, vehicles changing lane without indicating and going through red lights. Many local drivers do not have any form of car insurance. Keep your car doors locked at all times and the windows shut, especially at traffic lights.
In order to reduce air pollution, Mexico City and some other regions of the country have introduced restrictions on driving. Cars will be forbidden from certain areas on particular days based on number plates. This applies equally to permanent, temporary and foreign plates. These regulations are strictly enforced and offenders face heavy fines and temporary confiscation of their vehicle.
As of 1st September 2008, a supplementary driving restriction will be implemented in Mexico City. Vehicles without plates from the State of Mexico (Estado de Mexico) or the Federal District (DF) will not be permitted from Monday to Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. For more information (only in Spanish) visit http://www.sma.df.gob.mx/.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
Sea Travel
If you visit Mexican beach resorts, you should be aware that sports and aquatic equipment may not meet UK safety standards and may not be covered with any accident insurance. This applies particularly to scuba diving, parasailing and jet-ski. Check that your own travel insurance covers these activities if you decide to rent equipment or take classes.
There have been recent shark attacks along the Pacific coast. The three attacks, all involving surfers, took place close to Pantla and Troncones beaches near Zihuatanejo and approximately 150 miles from the Pacific resort of Acapulco. Two of the attacks were fatal, one involving a foreign tourist. Shark attacks are relatively rare in Mexico. However, caution should be taken in these coastal areas, particularly when surfing.
For more general information see River and Sea Safety.
Sea Travel
If you visit Mexican beach resorts, you should be aware that sports and aquatic equipment may not meet UK safety standards and may not be covered with any accident insurance. This applies particularly to scuba diving, parasailing and jet-ski. Check that your own travel insurance covers these activities if you decide to rent equipment or take classes.
There have been recent shark attacks along the Pacific coast. The three attacks, all involving surfers, took place close to Pantla and Troncones beaches near Zihuatanejo and approximately 150 miles from the Pacific resort of Acapulco. Two of the attacks were fatal, one involving a foreign tourist. Shark attacks are relatively rare in Mexico. However, caution should be taken in these coastal areas, particularly when surfing.
For more general information see River and Sea Safety.
Local laws and customs
Do not become involved with drugs of any kind in any way. Penalties for drug offences are severe. Convictions carry very long sentences – up to 25 years.
The police sometimes ask foreigners to show some form of identification. You may wish to carry photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport and important documents and leave the originals in a safe place.
Although civil unions between same sex partners are now legal in Mexico City and the state of Coahuila, homosexuality in Mexico is generally tolerated, rather than accepted. Public displays of affection between same sex couples may be frowned upon.
Although civil unions between same sex partners are now legal in Mexico City and the state of Coahuila, homosexuality in Mexico is generally tolerated, rather than accepted. Public displays of affection between same sex couples may be frowned upon.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
If you are visiting Mexico as a tourist you do not need a visa. You do need a tourist card (known as the "FMT"), which can be obtained by completing an immigration form available at border crossings or onboard flights to Mexico. Alternatively they can be obtained at a Mexican Consulates prior to travel.
Certain adventure or eco-tourism activities (eg caving, potholing, entomology) may also require visas, especially if they involve any scientific or technological research. Be aware that the Mexican authorites may define scientific or technological research activities far more broadly than other countries. If in any doubt, you should check carefully with the Mexican Embassy well in advance of your visit and request written confirmation if necessary.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry.
Travelling with children
Families with children should note that since January 2005, it is no longer required that minors travelling alone or with only one parent needing to have a notarised letter from their parents. Minors only need a valid passport to fulfil the general migration requirements applied to their nationality.
Working in Mexico
Tourists are not permitted to undertake voluntary work or any form of paid employment. If you intend to work in Mexico you should obtain the proper visa before travelling.
Imports
You should not bring meat or dairy products to Mexico. The importation of these products from the EU is prohibited.
Health
Public hospitals in Mexico are usually understaffed and under funded, which affects the quality of the treatment offered.
Malaria is common in low-lying rural areas of Mexico and outbreaks can occur throughout the year. Dengue fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region. Guadalajara has seen almost 100 cases of this illness so far in 2008.
There have been reports of a Hepatitis A outbreak in Queretaro. The Mexican government is aware. The Ministry of Health have confirmed 86 cases in the area between April and 2 October 2008 and have stated that the virus is now under control.
Hygiene standards vary in Mexico. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Mexico you should seek immediate medical attention. You should therefore exercise caution before purchasing food and unbottled drinks from street vendors.
On arrival in Mexico City and other high altitude areas, you may feel a lack of energy, shortness of breath or headaches. Allow for a short period of adjustment when making your travel plans.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 200,000 adults aged 15 or over in Mexico were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.3% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Mexico and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Malaria is common in low-lying rural areas of Mexico and outbreaks can occur throughout the year. Dengue fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region. Guadalajara has seen almost 100 cases of this illness so far in 2008.
There have been reports of a Hepatitis A outbreak in Queretaro. The Mexican government is aware. The Ministry of Health have confirmed 86 cases in the area between April and 2 October 2008 and have stated that the virus is now under control.
Hygiene standards vary in Mexico. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Mexico you should seek immediate medical attention. You should therefore exercise caution before purchasing food and unbottled drinks from street vendors.
On arrival in Mexico City and other high altitude areas, you may feel a lack of energy, shortness of breath or headaches. Allow for a short period of adjustment when making your travel plans.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 200,000 adults aged 15 or over in Mexico were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.3% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Mexico and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Natural disasters
Hurricanes
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 updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Center, and check with local authorities or your tour operator for any changes to your onward travel plans.
For more detailed information see Tropical cyclones.
Flash floods
A sustained period of torrential rain caused the worst flooding ever experienced in Tabasco State in November 2007. Mexican authorities reported that approximately 500,000 people were affected. The State Governor declared a state of emergency. Serious restoration works have been underway throughout the area, and signs of recovery are growing.
Earthquakes
Most of Mexico is subject to earthquakes and tremors occur regularly particularly in the state of Oaxaca. On 16 October 2008, an earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter Scale occurred along the coast off the state of Chiapas. There are no reports of casualties or major damage. Visitors to the area should monitor local press and follow the advice of the local authorities. The last major earthquake in Mexico occurred in January 2003, affecting the city and state of Colima.
Volcanoes
The Popocatepetl and Colima volcanoes are both active and they are closed to the public. There are danger zones around both, the size of which can change depending on the current level of activity. Updated information on their current status can be found at: http://www.cenapred.unam.mx/mvolcan.html for Popocatepetl (reports available in English) and http://www.ucol.mx/volcan/boletin for Colima (reports in Spanish only).
A sustained period of torrential rain caused the worst flooding ever experienced in Tabasco State in November 2007. Mexican authorities reported that approximately 500,000 people were affected. The State Governor declared a state of emergency. Serious restoration works have been underway throughout the area, and signs of recovery are growing.
Earthquakes
Most of Mexico is subject to earthquakes and tremors occur regularly particularly in the state of Oaxaca. On 16 October 2008, an earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter Scale occurred along the coast off the state of Chiapas. There are no reports of casualties or major damage. Visitors to the area should monitor local press and follow the advice of the local authorities. The last major earthquake in Mexico occurred in January 2003, affecting the city and state of Colima.
Volcanoes
The Popocatepetl and Colima volcanoes are both active and they are closed to the public. There are danger zones around both, the size of which can change depending on the current level of activity. Updated information on their current status can be found at: http://www.cenapred.unam.mx/mvolcan.html for Popocatepetl (reports available in English) and http://www.ucol.mx/volcan/boletin for Colima (reports in Spanish only).
General
Insurance
You should have comprehensive travel and medical insurance when you visit Mexico. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. Be aware that not all hospitals will agree to deal directly with medical insurance companies and you should be prepared to pay for treatment yourself up front and then seek a refund. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.
Consular Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Language
English is not widely spoken outside the main cities. Basic Spanish phrases are essential.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.
Consular Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Language
English is not widely spoken outside the main cities. Basic Spanish phrases are essential.
Safety in hotels
Building specifications are different in Mexico. In some hotels, balcony balustrades may not be at the same height as you would find in the UK or elsewhere in Europe and there is a risk of falling.
Purchasing property
Before buying property in Mexico, you should seek advice from a reputable and professionally qualified lawyer.
Money
American Dollar travellers' cheques and notes are more easily exchanged throughout Mexico than sterling equivalents. But UK debit and credit cards are widely accepted, including by ATMs.
See the Crime section of this travel advice for more details about using ATMs and Bureaux de Change.
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Change country
contacts
Mexico, Mexico City, British Embassy
Address:
British Embassy
Río Lerma 71
Col Cuauhtémoc
06500 México DF
Telephone:
(52) (55) 5242 8500
Fax:
(52) (55) 5242 8517
Office hours:
GMT:
Mon-Thurs: 1400-2200
Fri: 1400-1930
Local Time:
Mon-Thurs: 0800-1600
Fri: 0800-1330
Website: http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/mexico
