medical travel advice for mexico

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

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After Your Trip

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

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Dengue in the Americas May 16, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, French Guiana (France), Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Martinique (France), Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay
• 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.
• Salmonella Newport in Mexico March 29, 2023 Some travelers who have spent time in Mexico have been infected with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Newport.

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

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Chikungunya

There has been evidence of chikungunya virus transmission in Mexico within the last 5 years. Chikungunya vaccination may be considered for the following travelers:

• People aged 65 years or older, especially those with underlying medical conditions, who may spend at least 2 weeks (cumulative time) in indoor or outdoor areas where mosquitoes are present in Mexico, OR
• People planning to stay in Mexico for a cumulative period of 6 months or more

Chikungunya - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Mexico.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Mexico. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Mexico.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Mexico take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Mexico.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are sometimes found in Mexico.

Rabies is also commonly found in some terrestrial wildlife species.

If rabies exposures occur while in Mexico, rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of the country.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

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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Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? Here’s What You Need to Know.

A spate of incidents, including a kidnapping and the death of two Americans near the border, have prompted travel warnings from the U.S. government.

By Elisabeth Malkin and Isabella Kwai

Two Americans found dead after they were attacked and kidnapped near the border. Airports shuttered amid gang violence in Sinaloa. Turmoil among taxi drivers in Cancún.

A number of recent security incidents have raised concerns about the risks of traveling to Mexico, where more than 20 million tourists flew last year to visit the country’s beaches, cities and archaeological sites, or to obtain health care .

Ahead of the spring break holiday, a popular time for American tourists to visit the country, the U.S. Embassy issued a travel alert , urging visitors to exercise caution by avoiding dangerous situations and drinking responsibly, among other recommendations. “Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations,” the alert said. And the State Department has warned tourists to steer clear of six states, including the state of Tamaulipas, where the recent kidnapping occurred — and to exercise increased precautions in other popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cancún, Tulum and Mexico City.

An overwhelming majority of visitors enjoy a safe vacation in Mexico, and tourists are largely sheltered from the violence that grips local communities. But the attack and kidnapping of four Americans in the border city of Matamoros, two of whom were later found dead, along with recent disorder in Cancún and violence in early January that forced the closure of three airports in northwest Mexico, is prompting questions about whether the country’s broader unrest is spilling into other destinations.

What happened on the border?

On March 3, four Americans from South Carolina traveling in a white minivan crossed the border from Brownsville, Texas, into the city of Matamoros, in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. One of the Americans was scheduled for cosmetic surgery.

Soon after the Americans crossed the border, gunmen fired on their vehicle and then abducted the group in a pickup truck. Officials later said that two of the group were found dead at a rural location alongside the other two, who had survived.

The Americans were attacked as a result of “confusion,” according to Irving Barrios, the state prosecutor in Tamaulipas. Matamoros has a long history of violence and highway shootouts, though that reputation has partially subsided in recent years. Then, in late February, one gang moved into the city to wrest control of drug sales from another, said Eduardo Guerrero, the director of Lantia Intelligence , a security consulting company in Mexico City.

“There are places in the country where the situation can change abruptly from one week to another,” he said. While the motives in the attack remain unclear, the Americans had “very bad luck,” Mr. Guerrero said, because they likely stumbled into a battle between the two gangs.

What happened earlier this year in Cancún?

Uber has been challenging the taxi unions for the right to operate in Cancún and won a court decision in its favor on Jan. 11. The ruling infuriated the powerful unions, which are believed to have links to local organized crime figures and former governors. Taxi drivers then began harassing and threatening Uber drivers.

The conflict generated widespread attention after a video of taxi drivers forcing a Russian-speaking family out of their rideshare car went viral, and after unions blocked the main road leading to Cancún’s hotel zone. That prompted the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to issue a security alert .

Mr. Guerrero said that the authorities will try to negotiate some kind of compromise, but there was a probability of more violence ahead.

Have authorities curbed violence that might affect tourists?

As a rule, criminals in Mexico are careful not to kill tourists, Mr. Guerrero explained, because doing so “can set in motion a persecution that can last years,” the consequences of which can be “very dissuasive,” he said.

But the rule doesn’t always hold. And in two popular destinations for foreign tourists — Los Cabos , at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, and the Caribbean coast — local and state officials have recently sought help from the United States to take on organized crime that threatened to drive off tourists.

A spasm of violence at the end of 2021 and early 2022 rattled the tourist industry along the Riviera Maya, the 80-mile strip of Caribbean resorts south of Cancún. Two visitors were killed in crossfire between local gangs in Tulum; a gunfight on a beach in Puerto Morelos sent tourists running for cover into a nearby hotel; a hit man gained entry to a luxury hotel in Playa del Carmen and killed two Canadian tourists believed to have links to organized crime.

The federal government sent National Guard units to patrol the beaches, and Quintana Roo state authorities asked U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, to provide intelligence, Mr. Guerrero said. Local authorities, flush with tourism revenues, invested in the police, which is typically the weakest link in Mexican law enforcement.

The joint approach led to a lull in gangland gun battles in Quintana Roo’s tourist areas, and experts say that drug sales to meet foreign demand no longer take place on the street, although they are continuing more discreetly.

The success in tamping down drug violence in Quintana Roo follows a similar improvement in Los Cabos a couple of years ago when U.S. authorities also collaborated with local officials in the state of Baja California Sur. The murder rate soared in Los Cabos in 2017 amid cartel wars, and although tourists were not targeted, that year police chased gunmen into the lobby of a luxury hotel in San José del Cabo, and a cooler containing two heads was left in a tourist area.

What about tourist areas in other states?

Even in states where crime is very high, tourist areas have generally been spared. San Miguel de Allende, a haven for U.S. retirees, is an island of relative peace in a state, Guanajuato, that has been riddled with cartel violence .

The Pacific Coast state of Jalisco, home to the resort of Puerto Vallarta, picturesque tequila country and the cultural and gastronomic attractions of the state capital, Guadalajara , is also the center of operations of the extremely violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel . The cartel’s focus of violence is in the countryside; Puerto Vallarta and the beaches to its north, including the exclusive peninsula of Punta Mita and the surfers’ hangout of Sayulita, are all booming — and, despite drug sales, the cartel’s control seems to limit open conflict.

Mexico City has become a magnet for digital nomads and shorter term visitors , and concerns about violence there have receded. The city’s police force has been successful in reducing violent crime, particularly homicides, and the number of killings has been cut almost in half over the past three years.

Are there any other safety concerns?

Street crime is still a problem almost everywhere, especially in bigger cities and crowded spaces. Kidnapping and carjacking are a risk in certain regions and many businesses that cater to tourists operate under extortion threats. While tourists may not be aware of underlying criminal forces, their power sometimes spills out into the open in spectacular shows of violence.

The attack in Matamoros is only the most recent example. Mexican border cities, which have long endured waves of violence, are not typically tourist destinations, although Americans often cross the border to visit family, seek out cheaper health care or dine at restaurants.

Three airports in the state of Sinaloa, including the beach destination Mazatlán, were closed on Jan. 5 amid gang violence after Mexican security forces arrested Ovidio Guzmán López, a son of Joaquín Guzmán Loera, the crime lord known as El Chapo, who is serving a life sentence in the United States. A stray bullet fired by cartel gunmen shooting at a Mexican military plane as it landed at the airport in the state capital, Culiacán, clipped an Aeromexico plane preparing to take off for Mexico City. Nobody was hurt and the plane returned to the terminal.

In August, gunmen positioned burning cars and buses to block roads around Guadalajara in response to a military raid on a meeting of criminal bosses. In October, a local politician was shot and killed in an upscale steakhouse in suburban Guadalajara as terrified diners crawled to safety.

Pierre de Hail, the president of Janus Group Mexico, a risk management company in Monterrey, is skeptical that security has improved. “There is too much random risk,” he said. “It’s all about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

What precautions should tourists take?

Mr. de Hail recommends researching the resort and news from the area you’re visiting. The U.S. State Department provides state-by-state information about travel risks in Mexico. As of early March, the department had issued its strongest possible warning — Level 4: Do Not Travel — for six states, including Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur are at Level 2, indicating that visitors should exercise increased caution. (By comparison, the same Level 2 advisory is applied to France and Spain.)

The Matamoros incident shows how violence can flare up in places that have been quiet recently. Mr. Guerrero suggests searching on the internet before traveling for news of recent outbreaks.

Mr. de Hail also suggests buying travel insurance in case of a medical emergency or theft, and recommends that tourists keep a low profile to avoid attracting attention, he said, warning that it is easy to misread situations.

As anywhere, common sense should prevail, Mr. de Hail said: Don’t wear expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid dark and deserted places. He recommends making a copy of your passport, remaining alert while walking home at night and not leaving your drinks unattended. “I have had numerous cases of people asking for help because they were extorted coming back from bars,” he said.

He added: “If you’re staying in a place that has a report of strikes or demonstrations, don’t go there. You’re a fish out of water.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Isabella Kwai is a breaking news reporter in the London bureau. She joined The Times in 2017 as part of the Australia bureau. More about Isabella Kwai

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Travel Advisory August 22, 2023

Mexico - see state summaries.

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

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

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

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

Do Not Travel To:

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

Reconsider Travel To:

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

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

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

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

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

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

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

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

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

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

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

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

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

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

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

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

Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution

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

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

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

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

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

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

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

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

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

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

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

Durango state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

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

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

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

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

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

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

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

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

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

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

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

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

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

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

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

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

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

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

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

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

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

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

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

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

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

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

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

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

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

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

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

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

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

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

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

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

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

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

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

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

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

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

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

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

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

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.  Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

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

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

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

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

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

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

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

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

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

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

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

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

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

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

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

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

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

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

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

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

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

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

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

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

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

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

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

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

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

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

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

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Passport must be valid at time of entry

One page per stamp

Yes, if visiting for more than 180 days

See Travelers’ Health section

Embassies and Consulates

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

U.S. Citizen Services Inquiries: Contact Form

U.S. Embassy Mexico City

Paseo de la Reforma 305 Colonia Cuauhtémoc 06500 Ciudad de México

U.S. Consulate General Ciudad Juarez

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

U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara

Progreso 175 Colonia Americana 44160 Guadalajara, Jalisco

U.S. Consulate General Hermosillo

Monterey, Esqueda 141 El Centenario 83260 Hermosillo, Sonora

U.S. Consulate General Matamoros

Constitución No. 1 Colonia Jardín 87330 Matamoros, Tamaulipas

U.S. Consulate General Merida

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

U.S. Consulate General Monterrey

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

U.S. Consulate General Nogales

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

U.S. Consulate General Nuevo Laredo

Paseo Colon 1901 Colonia Madero 88260 Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas

U.S. Consulate General Tijuana

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

Consular Agencies

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

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

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

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

Oaxaca Macedonio Alcalá 407, Office 20 68000 Oaxaca, Oaxaca

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

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

Puerto Vallarta

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

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

Destination Description

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

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Safety and Security

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ambulance services are: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further health information :

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

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

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

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery: 

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

Pharmaceuticals

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

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy  

• If you are considering traveling to Mexico to have a child using assisted reproductive technology (ART) including surrogacy, visit the State Department’s ART and Surrogacy Abroad page for general information regarding U.S. citizenship for the child. 
• Surrogacy in Mexico presents serious risks that must be considered before U.S. citizens begin the surrogacy process.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Mexico via ART with a gestational mother, be prepared for possible long delays to document your child’s birth in Mexico and their U.S. citizenship by obtaining a U.S. passport. 
• Ensure you understand Mexican law, which varies by state. The only four states with a legal framework for surrogacy do not permit foreigners and/or same-sex couples to use the procedure. In the other 28 states, surrogacy is largely unregulated.
• In most states, Mexican courts may not enforce surrogacy agreements between non-Mexican or same-sex intending parents and a gestational mother should disputes arise, due to a lack of legal framework for surrogacy. The U.S. Embassy is aware of several cases where surrogacy agencies presented a partial, or false, interpretation of Mexican surrogacy laws.
• In most Mexican states, the gestational mother is the child’s legal parent with full parental rights, and the gestational mother’s name is typically listed on the Mexican state-issued birth certificate. In certain states, a court may amend the birth certificate to remove the name of the gestational mother.
• The U.S. Embassy is aware of cases of foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, being arrested for attempting to circumvent local law related to surrogacy.

Carbon Monoxide

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

Water Quality: 

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

Altitude: 

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

Adventure Travel

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

General Health

The following diseases are prevalent:

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

Air Quality

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

For further health information, go to:

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

  Private Residential Treatment Facilities: 

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

Travel and Transportation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See our Road Safety page for more information. 

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

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

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

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

For additional travel information

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

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

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

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Mexico (North America)

Advice for all destinations, vaccinations and malaria risk.

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

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

• How to make an appointment with a travel health professional

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

• Do I need a travel health risk assessment?

Risk prevention advice 

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

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

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

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

• Travel Health Advice A-Z

Other health considerations

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

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

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

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

Vaccinations

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

No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.

Notes on the diseases mentioned above

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

Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation is poor.

Risk is higher for long stays, frequent travel and for children (exposed through cuts and scratches), those who may require medical treatment during travel.

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

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

Malaria precautions

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

Other Health Risks

Altitude and travel, dengue fever.

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

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

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

Prior to travel, you should:

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

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

Zika Virus Infection

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

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

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

Advice for All Travellers

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

Additional recommendations for pregnant travellers or those planning pregnancy

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

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

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

For further information, see Zika virus infection page.

• 05 Jun 2024 - Dengue in the Americas and Caribbean: Update 2
• 23 May 2024 - Advice on Dengue Fever if Travelling Abroad
• 09 May 2024 - International Pride Events 2024
• 113 additional items in the news archive for this country

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Guide to staying well and healthy while you visit and travel in Mexico, as well as how to access medical services when you need them…

See Also: Safety in Mexico and Healthcare in Mexico

Immunizations for Mexico

Do you need to immunize for mexico.

Many people who have never traveled to Mexico get the impression that immunization is an absolute requirement for Mexico. It is not in many cases. It is in some, depending where you plan to go.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans travel to Mexico for their holidays, just as the British travel to Spain. Most Americans travel to Mexico’s beaches, resorts, colonial cities, archaeological sites, and other well-established tourist places. Many of them don’t immunize themselves for these trips. Do you need to? Probably not, but the choice is a personal one and you should speak with your doctor if you are uncertain.

Unless you plan to travel off the beaten track, for example, take jungle tours, or plan to travel in rural and/or remote areas of Mexico, or places that are not well established, the likelihood is, you won’t need to immunize yourself. The choice is a personal one and you should check with your doctor before you travel.

Remote Areas and Tropical Jungle

For travelers planning to explore life in Mexico off the beaten track, for example in the Jungle regions, immunization is a planning requirement.

If you are traveling with children, or you are a pregnant woman, remote / jungle areas are probably best avoided anyway.

It is important that you speak with your doctor about the necessary immunizations for the areas you are traveling to. People who travel off the beaten track in Mexico generally immunize themselves for the some or all of the following:

Diphtheria,Tetanus & Measles: You are probably already vaccinated against all of these. Boosters are necessary every 10 years – check with your doctor.

Hepatitis A: This is a travel illness like diarrhea, but much worse. It attacks the liver and is contracted by putting a contaminated substance (like food or water) into your mouth. A vaccination is available which requires a booster after 6 months.

Hepatitis B: Like Hepatitis A, this affects the liver but is caused by a different virus. Symptoms are more severe. It is spread by exposure to blood and sexual contact with people. A vaccination is available.

Typhoid: If you’re traveling to areas that are very remote, or especially where there may be hygiene issues – in particular risky water supplies – get vaccinated for this. Read the about drinking water in Mexico . Drinking un-purified or contaminated water is the most common cause of Typhoid. A vaccination is available (given orally or an injection).

Malaria: You need to get professional advice on this, as Malaria drugs are specific and subject to many factors including the area to which you are going, what other medicines you are taking and your medical history, etc.

Rabies: Mexico is not a rabies-free country, but through a government-backed domestic pets vaccination program that has been running continuously since the 1990s, the number of domestic animals with the disease has been virtually eradicated, so the risks of contracting rabies in everyday situations is very low. However, if your activities will include things like caving or exposure to wild animals – you may want to get vaccinated for rabies (3 injections over the course of a month); alternatively, you can be vaccinated AFTER being bitten, but must see a doctor AT ONCE.

Common Health Ailments

If you have never traveled outside of your home country/continent before, it is normal that you may experience some health ailments as a result of exposing yourself to a brand-new environment, perhaps on a different continent. Here is a list of the most commonly reported ailments that travelers to Mexico experience. Some are unavoidable, due to the climate or environment; others can be caused by exposing yourself to bacteria in undercooked foods or some liquids, which may not affect ‘locals’, but which may cause havoc with you! You can scroll down the list, or read about a specific ailment by clicking it from the list below:

• Turista (Diarrhea)

Altitude Sickness

Heat exhaustion, air pollution, “turista”.

“Tourist” or sometimes known as “Montezuma’s Revenge” is the most common health ailment experienced by foreign visitors to Mexico. Turista is a mild form of diarrhea, although it does come in a variety of strengths and can last from a day to a week. A change of environment (food, climate) could cause a mild bout of this, and you should not be concerned if it does—it’s quite normal.

More severe forms are acquired by drinking non-purified water (the most common way) or foods that have not been properly prepared. Provided that you eat sensibly (only at good restaurants, hotels), watch the water you drink (see drinking water in Mexico ) and don’t overdo it on the spicy food, you should be fine. If you do become affected, the BEST thing is lots of liquids (not much food)—and go and buy some “Pedialyte” (pronounced “peh-dee-ah-lee-teh)— this is a hydration drink with added salt, sugars and electrolytes that help your body to re-hydrate. This is important when you have diarrhea as your body is constantly releasing fluids. Available at all pharmacies, choice of artificial flavors. Tastes awful, but it does the job! As an alternative, any Gatorade (European Name: Lucozade) drink will do the same job, and taste better.

There are lots of good places to visit in Mexico that are at altitude. When you mix heat of around 25-30 degrees centigrade, and altitude above a couple of thousand meters, you get an environment that can be very uncomfortable and very tiring for people not accustomed to it! Headaches, loss of appetite and the inability to sleep well are common symptoms. If you plan to visit places at high altitude, remember that it will take a day or two for your body to adjust. Plan plenty of rest breaks, drink plenty of water, take aspirin or Paracetamol if you get headaches and avoid spending too much time in the direct sunlight. After a day or two you can scale-up your activity schedule as your body adjusts to its new environment!

Mexico is very, very hot in places. If you’re walking around in the sunshine, take bottled water with you and keep hydrated at all times. A sun hat is a good investment—you can buy a good one just about anywhere in Mexico! Salt deficiency is another problem—as you sweat, your body excretes the salt it needs. Tiredness, headaches and muscle cramps can happen through salt deficiency. Add some salt to your food if you don’t normally do this at home; consider taking some salt tablets (you can buy these at any local pharmacy). If you get very dehydrated, go to a pharmacy and buy “Pedialyte”—this is a hydration drink with salt, sugars and electrolytes that help your body to re-hydrate.

Nasty cousin of the previous ailment; this condition is serious and can be fatal, so watch out! You can get heatstroke if you fail to follow the advice above and spend too long in the sunshine and without drinking anything. The intense heat and lack of liquid can cause your body’s natural heating and cooling system to malfunction, and your body temperature will rise to very dangerous levels, possibly fatal ones. General symptoms are severe headaches and no sweating, coupled with dizziness and vomiting and/or nausea. Hospitalization will be essential; but initially, getting out of the sun, cooled down and hydrated (if not unconscious) is a priority. You can cool a person down by removing their clothing and wrapping them in a wet towel or sheet.

Jet Lag occurs when you travel across several time zones. Your body’s clock is set to sleep and wake naturally at times set in the place where you live. Travel to a significantly different time zone, and your body clock gets all confused! Traveling from east to west (e.g. Europe to Mexico), you should experience very little jet lag, because you are in fact, gaining time. You’ll arrive late afternoon or evening, and should be tired at around 10 pm, just in time for an early night after a long journey. When you wake up, you should feel fine.

Traveling east from Mexico (e.g. Mexico to Europe) will be a different matter because you are losing time. When you get back to Europe, your body will want to sleep, but it’s morning in Europe and time to get up and about. Your body thinks it’s 2 am! If you are traveling east, try to get some sleep on the flight if you can so that you’ll arrive having had some rest already. Try NOT to go to sleep (however much you want to) when you arrive back—doing so could severely upset your biological clock for a couple of days. Resist the temptation to sleep until around 7 pm the evening of your arrival. When you wake up the next day, you should be fine!

Sunburn can cause serious health risks, immediate and long term—be sure to protect yourself in Mexico’s hot climates. Three main considerations for sun care in Mexico:

Sun Creams – Use high factor sun creams which are commensurate with your skin type: generally speaking, fairer people will need higher protection, but you should continue to protect with sun cream even after you develop a tan. You can also get hair conditioners with sun-block built-in to protect your scalp, if you want to.

Children – All young children need to take extra care in Mexico’s sun. Be sure to buy very high factor sun creams / sun block and insist that they wear it! Sun hats are a very good idea for protecting them, too.

Eyes and Lips – Protect your lips with a sun blocking lip cream; and get a good pair of sunglasses (with proper UV protection) to protect your eyes, especially if you will be near water, sand or snow, which reflect the sunlight very effectively.

Mild sunburn can be treated with Aloe Vera cream / spray, available at all pharmacies in Mexico.

In the winter months , between December and February, the air pollution in Mexico City can reach high levels and make it very uncomfortable to breathe in the capital. Air pollution levels in the capital can remain raised until the late spring, in May or June, when the rain season arrives and clears the air.  Air pollution is particularly prevalent in the winter, as colder temperatures create a ‘thermal inversion’ which traps the pollutants, and prevents them from dispersing.  As the winter months pass and temperatures warm, the pollutants disperse more easily. Rain and winds ( March is traditionally a windy month ) also help to clear the air.  When air pollution levels exceed certain levels, the Mexico City government implements additional safety measures to reduce car use in the capital.

Common symptoms which arise when you’re breathing in excess amounts of polluted air include a sore throat, sinus irritations, headaches, and fatigue. If you are in Mexico City during a time when air pollution levels are elevated, try to limit your activities, remain indoors, avoid running or strenuous exercise and drink plenty of water.

Doctors, Dentists, Hospitals in Mexico

Professional health care in mexico.

Most people that travel to Mexico—even those on adventure trips—never have a need to seek medical attention. But accidents can happen and people do get sick. If you do fall ill or hurt, Mexico has good doctors, dentists and hospitals who will be capable of treating you caringly and professionally.

If you are in a remote or rural area and fall very ill, or are in need of some specialist treatment, you may want to travel to a bigger town or city where more modern facilities will be available.

Your travel insurance should cover you for any medical bills you may have on your visit to Mexico. Connect to the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for more details.

Local English-speaking doctors can be recommended by a good hotel. Most of the higher-quality hotels that cater for foreign visitors have a doctor on call at all times. Ask at reception.

To find an English-speaking dentist, contact your hotel (see Doctors, above)

Most medium and larger sized towns and cities have at least one hospital or clinic. In an emergency, an ambulance will take you to a nearby hospital for treatment. Your doctor may refer you to a local clinic or hospital, for example to get broken bones / sprains attended to.

Also See: Health Care in Mexico

Buying Medicines in Mexico

24 hour pharmacies.

Many of Mexico’s pharmacies are open 24 hours a day. Some close at around 10 pm, others stay open all night. In smaller towns, pharmacies take turns staying open on the “all night” shift—ask locally for details.

Prescription or No Prescription?

Although you can buy almost any medicine you ask for over the counter in Mexico, you should only buy medicines that you know are safe to take from a ‘self-prescription’ perspective (e.g. over-the-counter painkillers, antacids, etc). If you think you need something stronger we recommend you see a local doctor and get a prescription.

You’ll find that most medicine is quite inexpensive in Mexico in comparison the USA, Canada and Europe: keep your receipts for claims on Medical Insurance where appropriate.

Health Insurance

The right cover for you.

You need to ensure that your medical insurance will pay for any medical requirements you and those traveling with you may encounter as a result of your activities in Mexico. Your medical policy back home may not cover you in Mexico; if you live in Europe and are used to free treatment at the point of delivery within EU Member States, take note that Mexico does not have any reciprocal agreements in place and you will NOT be covered without private medical insurance.

Connect to the Mexperience section about Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details.

Medical Evacuation from Mexico

While medical insurance provides certain coverages for you in Mexico, sometimes a fully-managed medical evacuation plan that transports you back to your doctors, your family, your healthcare network and your hospital of choice in your home country might be necessary.

Read our comprehensive Guide to Medical Evacuation from Mexico for full details about what it is, who needs it, and how to arrange coverage for your stay in Mexico.

Health Care for Extended Stays in Mexico

If you plan to stay in Mexico for an extended period, either for a sabbatical, to live and work, or to retire, then you should consider your needs for longer term health care in Mexico.

Read our guide to Health and Health Care in Mexico , part of our extensive Living and Working guides, for full details.

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DESTINATION

Brief Introduction to the Country and Its Reputation in Medical Tourism

Mexico has increasingly become a leading destination for medical tourism, attracting patients from around the world, particularly from the United States and Canada. Known for its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and affordability, the country also boasts state-of-the-art medical facilities and highly-skilled healthcare professionals. The proximity to the United States, lower cost of treatments, and shorter waiting times contribute to Mexico's appeal as a medical tourism hub.

Historical and Cultural Significance in Medicine

Historically, Mexico has a rich medical tradition that dates back to the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, who were proficient in herbal medicine and basic surgical procedures. In modern times, Mexico has been swift to adopt the latest medical technologies and practices, creating a healthcare system that combines traditional and contemporary medical knowledge.

Advancements in Mexican Healthcare

The Mexican healthcare system has seen considerable advancements in recent years, both in terms of infrastructure and the adoption of new technologies. This progress has placed it on par with healthcare systems in many developed nations. Substantial investments have been made in research and development, strengthening Mexico's standing in various medical specializations.

Importance of Mexico in Global Medical Tourism

The country's rise as a medical tourism destination isn't just a matter of convenience and affordability. It's also about the quality of care, personalized services, and the availability of complex treatments that patients can access. From dental work and plastic surgery to oncology and cardiology, Mexico offers a wide range of healthcare services that meet international standards.

Popular Medical Procedures

List and brief descriptions of procedures.

• Cosmetic Surgery: From facelifts to liposuction, Mexico is renowned for high-quality, affordable cosmetic surgery.
• Dental Procedures: Root canals, crowns, and dental implants are commonly sought-after treatments.
• Bariatric Surgery: Weight-loss surgeries like gastric bypass are offered at significantly lower prices than in other countries.
• Orthopedic Procedures: Hip and knee replacements are particularly popular, attracting an older demographic.
• Cardiology: Advanced cardiac procedures like bypass surgery and angioplasty are also available.

Specializations or Pioneering Treatments

Mexico has also become known for its expertise in stem cell therapy and fertility treatments, offering cutting-edge procedures at a fraction of the cost found in other countries.

Top Hospitals & Clinics

A list of renowned hospitals, clinics, and medical institutions.

• Hospital ABC
• CIMA Hospital
• Star Médica

Accreditation and Affiliation Details

Many top hospitals are accredited by international organizations such as JCI (Joint Commission International) and hold affiliations with prestigious American hospitals.

Special Features, Awards, or Recognitions

Hospitals often feature state-of-the-art technology, highly trained staff, and have received numerous awards for excellence in healthcare.

Cost Comparison

Comparative data.

On average, medical procedures in Mexico can be 40-70% cheaper than in the United States. For example, a knee replacement that may cost up to $30,000 in the U.S. can be as low as $12,000 in Mexico.

Price Ranges

• Dental implants: $800 - $1,500
• Gastric Bypass: $5,000 - $10,000
• Hip Replacement: $10,000 - $18,000

Quality & Safety

Information on the country’s medical standards and practices.

Mexican healthcare institutions strive to meet high medical standards and practices. Many medical professionals have received training in Europe or the United States, and are members of international medical associations. Furthermore, leading hospitals use the same advanced technology and medical equipment found in other developed countries.

Details About Accreditation Systems, Regulatory Bodies, and Quality Checks

Mexico has a structured accreditation system, featuring organizations like the General Health Council (Consejo de Salubridad General), which certifies healthcare facilities based on rigorous quality and safety standards. Hospitals often seek international accreditations such as JCI (Joint Commission International) to ensure global standards of care.

Patient Safety Protocols and Patient Rights

Patient safety is a high priority in Mexican healthcare institutions. Sterile environments, the use of up-to-date surgical practices, and well-defined protocols for pre and post-operative care are standard. Patients have the right to informed consent, confidentiality, and access to their medical records.

Medical Visa Information

Guidelines and requirements for obtaining a medical visa.

Patients from many countries do not require a visa for stays under 180 days. However, it is advisable to check current visa requirements based on your nationality. The application process generally involves submitting necessary identification and medical records, along with a treatment plan from the healthcare provider in Mexico.

Duration, Documentation Required, and Application Process

Typically, the duration for a medical visa can range from 30 to 180 days and can be extended in certain circumstances. Documentation usually includes proof of the medical appointment, financial ability to pay for treatment, and a valid passport.

Other Travel-Related Advisories or Restrictions

Travelers should keep updated with any health advisories or vaccine requirements, particularly during pandemic conditions or other health emergencies.

Cultural Considerations

Local customs and etiquette.

Mexicans value politeness and courtesy. When interacting with medical staff, a formal and respectful demeanor is appreciated.

Language(s) Spoken and Prevalence of English

While Spanish is the official language, many doctors and medical staff in facilities catering to international patients are proficient in English.

Dietary Considerations or Restrictions

Most hospitals offer a range of meal options to cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

Travel & Accommodation

Popular and recommended areas to stay.

Cities like Cancun, Tijuana, and Mexico City offer a variety of accommodation options close to medical facilities, ranging from budget to luxury hotels.

Proximity to Medical Facilities

Most recommended areas are within a 20-30 minute drive from major medical institutions.

Transportation Facilities and Infrastructure

Public transportation is widely available, but many patients opt for taxis or private cars for added comfort.

Recommendations for Post-Procedure Relaxation and Recuperation Spots

For those looking to relax post-procedure, coastal cities like Cancun offer beautiful beaches, while inland cities offer cultural sites and serene landscapes.

Legal & Ethical Considerations

Information about the legal rights of patients.

Patients have the right to informed consent, to decline treatment, and to be treated with dignity and respect. Medical records are confidential and patients have the right to access them upon request.

Details About Medical Malpractice Laws and Patient Recourse

Mexico has stringent medical malpractice laws, and patients have the right to seek legal recourse in case of negligent care.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical guidelines strictly regulate sensitive procedures such as organ transplants, with heavy penalties for non-compliance.

Benefits & Risks

Lower costs, shorter waiting times, and high-quality care are the main advantages of choosing Mexico for medical treatments.

Language barriers and varying medical standards at less reputable facilities are potential risks. Research and due diligence are crucial.

Post-Procedure Care

Details about post-operative care.

Aftercare is an essential part of the medical journey, and many hospitals in Mexico offer excellent post-procedure facilities and rehabilitation centers.

Availability and Quality of Rehabilitation Centers

Mexico boasts a range of rehabilitation centers, particularly in major cities, that offer services like physiotherapy and wellness programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is healthcare in Mexico safe?

Yes, especially when you opt for accredited healthcare facilities.

• Do I need a medical visa?

Check current regulations; many nationalities do not need a visa for stays under 180 days.

• Can I use my insurance?

Some international insurance plans are accepted, but it's best to check in advance.

• What if something goes wrong during the treatment?

Reputable hospitals have protocols for medical complications and malpractice laws are in place for legal recourse.

Global Provider Members

Mexico City

Mexican Peso

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Mexico straddles two climates: one temperate and the other tropical, thereby providing a variety of ambient temperatures and ecosystems that can satisfy almost all travelers. Northern Mexico tends to be dry, with intermittent rainfall, while the southern tropical lowlands have high precipitation. There are two seasons in Mexico: the dry season (late November to early June) and the rainy season (from June to November).

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Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall due to the threat of violent crime.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Mexico (PDF 1007.79 KB)

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Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 911 or go to the hospital.

Call 911 or go to the local police station.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall.

Reconsider your need to travel to Michoacán (except Morelia and Lázaro Cardenas and the Monarch butterfly reserves), Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in southern Chihuahua and the states of Guerrero (including Acapulco), North-eastern Sinaloa, North-western Durango, South-eastern Sonora (except for the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway), Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.

Reconsider your need to travel to:

• Michoacán (except Morelia and Lázaro Cardenas and the Monarch butterfly reserves)
• Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in southern Chihuahua
• Guerrero State (including Acapulco)
• North-eastern Sinaloa State 
• North-western Durango State
• South-eastern Sonora State (except for the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway)
• Tamaulipas State and
• Zacatecas State

due to high levels of violent crime (including kidnapping and extortion) and their volatile security situation.

• Avoid protests and large public gatherings. These can become violent. It's against the law for foreigners to participate in political activity. 
• Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping. Don't travel at night outside major cities. Drug-related violence is widespread.
• Kidnapping and extortion are serious risks. Don't draw attention to your money or business affairs. Only use ATMs in public spaces and during the daytime.
• Stop at all roadblocks, or you risk getting killed.
• Hurricanes and earthquakes are common in Mexico. Local authorities will direct you to your nearest shelter in the event of a hurricane. Know the earthquake safety measures where you're staying.

Full travel advice: Safety

• Malaria and Zika virus are risks in Mexico. If you're pregnant, ask your doctor about the risk of Zika virus before you travel.
• Mexico has insect-borne diseases, including dengue fever, chikungunya, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
• Parts of Mexico are at high altitudes. Air pollution can also cause health issues, particularly over winter (December to February). Talk to your doctor before you travel if you have heart, lung or breathing issues.

Full travel advice: Health

• Smoking, including vaping, is banned in all public places in Mexico, including beaches, parks, hotels and restaurants. Importing electronic cigarettes and vaping devices is also prohibited. You may be fined or arrested.
• Some activities are illegal for foreigners in Mexico. These include political activity, driving without insurance, and failing to report a road accident. Ensure you understand and follow local laws.
• Possessing or exporting ancient Mexican artefacts and carrying firearms or ammunition without a permit are also illegal. Apply for a firearm permit at a Mexican embassy or consulate before you arrive.
• Although same-sex marriage is legal in Mexico, some parts of the country are conservative. LGBTI travellers should consider limiting public displays of affection.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• If you're visiting for 180 days or less as a tourist, you'll receive a visa on arrival for the duration of your planned stay. You can't extend your visa if you plan to stay longer than advised to the immigration officer on arrival. Mexican authorities advise to avoid being detained or deported, you must complete an online Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) and obtain a QR code. 
• Make sure immigration officials stamp your passport on arrival, as this will state the number of days your visa will be valid. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Mexico for the latest details.
• To cross the land border between Mexico and the US, you must provide a verbal attestation for your reason for travel. Make sure you receive an entry stamp in your passport. 
• Periodic closures of Mexico's land borders with Guatemala and Belize may occur. Check with local authorities before crossing the border or taking a flight.
• If you're taking public transport or taxis, use only first-class buses and official registered taxis. Use ride-share services where possible instead of taxis. Crime levels on intercity buses are high, especially after dark.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy's social media accounts: ( Facebook ), ( X ).
• The  Australian Embassy in Mexico City  can provide consular assistance by email, phone, or appointment.
• You can also  contact the Australian Consulate in Cancún  for limited consular assistance.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Violent crime, violent crime.

Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, especially after dark.

Murder, armed  robbery ,  sexual assault  and  kidnapping  are high risks. These crimes can occur at tourist spots and resorts.

Criminals posing as police officers have committed sexual assault, extortion and robbery. They may drive fake police cars.

Gangs have attacked travellers after they've changed money at airports.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• avoid travelling at night outside major cities, including on major highways
• monitor the media for new safety risks
• don't change large amounts of money at the airport

Crime on intercity buses and highways is common in Mexico.

Thieves have robbed tourists on buses along the Pacific Highway, including from Acapulco to Ixtapa and Huatulco.

Violent carjackings have increased. The northern borders and along the Pacific coast are high-risk areas.

Criminals have attacked tourists on toll roads and highways. The Sonora, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and border regions are high-risk areas.

Organised crime groups have targeted large campervans and SUVs travelling in and out of the United States.

To reduce the risk of crime when travelling by road:

• use ride-share services where possible instead of taxis
• use official taxis from airports and pre-pay your fare at an official taxi company booth in the airport terminal
• use radio taxis or taxis at assigned stands (sitios), especially in Mexico City
• use first-class buses
• only travel during daylight hours and allow enough time to get to your destination before dark
• drive via toll roads (cuota)

Watch out for drink and food spiking, which can occur in bars, clubs and restaurants. You're at higher risk of sexual assault and theft if you get drugged.

Drug and gang violence

Violent crimes related to the drug trade are widespread in Mexico.

Shoot-outs, grenade attacks and car bombings have occurred in public places.

Targeted attacks have increased on the military, government officials and journalists.

You may become a victim of violence directed against someone else.

Federal police and the military use roadblocks and random vehicle checks to deal with drug-related violence.

Drug cartels set up unofficial roadblocks in the northern areas of Mexico to obstruct military and police movement.

Stop at all roadblocks, or you risk getting killed. Comply with the instructions given.

Risks are higher in those areas most affected by drug-related and gang violence, including:

• Northern border states – Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas
• Pacific coast states – Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit and Sinaloa
• Central region states – Guanajuato, Durango, San Luis Potosi and Zacatecas
• State of Mexico and the State of Veracruz on the Gulf coast
• Major cities along Mexico's border with the United States – Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Nogales, Piedras Negras and Reynosa

State of Guanajuato

Violence and drug cartel activity are on the rise across the State. 

Gang members are known to erect roadblocks on major highways. Murders, including mass killings, occur regularly. 

Even as a tourist, you risk getting caught up in violence inadvertently. 

Avoid known hot spots such as Acámbaro, Celaya, Irapuato, León, Salamanca, Silao and Santiago. 

State of Guerrero

The violent crime rate remains high, and the security situation is volatile.

Violent criminal gangs are more active in rural areas than cities.

Acapulco has high levels of violent crime, such as murder and shootings. The resort city is unsafe, especially outside tourist areas. Due to the precarious security situation following damage by Hurricane Otis, there's a threat of armed violence, banditry, and looting in cities and on roads.

Crime risks are lower in the tourist areas of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Taxco and on the toll road to Taxco than in other parts of Guerrero.

Protesters can disrupt toll booths along the road to Taxco, causing delays.

State of Michoacán

Many 'self-defence' groups have formed in the State. They are unpredictable, and the security situation is volatile.

Security near the Monarch butterfly reserves, including on the border with the State of Mexico, has deteriorated due to cartel activity.  

Crime is lower in Morelia city.

State of Tamaulipas

Tamaulipas has widespread criminal activity linked to drug trafficking. Kidnapping and extortion are also common.

State of Quintana Roo

Violent crimes related to the drug trade have occurred in tourist areas of Quintana Roo, such as Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Shoot-outs have occurred in public places, injuring or killing tourists.

State of Zacatecas

Zacatecas has widespread criminal activity linked to drug trafficking. Violence is increasing due to clashes between competing drug cartels. Kidnapping and extortion are common.

Other violent areas

High levels of violent crime and lawlessness occur in:

• the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in southern Chihuahua State
• north-eastern Sinaloa State
• north-western Durango State
• south-eastern Sonora State

Organised crime gangs operate in these regions. The Chihuahua-Pacific Railway is less affected.

The State of Mexico has a high level of violent crime. Murder,  assault , armed robbery, extortion and kidnapping are common.

According to Mexican Government statistics, Baja California Sur and Quintana Roo have reported significant increases in drug-related violence, particularly murder. The states with the highest homicide rates are Baja California Sur, Colima, Quintana Roo, Morelos, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Baja California, Chihuahua, Michoacan and Sonora.

To reduce your risks if travelling to violent areas, stay in:

• tourist areas
• well-known and well-frequented public areas with good access to safe transport in the evenings

To protect yourself from crime in violent areas:

• avoid road travel, especially at night
• avoid isolated locations
• pay close attention to your personal security
• stay alert to possible threats around you
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media for safety or security risks

Other crime risks

Petty crime.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is common. Take care on public transport, at tourist spots, airports, hotels and bus stations.

Thieves often work with or pose as taxi drivers. Be aware travellers have been robbed when using taxis hailed from the street. 

More information:

• Preventing crime and petty theft

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

Kidnapping is a serious risk in Mexico. Kidnapping occurs throughout the country, with the highest number of cases recorded in and around Mexico City, along the Gulf Coast from Tamaulipas to Tabasco states, and in other large cities. Kidnappers target a broad demographic, including foreigners and expatriates. Victims of traditional kidnappings are physically abducted and held captive until a ransom is paid. In some cases, the captors receive a ransom and kill the victim.

Some victims claim police officers are involved in their kidnapping.

Virtual kidnappings target people over the phone to extort money. Kidnappers pose as officials or cartel members and demand payments for the release of a family member they have allegedly detained. If you receive a call or message, contact local police.

Express kidnappings are also regularly reported in Mexico. Kidnappers force victims to withdraw funds from ATMs before they are released.

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited. 

To reduce the risk of kidnapping: 

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings 
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk 
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures 
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone 
• notify family or friends of planned travel and share your location 
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs 
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours 
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone 

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws. 

More information: 

Civil unrest and political tension

Demonstrations and protests.

It's illegal for foreigners to take part in political activity in Mexico.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. They're common and often:

• disrupt public services
• cause traffic delays
• stop movement around affected areas

Protesters may blockade roads.

Public protests in Mexico City are common. Expect protests and potential roadblocks in the states of Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guerrero and Michoacán.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• check local sources for details of possible strikes or unrest
• follow advice from local authorities
• change your travel plans in case of disruptions

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Swimming safety

Even strong swimmers can be at risk from undertows and currents on both coasts of Mexico. Obey the beach warning flags.

Climate and natural disasters

Mexico experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather , such as:

• earthquakes
• volcanic activity

If you're involved in a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• monitor local media and other sources
• contact your tour operator or airline

Register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  to receive alerts on major disasters.

Hurricanes and severe weather

Severe weather occurs in Mexico.

The hurricane season is from June to November. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning.

Landslides, mudslides and flash flooding can also occur, including in Mexico City.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• flights out may fill quickly
• adequate shelter may not be available
• electricity supply, communication networks and transport options may be disrupted. 

To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:

• listen to the instructions of local authorities
• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• identify your local shelter
• monitor alerts and advice from the  US National Hurricane Center  and local authorities

Earthquakes

Mexico experiences earthquakes and tremors each year. Aftershocks are common and can damage already weakened structures.

Earthquakes can disrupt power and communication systems.

Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you stay and visit.

Tsunamis may occur in Mexico.

Receive tsunami alerts by registering with the following:

• Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System
• Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, check local media.

Active volcanoes include the Popocatepetl and Colima volcanoes.  

Volcanic ash from eruptions of these volcanoes can disrupt domestic and international flights and cause airport closures. Exposure to falling ash and toxic fumes from active volcanoes can also affect your health, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments.

• Avoid the affected areas
• Monitor local media to remain informed
• Contact your travel agent or airline regarding airport and flight status
• Be prepared to change your travel arrangements or evacuate the area on short notice
• Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders

The  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  can give you general volcano alerts.

Travel Insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of someone you know, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Mexico. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Malaria  is a risk in Mexico, particularly in:

• the State of Chiapas
• rural areas of Nayarit, Oaxaca and Sinaloa
• some parts of Chihuahua, Durango and Sonora.

Zika virus  is widespread in Mexico. There's no vaccination for Zika virus.

Read the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care page on  Zika virus  for advice on how to reduce your risk.

If you're pregnant, the department recommends that you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas.

In Mexico, there's also a risk of:

• chikungunya
• chagas disease
• leishmaniasis

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider medication to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

High altitude and air pollution can cause health issues in some regions. Pollution peaks in winter from December to February.

If you have heart, lung or respiratory problems, ask your doctor for advice before you travel.

Foodborne, waterborne and other diseases are widespread. These include:

• tuberculosis
• cyclosporiasis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• get vaccinated before you travel
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

• Infectious diseases

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Private hospitals in Mexico City and other major cities provide a reasonable standard of care. Services are limited in rural areas.

Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is very expensive.

Doctors and hospitals are unlikely to work with your overseas travel insurer. You'll need to pay before they'll treat you, even for emergency care.

You can find hyperbaric chambers in major cities and resort towns where scuba diving is popular.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Smoking, including vaping, has been banned in all public places, including beaches, parks, hotels and restaurants. You may be fined or arrested.

Property laws

Property laws and time-share agreements can be complex.

Before you buy or invest in property, do your research and get legal advice.

In Mexico, it's illegal to:

• conduct political activity, including demonstrations
• possess ancient Mexican artefacts or export them from Mexico
• carry firearms or ammunition without a permit, including in Mexican waters
• drive a car without insurance
• fail to report a road accident.

If you need a firearm permit, apply at a Mexican Embassy or Consulate before you arrive.

You're responsible for any illegal items found in rented or borrowed vehicles. This applies even if you don't know they're there.

If you're the victim of a crime and want to report the incident, do so immediately to the nearest branch of the state prosecutor’s office (Agencia del Ministerio Público). A criminal investigation is not possible without a formal complaint to Mexican authorities. Complaints must be made in person before leaving Mexico.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Check if being an Australian-Mexican dual citizen may affect your travel.

Always travel on your Australian passport .

• Dual nationals

Local customs

Although same sex marriage is legal in Mexico, some parts of the country are conservative.

LGBTQIA+ travellers  should consider limiting public displays of affection.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

If you visit for 180 days or less as a tourist, you can get a visa on arrival. Be aware of the date that's stamped in your passport on arrival, as you may not receive the full 180 days. Your visa will expire on the entry stamp date. This is usually for the amount of time you indicate to the immigration officer that you are staying in Mexico.

To avoid being detained or deported, you'll need to:

• fill in an online Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) and obtain a QR code
• make sure your passport is stamped by immigration officials on arrival

You can complete the FMM online before you arrive or on arrival.

If you're entering by road, make sure you get the stamp on your passport at the immigration office  (Instituto Nacional de Migración: Spanish) . These are usually located near, but not directly at, a border crossing.

Present your completed FMM for inspection at immigration if entering by air. You'll need to show it when you leave Mexico.

Border measures

To cross the land border between Mexico and the US, you'll need to verbally provide the reason for your travel.

Periodic closures of Mexico's land borders with Guatemala and Belize may occur. Check with local authorities before crossing the border or travelling by plane.

Confirm your travel and transit arrangements directly with your airline or travel agent. 

Travel via the United States or Canada

If you're  travelling through the US , ensure you meet all current US entry or transit requirements, including if you're transiting through Hawaii. 

If you travel  through Canada , ensure you meet all entry and transit requirements. 

Other formalities

Mexico charges all visitors an immigration fee.

If you arrive on a commercial flight, the cost of your ticket includes the fee.

If you enter by land, the immigration office will arrange for you to pay the fee at a nearby bank. There's no exit tax.

A child under 18 years who's also a citizen or resident of Mexico must carry a  Mexican Minor Travel Consent Form  (Spanish) or a  notarised consent  if travelling with anyone other than their parent or legal guardian. 

You may need a permit if you arrive in Mexico by motor vehicle. Check with the Embassy of Mexico before you travel.

• Advice for people travelling with children

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This may apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport isn't valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian Embassy or Consulate .

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Mexico's official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN).

Declare amounts over US$10,000 or foreign currency equivalent. Do this on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

US dollars are widely accepted in holiday resort areas. You can't generally exchange Australian currency and traveller's cheques in Mexico.

ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Take care as credit card fraud occurs.

Carry cash if you're travelling to rural areas.

Most international hotels and tourist facilities accept credit and debit cards.

Ask your bank whether your ATM card will work in Mexico.

Local travel

Driving permit.

You can use your valid Australian driver's licence to drive in Mexico.

Road travel

Vehicles generally don't stop for pedestrians or indicate when they're turning. Intersections can be confusing, with vehicles coming from unexpected directions.

Strict laws cover insurance and reporting of accidents.

If you drive in Mexico:

• learn local road use and driving rules
• keep doors locked and windows up, even when moving
• use toll roads (cuota) to reduce the risk of crime

If you're a victim of roadside robbery or stopped at a roadblock, do as you're asked.

Driving on rural roads in Mexico is dangerous due to:

• poor road conditions.
• pedestrians and livestock on roads
• inadequate street lighting and signage

Criminals target vehicles, including campervans and SUVs, especially in rural areas.

• Driving or riding

Use ride-share services, where possible, instead of taxis. If this isn't an option, it's best to use registered official taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your hotel. To avoid issues:

• use official taxis from airports
• pre-pay your fare at an official taxi company booth at the airport
• use radio taxis or taxis waiting at assigned stands (sitios), especially in Mexico City

Public transport

Crime levels on intercity buses and highways are high, and the risks increase after dark. See  Safety

Use first-class buses.

Women travelling on public transport should be cautious.

• Transport and getting around safely
• Advice for women

Check  Mexico's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter . It details what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.

Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Ruben Dario #55 Corner of Campos Eliseos, Polanco Colonia Bosque de Chapultepec 11580 CDMX Mexico Phone: +52 55 1101 2200 Email: [email protected] Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au Facebook: Australian Embassy, Mexico City X: Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Consulate, Cancún

EDIFICIO GRUPO VIVO Calle Luciernaga esquina con Avenida Politécnico Región 501, Manzana 13, Lote 7 Cancún, Quintana Roo C.P. 77535, México Email:  [email protected]

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Travel health and safety for mexico 🇲🇽, mexico blends ancient history with vibrant culture, offering an unforgettable and expansive travel experience..

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Mexico’s landscape offers a breathtaking array of landmarks that bear witness to its rich history. The ancient ruins of Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan tell the tales of long-gone civilizations, while the UNESCO-listed historic center of Mexico City showcases the grandeur of its colonial past.

Natural wonders like the Copper Canyon and the stunning beaches of Cancun add an extra layer of splendor to Mexico’s numerous landmarks, inviting visitors to explore its cultural and natural treasures.

Mexico’s cuisine is a fusion of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and diverse ingredients. From the fiery kick of chilies to the earthy richness of mole sauce, every dish tells a story of centuries-old culinary traditions. Tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole are just a small sample of the diverse offerings that showcase Mexico’s mastery of balancing spicy, sweet, and savory elements.

Warm hospitality and genuine smiles are extended to strangers, creating an atmosphere where you’re not just a visitor, but a cherished guest.

Travel Immunizations for Mexico

What vaccines do i need for mexico get all the information and vaccinations you need to minimize travel health risks..

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.

• Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
• Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and may cause chronic infections. 

• Its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
• Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

• Spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals.
• Symptoms initially resemble a common cold, followed by a characteristic rash fever, cough, runny nose, small, white spots inside the mouth and throat red eyes, sleepiness, and irritability.

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through animal bites.  

• Symptoms may initially include fever, headache, and discomfort at the bite site, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. Rabies is fatal if it is not treated before symptoms develop.
• Rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection typically transmitted through contaminated food and water.  

• Typhoid vaccine is available in both injectable and oral forms and provides protection against typhoid fever.    
• Symptoms of typhoid fever include a high fever, headache, weakness, fatigue, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite, and a rose-colored rash on the chest and abdomen.  

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three different bacterial infections.

Flu (Influenza)

Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.

Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.

Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.

The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.

Mexico Concerns / Health Canada Recommendations

Traveler's Diarrhea

Most common illness for travelers, from consuming contaminated food & water

• Affects up to 70% of travelers and risks minimized with good hygiene and safe food/drink choices (eg. avoid raw foods, ice in drinks).
• Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, bloating.

Insect Bite Prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Cover up and use mosquito repellents to protect against infection.   

• Chikungunya : Symptoms include joint pains, fever, rash, and headache.     
• Dengue : Symptoms include high-grade fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and nausea/vomiting.     
• Zika : Symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle, and joint pains.    

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.  

• Symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, similar to the flu. Without treatment, malaria can cause severe illness and death.  
• Malaria can be treated with anti-malarial medications.  
• Use insect repellents containing DEET, wear long sleeves, long pants, and consider staying in accommodations with screens or bed nets.  

Salmonellosis

Infectious disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella contracted through contaminated food or water.  

• Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting, headache, and muscle aches.  
• Most cases, resolve on their own without treatment. It is important to stay hydrated to replace lost fluids.  

American trypanosomiasis

Also known as Chagas disease, can be life-threatening if left untreated.  

• Symptoms include skin lesion and/or eye lid swelling. Fever, headache, enlarged lymph glands, muscle pain, fatigue, body aches, rash, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting.

Over the Counter Medications for Travel to Mexico

Pain relief.

Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever. 

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens. 

Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel. 

Allergy Medications

If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine( e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites. 

Motion Sickness Medications

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.

Sun Protection

Mexico has a sunny climate, so it is essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing. 

Medical Services and Facilities in Mexico

• The quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.
• Good health care is available in private hospitals and clinics, but it’s generally expensive. Most private facilities won’t agree to deal directly with medical insurance companies and will require advance payment.
• Mental health services are extremely limited in Mexico, particularly outside of Mexico City. Services and treatment standards may differ substantially from those in Canada.
• Medical evacuation can be very expensive, and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.
• Ensure travel insurance includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Medical Tourism in Mexico

Canadian citizens have had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad.  

Before leaving for a medical travel trip:  

• Ensure you have researched properly
• Use reputable healthcare providers only

Consular Assistance in Mexico

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Mexico, in Mexico City, and follow the instructions.

Street Address: Calle Schiller No. 529, Colonia Polanco, 11580 México, D.F., México  

Telephone: +52 55-5724-7900

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Mexico

Street Address: Pasaje Diana, Avenida Costera Miguel Alemán 121, L-16, Fracc . Magallanes, 39670 Acapulco, Guerrero, México  

Telephone: +52 55-5724-9794

Street Address: Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 0.5, Local 82, Col. El Tezal , 23454 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, México

Telephone: +52 55-5724-9797

Street Address: Centro Empresarial , Oficina E7, Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 12, Zona Hotelera , 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo, México

Telephone: +52 55-5724-9795

Street Address: World Trade Center, Av. Mariano Otero 1249, Torre Pacifico Piso 8, Col. Rinconada del Bosque, 44530 Guadalajara, Jalisco, México

Telephone: +52 33-1818-4200

Street Address: Centro Comercial La Marina Business and Life, Blvd. Marina Mazatlán 2302, Office 41, Col. Marina Mazatlán, 82103 Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico  

Telephone: +52 55-5724-9798

Street Address: Torre Gomez Morin 955, Ave. Gomez Morin No. 955, Suite 404, Col. Montebello, 66279 San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Léon, México

Telephone: +52 81-2088-3200/3201

Street Address: Plaza Paraíso Caribe, Modulo C, Planta 2, Oficina C21 – 24, Av. 10 Sur entre Calle 3 y 5 Sur, M-35, Lote 1, Colonia Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, México

Telephone: +52 55-5724-9796

Street Address: Plaza Peninsula, Local Sub F, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 2485, Zona Hotelera Norte, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, México

Telephone: +52 55-5724-9799

Street Address: Germán Gedovius No.10411-101, Condominio del Parque, Zona Río, 22320 Tijuana, Baja California Norte, México

Telephone: 664-684-0301

In case of emergency, dial 911

Roadside assistance:

The Angeles Verdes is a highway patrol service that provides free assistance on all major toll highways from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In case of an emergency, you can also dial 078 or 800 006 8839 (toll-free in Mexico) to reach them.

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Medical Tourism

Your guide to traveling to mexico for medical care: what to expect.

Traveling to Mexico for medical care offers a world of opportunities for patients seeking high-quality healthcare services. Whether you're considering a cosmetic procedure, dental treatment, or specialized surgery, Mexico has established itself as a prominent destination in the medical tourism industry. In this comprehensive guide, we explore what to expect when traveling to Mexico for medical care. From planning and travel logistics to healthcare facilities and cultural considerations, we provide valuable insights to ensure a seamless and rewarding medical journey. Engaging a Certified Medical Travel Professional further enhances the experience, offering expert guidance and support throughout the process.

Planning and Preparation

• Researching Healthcare Providers : Thorough research is essential when selecting a healthcare provider in Mexico. Look for hospitals or clinics with a strong reputation, international accreditations, and a track record of successful outcomes. Patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights.
• Consulting with a Certified Medical Travel Professional : Engaging a Certified Medical Travel Professional can streamline your planning process. These professionals possess extensive knowledge of Mexico's healthcare landscape and can assist with provider selection, treatment options, travel arrangements, and other essential aspects.
• Understanding Treatment Costs : Mexico's healthcare costs are often more affordable than those in other countries. However, it's important to have a clear understanding of the treatment costs, including consultation fees, procedure expenses, medication costs, and potential additional expenses such as accommodation and transportation.

Travel Logistics

• Passports and Visas : Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Mexico. Depending on your country of origin, you may need to obtain a visa. Check the official website of the Mexican Embassy or Consulate in your country for specific requirements.
• Flight and Accommodation : Look for convenient flight options to Mexico, considering factors such as travel time, cost, and proximity to your healthcare facility. Many medical tourism destinations in Mexico offer a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to recovery retreats, catering to different preferences and budgets.
• Ground Transportation : Research local transportation options and consider pre-arranging transportation services to and from the airport, as well as between your accommodation and healthcare facility. Trusted transportation providers can offer convenience, comfort, and peace of mind.

Healthcare Facilities in Mexico

• Modern Infrastructure : Mexico is home to state-of-the-art healthcare facilities equipped with advanced medical technologies and equipment. Many hospitals and clinics in Mexico have obtained international accreditations, ensuring adherence to rigorous quality and safety standards.
• Experienced Healthcare Professionals : Mexico boasts a pool of highly skilled and experienced healthcare professionals. Physicians, surgeons, and medical staff often have international training and certifications, and they provide personalized care to meet the needs of international patients.
• Multilingual Staff : Language barriers are minimized in Mexico's healthcare system, as many healthcare providers employ staff members who are fluent in English and other languages commonly spoken by international patients. This facilitates effective communication and ensures a smooth healthcare experience.

Cultural Considerations

• Cultural Sensitivity : Familiarize yourself with Mexican culture and customs to ensure respectful interactions with healthcare professionals and local residents. Being culturally sensitive enhances your overall experience and fosters positive relationships.
• Communication and Language : While many healthcare providers in Mexico speak English, it's helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Spanish to facilitate communication during your medical journey. Simple greetings and expressions of gratitude can go a long way in building rapport.
• Local Customs and Etiquette : Mexico has a rich cultural heritage, and understanding local customs and etiquette can help you navigate social interactions with ease. Familiarize yourself with dining etiquette, greetings, and common social norms to ensure a culturally immersive experience.

Engaging a Certified Medical Travel Professional

Certified Medical Travel Professionals play a crucial role in facilitating a successful medical journey in Mexico. Their expertise and knowledge ensure that patients receive the best possible care and support throughout the process. The benefits of engaging a Certified Medical Travel Professional include:

• Provider Selection : These professionals guide patients in selecting reputable healthcare providers that align with their specific needs and preferences.
• Treatment Options : Certified Medical Travel Professionals offer insights into different treatment options available in Mexico and help patients make informed decisions based on their medical requirements and goals.
• Travel Arrangements : From flight bookings to ground transportation and accommodation, these professionals assist in organizing all aspects of travel logistics, ensuring a seamless experience.
• Support Services : Certified Medical Travel Professionals provide ongoing support, including access to local resources, coordination of appointments, and assistance with language interpretation when necessary.

Recovery and Follow-up Care

• Post-Treatment Care : After your medical procedure, Mexico's healthcare providers prioritize post-treatment care to ensure a smooth recovery. They provide detailed instructions on medication management, wound care, and follow-up appointments. You can expect regular check-ups and ongoing support to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
• Rehabilitation and Therapy : If your treatment requires rehabilitation or therapy, Mexico offers a range of options. Skilled professionals provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy tailored to your specific needs. These programs focus on restoring function, mobility, and overall well-being.
• Patient Support Services : Mexico recognizes the importance of holistic support for medical tourists. Patient support services may include psychological counseling, nutritional guidance, and educational resources to empower patients with the knowledge and tools for a successful recovery.

Safety and Quality Assurance

• Stringent Standards : Mexico's healthcare facilities adhere to stringent safety and quality standards to ensure patient well-being. Many hospitals and clinics hold international accreditations and certifications, reinforcing their commitment to delivering exceptional care.
• Infection Control Measures : Mexico's healthcare providers prioritize infection control protocols, implementing measures to maintain a clean and safe environment for patients. From sterilization techniques to strict hygiene practices, your well-being is paramount.
• Continuing Education and Training : Medical professionals in Mexico undergo continuing education and training to stay updated with the latest advancements in their respective fields. This commitment to ongoing learning ensures that patients receive cutting-edge treatments and care.

To conclude, Embarking on a medical journey to Mexico offers a multitude of benefits, including access to world-class healthcare facilities, experienced professionals, and a culturally enriching experience. By understanding what to expect when traveling to Mexico for medical care, patients can make informed decisions, plan effectively, and maximize their outcomes. From comprehensive planning and seamless travel logistics to state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and cultural considerations, Mexico provides a supportive and safe environment for medical tourists. Engaging a Certified Medical Travel Professional enhances the experience, ensuring personalized guidance and support throughout your journey. Embrace the opportunity to receive exceptional care in Mexico and embark on a transformative medical experience that combines healing, recovery, and a vibrant cultural exploration.

To receive a free quote please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com/

It is recommended that consumers do not share their personal and confidential information on random medical tourism platforms as they may not be secure. Consumers must be cautious when disclosing their private information as some organizations may not protect their privacy and could misuse their information. Additionally, there are agencies that may prioritize their commissions over the well-being of the patients. Consumers should avoid choosing the cheapest price and instead make a thorough comparison across multiple facilitators to make an informed decision.

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The Medical Tourism Magazine (MTM), known as the “voice” of the medical tourism industry, provides members and key industry experts with the opportunity to share important developments, initiatives, themes, topics and trends that make the medical tourism industry the booming market it is today.

Medical Tourism in Mexico

• Why Mexico?
• Finding provider

Destinations

Seeking affordable healthcare abroad? Medical tourism in Mexico can save you up to 80%!

No more worries about the incredibly expensive US healthcare system. [1] CNN Health Medical tourism to Mexico is on the rise “… the US health care system is incredibly expensive…” View in Article

Read this article for pricing , top destinations, best healthcare providers, and more.

Testimonial: Affordable Medical Tourism in Mexico

Revive health affordably.

Mexico boasts one of the strongest economies in Latin America.

The healthcare professionals here have the knowledge , education , and facilities required to deliver top-quality services. [2] New York Post 1.2 million Americans visit Mexico for ‘medical tourism’ each year “Medical Tourism Mexico boasts that the country has “one of the strongest economies in Latin America” and says its doctors “have the knowledge, education…” View in Article

Don’t just take our word for it—check out these patient testimonials for extra reassurance.

Medical Tourism Mexico Reviews

Dental work in mexico, orthopedic surgery in mexico, cosmetic surgery in mexico, weigh loss surgery in mexico.

Over 90% of California border crossers for medical services found healthcare in Mexico to be of “ same or better quality ” than in the US. [3] New York Post 1.2 million Americans visit Mexico for ‘medical tourism’ each year “more than 90% of a group of people crossing the border in California for medical services said they felt health care services in Mexico were the “same or better quality” ….” View in Article

Wondering about the affordability of treatments?

Scroll down and find out how much medical treatment costs in Mexico.

Cost of Medical Procedures in Mexico

You can really benefit from the affordable healthcar e in Mexico.

On average, medical treatments here can be up to 80% cheaper than in the US.

Whether you need dental work or bariatric surgery , you’ll find more budget-friendly options in Mexico.

Plus, the quality of medical services in Mexico is just as good as in the US. [4] ScienceDirect Analysis of medical tourism at the Andrade port of entry “..Mexican health care services are of the same or better quality compared with those in the United States, for a lower cost, ..” View in Article

Want to know the medical tourism Mexico prices for your desired treatment?

Take a look at the table below!

*Medical tourism Mexico prices are case-dependent and subject to change.

How much does a doctor's visit cost in mexico.

The short answer is – it depends on your specific treatment.

Let’s explore the Mexican costs for consultations and surgeries to get a general idea.

General Doctor’s Consultation

A doctor’s consultation in Mexico costs 50- 400 MXN (about 2.50 – 22 USD).

Specialist Consultation

Seeing a specialist like a cardiologist or gynecologist in Mexico typically costs 800-1,000 MXN per visit without insurance.

That’s approximately USD 40 to 50 .

• Surgical procedures in Mexico are also more affordable than in the US.
• A hip replacement in Mexico costs about USD 12,500 , whereas in the US, it can reach USD 40,000 without insurance.

Thus, many medical consultations and procedures in Mexico are only a fraction of the cost compared to the US.

Even medications in Mexico are significantly cheaper .

Many that require prescriptions in the US are available over the counter in Mexico.

Source: Mexico Relocation Guide [5] Mexico Relocation Guide What Are Your Healthcare Options in Mexico? “To see a general doctor, you can expect to pay less. Somewhere between $50-$400 MXN (about $2.50 USD-$20 USD)….” View in Article

Request a free quote today to take advantage of low medical costs in Mexico!

When it comes to healthcare in Mexico for tourists, they offer all-inclusive packages.

This means that medical tourists in Mexico can have their treatment and enjoy a nice holiday without breaking the bank.

Take a look at what our partner healthcare providers include in these packages!

Mexico Medical Tourism Packages

The cost of medical treatment in Mexico is inclusive of:

• Consultation & check-ups
• Necessary tests
• Hospital & surgeon’s fee
• Anesthesia, medications
• Hotel stay for special tariffs
• Ground transfer & more

Now that you are familiar with Mexico medical costs, let’s move on to the savings.

How Much to Save With Medical Treatment in Mexico 2023?

Bariatric cost savings in mexico.

Only 10% of insurance covers bariatric procedures in the US. [6] Omnia Health Medical Tourism: Passport To Quality Care “…only about 10 per cent of their insurance plans cover weight loss surgeries…” View in Article

Weight loss surgery in Mexico can offer up to 79% savings for Americans.

Orthopedic Cost Savings in Mexico

Orthopedics is a top specialty in medical tourism. [7] IFP News Top 6 Medical Tourism Destinations in the World “Among the most popular specialties why people go abroad are Plastic surgery, Dentistry, Cardiovascular surgery, Orthopedics…” View in Article

Opting for orthopedic surgery in Mexico can save Americans up to 87%.

Dental Cost Savings in Mexico

Dental work in Mexico costs about one-third of the US prices.

The country is known for its top-notch  dental care. [8] InternationalLiving Mexico Country Guide: “Without question, Mexico offers exceptional, professional, and affordable medical care…” View in Article

Cosmetic Cost Savings in Mexico

Cosmetic surgeries are costly and often not covered by insurance. [9] AP News Medical tourism: Traveling outside US for care is common “And cosmetic surgeries, like tummy tucks that cost thousands of dollars, are largely uncovered by U.S. health insurers….” View in Article

With Mexico cosmetic surgery, patients can save 58-70%.

Why Is Healthcare Cheaper in Mexico?

The promise of high quality at nearly one-third the price might seem confusing.

How is it that even the same brand’s implants cost less in Mexico than in the US?

While currency exchange rates make the prices appear cheaper, other factors contribute to their affordability.

These lower costs are rooted in the medical culture of the country.

Some of the driving factors include:

Lower salaries

Subsidized education, no malpractice insurance, low prescription cost.

Though medical care for US citizens in Mexico is affordable, some use health insurance for extra savings.

Interested in using insurance for medical treatment in Mexico? Discover more in the next section.

Does Mexico Accept US Health Insurance?

MTC network hospitals accept US medical or dental insurance in Mexico.

They assist patients with insurance paperwork.

It, in turn, helps the patient to make an insurance claim.

However, knowing the overseas insurance coverage terms is essential: [14] U.S. EMBASSY & CONSULATES IN MEXICO Medical Information “ Hospitals in Mexico usually require payment up-front for services and…. The U.S. government does not pay for medical care overseas. Some private U.S. insurance companies pay for overseas medical care, usually on… a reimbursable basis,” View in Article

• The US Government does not pay for medical care in Mexico.
• Private US insurance companies may settle for reimbursement.
• Mexican hospitals generally require an up-front payment .
• Rarely Medicare covers non-emergency inpatient care in hospitals near the US-Mexico border .

Knowing the terms of cover can help you more.

Do check the insurance coverage areas with your insurance provider.

Mexico is home to over 1.6 million Americans and 500,000 Canadians, boasting the highest number of US expats worldwide. [15] InternationalLiving The World’s Best Places to Retire in 2023 “There are now more than 1.6 million Americans and half a million Canadians who call Mexico home….more U.S. expats live in Mexico than in any other country…” View in Article

But why do people go to Mexico for medical treatment? Find out below.

Top Reasons to Choose Mexico for Medical Travel

Mexico offers a great vacation with its colors and beaches!

But, when it comes to medical work, one may want to research more.

Below is a list of some driving factors for medical tourism in Mexico:

Affordable Medical Services

The cost of medical services in Mexico is 70 to 80% less than in the US.

The savings for various procedures are:

• Dental: 80%
• Bariatric: 75%
• Orthopedic & cosmetic: 70%
• Prescription drugs: 50-70%

Best Healthcare

• Most Mexican cities have at least one world-class hospital [17] Mexico Daily Post Mexico is among the 5 countries with the best healthcare in the world for retirees “In Mexico, every medium to large city has at least one first-rate hospital. ” View in Article
• State-of-the-art facilities comparable to the US hospitals
• Certified & highly experienced doctors with excellent patient safety records
• No waiting times  and lesser treatment duration

Travel Convenience

• Proximity to the US and Canada
• Visa-free tourism for 70+ countries, including the US & Canada [19] Gov of Mexico Visitors who do not require a visa, with a stay up to 180 days “…Canada, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela…” View in Article
• Direct flights from major US, Canadian & European cities

Urban Comforts

Mexico offers many of the First World conveniences like: [20] InternationalLiving The World’s Best Places to Retire in 2023 “…many international airports offering direct flights to the U.S. …modern highways…The country has reliable internet, electricity, and cell phone service….” View in Article

• Good highways, plenty of airports
• Reliable telecom services
• Fast and stable internet connections

Popular Wellness & Tourist Destination

• The 2nd most visited tourist destination in the world in 2023 [21] Travelness 10 Most Visited Countries in the World “2. Mexico: 31.9 million visitors” View in Article
• A diverse landscape of sunny deserts, snow-covered mountains, and steamy, tropical rainforests. [22] InternationalLiving The World’s Best Places to Retire in 2023 “…high-altitude central highlands, sleepy villages, sunny deserts, some of the world’s liveliest beach resorts, snow-covered mountains, and steamy, tropical rainforests…” View in Article
• The serene climate of Mexico is perfect for patients on the path to recovery . [23] The Yucatan Times High healthcare costs are triggering a medical tourism boom in Mexico “The serene climate of Mexico is also ideal for patients who are seeking recovery of their health.” View in Article

Watch this video for insights into medical tourism in Mexico

Mexico Medical Tourism

Guide to medical tourism in mexico.

Considering a medical trip to Mexico and unsure about where to go or find reliable healthcare?

Your search ends here!

Scroll down to find all the information you need for safe and successful medical treatment in Mexico.

Finding providers

Top Procedures for Medical Tourism in Mexico

Mexico provides top-notch healthcare services for dental, bariatric, cosmetic, and orthopedic surgeries.

The table below shows some of the sought-after treatments by medical tourists in Mexico.

Want to book a medical treatment in Mexico? Call us to get a free quote.

Below, listen to doctors & medical tourists in Mexico as they share their views.

WLS in Mexico

Dental treatment in mexico, medical tourism in mexico – choosing the right healthcare provider.

There is a large diversity when it comes to healthcare providers in Mexico.

Some are aware of an international patient’s needs.

Still, others may not be well equipped or trained to do so.

Not all healthcare providers have the same high standard of quality you would expect at home.

Hence, research is vital while seeking medical care in Mexico.

Focusing on the following criteria helps to select a doctor overseas:

• What safety standards does the hospital overseas follow?
• How close is the hotel zone to the hospital/clinic in Mexico?
• Do Spanish doctors speak English?
• How much is healthcare in Mexico?
• What type of aftercare is available for medical tourists?
• Does my medical insurance cover me in Mexico?

Look for the hospital’s quality indicators. These include:

• mortality rate
• infection rate
• nurse-patient ratio
• surgery success rate, etc.

Compare them with your provider back home.

Also, check out the patient reviews and testimonials for shortlisted clinics.

Every hospital’s in-house team will assure you that they are the best.

In this case, a reliable third-party source of information can help.

This way, you will make a more informed decision.

At MTC, we prioritize finding the top specialists in each city.

Our verification process includes checking for:

• A medical license
• International accreditations
• Latest technology
• Sterilization protocol
• Patient reviews

Top Medical Tourism Destinations in Mexico

Did you know? Medical tourism in Mexico attracts around 1.2 million Americans yearly. [25] New York Post 1.2 million Americans visit Mexico for ‘medical tourism’ each year “1.2 million Americans visit Mexico for ‘medical tourism’ each year…” View in Article

The country has several safe and reliable medical tourism destinations.

From lively cities to serene coastal towns, you have various locations to choose from.

If you’re searching for the best medical treatment in Mexico , look no further.

We’ve compiled a list of the top medical facilities in each location.

These places offer affordable medical services , prioritize your safety , and offer high-quality care.

So, you’re not just saving money; you’re getting great care while you’re at it!

Border Cities

Medical tourism in us mexico border cities.

Medical tourism along the US-Mexico border is attractive because it offers both accessibility and cost-effectiveness.

In many Mexican border towns, you’ll find medical facilities conveniently located.

They are within walking distance or less than an hour’s drive from the border.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the top medical tourism destinations in the US-Mexico border areas.

Medical Tourism in Los Algodones, Mexico

Los Algodones is a small town at the US-Mexico border.

It is home to over 350 established dental clinics. [26] Bloomberg How a Tiny Mexican Border City Built a Budget Dental Empire “Medical tourists flock to Molar City for its 350 dental offices and relief from the high costs in the US and Canada.” View in Article

Here, our partner clinic has over 35 years of proven dentistry experience.

Review of Dental Tourism in Los Algodones

It is one of the largest and most reputed dental groups in this Molar city.

Best Healthcare Providers in Los Algodones

• Dental treatment : Sani Dental Group & Dental Solutions
• General surgery : Sani Medical
• Regenerative medicine : GIOSTAR

Medical Tourism in Tijuana, Mexico

A gateway to Mexico, that’s Tijuana for you!

Here, one can expect an eclectic mix of attractions.

This border town acts as a day-trip destination for Americans.

Hassle-free Dental Tourism in Tijuana

With exotic beaches, monuments, and fine restaurants, your medical trip will indeed feel like a vacation.

Best Healthcare Providers in Tijuana

• Dental treatment: Smile Builders, Dental Brush, Improvedent, Wellness Dental Clinic, Quality International Dental, Dr. Mexico, Dental 3 Smiles.
• Bariatric surgery: Dr. Guillermo Lopez (LIMARP hospital), Dr. Luis Cazares (Oasis of Hope), Dr. Hector Perez
• Orthopedic surgery : Dr. Hans Ruiz Serna, Oasis of Hope
• Cosmetic surgery: Dr. Javier Garcia, Dr. Arturo Munoz
• Ophthalomology : Vision Mendez
• Regenerative medicine: Renovation Advanced Therapy

Medical Tourism in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico

Nuevo Laredo is yet another US-Mexico border town.

The city’s main attractions are colorful streets with classic architecture.

You can also visit museums, parks, and historical places.

Hassle-free Dental Work in Nuevo Laredo

Our partner dentist in Nuevo Laredo has 20+ years of experience.

Best Healthcare Providers in Nuevo Laredo

• Dental treatment : Laredo Smile Center, Family Dental Center
• Bariatric surgery: Dr. Galileo Villareal

Medical Tourism in Nogales, Mexico

Heroica Nogales is more commonly known as Nogales.

This Mexico-Arizona border town is a fun and vibrant place.

You can find many curio stores & hotels within walking distance from the clinic.

Benefits of Dental Tourism in Nogales

Like other MTC partner clinics, you can be restful about a safe neighborhood.

Best Healthcare Providers in Nogales

• Dental treatment: Desert Dental

Medical Tourism in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

Ciudad Juarez is the second most populous city along the US-Mexico border. [27] World Population Review Ciudad Juarez Population 2023 “..the second largest binational metro area along the US-Mexico border after San Diego-Tijuana..” View in Article

Its proximity to El Paso, Texas, makes it a convenient choice for medical tourists seeking fast treatment.

This border city also boasts several tourist attractions.

Ciudad Juarez

It includes parks, archaeological sites, white sand dunes, and historical monuments.

Additionally, you can expect modern medical care provided by experienced and well-trained professionals.

Best Healthcare Providers in Ciudad Juarez

• Dental treatment: Invo Dental, Nucleo Dental
• Orthopedic surgery: Dr.Jesus Gallarzo (Hospital Angeles)

Medical Tourism in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico

Nuevo Progreso, bordering Progreso Lakes, Texas, is a popular hub for dental & pharmaceutical services. [28] Travel Awaits Why I Travel To Mexico For My Prescriptions “Progreso is known as a destination for dentistry (crowns, implants, fillings, et cetera)….pharmaceuticals.’” View in Article

You’ll find various items within walking distance, from Mexican candies to jewelry & leather goods.

Visitors often park on the US side and walk across the bridge for shopping convenience.

Nuevo Progreso

Additionally, our partner dental clinic boasts over 30 years of valuable experience.

Best Healthcare Providers in Nuevo Progreso

• Dental treatment: Texas Dental Clinic

Medical Tourism in Mexicali, Mexico

Mexicali shares a border with California, US.

This Mexican border town is open to adventure and tourism.

There’s a vast list of services that can solve practically any medical situation here.

Review of WLS in Mexicali

Best healthcare providers in mexicali.

• Dental treatment: RamLanz Dental Clinic
• Cosmetic treatment: Hospital  de la Familia
• Opthalmology: Hospital  de la Familia
• Ortho & spine: Hospital  de la Familia

Resort cities

Medical tourism in cancun, mexico.

Cancun is a resort city located on the shore of the Caribbean Sea.

It offers serene beaches, adventure sports , and vibrant nightlife .

More personalized & professional medical care than in the US is available.

How Safe is Dental Tourism in Cancun?

Best healthcare providers in cancun.

• Dental treatment: Dentaris, Cancun Dental Specialists, Sani Dental Group, Neo Dental Group, Canam Smile Makeover
• Bariatric surgery: Dr. Hector Perez
• Orthopedic surgery: Dr. Jesus Raul Arjona
• Cosmetic surgery: Riviera Institute, Dr. Rafael Velasco
• Ophthalomology : Perfect Vision
• General surgery: Dr. Hector Perez

Medical Tourism in Los Cabos, Mexico

Cabo is one of Mexico’s leading travel destinations and a vibrant city.

Be sure to expect first-class cuisine, adventure , and fun at every beach or desert attraction.

Review of Dental Work in Los Cabos

You will get high-end dentistry in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Best Healthcare Providers in Los Cabos

Dental treatment: Advanced Cabo Dentistry

Medical Tourism in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta is a gourmet city.

Be prepared to treat yourself to many restaurants with famous chefs.

Also, you can enjoy a variety of ocean or mountain-based activities here.

With state-of-the-art facilities, our partner clinics here provide proactive dental care.

Puerto Vallarta

Best healthcare providers in puerto vallarta.

Dental treatment: International Dental Center, Dental Solutions, Smile Vallarta

Bariatric & cosmetic Surgeries: CMQ Premier Hospital

Orthopedic & spine surgeries: Dr. Max Greig

Medical Tourism in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Playa del Carmen is a nature-blessed destination.

The city attracts travelers with beaches, theme parks, and exclusive resorts.

Prioritizing safety, our highly credentialed dentists tend to the patients here.

They offer a full range of general & specialized dental care in Playa del Carmen.

Playa del Carmen

Best healthcare providers in playa del carmen.

• Dental treatment: Sani Dental Group
• Regenerative medicine: GIOSTAR

Inland cities

Medical tourism in monterrey, mexico.

Monterrey is a metropolis city in Mexico.It invites tourists with exciting culture and food.

Also, you will see that the recommended clinic is in a safe location.

They use the latest techniques & FDA-approved biomaterials.

It brings them one step closer to safe dental treatments.

Best Healthcare Providers in Monterrey

Dental treatment: Dentistas Teran

Medical Tourism in Merida, Mexico

Merida’s loving nickname is ‘ the White City.’

It is for the town’s iconic whitewashed buildings.

Also, archaeological sites and ancient residences encircle it.

Review of Dental Work in Merida

You will find that our certified partner dentists here work in a very safe neighborhood.

Best Healthcare Providers in Merida

Dental treatment: Whiteline Dental Clinic

Medical Tourism in Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City

Our partner dental clinic in Mexico City boasts over 30 years of experience, ensuring top-notch patient care.

Best Healthcare Providers in Mexico City

Dental treatment: Ideal dental center

Cosmetic surgery: Dr. David de Rungs

Are safety concerns on your mind after finding Mexico’s top medical tourism facilities?

Get answers below.

Is it Safe to Travel to Mexico for Medical Tourism?

When looking for low-cost health tourism abroad, prioritizing safety & quality is vital.

Let’s explore how medical tourism in Mexico ensures both secure locations and treatment.

Is Mexico Safe for Tourists?

Mexico is as safe as the United States.

In fact, the crime rate per thousand people is three times higher in the US when compared to Mexico.

Tourist areas are safe due to the Mexican government’s dedicated efforts.

Staying at a resort is often a safe choice, even in riskier areas . [30] Travel Safe Abroad How Safe Is Mexico for Travel? “Tourist areas are safe. The Mexican government makes a lot of effort to keep it that way. Even in dangerous areas, you should be fine at a resort as long as you stay at the resort.” View in Article

Want to know how safe health tourism locations are in Mexico? Check the table below.

Safety Evaluation of Top Medical Tourism Destinations in Mexico – 2023

Keep in mind that safety situations in any location can change over time.

So, always check for the latest information before planning travel.

MTC partner clinics are in a safe and friendly location.

These include commercial zones near hotels, tourist attractions, or near the border.

Is Medical Treatment Safe in Mexico?

World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) marks Mexico’s national destinations with the “Safe Travel ” stamp. [44] Travel Weekly Destinations across Mexico earn their WTTC stamp of approval “Destinations across One by one, Mexico’s top tourism destinations are receiving their safety stamps, as administered by the World Travel & Tourism Council…” View in Article

The country adopts global health and hygiene standards.

Thus, it would be right to say Mexico is safe for Medical Tourism.

Also, the following reasons contribute to this:

• The quality of health care services in Mexico is comparable to the States. [45] ScienceDirect Analysis of medical tourism at the Andrade port of entry “Mexican health care services are of the same or better quality compared with those in the United States” View in Article
• Mexico has the highest number of certified hospitals in Latin America. [46] Oxford Businee Group Investment in expanding Mexico’s medical tourism segment “In terms of certified hospitals, we have the largest in Latin America – Doctors Hospital – we have recognized doctors and specialists in all kinds of practices,..” View in Article
• Modern equipment is plentiful in major cities. [47] InternationalLiving Healthcare in Mexico “Modern equipment is plentiful in bigger cities” View in Article
• Medicines in Mexico are as safe as it is in the US. [48] Focus on Mexico Medical Tourism in Mexico “Medicines in Mexico are as safe as they are in the USA.” View in Article
• Most importantly, the healthcare system in Mexico is not profit-driven. [49] InternationalLiving Healthcare in Mexico “The primary difference and one that is usually quite obvious is that the care system is not profit-driven.” View in Article

Seeking medical care through a reliable mediator may help alleviate some of the associated risks.

It’s because these facilitators mainly work with certified/accredited healthcare providers.

MTC partners with the best medical providers in Mexico for safe, successful treatments.

Our stringent vetting process selects top-notch surgeons and hospitals.

Rest assured, you are in capable and secure hands.

Now you know how safe the best healthcare providers are for medical tourism in Mexico.

Let’s dive into some travel essentials to help you reach your desired destination.

How to Travel to Mexico?

There are many options for getting to Mexico. The easiest way is to fly or drive.

You can reach Mexico overland from the US via train, bus, or car.

The country has 45 international airports. [50] Infobae How many airports does Mexico have “In the country there are 45 airports certified with the status of International, ” View in Article

Here, we provide flight details to help you reach Mexico’s top medical tourism destinations.

Reaching resort cities

*1 stop flights, reaching inland cities, reaching us-mexico border cities.

Driving Time from US Airport to Mexican Border Cities

Land Travel

With top medical tourism facilities on the US-Mexico border, Americans often seek quick treatment in Mexico.

There are several convenient ways to access Mexico by land:

• For those visiting border cities like Tijuana or Algodones , you can simply cross the border on foot.
• Alternatively, you can drive or use public transport like trains or buses.

Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these methods below.

Public vehicle

Traveling by bus to mexico from the us.

Greyhound offers regular services to major border crossings, including direct routes to Mexican bus stations. [51] RoughGuides How to get to Mexico “Greyhound runs regularly to all the major border crossings. Some of their buses will also take you over the frontier to a Mexican bus station, ” View in Article

Other US-to-Mexico bus companies include: [52] whatmexico.com Mexico Bus Travel “Bus Companies From USA to Mexico… Autobuses Americanos…” View in Article

• Autobuses Americanos, Autobuses San Luis
• Transportes Baldomero Corral, Tufesa, and
• Transportes Intercalifornias.

Greyhound Bus

Traveling by train to mexico from the us.

Amtrak is the primary train operator that connects the US/Canada with Mexico.

The most common route for train travel between the two countries is through the Amtrak Sunset Limited.

It travels from Los Angeles, California, to New Orleans, Louisiana, with stops in cities along the way. [53] RoughGuides How to get to Mexico “..served by Amtrak’s Sunset Limited service.. from New Orleans, Houston, Tucson and LA….” View in Article

Driving for Medical Care in Mexico

Driving to Mexico could take as little as 15 minutes.

It is when you are visiting between border towns on both sides.

Alternatively, you can park your vehicle on the US side and walk across the border.

Driving to Nuevo Progreso

The tables below show average driving hours from various US cities to Mexico border cities.

Driving to Tijuana & Los Algodones

Driving to ciudad juarez, driving to nuevo laredo, driving to nogales.

Next, learn about the border crossing lanes between the US and Mexico.

US-Mexico Border Crossing – Which Lane to Use in 2023?

Source: baja bound insurance services [54] baja bound insurance services border crossing overview – which lane do i use “regular or “all traffic” lanes accept the widest variety of identity documents …ready lane…ccept only rfid enabled identity cards. …” view in article.

You can check the  live waiting time  for entry via any of these lanes.

It will help you plan better for your journey across the US-Mexico border.

Tips to Cross US-Tijuana Border

Travel essentials for medical tourism in mexico, passport and visa for medical tourism in mexico.

You will need the following documents to enter Mexico. [55] Travel.State.Gov Mexico “A valid passport book is required to enter Mexico…Passport must be valid at time of entry…TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: Yes, if visiting for more than 180 days…” View in Article

• A valid passport
• Tourist visa (for stays over 180 days)
• Entry permit (FMM)

Documents Required for Driving to Mexico

To cross the US-Mexico border by car, you must have: [56] Travel. State.Gov Crossing the U.S. – Mexico Border by Land “U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.” View in Article

• A valid passport & FMM
• Vehicle import permit
• Valid driver’s license
• Mexican tourist auto insurance

Foreign Embassies in Mexico

• Address: Paseo de la Reforma No. 305, Delegación Cuauhtemoc 6500 México, D. F. Mexico.
• Phone: (+52) (55) 5080-2000

Canadian Embassy

• Address: 3 West Kings House Road, Mexico City,  Mexico
• Phone: (+52) (55) 5724-7900

The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso , but many of our partner medical providers also accept USD.

Spanish is the official language of Mexico, but our partner clinics have English-speaking staff and doctors available.

Mexico operates on Central Standard Time (CST).

You won’t experience severe jetlag as the time difference with most areas of the US and Canada is minimal.

Best Time to Visit

Consider planning your medical trip to Mexico during the dry season.

This season runs from December to April  with minimal rainfall & ideal conditions. [57] AudleyTravel When is the best time to visit Mexico? “The best time to visit Mexico is during the dry season between December and April, when there is virtually no rain” View in Article

Things to Know Before Your Visit Mexico

Creative travel guide, medical tourism in mexico – top tourist attractions, video courtesy: joyous travel, faqs about medical tourism in mexico, how can i pay for my medical treatments in mexico.

Healthcare providers in Mexico accept cash, credit or debit cards, checks, wire transfers, bank transfers, and PayPal.

Does Mexico have a good healthcare system?

In general, Mexico’s healthcare system maintains high standards and operates effectively. [58] International Insurance Mexico’s Healthcare System “the healthcare system in Mexico offers good standards and operates efficiently… Mexican doctors go to medical school or do extra training in the United States or Europe. As such, there is a high percentage of doctors who speak excellent English…” View in Article

• Healthcare services are cost-effective, with major cities hosting excellent hospitals and clinics.
• Many Mexican doctors receive their education or undergo additional training in the US or Europe.
• This results in many English-speaking doctors who provide exceptional care.

However, the quality and availability of healthcare services can vary across regions.

So, medical tourists in Mexico should thoroughly research before seeking treatment.

Can US citizens get healthcare in Mexico?

Yes, US citizens can access healthcare in Mexico.

Many Americans seek medical treatment in Mexico due to cost savings and quality care.

It is essential to plan & research healthcare providers, facilities, and travel logistics in advance for a seamless healthcare experience in Mexico.

Also, consider appropriate travel and medical insurance when seeking healthcare abroad.

What is the best country for medical tourism?

Some of the top global medical tourism destinations include: [59] New-Medical.Net World Medical Tourism Review “…these countries offer relatively low-cost services….The global map of medical tourism includes destinations like Asia (India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand), South and Central America (including Brazil, Cuba, Costa Rica, and Mexico), South Africa,…” View in Article

• Asian countries such as India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand
• Central American nations like Brazil, Cuba, Costa Rica, and Mexico
• South Africa and the Middle East , particularly Dubai
• Various destinations in Central and Southern Europe

Medical tourists go here for accredited hospitals, quality and affordable healthcare.

Is it safe to go to Mexico for surgery?

Yes, Mexico is safe for surgery.

However, every surgery has inherent risks and complications, regardless of the location.

We mitigate complication risks by:

• Carefully choosing specialists with advanced training.
• Verifying credentials and facility accreditations.
• Researching and selecting top specialists in each Mexican destination.
• Partnering with certified institutions for international patient care.

Medical care for US citizens in Mexico is not only affordable but also accessible.

However, ensuring top-notch quality requires thorough research and knowledge of the chosen medical facility.

If you’re considering medical travel overseas , MTC is here to assist you every step of the way.

Feel free to reach out for more information on medical tourism in Mexico.

• CNN Health: Medical tourism to Mexico is on the rise
• New York Post: 1.2 mn Americans visit Mexico for ‘medical tourism’
• ScienceDirect: Analysis of medical tourism at the Andrade port of entry
• Mexico Relocation Guide: What Are Your Healthcare Options in Mexico?
• Omnia Health: Medical Tourism: Passport To Quality Care
• IFP News: Top 6 Medical Tourism Destinations in the World
• InternationalLiving: Mexico Country Guide
• AP News: Traveling outside US for care is common
• MexicoNews Daily: Doctors, confront coronavirus with long hours & low pay
• abc15.com: Arizona man turns to Mexico to study medicine and avoid debt
• Pacific Prime Latin America: Complete Guide to Medical Tourism in Mexico
• Focus on Mexico: Medical Tourism in Mexico
• U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico: Medical Information 
• InternationalLiving: The World’s Best Places to Retire in 2023
• Gov. of Mexico: Visitors who do not require a visa for stay up to 180 days
• The Yucatan Times: High healthcare costs are triggering a medical tourism boom in Mexico
• Mexico Daily Post: Mexico is among the 5 countries with the best healthcare
• Travelness: 10 Most Visited Countries in the World
• Rutopia: Mexico is part of the 10 most megadiverse countries in the world
• Bloomberg: How a Tiny Mexican Border City Built a Budget Dental Empire
• World Population Review: Ciudad Juarez Population 2023
• Travel Awaits: Why I Travel To Mexico For My Prescriptions
• Travel weekly: Medical tourism on the rise in Cancun
• Travel Safe Abroad: How Safe Is Mexico for Travel?
• Travel Raval: Is Los Algodones Safe To Travel, Stay & More
• Chester Travels: Is Tijuana Safe?
• Playas y Plazas: Is Tijuana Safe?
• Hikersbay: What should I know while traveling to Nuevo Laredo?
• The discovery nut: Is Mexicali safe to visit in 2023?
• Travellers worldwide: Is Mexico City Safe in 2023?
• Borderlandia: Is Nogales Safe?
• Travel weekly: Destinations across Mexico earn their WTTC stamp
• InternationalLiving: Healthcare in Mexico
• Oxford Business Group: Investment in expanding Mexico’s medical tourism
• Infobae: How many airports does Mexico have
• RoughGuides: How to get to Mexico
• Whatmexico: Mexico Bus Travel
• Baja Bound Insurance Services: Border Crossing – Which Lane do I use?
• Travel.State.Gov: Mexico
• Travel.State.Gov: Crossing the U.S. – Mexico Border by Land
• AudleyTravel: When is the best time to visit Mexico?
• International Citizens Insurance: Mexico’s Healthcare System
• New-medical.net: World Medical Tourism Review

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Medical Tourism Corporation is an international medical travel company based in the US. Our goal is to have satisfied and happy medical tourists.

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Mailing Address: 3824 Cedar Springs Rd, #801-4762, Dallas, TX 75219, USA

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

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

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

COVID-19 rules

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

Passport validity requirements

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

Visa requirements

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

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

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

Employment, voluntary work, research and eco activities

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

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

Applying for a visa

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

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

Entering Mexico via the USA

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

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

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

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

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

Entry tax for the state of Quintana Roo

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

Travelling with children

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

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

Dual nationals

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

Accommodation, funds and proof of departure

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

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

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

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

Customs rules

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

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

Leaving Mexico

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

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

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

Departure tax

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

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Is Cancun Safe to Visit in 2024? Travel Warnings And Safety Tips

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: June 11, 2024

We have been to Cancun many times over the years, and one of the main questions that we always get is, “Is Cancun safe?” Truthfully, the situation has always been fluid, with various safety concerns such as crime and cartel activity. While we have personally felt safe in Cancun, it is important to check your government website warnings, follow basic safety precautions, and be aware of your surroundings. Mexico takes its tourism seriously and they want international visitors to continue to spend their dollars, so they are working hard to keep Cancun safe, especially in the tourist zones and the tourist hotspots.

Table of Contents

Is Cancun Safe to Visit?

As of March 2024, the US State Department updated its travel warnings for Quintana Roo, which is home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen , and Tulum. It removed the warning about an increased risk of kidnapping, but the country is still under a level 2 advisory. There are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo, but they are advised to exercise increased situational awareness.

As of March 2024, the Government of Canada notes that the region of Cancun has high rates of violent crime, such as homicides, kidnappings, carjacking, and assaults. Travelers are advised to exercise increased situational awareness, avoid areas with illicit activities, and promptly leave potentially dangerous situations.

Cancun’s Current Safety Situation

Cancun is located in the State of Quintana Roo, including Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, and the Riviera Maya. These areas bring in a lot of dollars into Mexico, and this is certainly one of the safer areas in the country, especially compared to other states. However, crime and violence can affect tourists, so it is important to follow safety tips, maintain situational awareness, and avoid dangerous areas.

If you follow these tips and do your own research, you will find that you will feel a lot safer on your next trip should you choose to travel to Cancun. While emergency services are available, it is important to note that local emergency services may be limited outside the state capital or major cities.

Short Summary

Cancun’s security has been under a microscope due to incidents of criminal activity involving tourists. The Mexican government has taken great action to ensure the safety of visitors and citizens in Cancun. According to the US State Department, the Yucatan Peninsula is the safest region in Mexico for Americans in 2024. However, the State Department does have a travel advisory of “ exercise increased caution ” in the state of Quintana Roo.

• Cancun is generally safe for travelers, but take necessary precautions and take government website travel alerts into consideration.
• Follow safety tips like avoiding walking alone at night and sticking to well-known establishments.
• When traveling in Cancun, familiarize yourself with local laws, use reputable transportation services, and opt for filtered water!

Mexico Travel Advisories and Safety Concerns

For the latest advisory warnings, visit th e US State Department’s Website . Right now, the State Department website warns that ” Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico.” However, when you read further, it states, “Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To the Yucatan State.

The State Department also notes its limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in certain areas of Mexico.

Update: On February 27, 2024, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates In Mexico Department issued a warning for all U.S. travelers visiting Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean for Spring Break Travel in 2024. Only Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum were mentioned in the warning. You can check out the full message here and what they suggest.

Canada currently has a warning of “High rates of violent crime, such as homicides, kidnappings, carjacking, and assaults, including in popular tourist destinations such as the Mayan Riviera (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Tulum), and Acapulco.” It states that drug cartels have a presence in tourist areas. There has been intergang fighting at establishments frequented by tourists where innocent bystanders have been killed or injured.

Incidents like this can happen in any large city or tourist destination. To put things into perspective, Cancun currently has a crime index of 56.33. When you look at the crime rate in New Orleans, Cancun is much lower than the rating of 67.92. See the comparison here.

To stay safe, travelers are advised to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones, especially after dark, to exercise increased situational awareness and avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Crime Rates in Cancun

Cancun has a crime rate that is similar to many major cities in the United States, most of which revolve around drug-trafficking turf wars and gang-related violence. Tourists are rarely the target, and if you keep yourself out of trouble. Avoid buying drugs, don’t stay out until the wee hours of the morning, and limit your alcohol consumption off the resort. By following common sense safety measures, you can lower your chances of any incident.

Compared to other Mexican cities, Cancun’s crime rate remains relatively low, meaning vacationers shouldn’t be too concerned about any crimes during their visit. However, they should still exercise a degree of caution.

Mexican Government’s Efforts

The Mexican government has increased security around Cancun International Airport by dispatching extra police forces and protection systems, in order to put a stop to petty crime that mainly targets travelers.

The Mexican government has taken extra security steps to protect Cancun’s standing as a favored tourist spot. These include a greater police presence at popular tourist areas such as resorts within the Hotel Zone , surveillance cameras, and gated entrances for visitors.

Initiatives were also undertaken to reduce corruption among law enforcement in this area, which resulted in the removal of numerous police officers from their posts and several top-level personnel from office due to misconduct. You can read about it here .

Collaboration between local companies and tourism workers also supports a safer atmosphere. Extra tourist police, state police, the National Guard, and even the Navy patrol the beaches.

The Hotel Zone

Staying within the Hotel Zone Cancun is one of the safest areas to stay in Cancun . Police patrols, surveillance cameras, and gated resorts all provide an extra layer of security for guests staying at the numerous high-end accommodations in this area. That doesn’t mean you should let your guard down, but we still recommend that you avoid walking alone at night or in secluded areas. Stick to well lit pedestrian streets to ensure your safety.

Cancun is a popular tourist destination, and efforts have been made to improve safety and security in this vibrant travel spot.

Cancun is a popular destination for Spring Break, and the kids love to party the nights away in the clubs of Playa del Carmen or Downtown Cancun. Our advice is to party responsibly. If you decide to go downtown Cancun to party for the night, exercise increased caution if you are going to local bars, stay in groups, don’t overdrink, and make sure to use an authorized taxi. It is when you drink too much and let your guard down that you become a target.

Best Practices for Staying Safe in Cancun

When vacationing in Cancun, it is important to remember that even though you are enjoying a vacation in popular tourist destinations, that doesn’t mean you let all common sense go out the window. A lot of people tend to think they are invincible on vacation, but this is when things can go wrong. Visitors to Cancun can have a great experience if they use common sense and exercise safety precautions. When visiting Quintana Roo or any other Mexican State, exercise increased situational awareness, avoid areas with illicit activities, and promptly leave potentially dangerous situations.

Additionally, be aware that local emergency services in Cancun may have limitations, especially outside the state capital or major cities.

Cancun Airport Safety

Landing at the airport can be one of your most vulnerable times. The arrivals area is crowded and confusing, which makes it easy to fall victim to a travel scam. We recommend that you exercise caution and think before you accept any rides, offers, or help from a “good Samaritan.” Despite its relatively low rate of violent offenses, visitors entering through Cancun airport can still fall victim to potential scams such as fake taxi drivers and pickpocketing in crowded locations.

Our safety advice for landing at the airport is to a private transfer in advance to your hotel, keep an eye on your valuables, and don’t leave anything unattended. If you need cash, go directly to the ATM, but we suggest bringing American dollars and small bills with you.

Transportation Safety

There are many different ways to get around Cancun. If you want more freedom, we recommend renting a car. We have also taken local transportation without incident. However, if you want to have added safety, booking an organized tour is a good option. You can book a night out bar hopping with a local guide, city tours with a guide, and excursions with a guide, making it safer to travel. It is important to exercise increased situational awareness, especially when using local transportation.

Local emergency services in Cancun are available but may be limited outside the city center. Always be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.

Taxis and Ridesharing Services

Travelers in Cancun can enjoy secure and reliable transportation options by utilizing authorized taxis or reliable apps like Uber. When getting into a cab, make sure to ask them to put on the meter. Also, plan your route beforehand, and be aware of the approximate costs before setting off so as not to be scammed.

Ridesharing services such as Uber are available in Cancun. But use caution, as there have been reports of violence between taxi drivers and Uber drivers due to contract disputes. If you are staying in a resort, we recommend using the taxi drivers with whom they have a contract; otherwise, you will have to leave the resort to book an Uber.

Buses and Public Transportation

Cancun’s buses and public transportation are typically reliable, inexpensive, and easy to access for anyone looking to discover the city. Public transportation is generally safe, but it is better not to ride it alone or late at night.

Rental Cars and Driving Tips

Using a rental car in Cancun can be an ideal way to enjoy the sights and attractions at your own pace. Make sure to book with trusted car hire agencies; we use RentalCars.com. You will have to get additional insurance Third Party Liability and Public Liability Insurance are mandatory. And make sure you avoid being on the roads after dark.

By observing these tips, people will reap all the benefits associated with renting cars while feeling safe traveling through Cancun’s streets and reveling in views of its glorious bright blue Caribbean Sea.

Food and Drink Safety in Cancun

Food is generally safe to eat in Mexico, especially in popular destinations. We generally avoid eating raw foods unless they are cooked or can be peeled. When eating at restaurants, we always look for places packed with locals. This is how you know it will be fresh. Think about raw foods that would be washed in tap water. We don’t eat fruits and vegetables unless they are cooked or can be peeled.

Tap Water Safety

Visitors to Cancun should not drink unfiltered tap water, and it is recommended that they stick to bottled water. We like to use a SteriPen so that we don’t contribute to plastic and avoid ice.

Although tests may show local tap water as safe enough for drinking according to regulations, microorganisms can still be present, which could lead to health problems.

Street Food and Restaurant Precautions

We have eaten street food in Mexico, and it is delicious, but tourists should still be cautious when choosing where to eat. Don’t eat salad or vegetables that aren’t cooked, and make sure the meat is freshly cooked in front of you. You don’t want to eat something that has been sitting in the heat for hours. Select freshly prepared meals, steer clear of uncovered dishes, and go for a well-known, busy place to eat.

Health and Medical Safety in Cancun

When visiting Mexico in general we highly recommend having travel insurance. Medical emergencies can happen, and it is a small price to pay for peace of mind. You may also want to look into what medications and vaccines you need. Make sure that your routine vaccines are up to date, and you may consider additional vaccines. Hepatitis A and B are good to get, and you may want to update your tetanus. For up-to-date travel health notices in Mexico, visit the CDC website.

Mosquito-borne illnesses can also be an issue, so pack bug spray and wear lightweight long sleeves if going into the jungle. In case of a medical emergency, there are healthcare services available that tourists can access if required – adding another layer of protection on top of their Mexico travel insurance policy.

Is Cancun Dangerous for Solo Travelers?

Many people travel to Cancun as solo travelers, and it is considered generally safe to visit alone. Before traveling, solo travelers should research the area and let people know where they will be. Check in with family and friends back home frequently by providing them with information about where you’ll be going during each part of your journey so they know your whereabouts. Solo travelers should exercise increased situational awareness, especially in areas classified by the State Department as ‘Exercise Increased Caution,’ such as Quintana Roo. By adhering to these basic guidelines for security, an unforgettable trip awaits any adventurous solo traveler who decides to explore this picturesque Mexican destination.

Local emergency services in Cancun are available but may be limited outside the state capital or major cities.

Many of our recommendations, regardless of the destination, are to not walk alone at night or in secluded areas, so if you are traveling alone, stay in lit areas, don’t stay out too late, and stick with the crowds.

Make sure to choose a safe hotel in a good area, use trustworthy transportation services, and avoid any illegal drugs or areas with high crime. Signing up for local tours can provide additional safety as you’ll be able to go sightseeing in a group with an expert guide. Plus you’ll make friends with some other tourists.

Is Cancun Safe for a Solo Female Traveler?

Cancun is largely considered secure for solo female travelers as well. The same recommendations can be made to avoid deserted areas and walking alone at night, and take taxis. Choose safe accommodation, preferably in the hotel zone, and use common sense and take extra precautions.

Women are more vulnerable than male travelers, and a woman can catch unwanted attention. Don’t go out alone late at night, use trustworthy taxis, don’t wear expensive jewelry, and the hotel room safe for your valuables.

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season in Cancun typically runs from June through November, with the peak period occurring between August and October. Travelers considering Cancun as a destination often wonder about safety during these months. It’s important to note that while the risk of hurricanes exists, Cancun is well-prepared with robust infrastructure and comprehensive emergency plans in place to ensure visitor safety

Here’s the lowdown: yes, hurricanes can whip through, especially from August to October when things tend to peak. But, Cancun is pretty savvy when it comes to dealing with these big storms. The hotels and local officials have got it down to a science with solid buildings and tried-and-true safety plans that kick into gear when needed.

Plus, with all the advanced weather tech these days, everyone gets a heads-up well before a storm hits. So, while it’s smart to keep an eye on the weather, Cancun remains a fab spot for a beach vacation, even during the stormy months. Chill vibes and safety can totally go hand in hand here!

The Mexican Peso is the official currency of Cancun and Mexico, but establishments readily accept the US dollar. Hotel ATMs often dispense US dollar currency instead of Mexican Pesos.

When withdrawing cash, try to use ATMs in secure locations like inside a bank or a busy mall, rather than those on the street, to keep things extra safe. And hey, while it’s tempting to carry a wad of cash to avoid transaction fees, it’s smarter to keep just enough cash for the day and use your credit card when you can. Credit cards are widely accepted and give you that extra layer of fraud protection. By keeping these practical tips in mind, you’ll make sure your financial dealings in Cancun are as smooth as the local tequila.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cancun safe right now 2024?

The US State Department notes that Cancun has friendly locals and is one of the safest areas in Mexico, with a low crime rate. So you can have an amazing experience by planning your getaway to this destination come 2024! Relax, knowing you will be safe during your stay here. Making it absolutely unforgettable.

How safe is Cancun for American tourists?

The US State Department has assessed Cancun as one of the safest places to visit in Mexico, and thus, it is Safe for tourists making a trip there in 2024. To ensure you enjoy your time while still staying secure, practice caution with regard to where you go and who you talk to, and always be aware of your surroundings.

Is Cancun safe to walk around?

When you visit Cancun, you should always take precautions to remain safe. The Hotel Zone, in particular, offers a secure atmosphere with numerous all-inclusive resorts, international hotels, and beaches for visitors to enjoy without fear of crime rates that are low outside the hotel zone.

Overall it is possible to have an unforgettable trip when exercising caution and keeping safety measures at hand during your time here, which will result in a rewarding experience.

Is Cancun safe at an all-inclusive?

When it comes to booking an all-inclusive holiday in Cancun, you can be confident that the resort is secure. Most properties have measures such as security guards with firearms to make sure visitors feel safe during their stay.

With some planning and investigation beforehand, travelers will be able to enjoy a stress-free break away from home in one of Mexico’s picturesque cities.

Is it still safe to travel to Cancun right now?

With care and knowledge of local customs, Cancun is an excellent, relatively secure destination for travelers. Hence, caution and respect should be exercised to make sure a safe journey is had while visiting the area.

Stick to the Most Popular Tourist Destinations and Tourist Zones

When you’re planning a trip to Mexico and wondering about safety, it’s handy to know which spots are a bit spicier when it comes to risk. Some areas, particularly along certain parts of the northern border and specific regions like parts of Guerrero, have a bit more heat due to higher crime rates and travel advisories. Cities like Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez often make headlines, urging travelers to stay street-smart and keep up with travel advisories.

Some regions, like Colima, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Michoacán, and Sinaloa, tend to be hotter on the risk radar due to higher crime rates and consistent travel advisories. While these areas can have their share of challenges, don’t let that put a damper on your whole itinerary.

Mexico is a vast country with safe and serene destinations in the most popular tourist destinations and off the beaten path, far from the troubled spots. By staying sharp and keeping up with the latest travel advisories, you can navigate your way to a smooth and secure Mexican adventure. Remember, a little prep and awareness go a long way in making sure your vacation vibes remain as calm as a seaside sunset!

Our Safety Recommendations For Cancun

Cancun is an attractive tourist destination to visit, offering a secure holiday when the appropriate steps and precautions are taken. Staying up-to-date on safety updates, bearing in mind some basic security tips, staying up to date on current Mexico travel warnings, and keeping any dangers that may arise at bay will enable travelers to enjoy Cancun fully without worry.

So get ready for your trip by packing all you need (including sunscreen) for what promises to be an unforgettable experience – complete with sand, sunshine, and, of course, memories galore!

Plan Your Next Trip to Cancun with These Resources

• Mexico City: Best Things to Do in Mexico City for an Epic Trip
• Cancun: 21 Amazing Things To Do In Cancun
• Cancun: Where To Stay In Cancun: Best Hotels And Areas For Every Budget
• Playa Del Carmen: 29 of Best Things to do in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
• Yucatan Peninsula: 23 Amazing Things To Do In Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
• Tulum: 23 Best Things To Do In Tulum
• 23 Best Beaches In Mexico
• Best Mexican Dishes: 27 Most Popular Mexican Foods

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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1 thought on “Is Cancun Safe to Visit in 2024? Travel Warnings And Safety Tips”

We just got back and Cancun is extremely safe. We didn’t stay in resorts but three different locations and took local buses and walked around at night and at no time did we feel even the slightest concern about our safety or security. Using common sense travel, having a reasonable control of your faculties and not engaging in extremely risky behavior with strangers keeps any risk low. Mexican people are hard working, friendly and helpful.

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Travel advice and advisories by destination

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change. See Travel Advice and Advisories – FAQ for more information.

Where are you going?

Take normal security precautions

Exercise a high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travel advice from other countries

Travel advice is also provided by the governments of Australia , New Zealand , the United Kingdom and the United States .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

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You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Travel insurance

Best travel insurance companies of June 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 2:16 p.m. UTC June 7, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024 , based on our in-depth analysis of travel insurance policies. Its Atlas Journey Elevate plan gets the top score in our rating because of the extensive coverage it provides for the price. It offers best-in-class emergency medical and evacuation benefits, as well as high limits for baggage insurance.

Best travel insurance of 2024

• WorldTrips : Best travel insurance.
• Travel Insured International : Best for emergency evacuation.
• TravelSafe : Best for missed connections.
• Aegis : Cheapest travel insurance.
• Travelex : Best for families.
• AIG : Best for add-on coverage options.
• Nationwide : Best for cruise itinerary changes.

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our travel insurance experts evaluate hundreds of insurance products and analyze thousands of data points to help you find the best trip insurance for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Travel insurance quotes comparison

Best travel insurance companies, best travel insurance.

Top travel insurance plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, why it’s the best.

If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel , WorldTrips’ Atlas Journey Elevate plan gives you $250,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage. This plan is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority. It also has $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage. 

See our full WorldTrips travel insurance review .

Pros and cons

• $250,000 in primary medical coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Primary damage or loss baggage coverage of $500 per item, up to $2,500.
• 5 optional upgrades, including pet care, adventure sports and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Customer reviews

WorldTrips has a rating of 4.27 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 428 reviews of policies purchased through the travel insurance comparison site since 2008. 

Heidi’s expert take:   “WorldTrips offers primary coverage for emergency medical expense and for baggage damage or loss. This means the insurer will pay for your claim first and then seek recovery from any responsible third party, such as your health insurance provider, airline or homeowners insurance company (if your belongings are stolen). Travel insurance with secondary medical coverage might be cheaper, but then you’d have to file claims with third parties yourself, before you could turn to your travel insurance for help.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for emergency evacuation

Travel insured international.

Top travel insurance plan

If you’re traveling to a remote area, consider Travel Insured International’s Worldwide Trip Protector. It has the best travel insurance for emergency evacuation of travel insurance policies in our rating. This top travel insurance plan provides up to $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits.

• Only plan in our rating that offers $150,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person is only available for cruises and tours.

Travel Insured International has a rating of 4.39 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 3,402 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Heidi’s expert take:   “The Worldwide Trip Protector plan provides rare non-medical evacuation benefits of up to $150,000. If you’re traveling to an area at risk of a political, security or national disaster, this emergency evacuation coverage could help get you back to safety.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe offers good travel insurance for missed connections , with $2,500 in missed connection coverage for each person on the plan.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of our best-rated travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage option.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

TravelSafe has a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 1,506 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you miss out on prepaid vacation plans because you didn’t make a connecting flight, you’ll be glad for the $2,500 missed connection coverage. Some policies only provide missed connection coverage for cruises and tours, but TravelSafe Classic doesn’t impose that restriction.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Cheapest travel insurance

Go Ready Choice by Aegis has the most affordable travel insurance of the best-rated travel insurance companies in our rating. This is based on the average cost of seven international trips of varying lengths and values for travelers of different ages.

See our full Aegis travel insurance review .

• Cheapest of our best trip insurance plans.
• Pet care benefit of $500 under travel delay benefits.
• Low emergency medical and evacuation limits.
• Low missed connection benefit of $500 per person for cruises and tours only.
• Low baggage and personal items loss benefit of $500 per person.

Aegis has a rating of 4.06 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 1,111 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2013.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you’re looking for a  budget travel insurance policy , Go Ready Choice may fit the bill. It has comparably low coverage limits, but if you have health insurance that will cover you on your trip, its $50,000 in secondary medical coverage may be sufficient.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for families

Top-scoring plan

Travelex Insurance Services has the best travel insurance for families because you can add kids aged 17 and younger to your Travel Select plan at no additional charge.

See our full Travelex travel insurance review .

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• Robust travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Low emergency medical coverage of $50,000 per person.
• Non-medical evacuation is not included.
• Low baggage delay coverage of $200 requires a 12-hour delay.

Travelex has a rating of 4.43 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 2,048 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you’re traveling with kids, a Travelex policy will cover them, too. The number of children you can add to your policy is unlimited and they’ll get travel protection at no additional cost.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for add-on coverage options

Travel Guard Preferred from AIG allows you to customize your policy with a host of available upgrades, making it the best traveler insurance for add-on options . These include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings.

There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million. This is a good option if you’re looking for foreign travel health insurance.

See our full AIG travel insurance review .

• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Heidi’s expert take: “You can add riders to your AIG travel insurance policy to maximize your coverage. Choose from these bundles: adventure sports, medical, pet, quarantine, security and wedding. You may also want to add “cancel for any reason” coverage and rental vehicle damage coverage.”  Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for cruise itinerary changes

Nationwide’s Choice Cruise is good travel insurance for cruises . It has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion.

Choice Cruise also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay when you’re taking a cruise or tour. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.

See our full Nationwide travel insurance review .

• Benefits for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” upgrade available.

Nationwide has a rating of 4.02 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 570 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2018.

  Heidi’s expert take: “This plan has protections for cruisers when it comes to prepaid expenses. But its emergency medical coverage is secondary, which means you’d have to file medical claims with your health insurance company first. Since U.S. health insurance won’t help you at sea, you may want to look for cruise travel insurance with primary medical coverage instead.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Compare the best travel insurance plans

Via Compare Coverage’s website

Heidi’s expert take: “Here are my tips on how to buy travel insurance that gets you the most coverage for the lowest price: Buy early . Getting travel insurance within two weeks of making your first trip deposit may qualify you for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions, and it won’t cost you any extra.  Look for primary emergency medical coverage . If you buy a plan with secondary coverage, you’ll have to file a claim with your health insurance first, even if you know it will be denied.  Don’t overinsure . Calculate the value of only your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses that are not already covered by other insurance (like credit card travel insurance or health insurance, if your coverage extends to where you are traveling). Even if this value is $0, you can still buy travel insurance for the travel medical insurance benefits, and you’ll only be paying for the insurance you need.  Understand exclusions . If you are planning to go scuba diving, for instance, make sure this adventure activity is not excluded from a policy’s coverage. If so, you may need to pay for a rider or shop for another plan that offers the coverage you need.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

What is the best travel insurance?

The best travel insurance for international travel is sold by WorldTrips, according to our in-depth trip insurance comparison.

The best travel insurance plan for you will depend on the trip you are planning and the coverage areas that are most important to you.

• Best cruise travel insurance
• Best COVID travel insurance
• Best “cancel for any reason” travel insurance
• Best senior travel insurance

Best travel insurance for cruises

The best cruise travel insurance is Atlas Journey Preferred sold by WorldTrips . This plan offers solid travel insurance for cruises for a low rate.

Best travel insurance for COVID-19

The best COVID travel insurance is the Trip Protection Basic plan sold by Seven Corners . It is a relatively low cost travel insurance plan with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Best travel insurance for “cancel for any reason” 

The best “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance is Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Basic. Adding CFAR coverage to a RoundTrip Basic plan only increases the cost by about 40%, which is lower than other plans we analyzed. For the extra cost, you get coverage of 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, as long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Best travel insurance for seniors

The best senior travel insurance is the Gold plan sold by Tin Leg . It is an affordable travel insurance plan with travel medical primary coverage of $500,000 and a pre-existing conditions waiver if you insure the full amount of your trip within 14 days of your first trip deposit.

How much is travel insurance?

The average cost of travel insurance is 5% to 6% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs . 

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on:

• The cost of your trip.
• Your destination.
• The length of your trip. 
• The ages of travelers being insured.
• Your state of residence.
• The travel insurance policy you choose.
• The total coverage amounts in your policy.
• Any travel insurance add-ons you select. 

Here are average travel insurance rates for a 30-year-old female who is insuring a 14-day trip to Mexico.

Looking to save? Discover cheap travel insurance options.

How much travel insurance should I buy?

Travel insurance companies typically offer several plans with varying maximum limits. The higher the coverage limits, the more you’ll pay for travel insurance. 

Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends the following coverage limits for international travel: 

• Emergency medical coverage: At least $50,000. 
• Medical evacuation coverage: At least $100,000. 

If you’re going on a cruise, or to a remote location, Squaremouth recommends: 

• Emergency medical coverage: At least $100,000. 
• Medical evacuation coverage: At least $250,000.

When evaluating travel insurance plans, our team of insurance analysts considered the best medical travel insurance policies to have at least $250,000 in emergency medical coverage and at least $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage. 

When should I buy travel insurance?

The best time to buy travel insurance is within two weeks of making your first nonrefundable travel payment, whether it’s for a plane ticket, hotel stay, cruise or excursion. 

Travel insurance costs the same whether you buy it early or last minute, and buying it early has added benefits: 

• You may be able to add on “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , an upgrade that is typically only available for a limited time after you’ve started paying for your trip. 
• You may qualify for a pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver, meaning your pre-existing conditions will be covered by travel insurance. This waiver is generally added to your policy automatically, provided you buy the travel insurance within a certain window after your first trip deposit.
• You will be covered over a longer period of time for unforeseen events that could cause you to cancel your trip, such as medical emergencies, inclement weather and natural disasters. 

Expert tip: You can buy travel insurance up to the day before you leave on your trip, but waiting may cost you the opportunity to qualify for a pre-existing conditions exclusion waiver or to buy a “cancel for any reason” upgrade.

Where can I buy travel insurance?

You can buy a travel insurance plan:

• Online. Visit a travel insurance company’s website to buy a policy directly or use a comparison website like Squaremouth or Travelinsurance.com to see your options and compare plans. You may also be able to purchase travel insurance online through an airline, cruise, hotel, rental car company or other provider you book a ticket with.
• In person. A travel agent or insurance agent may be able to assist you in buying travel insurance.

Travel insurance trends in 2024

Americans are changing the way they travel and this includes buying travel insurance when they might have skipped it in the past. As spending on trips continues to rise , travelers have more to lose if their plans are disrupted. 

Based on travel insurance quote requests on the Squaremouth website last month, these are the main benefits travelers are looking for in a travel insurance policy.

*Source: Squaremouth.com. Travel insurance quote filter usage from April 28 to May 28, 2024.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance of 2024. For companies with more than one travel insurance plan, we shared information about the highest-scoring plan.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• $3,000, 8-day trip to Mexico for two travelers age 30.
• $3,000, 8-day trip to Mexico for two travelers age 70.
• $6,000, 17-day trip to Italy for two travelers age 40.
• $6,000, 17-day trip to Italy for two travelers age 65.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to Italy for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to France for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to the U.K. for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Best travel insurance FAQs

According to our analysis, WorldTrips has the best trip insurance. Two of its plans — Atlas Journey Explore and Atlas Journey Elevate — get 5 stars in our rating.

The best travel insurance policy for you will depend on what type of coverage you need. With so many different policies and carriers, the policy that was best for your friend’s trip to California might not be ideal for your trip to Japan. If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel, you may be willing to pay more for higher coverage levels.

A comprehensive travel insurance plan bundles several types of travel insurance coverage, each with its own limits. To ensure you have adequate financial protection for your trip, your travel insurance policy should include the following travel insurance coverages:

• Trip cancellation . With trip cancellation insurance , you’re covered if you need to call off your trip because of a reason listed in your policy, such as unexpected illness, injury or death of you, a family member or a travel companion, severe weather, jury duty and your travel supplier going out of business. 
• Travel delay. Once your trip has started, travel delay insurance reimburses you for unexpected expenses you incur after a minimum delay, such as five hours. It can cover needs like airport meals, transportation and even overnight accommodation. 
• Trip interruption. If you need to cut your trip early for a reason listed in your policy, trip interruption insurance can reimburse you for any prepaid, nonrefundable payments you’ll lose by leaving early. It can also pay for a last-minute one-way ticket home. 
• Travel medical . Emergency medical benefits are especially important if you need international health insurance for travel outside of the country. Your domestic health insurance may provide limited coverage once you leave the U.S. The best travel medical insurance pays for ambulance service, doctor visits, hospital stays, X-rays, lab work and prescription medication you may require while traveling. 
• Emergency medical evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote area, or planning excursions such as boating to an island, emergency medical evacuation coverage is a good idea. This coverage pays to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility if you are injured or sick while traveling. 
• Baggage delay. After a certain waiting period, such as six or 12 hours, this coverage will reimburse you for necessities you need to buy to tide you over while you wait for your bag to arrive. Be sure to save your receipts and look at your coverage limit, as some caps are low, like $200. 
• Baggage loss. Baggage insurance can reimburse you if your bag never arrives, or if your personal belongings are stolen during your travels. Coverage limits apply here, as well as exclusions for certain items such as electronics.  

“Typically, travelers are expected to pay their expenses out of pocket, and then file a claim for reimbursement,” said James Clark, spokesperson for Squaremouth. “However, there are medical situations in which a provider may be required to pre-authorize payment to make sure the policyholder receives the treatment they need.”

According to Clark, “Providers can pre-authorize payment for medical care and emergency evacuations. With that said, every circumstance is unique, and providers will handle each situation on a case-by-case basis.”

Travel insurance covers your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs — as well as extra money you may need to spend due to unforeseen circumstances and emergencies — both before and during your trip.

Travel insurance coverage varies by plan, but in general travel insurance covers costs associated with these problems: 

• Bankruptcy of a travel insurance company, such as your airline or tour operator. 
• Dangerous weather conditions.
• Delayed and lost luggage.
• Illness or death in your family that requires you to stay home or cut your trip short.
• Illness that needs medical attention.
• Injury requiring medical evacuation.
• Jury duty. 
• Travel delays and missed connections.
• Theft of your personal belongings while traveling.
• Unexpected job loss. 

Travel insurance policies often exclude or limit “foreseeable” losses. Typical travel insurance exclusions include:

• Accidents or injuries caused by drinking or drug use.
• Canceling your trip because you changed your mind.
• Ending your trip early because you changed your mind.
• Losses caused by intentional self harm, including suicide.
• Losses due to war, civil disorder or riots.
• Medical tourism.
• Medical treatment for pre-existing conditions.
• Mental health care.
• Natural disasters that begin before you buy travel insurance.
• Non-medical evacuation.
• Normal pregnancy. 
• Medical treatment related to high-risk activities.
• Routine medical care, such as physicals or dental care.
• Search and rescue.

Your U.S. health insurance may provide little or no coverage in foreign countries. Check with your health insurance company to see if you have any global benefits and ask how they work. If your health care does extend across the border, the benefits it provides abroad may not be the same benefits it provides domestically. 

Medicare usually won’t pay for health care outside of the United States and its territories, so older travelers planning an international trip should look into the best senior travel insurance with robust medical benefits. 

The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip and making a nonrefundable payment — in other words, as soon as you’re at risk of losing money. This way, you’ll know the total cost that you need to insure and you’ll have the longest window to take advantage of your policy’s benefits if something goes wrong.

You can’t wait until something goes wrong and then buy travel insurance to get reimbursed for your loss. Travel insurance only covers unexpected losses.

Travel insurance companies can decline to cover travel to certain countries. For example, you may find that some trip insurance companies don’t offer coverage to countries with a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory from the U.S. State Department. 

Travel insurance policies also frequently exclude certain risks that you’re more likely to encounter in Level 4 or Level 3 countries. For example, your policy may not cover losses related to declared or undeclared wars or acts of war or losses related to known or foreseeable conditions or events. 

Some credit cards , such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , offer benefits such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement when you use your card to pay for your trip.

Ask your credit card issuer for your card’s benefits guide to see what coverage you may have. Keep in mind that it may not cover all the risks you want to protect against, such as the cost of international health care or emergency medical evacuation .

Business travel insurance makes sense if you are self-employed and paying for your own travel expenses, or if you are traveling internationally and want medical coverage abroad.

You might also consider buying travel insurance for a business trip if your company won’t cover extra expenses if your flight is delayed or you need to head home early.

Cruise travel insurance can help protect you financially if you need emergency medical care in a remote location, or if a delayed flight causes you to miss embarkation and you need to pay extra to catch up to your cruise.

Experts caution that travel insurance you buy through a cruise line may not be as comprehensive as plans you can buy directly from travel insurance companies.

Some travel insurance plans cover rental cars as an optional upgrade, for an additional cost. The 5-star rated travel insurance companies in our rating offer these optional rental car benefits:

• Travel Insured International — Rental car damage and theft coverage of $50,000.
• WorldTrips — Rental car damage and theft coverage of $50,000 with a $250 deductible. 

Travel insurance typically only covers a single trip, although your insured trip can have multiple destinations. 

If you’re looking to insure several trips in the same year, annual travel insurance may be a good option for you.

Travel insurance may be required, depending on the country you plan to visit. But it’s smart to consider buying a travel insurance policy for international travel, even when it is not required. A good travel insurance policy can protect you financially if you need emergency medical assistance when traveling, or if you need to cut your trip short and buy a last-minute plane ticket home because an immediate family member is ill. 

Wondering if travel insurance is worth it? What travel insurance covers

Editor’s Note: This article contains updated information from previously published stories:

• Spirit Airlines scrubs 60% of its Wednesday flights, says cancellations will drop ‘in the days to come.’
• ‘Just a parade of incompetency’: Spirit Airlines passengers with ‘nightmare’ stories want more than apology, $50 vouchers
• ‘This is not our proudest moment’: Spirit Airlines CEO says more flight cancellations expected this weekend
• Hurricane Irma: Flight cancellations top 12,500; even more expected
• Is an annual travel insurance policy right for you?
• How 2020 and COVID-19 changed travel forever – and what that means for you
• COVID-19 or delta variant have you ready to scrap your trip? Here’s how to cancel like a pro
• Sunday: Snow is over, but flight cancellations top 12,000
• After nearly 13,000 Harvey cancellations, Irma is new threat to airline flights
• What’s the difference between travel insurance and trip ‘protection’?
• How to choose the right travel insurance for your next vacation
• Travel insurance can save the day
• Angry passengers brawl after Spirit cancels flights
• What to do when travel insurance doesn’t work
• How lockdowns, quarantines and COVID-19 testing will change summer travel in 2021
• Travelers will pay and worry more on summer vacation this year. But they won’t cancel
• How to find a hotel with COVID testing and quarantine facilities wherever you travel
• Yearning to travel in 2022? First, figure out your budget – then pick a destination
• Pro tips for surviving a long flight during a pandemic: Get the right mask, bring a pillow
• Want to steer clear of contracting COVID-19 on your next vacation? Follow these guidelines
• Post-pandemic travel: Is it OK to ask another passenger’s vaccine status or request they mask up?
• These days, forgetting these important travel items could cost you thousands of dollars
• International travel hacks: When to book flights and hotels, how to deal with COVID-19 rules
• Traveling post-coronavirus: How do you book your next trip when so much remains uncertain?
• The COVID-19 guide to holiday travel – and the case for why you shouldn’t go this year
• Should you travel during the holidays? Americans struggle with their decision
• ‘There’s still pent-up demand’: What you should know about fall travel
• Planning for life after coronavirus: When will we know it’s safe to travel again?
• ‘Busiest camping season’: Travelers choose outdoor recreation close to home amid COVID-19 pandemic
• Considering a camping trip this summer? Tips to make sure your gear is good to go
• RVing for the first time? 8 tips for newbies I wish I’d known during my first trip
• Five myths about travel agents
• Should I buy travel insurance?
• Is travel insurance stacked against you?
• Five myths about travel insurance and terrorism
• These eight things could get your travel insurance claims rejected
• There’s a good chance that your credit card already gives you some kind of travel insurance coverage
• How to avoid a hotel cancellation penalty
• Change fees and travel insurance continue to rise

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Amy Fontinelle has more than 15 years of experience helping people make informed decisions about their money, whether they’re refinancing a mortgage, buying insurance or choosing a credit card. As a freelance writer trained in journalism and specializing in personal finance, Amy digs into the details to explain the products and strategies that can help (or hurt) people seeking greater financial security and wealth. Her work has been published by Forbes Advisor, Capital One, MassMutual, Investopedia and many other outlets.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Where to travel during hurricane season.

Some destinations pose less of a risk than others.

Travel During Hurricane Season

Getty Images

Don't let hurricane season stop your travel plans.

Hurricanes can wreak havoc on countries in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans as far as several miles inland. This includes destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico and U.S. Unfortunately, it also means that for about half of the year (June to November), you may have to worry about a hurricane interrupting your travels.

This doesn't mean you can't plan a tropical vacation or cruise during hurricane season, though. Read on to discover where to travel during hurricane season.

Best islands to visit during hurricane season

In 2017, hurricanes Maria and Irma devastated Caribbean islands including Dominica , Puerto Rico and St. Martin . Yet other islands were untouched by the storms, namely those outside of the "hurricane belt." These include what's known as the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. There are also other islands you can visit with confidence during hurricane season. The following Caribbean destinations pose the least threat of a hurricane:

• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago

Best places to cruise during hurricane season

It's not as crazy as you might think to book a cruise during hurricane season. In addition to cruises within the Southern Caribbean (in the destinations noted above), you can avoid worrying about a hurricane by cruising to the following destinations:

• Mediterranean

What's more is many cruise lines offer last-minute deals or deep discounts to those who are willing to travel during this time. Bonus: If you don't have school-aged kids, fewer crowds make this an especially good time to travel.

Also consider that cruise ships have onboard weather tracking systems that help them avoid trouble. The cruise experts at Cruise Critic say it's not uncommon for cruises to be shortened or extended during hurricane season so they can work around a storm (and if you're concerned, you might want to consider a cruise insurance policy through a reputable agency or the cruise line itself). Your cruise line might switch your itinerary to include a stop at a different island in order to stay out of a storm's path (assuming there's space). Stopping at an unexpected destination such as Grand Turk instead of the Bahamas doesn't seem so bad.

Tips for travel during hurricane season

If you've got your eyes on an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean or an East Coast beach vacation and are worried how hurricane season will pan out, you can save yourself time and stress by planning ahead. Consider these tips when planning your vacation:

Purchase travel insurance

No matter where you decide to vacation during hurricane season, you should consider travel insurance . You may be given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your trip, but you can also buy a separate policy through companies like Travelex and Nationwide .

In addition to travel insurance products that cover flight cancellations, lost luggage and illness, you can also buy cancel-for-any-reason insurance (CFAR) that will do exactly what it says – let you cancel for any reason, including weather-related events like hurricanes (which aren't always covered by standard policies). CFAR policies will refund you for the cost of your prepaid airfare, hotels and more, but only if you buy them ahead of time.

If you have a credit card that offers travel insurance as a member perk, you might also rely on that coverage, provided you use your card to pay for the trip. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a free travel insurance benefit that will refund you up to $10,000 per trip for prepaid travel (think flights, hotels and tours) if severe weather ruins your plans. The card also provides protections for lost luggage, auto rental collision damage and more.

Consider destinations closer to home

Maybe you don't even want to deal with the potential for canceled or rescheduled flights , especially as this has been a major challenge for travelers over the past year or so. In that case, it might make sense to plan a weekend getaway or vacation in a destination you can reach by car.

Book a refundable hotel rate

To make this strategy work, you'll need to book a hotel fare you can cancel without any penalty. Since the National Hurricane Center knows when a hurricane is forming and, for the most part, can predict where it's heading, you can cancel your accommodations with even a few days' notice and just stay home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hurricanes are tropical cyclones around an area of low pressure. When the two meet, they produce strong winds and heavy rain that are capable of catastrophic damage. Hurricanes are caused by a number of factors, including increased sea surface temperatures and high humidity.

Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean officially starts on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. However, it reaches its peak in September. The Pacific hurricane season starts earlier, in mid-May, and ends around the same time late November.

Yes, hurricanes occur in Mexico , too. In fact, Agatha – the first hurricane of 2022 and a Category 2 storm – made landfall in the Pacific region of Mexico, near Oaxaca.

You might also be interested in:

• Is a Travel Agent Worth It?
• How to Renew a Passport Online
• The Best Travel Rewards Programs
• TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: Which One Is Right for You?

Tags: Travel , hurricanes , Travel Tips

World's Best Places To Visit

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Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel.

• Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.  
• State-Issued Drivers License or State-Issued ID
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a  federally recognized , Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

In coordination with its DHS counterparts, TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for use in special circumstances at the checkpoint.

A weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant . If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.

Learn more about flying with a REAL ID .

TSA currently accepts expired ID up to a year after expiration, for the above listed forms of identification. DHS has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline to May 7, 2025. Learn more about REAL ID on  TSA’s REAL ID  webpage.

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.

Forgot Your ID?

In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You will be subject to additional screening, to include a patdown and screening of carry-on property.

You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, you choose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.

TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours in advance of your flight time.

Names With Suffixes

TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and ID. Suffixes are not required on boarding passes. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass, and there is not one on the ID or vice versa, that is considered an acceptable variation.

If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.