This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Mexico set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Mexican Embassy in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Mexico, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
\n\nThe Mexican Embassy in the UK recommends passports be valid for at least 180 days because this is the longest you can stay in Mexico as a tourist.
\n\nIf you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from Mexico, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nBritish nationals entering Mexico by land must fill in an immigration form online.
\n\nThe Mexican Embassy has information on applying for a visa in the UK.
\n\nSee information on applying for a visa in Mexico (in Spanish).
\n\nAs a public health measure, Mexico may introduce temporary border measures for travellers arriving from countries affected by the Ebola outbreak.
\n\nThe World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
\n\nIf you are travelling or transiting through the USA to or from Mexico, see entry requirements in USA travel advice or contact the US Embassy in London. If you do not have an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver or the correct visa, you will not be allowed to travel to the USA.
\n\nTourists cannot do any type of voluntary or paid work or activity, including human rights work. To work or volunteer, you must get the correct visa from the Mexican Embassy before you travel.
\n\nYou 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, ask the Mexican Embassy in UK well before you travel and ask for written confirmation if necessary.
\n\nIf you are a tourist aged 18 or over, you can use e-gates in some of the main international airports in Mexico. You must show the printed e-gate ticket when you leave the country, so be sure to collect it.
\n\nYou can download digital proof of entry and how long you are allowed to stay in Mexico from Portal de Servicios del INM (in Spanish) within the first 60 days of your visit.
\n\nAt Mexican border control, you may need to:
\n\nIf you’re staying 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’:
\n\nMake sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.
\nIf you’re entering Mexico from the USA, and there is no immigration officer to stamp your passport, find the nearest immigration office before continuing. Immigration offices are usually near the border, and customs officials should be able to direct you. It is often more complicated to correct immigration issues once you leave the border area.
\n\nIf you are travelling with a child, you may be asked for:
\n\nChildren with dual nationality of Mexico who are travelling without a parent or legal guardian must apply for a permit to leave the country.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Mexico guide.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nCheck whether you will need to declare anything to customs officials. If you have goods to declare, you must submit a customs form online before travelling to Mexico. If you do not declare goods, customs officials may seize them and you could get a fine.
\n\nYou must pay an entry tax to visit the state of Quintana Roo – you can pay the entry tax online before or during your stay. You can get help paying online at Cancun Airport. You must show proof of payment at the airport before leaving.
\n\nTo leave Mexico, you must show your passport with the entry stamp showing how many days you were allowed to stay.
\n\nIf you lose your passport, you must pay a fee to replace the entry stamp. The fee is about 700 Mexican pesos, to be paid at the immigration office by card or in a bank with cash. Migration officers do not accept cash. You can replace the stamp at the immigration office at any international airport in Mexico or start the entry stamp replacement process online. Updated fees should be displayed at the immigration offices.
\n\nFake immigration officers can operate in international airports. Always refuse offers of help and head directly to the immigration office.
\n\nYou 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.
\n","safety_html":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Mexico.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Mexico cannot be ruled out.
\n\nPolitical demonstrations are common in Mexico City and can happen across the country. Demonstrations can be tense, confrontational and potentially violent. Onlookers can be quickly drawn in.
\n\nThere have also been ongoing protests blocking vehicle access to Oaxaca airport. If you are flying to Oaxaca, check the status of your flight and monitor local media for updates. Allow more time to get to and from Oaxaca airport.
\n\nIt is illegal for foreign nationals to participate in political activities in Mexico. If you join demonstrations, the Mexican authorities may detain and deport you.
\n\nSince July 2025 there have been protests against gentrification in Mexico City, which have taken place in central and tourist areas.
\n\nMonitor local media and avoid all demonstrations. If you come across protests, move away from the area.
\n\nCrime is a risk to foreign nationals in Mexico, particularly in major cities and tourist resort areas. Street crime is a serious issue in these places.
\n\nMany Mexican and foreign businesses choose to hire private security. You should:
\n\nIf you want to report a crime, do so immediately at the nearest branch of the state prosecutor’s office (‘Agencia del Ministerio Público’). A criminal investigation is not possible without a formal complaint to the Mexican authorities. You must make a complaint in person before you leave Mexico.
\n\nThe Mexico City Command and Control Centre (‘Centro de Atención a Emergencias y Protección Ciudadana de la Ciudad de México’) has information and advice on safety in Mexico City in Spanish.
\n\nTake care withdrawing money from ATMs or using exchange offices (bureau de change). Criminals have targeted people using these services. It’s generally safer to use ATMs during daylight hours inside shops or malls. Avoid withdrawing large amounts and watch who is around you while you are at an ATM.
\n\nPickpocketing and theft are common, including on public transport. You should:
\n\nBe wary of criminals posing as police officers and trying to fine or arrest you for no reason. They have targeted travellers driving rental cars.
\n\nSome genuine police officers have extorted money from tourists for alleged minor offences or traffic violations. If this happens:
\n\nCriminals may try to get your friends or relatives to transfer money to Mexico. This can happen if your phone is stolen or hacked. Before you travel, agree how you will contact friends or relatives and how you would arrange to transfer money.
\n\nA common phone scam involves criminals posing as a kidnapped family member or employee and demanding money for their release. They may also claim a relative is being detained. If you are threatened over the phone, hang up and check on your family member or employee’s safety.
\n\nDo not leave food and drinks unattended in bars and restaurants. Criminals have robbed or assaulted travellers after drugging them.
\n\nTainted alcohol has caused illness or blackouts. If you have any concerns, get advice from your tour operator or the local authorities.
\n\nThere have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Mexico.
\n\nEven small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Spiking and methanol poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.
\n\nSeek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
\n\nSexual offences have been reported in tourist areas. Take care even in areas close to hotels, and especially after dark.
\n\nKidnapping is more common in some areas of Mexico than others. See Regional risks for areas of higher risk. While tourists are not usually targeted, you should always remain aware of your surroundings.
\n\nShort-term opportunistic kidnapping (called ‘express kidnapping’) can happen, particularly in urban areas. Kidnappers force victims to withdraw money at an ATM to secure their release.
\n\nLonger-term kidnapping for financial gain also happens, and there have been allegations of police involvement. You should always remain alert and avoid travelling in higher risk areas, especially at night. Be discreet about discussing your financial or business affairs in places where others may overhear you.
\n\nDrug-related violence in Mexico has increased over recent years. Do not become involved with drugs of any kind.
\n\nSome areas of Mexico have a high crime rate due to fighting between rival organised crime gangs. In these areas, there is a risk of being caught in the crossfire or of being mistaken for a gang member. While risks are lower in tourist areas, you should:
\n\nStay away from isolated roads and use toll roads (‘cuotas’) whenever possible. Keep car doors locked and windows closed, especially at traffic lights.
\n\nViolent carjackings and robberies happen along the Pacific Highway. If you suspect someone is following or watching you, drive to a police station or another safe place. Criminals have targeted large camper vans and sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
\n\nCriminals can deliberately cause traffic accidents to make insurance claims or get cash from the other party. They sometimes threaten violence or intimidation. Contact the authorities for support if necessary.
\n\nIf you are involved in a carjacking, stay calm and surrender your valuables and your vehicle if asked. Resisting demands for your belongings can put you at significant risk of harm.
\n\nIn remote areas, you may come across unofficial roadblocks, including on main roads. Local groups seeking money for an unofficial toll control these roadblocks. They can become violent and deny entry.
\n\nUnlicensed taxi drivers have robbed and assaulted passengers, including in Mexico City. Use the better regulated ‘sitio’ taxis from authorised taxi ranks or ask your hotel to order you a taxi. At airports, only use authorised pre-paid airport taxi services.
\n\nLicensed taxi drivers protesting about Uber have blocked roads near Cancun’s hotels. The protesters have pulled tourists from Uber taxis. Tourists have also missed flights due to roadblocks. Protests can happen without notice. Look for local announcements and follow your hotel’s advice on how to avoid protests.
\n\nBe alert on public transport, at airports and in bus stations. Theft on buses is common, so keep your belongings safe.
\n\nThere is a risk of bus hijacking. Try to travel on first-class buses using toll roads, which have a lower rate of incidents than second and third-class buses travelling on the less secure free (‘libre’) roads. Most first-class bus companies perform security checks when passengers board the bus.
\n\nWomen travelling alone on public transport have been harassed, robbed and sexually assaulted.
\n\nThe Mexican government makes efforts to protect major tourist destinations, including:
\n\nCriminals have physically and sexually assaulted British travellers in these locations. In some cases, hotel employees, taxi drivers and security personnel were involved. Hotel staff have sometimes been unhelpful and tried to convince victims not to contact police.
\n\nRival criminal gangs have clashed in popular Cancun tourist destinations and surrounding areas. Gangs have not targeted tourists, but violent incidents could affect anyone nearby. Since 2021, several shootings have affected tourists.
\n\nBe very cautious after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Stay in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones. Follow advice from the local authorities and your tour operator.
\n\nFor information on procedures, local laws or social services, you can contact Mexico City’s public telephone service LOCATEL on 5658 1111 (English-speaking staff available).
\n\nTraditional hallucinogenic tea, ceremonies and practices such as Yagé, Ayahuasca, and Bufo are organised and marketed to tourists as spiritual cleansing. These various preparations typically contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT) or 5-metoxi-N, N-dimetiltriptamina (5-MeO-DMT), strong hallucinogens that are illegal in the UK and many other countries.
\n\nThere are many risks involved. Consumption is not regulated. Intoxicated travellers have been assaulted and robbed. There have also been reports of sexual assaults during these ceremonies.
\n\nHealth risks are not well understood, and some people have suffered serious illnesses and, in some cases, mental breakdowns or death after taking these drugs. The jungle retreats are often a long way from medical facilities making the risks even greater. Some have basic medical services, but others do not. Some do not have an established plan for how you can access medical facilities in case of an emergency.
\n\nThe Mexican authorities can ask to see your passport and entry stamp to prove your entrance and stay. They do not accept copies or photos. To prove your visa status, you can get a digital registry of your entry documents from the Portal de Servicios INM (in Spanish). If you cannot show the correct documents, immigration officers may question and detain you while they check your immigration status. Depending on the outcome, they can deport you.
\n\nIf you are a resident, the police may ask to see your Mexican residency card. They have detained British people for not having the correct documents.
\n\nIt is illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices and solutions into Mexico or to buy and sell them. Customs officials will confiscate these items; and they could fine or detain you.
\n\nIf you smoke or vape in a public place, you can get a fine of up to 3,000 Mexican pesos (about £150).
\n\nDo not become involved with drugs of any kind. Penalties for drug offences are severe and convictions carry sentences of up to 25 years.
\n\nSame-sex relations in Mexico are generally tolerated, rather than accepted. Civil unions between same-sex partners are legal in Mexico. People may frown on same-sex couples showing affection in public. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nOnly some Mexican states legally recognise assisted human reproduction, including surrogacy. Before you consider a surrogacy arrangement in Mexico, make sure you:
\n\nFor more information, see surrogacy overseas.
\n\nIn some hotels, balcony railings are low and there is a risk of falling.
\n\nIf you take part in adventure sports, including paragliding, skydiving, scuba diving and jet-skiing, be aware equipment may not meet UK safety and insurance standards. British nationals participating in these activities have been injured and, in some cases, killed. Check your travel insurance covers you for all your planned activities.
\n\nMake sure the company you use:
\n\nSea conditions can be unpredictable, and some beaches are unpatrolled. Follow coastguard and local authority guidance on whether it is safe to swim.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nShark attacks are rare in Mexico, but you should take care, particularly when surfing. Research the area and follow local advice.
\n\nCrocodiles normally live in lagoons and coastal areas in Mexico, including Cancun and Pacific coast resorts. Respect warning signs around lagoons in these areas and do not walk close to the water. Crocodiles have attacked and seriously injured tourists in the past.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Mexico, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Mexico. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the 1926 version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nDriving standards are very different from the UK. Roads can have potholes, and conditions can be unpredictable. Be prepared to stop unexpectedly and beware of vehicles moving slowly, changing lane without indicating and going through red lights. Many drivers do not have car insurance.
\n\nTo reduce pollution, the authorities ban cars entering parts of Mexico City and other places on some days of the week, based on their number plates. For details, check the Hoy no Circula programme (in Spanish).
\n\nThe authorities strictly enforce these regulations. Offenders face heavy fines and temporary confiscation of their vehicle. Check with your car hire company to see if these rules apply to you.
\n\nIn Mexico City, vehicles without registration plates from the State of Mexico (‘Estado de Mexico’) or Mexico City are not allowed to enter Mexico City from:
\n\nThere may be further driving restrictions if air pollution is high, generally from February to June.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThe hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from June to November and can affect the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Tropical storms and hurricanes cause floods, landslides and disruption to local services, including transport networks. After a hurricane there can still be continued flooding, high winds and rainfall.
\n\nMonitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Center and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator, including evacuation orders.
\n\nIn 2023, Hurricane Otis hit the south coast near Acapulco. This Category 5 hurricane seriously damaged infrastructure along the coast, in Acapulco and between Zihuatenejo and Punta Maldonado. Reconstruction efforts continue to disrupt tourism, and the security situation is unpredictable. FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Acapulco.
\n\nThere is a risk of earthquakes in most parts of Mexico. Tremors happen regularly, particularly in the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero.
\n\nThe US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake or tsunami. There is also advice from the Mexican Ministry of Civil Protection (PDF) (in Spanish).
\n\nIf you’re in Mexico City, you can download the 911 CDMX app on iOS or Android (accessible only by local phone numbers), which can warn you 60 seconds before earthquake movement starts. Although useful, this app cannot warn you about all types of earthquake.
\n\nThe volcanoes Popocatépetl and Colima are active and closed to the public. The danger zones around both volcanoes change depending on the current level of activity.
\n\nThere is currently a 7-mile (12km) exclusion zone around Popocatépetl and the alert level is level 2 of the amber tier.
\n\nAsh fall from Popocatépetl has previously disrupted air travel and caused flight cancellations at Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City. Check your flight status with your airline or operator. You can also follow Benito Juárez airport on X.
\n\nFalling volcanic ash and toxic fumes can affect your health, especially if you suffer from a respiratory condition.
\n\nThe Mexican Disaster Prevention Centre has updates on Popocatepetl, Colima and other volcanoes. There is also Mexican government information on X.
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