Mexico
North America • MEX
Last updated: October 14, 2026
Mexico is a vibrant country known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and world-renowned culinary traditions. Visitors can explore ancient Mayan ruins, colonial cities, and diverse ecosystems ranging from deserts to tropical jungles.
Visa Requirements
Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, and the EU, do not need a visa for short tourist stays of up to 180 days.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Completed FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) arrival card
- Proof of return or onward travel
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the trip
Popular Attractions
Chichén Itzá: This iconic Mayan city features the magnificent El Castillo pyramid, a designated Wonder of the World.
Tulum: Famous for its incredibly preserved ruins overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Mexico City: The bustling capital is home to world-class museums, historic plazas, and an unparalleled street food scene.
Oaxaca: Known as the gastronomic heart of Mexico, this city offers vibrant markets and incredible mezcal culture.
Cancún and the Riviera Maya: These coastal regions offer world-class resorts, white sandy beaches, and access to unique cenotes.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Tipping is customary, and it is polite to leave 10-15 percent of your bill at restaurants.
It is common to greet others with a polite 'buenos dias' or 'buenas tardes' when entering shops or interacting with locals.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites, keeping shoulders and knees covered.
Expect a more relaxed pace regarding time; social gatherings often start later than scheduled.
Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local people or religious ceremonies.
Safety Tips
Avoid drinking tap water; always stick to bottled or filtered water to prevent illness.
Use reputable taxi services or ridesharing apps like Uber instead of hailing cabs on the street.
Stay in well-lit, populated tourist areas and avoid wandering into isolated regions at night.
Keep your valuables, such as passports and extra cash, in a hotel safe rather than carrying them around.
Be cautious with ATMs and only use machines located inside banks or major shopping centers.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Proof of vaccination is required for travelers aged 1 year or older arriving from countries with risk of YF transmission.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Routine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date prior to travel for overall health protection.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
Includes measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, chickenpox, and yearly flu shots.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Tdap, Polio, Varicella)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.
View sourceInsect Bite Prevention
Source: CDC
Recommended to prevent mosquito bites due to potential transmission of diseases.
Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves.
View sourceFood and Water Safety
Source: CDC
Important precaution for all travelers to avoid foodborne and waterborne illnesses.
Drink bottled water and avoid raw foods.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures (e.g., insect repellent and protective clothing)
Source: CDC
Due to risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels.
View sourceCOVID-19 Vaccination
Source: CDC
Travelers should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
Source: CDC
All travelers should ensure they are up to date on routine vaccines before traveling to Mexico.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures
Source: CDC
To reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases such as dengue and Zika.
View sourceRoutine vaccinations (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
To protect against common vaccine-preventable diseases when traveling.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
To prevent foodborne illnesses during travel.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers due to potential exposure through food and water.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure vaccinations are up to date before traveling.
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers, particularly if not up to date on vaccinations.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers born after 1956 who haven't had the vaccine.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Food and water safety
Source: CDC
Precautionary measures to avoid traveler's diarrhea and other foodborne illnesses.
Drink only bottled or boiled water; eat only cooked food or peelable fruit.
View sourceInsect Bite Prevention
Source: CDC
Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and stay in places with screens or air conditioning.
Required to reduce risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.
View sourceFood and Water Safety
Source: CDC
Prevent gastrointestinal illness by drinking only bottled or boiled water and eating thoroughly cooked food.
Always follow safe eating and drinking guidelines.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
Preventive measures for gastrointestinal illness; drink safe water and eat well-cooked food.
Eat and drink safely to prevent travelers' diarrhea and other foodborne illnesses.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Ensure vaccinations are up to date for bloodborne pathogens, especially in medical settings.
View sourceInsect bite prevention (including malaria prevention)
Source: CDC
To reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases.
View sourceTyphoid vaccine
Source: CDC
Consider if traveling to smaller cities or rural areas with food and water safety concerns.
View sourceHepatitis A vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers due to risk of infection.
View sourceMeasles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Source: CDC
Recommended for protection against measles, which can be common among international travelers.
View sourceFlu vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for all adults before traveling during flu season.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures
Source: CDC
To protect against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Essential due to potential food and water safety concerns.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers due to the risk of exposure through contaminated food or water.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Hepatitis B
Source: CDC
Consider if you might have sexual contact with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have medical procedures.
View sourceCOVID-19 Vaccination
Source: CDC
Recommended for optimal protection while traveling, in accordance with local requirements.
View sourceRabies vaccine
Source: CDC
For those planning to be in close contact with animals or adventure travelers at risk.
View sourceHepatitis B vaccine
Source: CDC
Particularly for travelers who may have exposure to bodily fluids.
View sourceCholera vaccine
Source: CDC
For those traveling to areas with active cholera transmission.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers who may have intimate contact with the local population.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers involved in outdoor activities like caving or those who may have contact with animals.
View source