Travel To Mexico: Uk Holidaymaker's Guide

can I travel to mexico from uk on holiday

If you're thinking of travelling to Mexico from the UK on holiday, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to certain parts of Mexico, so be sure to check the latest FCDO advice before planning your trip. British citizens do not need a visa to enter Mexico, but you must have a valid passport. It is recommended that your passport is valid for at least 180 days, as this is the longest you can stay in Mexico as a tourist. In addition to your passport, you may need to show a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds for your stay when entering Mexico. There are also taxes that must be paid when entering and leaving the country. It is also important to be aware of the health risks in Mexico, such as malaria, dengue fever, and the Zika virus. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance are essential to cover any unexpected costs while you are away.

Characteristics Values
Travel advisories The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Mexico
Hurricane warnings Hurricane Milton warning for the Yucatan peninsula
Travel insurance Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the FCDO
Passport validity Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Mexico
Passport validity recommendation The Mexican Embassy in the UK recommends passports be valid for at least 180 days
Visa requirements You do not need a visa to enter Mexico as a tourist
Online immigration form British nationals entering Mexico by land must fill in an immigration form online
COVID-19 requirements There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Mexico
Vaccination requirements See TravelHealthPro's Mexico guide
Taxes Visitors are required to pay three different taxes: Departure Tax, Environmental Tax, and Tourist Tax
Zika virus Mexico has been categorised as having a risk of Zika virus transmission

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Passport and visa requirements

To enter Mexico, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. The Mexican Embassy in the UK recommends that passports are valid for at least 180 days, as this is the longest you can stay in Mexico as a tourist. However, some sources state that your passport must be valid for at least six months. If you are entering Mexico from another country, check the entry requirements for that country, as some countries will only allow entry if you have at least six months of validity remaining on your passport.

If you are a UK citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Mexico as a tourist. You will get a stamp in your passport with the number of days you are allowed to stay. However, if you are entering Mexico by land, you must fill in an immigration form online and get a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), also known as a Mexican tourist card. The FMM is also required for UK nationals visiting Mexico for business. To apply for an FMM, you will need to enter a few details into an online form, which can be found on the official government website. You will also need a current UK passport with a remaining validity of at least six months at the time of arriving in Mexico, a credit or debit card to pay the processing fee, and an email account to receive notifications about the FMM.

Upon arrival at the Mexican border, you will need to present your FMM and your UK passport to the authorities. Mexican immigration officials may also ask to see additional documentation, such as proof of intent to leave the country (e.g. an onward or return ticket), accommodation booking, and proof of funds to support yourself during your stay. If you are staying with a friend or relative in Mexico, you may be asked to provide their address and/or a letter of invitation.

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Vaccinations and health risks

Vaccinations

Mexico does not require any specific vaccinations for entry, however, it is always a good idea to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date before international travel. These include vaccinations such as the seasonal flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine (if eligible), MMR, and others recommended for your age, lifestyle, and medical history.

Additionally, the NHS recommends considering the following vaccinations for travel to Mexico:

  • Diphtheria
  • Hepatitis A
  • Rabies
  • Tetanus
  • Typhoid

Hepatitis B vaccination is also suggested for individuals at the highest risk. These recommendations are based on the potential health risks associated with the diseases mentioned above. For example, the risk of contracting hepatitis A is higher when travelling to areas with poor sanitation and personal hygiene, while the risk of rabies is higher for those spending more time in remote or rural areas without easy access to medical facilities.

Health Risks

Mexico has a range of health risks that travellers should be aware of:

  • Food and water safety: Ensure that you only consume properly prepared and cooked food and drink bottled or treated water to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses like hepatitis A.
  • Insect bites: Mosquitoes can transmit diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus. Practise strict mosquito bite avoidance by using insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and sleeping under a mosquito net if necessary.
  • Animal bites: Avoid contact with animals, especially dogs, cats, bats, and monkeys, as they can transmit rabies through bites, scratches, or licks to broken skin.
  • Altitude sickness: Mexico has areas of high altitude, and travellers should be aware of the potential risk of Acute Mountain Sickness, which can be life-threatening.
  • Natural disasters: Mexico experiences hurricanes and storms, especially between July and October. Stay updated with weather alerts and follow the advice of local authorities and tour operators.

It is always advisable to seek pre-travel health advice from a healthcare professional, ideally 6 to 8 weeks before your trip, to assess your individual needs and risks. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is also essential to ensure you are covered in case of any health emergencies during your holiday in Mexico.

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Insurance

It is not mandatory to have travel insurance when visiting Mexico, but it is highly recommended. Travel insurance can provide valuable peace of mind and protect you from unforeseen events and their financial consequences. The right travel insurance coverage could make all the difference in the success of your trip.

When considering travel insurance, it is important to review the overall trip and expenses. For example, if you plan to rent a car, you might consider a policy that includes rental accident coverage. If you are taking a cruise, you may want missed-connection coverage. And if you are travelling during hurricane season, look for a plan that covers inclement weather.

Some travel credit cards offer basic travel insurance, so check if you already have coverage through your card provider. However, the coverage limits are typically lower than on a comprehensive plan. If you need more protection, you can purchase a separate comprehensive independent policy.

When purchasing travel insurance, it is important to consider the following types of coverage:

  • Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
  • Baggage delay and loss reimbursement
  • Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation insurance
  • Rental car collision damage waiver
  • Trip cancellation, delay, and interruption reimbursement

In addition to the above, it is important to consider your health when travelling to Mexico. Mexico has a low risk of malaria, which is present throughout the year, and there is also a risk of dengue fever and the Zika virus, both transmitted by mosquitoes. Therefore, it is recommended to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

There are also specific vaccination recommendations for travellers to Mexico, including:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis B
  • Rabies
  • Tetanus

Finally, it is important to be aware of safety concerns when visiting Mexico. Although the violence related to the drug war is typically contained to those involved, it is still important to take precautions such as paying attention to news stories, travelling during the day, and sticking to major highways. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are also common threats, so it is important to stay alert and minimise the cash and valuables you keep on your person.

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Entry taxes

If you are entering Mexico as a tourist, you do not need a visa. However, you will get a stamp in your passport with the number of days you are allowed to stay. If you are visiting the state of Quintana Roo, you must pay an entry tax, also known as Visitax. This is mandatory for all tourists entering the state and can be paid online before or during your stay. You can also get help with paying online at Cancun Airport. You must show proof of payment at the airport before leaving.

If you are a British national entering Mexico by land, you must fill in an immigration form online. You 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.

When leaving Mexico, you must show your passport with the entry stamp showing how many days you were allowed to stay. If 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.

Fake immigration officers can operate in international airports. Always refuse offers of help and head directly to the immigration office.

You may also 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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Safety

Mexico is a popular holiday destination for UK citizens, with its warm climate and Caribbean beaches. However, there are several safety considerations to be aware of before travelling there.

Health and Safety

It is important to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Mexico. The NHS Fit for Travel website provides detailed information on health risks and advice on staying safe and healthy in Mexico. Some of the key health risks include food and water safety, insect bites, and animal bites. There is also a risk of contracting diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and the Zika virus, which are transmitted by mosquitoes. It is essential to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, especially after sunset, and when in urban areas.

Vaccinations

It is recommended to review the vaccination requirements for Mexico and make an appointment with a travel health professional if necessary. While no vaccinations are strictly required, it is advisable to consider vaccines for diphtheria, hepatitis A, rabies, tetanus, and typhoid. Hepatitis B vaccination is selectively advised for individuals at the highest risk.

Travel Advice

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to certain parts of Mexico, including the states of Baja California, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Michoacán, Colima, Guerrero, and areas near the Guatemalan border. It is important to monitor local weather updates and follow the advice of authorities and tour operators, especially during hurricane season, which typically occurs between July and October.

Entry Requirements

British citizens do not need a visa to enter Mexico as tourists, but they must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay. The Mexican Embassy in the UK recommends that passports be valid for at least 180 days, as this is the maximum length of stay allowed for tourists. When entering Mexico, individuals may need to show a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for their stay. It is also important to declare any prohibited goods or items subject to tax or duty to customs officials before travelling.

In conclusion, while Mexico is a popular holiday destination, it is important to be aware of the potential health and safety risks and to follow the advice of official sources such as the NHS and FCDO to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can travel to Mexico from the UK on holiday. However, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to certain parts of Mexico.

To enter Mexico, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. The Mexican Embassy in the UK recommends that passports be valid for at least 180 days because this is the longest you can stay in Mexico as a tourist. You do not need a visa if you are visiting Mexico as a tourist. However, British nationals entering Mexico by land must fill in an immigration form online.

The recommended vaccinations for travel to Mexico include:

- Diphtheria

- Hepatitis A

- Rabies

- Tetanus

- Typhoid

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