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International Travel > Learn About Your Destination > Mexico International Travel Information
Reissued after periodic review with updates for Chiapas, and Durango.
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 of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D and between Ciudad Juarez and interior cities as noted in the Chihuahua section.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Mexico.
Do Not Travel To:
Reconsider Travel To:
Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:
Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
If you decide to travel to Mexico:
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:
To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
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
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 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 – Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel due to crime.
Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
U.S. government employees may not travel to the municipality of Ocozocoautla and to the following restricted areas in the southeastern region. All areas within the boundaries, including highway and roads unless specifically exempted, are restricted. East-Northeast Boundary: the eastern boundary follows the Mexican-Guatemalan border from the southern point on the Pacific coast, along the border, to the northern end point east of Netzahualcóyotl. Northern Boundary: from Netzahualcóyotl in a straight line southwest towards the northern limit of Ocosingo. Western Boundary: from Ocosingo in a straight-line south to El Ocote, from El Ocote in a straight-line west to San Francisco Pujiltic, from San Franciso Pujiltic southwest to just north of Mapastepec. South-Southwest Boundary: Highway 200 from Mapastepec to Tapachula. All towns along this highway are not restricted. The area to the north of highway 200 defines the southern boundary of the restricted area. From Tapachula, the restricted area boundary is north and east of the city limits and then extends southeast to the Pacific coast at Tres Hermanos San Isidro.
U.S. government employees may travel to Tapachula within the city limits and on Highway 225, from Port Chiapas to Tapachula, including the Tapachula Airport.
To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.
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:
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.
To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including Copper Canyon.
Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to crime.
Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state.
U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:
To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.
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:
To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state.
Durango state – Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to crime.
Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.
U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:
To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.
Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel due to crime.
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.
U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:
To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
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.
U.S. government employees may not travel to any area in the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa.
Hidalgo 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 Hidalgo state.
Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.
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.
U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:
To view a map of the restricted areas, visit
https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
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
Exercise increased caution due to crime.
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
Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.
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. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.
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.
Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:
To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-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
Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.
Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to crime.
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.
Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.
Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to crime.
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:
To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
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
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 Puebla state.
Queretaro 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 Queretaro state.
Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to crime.
Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations. While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured and killed innocent bystanders, including U.S. citizens. Violent crime, including homicides and assaults, has increased in Tulum.
There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. Exercise increased caution after dark in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum and remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.
San Luis Potosi 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 San Luis Potosi state.
Do not travel due to crime.
Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa.
Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:
To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.
Sonora state – Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.
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.
U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:
To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
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
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 Tabasco state.
Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel
Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.
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. 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:
To view a map of the restricted areas, visit https://mx.usembassy.gov/maps-of-restricted-areas
U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.
Tlaxcala 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 Tlaxcala state.
Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to crime.
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
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
Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.
Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas 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:
Your passport must be valid at time of entry.
One blank passport page per stamp required for air travelers.
A visa is required when visiting for more than 180 days
Visit your doctor at least one month before traveling to Mexico to update your vaccinations.
$10,000 USD or more must be declared.
$10,000 USD or more must be declared.
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
Manuel Acuña 3410
Colonia Monraz
44670 Guadalajara, Jalisco
U.S. Consulate General Hermosillo
Consulado General de los Estados Unidos de América en Hermosillo
Blvd. Navarrete 291 Colonia Raquet Club C.P. 83204
Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.
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
Mazatlan
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
See the State Department’s Fact Sheet on Mexico for more information on U.S.-Mexico relations.
Helpful resources
Mexican government entry, exit, and visa requirements (in Spanish)
U.S. Embassy in Mexico
Common terms
Passport requirements
Air travel: You need a passport book to enter Mexico. You can’t use a U.S. passport card to board a plane at the airport.
Land travel: You need a passport book or card to enter Mexico. All travelers to Mexico, must apply for an FMM, (entry permit) online or from an INM office, including travelers who are only staying within 12 miles (or 20 kilometers).
Entry and exit procedures
By air: Mexican authorities issue digital Forma Migratoria Multiple Digital (FMMD) at all 66 international airports in Mexico.
By land: All travelers are required to have a passport book or card and apply for an FMM, online or from an INM office, including travelers who are only staying within 12 miles from the border (or 20 kilometers)
By sea: If you are traveling to Mexico by sea, you must have either a valid passport, a U.S. passport card, a trusted traveler card (such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST), or a state-issued REAL ID.
Vehicle regulations
Legal and customs entry information
Emergency numbers
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
Dial 911 to report emergencies in Mexico. Seek help from a Spanish speaker to place the call. Not all emergency operators speak English.
Dial 55 8526 2561 (from Mexico) for the U.S. Embassy.
Dial 844 528 6611 (from the United States) for the U.S. Embassy.
Contact the closest U.S. Consulate
U.S. citizens in Mexico should not expect the same public health and safety standards as in the United States. Enforcement varies by location, even when standards exist. Follow health and safety precautions to reduce the risk of illness or injury.
Crime: Crime in Mexico is common and can be violent. This ranges from petty street crime to attacks by cartels, criminal organizations and terrorist organizations. There have been violent crimes in resort areas and tourist spots in Mexico.
Robbery: Robberies happen often in cities. Criminals force victims to use their debit or credit cards to withdraw money. They may also pose as taxi drivers to trick you.
To stay safe:
Extortion: Extortion schemes are common, such as virtual kidnapping. Criminals convince families that a relative has been kidnapped. The relative is actually safe but unreachable. In another version of virtual kidnapping, a caller tells someone who has checked into a hotel that they are in danger and must pay a ransom. The criminals try to scare the victim into not contacting police or family. They claim the cartel, criminal organization, or terrorist organization is involved and threaten violence.
To protect yourself from these schemes:
Drug smuggling: Mexican cartels, criminal organizations and terrorist organizations are active in a violent struggle to control trafficking routes. Crime organizations may try to convince Americans to carry packages into the United States for them. They target unaware travelers who regularly cross the border to smuggle drugs.
Don’t agree to carry any package across the border.
Sexual assault: Rape and sexual assault are common in some resort areas, especially at night or early morning. Criminals sometimes drug their victim’s drinks.
Financial scams: Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams and learn how the FBI can help.
Internet financial scams are common in Mexico. Scammers often reach out through online services or unwanted emails. They may pretend to be U.S. citizens needing help. They even claim that you or a loved one may be in danger if you do not give them money. There have also been reports of banking fraud against U.S. citizens. Common scams include:
If you think you’ve been scammed, you can:
Credit and debit card skimming: Fraudulent charges or cash withdrawals can occur due to “skimmed” cards.
Victims of crime: When a crime occurs while traveling:
The Department of State provides help for U.S. victims of crime overseas. The Embassy or Consulate can:
Carbon monoxide: U.S. citizens have died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Mexico.
Demonstrations: Demonstrations happen often, sometimes due to political or economic issues, political holidays, or international events.
U.S. citizens should not join demonstrations, as Mexican law forbids political activities by foreigners. Joining demonstrations can lead to detention or deportation.
In major cities and resorts, tourism is well-regulated and enforced through best practices and safety inspections.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
Tourist assistance:
Dial 078 from any phone in Mexico to get free information about:
Mexico also has multilingual Centers for the Care and Protection of the Tourist (CAPTA) and Tourist Assistance Centers (CATTAC) to help with:
Locations:
Traveling in the state of Quintana Roo (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel):
Consider downloading the government of Quintana Roo’s Guest Assist mobile app. Find easy access to emergency numbers, legal advice, and tourist information. Get help with police reports for lost passports or complaints against service providers.
Weather and Natural Disasters
Resources during natural disasters Civil Protection
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Earthquakes and tsunamis
Mexico is an active earthquake zone. Tsunamis may occur following significant earthquakes. Travelers may wish to download one of several earthquake alert apps. Tropical storm and hurricane season is May to November
Make plans to prepare for a potential disaster or crisis. Tropical storms with heavy rain and wind occur between May and November.
Stay informed of incoming storms and avoid these areas if possible.
Criminal penalties
Learn and follow local laws. If you break laws, even by mistake, you can be fined, expelled, arrested or imprisoned.
You may also be prosecuted in the U.S. for some acts committed abroad regardless of local law.
Federal law bans U.S. citizens or residents from traveling abroad to engage in any sexual conduct with someone under 18.
Arrest notification
If you are arrested or detained, ask the police or prison officials to inform the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate immediately.
Firearms and other weapons
Mexican federal law regulates firearms, and other weapons. Laws vary by state. However, it is almost always illegal to carry weapons such as:
The Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against bringing firearms into Mexico. Refer to Traveling Abroad with Firearms for more information.
Drugs
Drug possession and use is illegal in Mexico. It can lead to long jail sentences or fines. This includes marijuana, even if its use is allowed where you live in the United States.
Alcohol
Drink alcohol only in moderation and seek medical help if you feel ill.
Health inspection of hotels, restaurants and other hospitality establishments is handled by the Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk, COFEPRIS (Comision Federal para la Proteccion contra Riesgos Sanitarios, Spanish only). Contact COFEPRIS for information, to schedule an appointment, or file a report for any unregulated alcohol or health-related violations:
Dial 800-033-50-50 (from Mexico)
Dial +52-55-5080-5425 (from the U.S.)
Email: contacociudadano@cofepris.gob.mx
Electronic cigarettes (vaping devices)
It is illegal to bring e-cigarettes and vaping liquids into Mexico. Don’t bring them to avoid entry delays, fines or criminal charges.
Customs will confiscate vaping devices and solutions.
Counterfeit and pirated goods
Counterfeit and pirated goods are common but may be illegal according to local laws. You may also get fined or have to give the goods to authorities if you try to bring them to the United States. Review the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.
Real estate and time share purchasing
Be cautious when considering time-share investments or buying real estate in Mexico.
Business permits or licenses
U.S. citizens starting a business or practicing a profession should work with local authorities to understand what special permits or licenses are needed.
Mountain climbing and hiking
Beach areas and water activities
Beaches in Mexico can be dangerous due to strong currents, rip tides, and rogue waves.
Boating
Be cautious on boats during excursions and water activities.
Adventure Travel
Faith-based travelers
Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:
Gay and Lesbian travelers
There are no legal restrictions on same-sex relationships or events in Mexico. However, there are occasional reports of violence against Gay and Lesbian people.
Gay and Lesbian Travel Information
Human Rights Report for Mexico
Women travelers
Travel tips for women travelers
Health Resources
Mexico Traveler Health Information
Health Traveler Information
Medical Tourism information
International Air Quality Index
Insurance Coverage Overseas
Common diseases
CDC Traveler’s Health in Mexico
Vaccinations
Visit your doctor at least one month before traveling to Mexico to update your vaccinations.
Emergency healthcare
Dial 911 to report emergencies in Mexico. Seek help from a Spanish speaker to place the call. Not all emergency operators are English-speaking.
Ambulance services are:
Injured or seriously ill travelers may reach a major hospital faster by arranging private transportation than waiting for an ambulance.
Health facilities
Excellent health facilities are available in Mexico City and major cities.
High costs at private hospitals
Most private hospitals in Mexico charge higher than expected prices and require payment before they allow you to leave.
Medical payments and insurance
The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. The CDC provides more information on types of travel insurance available.
Medical tourism and elective surgery
Many U.S. citizens suffer serious complications or die during or after cosmetic or other elective surgery in Mexico.
Private residential treatment facilities
Private facilities in Mexico include child behavior modification, addiction rehabilitation and assisted living centers.
Pharmaceuticals
Importing into Mexico
Some medicines that are sold over-the-counter in some U.S. states are controlled substances in Mexico. For example, pseudoephedrine (found in Sudafed) is illegal in Mexico.
Purchasing in Mexico
Exercise caution when purchasing medication in Mexico. Counterfeit medication is common and may:
The Drug Enforcement Agency reports that counterfeit prescription pills are sold by criminals on both sides of the border. U.S. citizens have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or contaminated prescription pills.
Returning to the U.S.
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.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) and surrogacy
Access the latest information from the Department of State on assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy before you travel to Mexico.
In 2021, Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled that surrogacy is constitutional but left it to the individual Mexican states to regulate the practice. However, the vast majority of Mexican states lack laws that expressly permit or regulate surrogacy, leaving parents and surrogates with no clear protections. Surrogacy agreements between foreign “intended parents” and gestational mothers are not always enforced by Mexican courts. Some U.S. citizens face long delays for court decisions on parental rights and custody.
If you choose to pursue ART or surrogacy in Mexico, consider hiring a reputable local attorney who understands Mexican law regarding ART or surrogacy.
Food and water quality:
High altitude
Many cities in Mexico, such as Mexico City, are at high altitude. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel.
Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes (source: CDC).
Air quality
Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Mexico. Consult your doctor on how seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may impact your health.
Helpful road travel resources
Driving and Road Safety Abroad
Mexico National Tourist Office
Temporary Import of Vehicles
Vehicle Recovery Unit - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico
Emergency numbers
Dial 911 for emergency services.
Dial 078 on toll roads (“cuota”) or major highways for bilingual help from Green Angels, a Mexican government roadside assistance service.
If there are no injuries, contact your car insurance provider directly. They may come to the site’s accident and assess it right away.
Road conditions and safety
Road conditions and surface maintenance vary across Mexico. Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of U.S. citizen deaths in Mexico.
Driving in Mexico City:
Road checkpoints
Vehicle laws
U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in Mexico. Only U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents can operate U.S.-registered vehicles.
The owner must be in the vehicle for another person to drive it. Violating this law can lead to towing and a fine equal to the value of the vehicle.
It is illegal in Mexico to:
Car insurance and required documents
Mexican car insurance is required for all vehicles.
U.S. vehicles entering Mexico must have a valid license plate and current registration sticker.
Vehicle border permits
Temporary permits for U.S. registered vehicles are required when you drive beyond the immediate border area (approximately 12 miles into Mexico).
Traveling by bus
Public buses vary in security but are generally safe in Mexico City and major tourist areas. Avoid buses in Tamaulipas state as they are not generally safe.
Taxi travel
Do not hail taxis on the street. Use trusted ride-sharing apps.
Aviation safety oversight
Maritime travel
Maritime safety oversight
The Mexican maritime industry (charter fishing and recreational vessels) may not meet U.S. standards or have accident insurance.
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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Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.
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