travel advice cancun mexico

Everything you need to know before visiting Cancún

Jan 24, 2024 • 6 min read

Prepare for your visit to Cancún with our guide to health, safety and etiquette in the Mexican hotspot © Wei Fang / Getty Images

If my frequent travels to Cancún have taught me anything, it's that paradise will throw you a curveball from time to time.

Among the setbacks, I've experienced a costly car break-in, brazen price gouging and a debilitating bout of sickness with dengue fever, an ordeal that still makes my joints ache just thinking about it. But every time I found myself in need of help, the good folks in Cancún have stepped up big-time, and that's no small thing.

While some first-time visitors never leave the touristy, high-gloss hotel zone – which I get, the stunning resort offers pillow-soft Caribbean beaches – you’ll kick yourself later if you overlook the Centro, a bustling downtown.

This is where you can mingle with locals in the neighborhood cantinas and barter at traditional markets. Visit one atmospheric taco joint and you’ll be glad you made the effort. 

With that in mind, here are nine essential tips to make your Cancún trip run as smooth as possible.

1. Stay alert but don't let the clickbait headlines spook you

Despite all the grim news about Mexico 's drug-related violence, Cancún and the wider Yucatán Peninsula are generally considered safe.

Granted, you should never treat the crime problem lightly, but drug gangs rarely target tourists, especially if you avoid illicit activities.

That said, it's important to keep a close watch on your drink in bars and nightclubs. There have been reports of some tourists getting their drinks spiked with so-called date rape drugs. You should also avoid withdrawing money from ATMs at night, and never carry large amounts of cash.

2. Monitor hurricane season and seaweed surges

Cancún's hurricane season runs from June to November, and over the years the city has seen powerful storms cause devastating damage. Always check the latest weather forecast before you board a plane.

Also, keep a close eye on sargassum seaweed surges ( sargazo in Spanish), which can turn Cancún's turquoise waters brown. These blooms leave mounds of smelly, decomposing macroalgae carpeted across otherwise white sands. An influx of seaweed makes swimming and sunbathing downright unpleasant.

If it happens when you're in Cancún, consider doing less beach time and splash around in hotel pools and cenotes (freshwater sinkholes) instead.

The invasive surges occur intermittently, usually from March to August, but they can be unpredictable. The NGO  Red de Monitoreo de Sargazo posts daily updates on beach conditions in Cancún and the nearby Riviera Maya .

3. Tip generously and haggle respectfully

Keep in mind that many Cancún service workers (namely restaurant and hotel employees) depend on tips to supplement miserable wages. In restaurants, leave a 15% gratuity if the service is not already included.

Remember to check the bill carefully, though – some unscrupulous establishments have been known to tack on a "service fee" in the hope that customers unknowingly leave an additional tip.

For airport and hotel porters, tip about M$25 a bag, while for tour guides give an extra 10–20% of the cost of the outing, or perhaps a bit more for full-day excursions. Gas station attendants typically get about M$5 to M$10.

Bartenders, baristas and taxi drivers generally do not expect tips but always welcome them. It's acceptable to haggle with the market and street vendors to a certain degree, but remember that they're just trying to make a living.

4. Don't forget to pack ID, bug spray and casual clothing

To rent a car, you'll need to show a passport, driver's license and credit card. Mexican law requires you to have liability coverage, known in Spanish as daños a terceros .

Citizens from the US, Canada and EU countries, as well as residents from dozens of other nations, do not need visas to enter Mexico as tourists.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes and the sun, pack biodegradable insect repellent, long-sleeve shirts and a pair of pants. You'll definitely need the bug spray when visiting during the muggy wet season from May through October.

Even if you have repellent or sunscreen of the biodegradable variety, do not use them while swimming or snorkeling in fragile ecosystems such as coral reefs and cenotes. Loose-fitting clothes that dry quickly will serve you well for water activities and rainy days.

5. Explore the surrounding countryside

You can usually find plenty of things to do in the hotel zone and downtown Cancún but try to squeeze in at least one trip to see a different side of the Yucatán Peninsula. Seven to 10 days should give you ample time to tour Cancún and beyond.

Venture south to check out ancient ruins, jungle-set swimming holes and small fishing towns along the Riviera Maya, or head east on a day trip to  Valladolid , a colonial city with a rich Maya history.

Alternatively, the nearby islands of  Isla Mujeres and  Isla Holbox provide blissful nature escapes for snorkeling, diving and kayaking adventures.

6. Carry cash and bring a credit and/or debit card

Even though most places in Cancún accept major credit cards, it's always useful to carry some cash, especially in the smaller surrounding towns and islands.

Many hotels, and even some restaurants, accept US dollars, but they normally offer an unfavorable currency exchange rate.

The ubiquitous ATMs accept foreign debit cards but expect to get dinged with international transaction fees for withdrawals.

The same goes for many retail purchases as well. Some major credit cards won't charge such fees, giving you the most bang for your buck. Cancún's ATMs dispense Mexican pesos.

7. All-inclusive resorts are great, but you're missing Cancún's food scene

The hotel zone is home to most of Cancún's all-inclusive hotels, though high-end resorts are also cropping up in Punta Sam and along the sublime  Isla Blanca peninsula, north of downtown.

The all-inclusive experience ranges from luxurious adults-only setups with above-and-beyond service (personal butlers and all) to slightly more affordable family-friendly accommodations.

If you're looking for a safe, self-contained environment with multiple restaurants, bottomless drinks, easy beach access, alluring outdoor pools, and kid-focused activities, book an all-inclusive.

If you prefer the resort experience without the meals and booze, some places offer room-only rates. This pushes you to get out and dive into Cancún's diverse culinary and nightlife scene. Budget travelers will find more options downtown, where hostels and mid-range digs abound.

8. Rideshare services are available in Cancún

The app-based transportation service Uber operates in Cancún, but due to a long-running dispute by taxi union members, drivers and their passengers have faced harassment and, in some cases, attacks.

If you decide to use Uber, do so at your own risk. Do not order a car from the airport, bus station, ferry terminals, or other points where rival taxis may be watching.

For the most affordable transportation from the airport, look for the red ADO bus , which runs frequently from the airport terminals to downtown Cancún's first-class bus terminal. However, if you're staying in the hotel zone, you're better off taking a shuttle or cab.

9. Don't drink the water, and try street food with caution

Cancún's tap water is generally not safe to drink unless you know it's filtered (agua filtrada) . The same goes for drinks prepared with ice; when in doubt go without. Bottled or purified (purificada) water is your best bet to stay hydrated, and you'll need plenty of it to avoid heat exhaustion.

Eating street food can be somewhat dicey in Cancún, but it's a tantalizing risk that many visitors are willing to take.

This article was first published Oct 4, 2023 and updated Jan 24, 2024.

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24 Useful Cancun Tips & Advice: What to Know Before You Go

Headed to Cancun on your vacation and looking for tips on how to have the best time? First you should know that you’re likely to have a lot of fun. But visiting a foreign country — no matter how much it caters to tourists — can lead to all sorts of questions about what to expect.

The good news? Cancun definitely does cater to American tourists. That makes many things more familiar than they would if you visiting somewhere further abroad (for instance, you can easily get by speaking English).

Below, we’ve rounded up our top tips and advice for visiting Cancun. Covering everything from money to getting around to safety, these are pointers that you don’t want to go without — especially if it’s your first time visiting.

Your Phone Will Likely Work in Cancun

While you still need to double check with your carrier, there’s a good chance that your cell phone will work in Mexico with no additional charge. Even if it doesn’t, you can often add service in Mexico for as little as $5.

Over the past several years, the fight for your cell phone service has led many carriers to offer new perks. One of those is service in Mexico and Canada. Many plans today have Mexico included automatically in the plan for no extra charge. There’s no need to get a new SIM card or jump through hoops.

And if it’s not included? Call your provider and tell them you’re headed to Mexico. They can tell you the options you have for service in Cancun. Often you can get service extended to the country for about $5-$10 per day.

Book a Hotel with an Airport Shuttle to Save

The Cancun airport is near the famous Hotel Zone, but it’s still a bit of a drive. You can book your own transportation like a taxi or shuttle, but it’s a lot easier just to stay at a hotel with free airport shuttle service . These shuttles can take you directly to your hotel and back to the airport without having to deal about a third-party. Simply let the hotel know you’ll need a ride and hop on when you land.

The good news is that lots of hotels that sit right on the beach offers shuttles to guests. You can see a full list of Cancun hotels with airport shuttles here .

Shuttle Transfers Are the Cheapest Way to the Hotel

You can take a taxi, but if you want the cheapest way to the hotel zone — and with a set price that you pay before you arrive — then look at one of the many shuttles that offer Cancun service. With so many people flying into Cancun and heading to the hotels, there is a thriving industry of shuttles. That competition leads to some low prices.

Simply Google “Cancun shuttles” to see a number of your options. A one-way ride should be about $20-30 per person. Of course, you can also just use the hotel’s shuttle for free if staying at a place that offers one.

Here are a few services to get you started:

Cancun Shuttle | USA Transfers | Cancun Transfers (Feraltar) | Happy Shuttle

No Need to Worry About Pesos

There are advantages of using pesos to purchase items in Mexico, but in the tourist hotspots like Cancun, U.S. dollars are widely accepted. In fact, bills from restaurants will come with a price that’s both in pesos and dollars and you can choose which way you want to pay. Note that you’ll often pay less using pesos because of the exchange rate charged by the establishment. Still, if you don’t want to change money over, you don’t have to. Keep in mind you might get change for dollars back in pesos.

Sunscreeen: Love It and Wear It

Even if you come to Cancun from a hot place — like Texas or Florida — you still aren’t quite prepared for the sun at lower latitudes. Here the sun’s rays are more direct, meaning that you get their impact much more quickly than you would back home. In other words, use sunscreen and reapply often. This isn’t so much for health reasons, but your enjoyment of your vacation. You don’t want to be locked inside the room because you got burned on your first day at the beach.

Take Advantage of Hotels with Childcare

If you’re a family traveling to Cancun, take advantage of one perk that many hotels now offer — childcare. A number of hotels have all sorts of amenities for kids (including child waterparks) and you can even drop them off while the staff keeps the kiddos entertained for the day. It’s a great way to have a day that both the kids and parents enjoy. See our list of Cancun hotels with childcare here .

Use “20” to Roughly Figure Exchange Rates

Need to know how much something is in dollars? Just take the price in pesos and divide it by 20 to get a rough estimate. Likewise, you can use “20” times the amount of dollars to figure out how much it is in pesos. While the exchange rate isn’t going to be exactly 20 pesos to the dollar (it’s actually closer to 17.5 to $1 as of this writing), it’s close enough to give you an idea.

Take something that costs 800 pesos. Divide by 20, and you know it’s about $40 in U.S. currency. Likewise, if you want to know how much something is in pesos that costs $20 U.S., then multiply it by 20 to see that it would cost 400 pesos.

There’s a Lot of Natural Beauty Nearby

Most people head to Cancun and head straight for the hotel. That’s perfectly ok. With stunning beaches, why wouldn’t you want to spend some time soaking it in?

But truth is there is a lot of natural scenery and beauty outside the city as well. Cenotes (natural swimming holes) have the absolute clearest water you’ll ever see. Nearby islands like Isla Mujeres offer pristine beaches, as well as some beautiful rugged shoreline. Snorkeling, diving, and adventure parks are also nearby and offer a fun way to get out and see some of this gorgeous part of Mexico.

Enjoy hanging out at the hotel, but don’t think it’s all high-rises in the area.

Know the Right Time to Travel for Your Vacation

You can travel to Cancun year-round, but there are some times that may be better than others. Summers are hot, with frequent thunderstorms that can blow up seemingly out of nowhere. June through November are hurricane season, and yes, hurricanes can impact this area of the tropics.

Many people prefer to visit in the winter, but this is the high season where rates rise due to snowbirds looking for a warm place to visit.

That’s why we don’t think there is a perfect time to visit Cancun, but just be aware of the general outlook for the time you do plan to visit. As close to perfect as you can get is around April or May when it’s plenty warm, but winter is over in North America (so prices are lower) and hurricane season isn’t yet underway.

ATMs Are Ideal for the Best Exchange Rate

The two ways to get the most favorable exchange rate are to use a credit card, or to take cash out at an ATM. We understand that many people may not be comfortable using their card abroad for risk of identity theft or skimming. If you do plan to use cash, you’re better off using an ATM than trying to change money in the airport or at another exchange booth. You’ll get a favorable rate that’s as close to the real exchange rate as you’ll find.

Be Prepared for “Propinas” (Tips)

If you’re Spanish isn’t great, a propina is a tip. By the time you leave Cancun, you’ll definitely know the word. As a tourist destination, people’s incomes rely on the cash that tourism brings. That means just about everyone will expect a tip. That includes drivers, waiters, maids, and whomever else provides any sort of direct service. How much to tip depends on you, but figure about 10% of the bill, or a few bucks a day for things like housekeeping.

The Drinking Age is 18 in Mexico

Headed to Cancun for Spring Break? If you’re a college student, it may be that you aren’t old enough to drink in the United States (21 years), but in Mexico the drinking age in 18 years old.

Even so, there are some rules you should know. Open containers are illegal in public, and drinking on public streets and public drunkenness are also against the law.

For more tips on what’s legal/illegal in Mexico, you can see this helpful tip sheet from San Diego State University .

Be Ready to Negotiate With Vendors

Find a souvenir that you like? In most shops that price on the item is a starting point for negotiations. You’ll get a feel quickly for where you can haggle and where you can’t. Places that seem like the kind of stores you’d find back home usually have set prices. But smaller vendors you can negotiate with.

The rule of thumb is to offer about half of what the item is listed at, and then work yourself up from there.

Don’t feel comfortable negotiating? You’re on vacation. You shouldn’t do anything you don’t want to do. It’s ok to pay full price, just know that it might not be the best deal.

Make Sure You’re Drinking Purified Water… and Ice

Even today it’s a good idea to still drink purified water and ice when you are visiting Mexico. For the most part you don’t have to worry about it — it’s common knowledge so the restaurants go out of their way to either serve you a bottle or let you know that the water and ice is purified.

Still, if you aren’t sure, it doesn’t hurt to ask if both the drinking water and ice are purified. A little prevention by being careful and making sure can help you save a lot of stomach ache later on.

Be Prepared for the “Hawks” at the Airport

Maybe it’s a rude description of people just trying to make a living, but it can feel like you’re a mouse walking out of the Cancun airport with “hawks” circling you. That’s a nickname for all the folks selling everything from timeshares to taxi rides to rental cars.

The good news is that they will take no for an answer… but they will definitely make you say no again and again. Simply let them know you aren’t interested in their services with a polite “no, gracias” and they will usually move on to the next person.

There Are a Number of Great Day Trips From Cancun

There’s actually a lot to do and see in the areas outside the city. Want to visit a picturesque tropical island? Visit Isla Mujeres, just off the coast of Cancun. There’s Chichen Itza, Tulum, Akumal, cenotes, adventure parks, and more — all within a few hours (or much less) of the Hotel Zone.

If you’re anxious about driving in Mexico, don’t worry. There are tour companies that can arrange everything for you. Just look online to see what’s available.

You Might “Win the Prize” In the Airport

Ok, it’s not a real prize, so don’t get your hopes up. Passing through customs, each person will walk up to a red and green light. Hit a button and hope that you get green (most people do). If you get green, then you’ll pass right on through and leave the airport. Those who get the red light are stopped and have their bags inspected. Don’t think you did anything wrong or look suspicious. It’s a random draw as to who gets green and who gets red.

Keep Your Wits About You While Having a Good Time

Cancun is known for its nightlife, and if you are staying in the Hotel Zone, it’s not far to the bars and nightclubs. Go out, have a great time, and make some friends. But it’s important to keep your wits about you. Remember, you are in a foreign country and while it might seem Americanized, you are still bound to follow the rules and laws of Mexico. Don’t think that it is a “Disney” experience where nothing bad can happen or that the laws don’t really apply.

Safety Is Relatively Good in the Hotel Zone

You likely have heard about the sharp rise in violence in Cancun. Over the past several years, the murder rate has increased dramatically. This isn’t to scare you, but simply make you aware of what’s going on.

The good news is that the tourist areas of Cancun like the Hotel Zone have been largely spared of this violence. There have been a few isolated incidents, but nothing like is seen in other parts of town. Remember that millions of Americans each year take trips to the area and there are few problems as long as you stay in the safer tourist areas.

Be Ready For Guards with Big Guns

If can be a bit unnerving until you realize they are there to keep things safe. When you first arrive to Cancun, be ready to see military and police carrying some rather large assault-style weapons. This show of force is meant to dissuade anyone from trying anything funny and also to show tourists that the area is secure. But if you aren’t used to it, the weapons can come as a shock.

Visit the Museo Maya de Cancun

It’s doubtful that culture comes to mind when you think of a tourist mecca like Cancun, but the area is steeped in a lot of history. You can learn by visiting the Museo Maya de Cancun . A beautiful new facility that opened just a few years ago, the museum is highly rated on TripAdvisor . It features tons of Mayan artifacts that tell the history of the indigenous people. There is also more about the Mayan culture and actual ruins (San Miguelito) that you can explore. It’s an amazing gem that’s in the middle of the resorts.

You’re Going to Need a Passport (With at Least 6 Months Left)

Sorry, no way around it. The days of visiting Mexico without a passport are over. These days you’ll need a passport if you are flying into Cancun. And while you can get them in a short time frame before your trip, it’s best to have it before you plan your trip.

One more tip — be sure the passport doesn’t expire for at least six months after your trip. In fact, if your passport expires within the next year, go ahead and renew it before you go.

Be Ready for Rain Showers

Head to Cancun in the wet season that runs from May through October and you should be prepared for some rainy afternoons. During the summer there can be pop-up showers that drench an area, only to be sunny just a few minutes later. Want to avoid the rain? Try to plan your trip in February, March, or April, when the rainfall is only a few inches per month.

Know About Issues With Tainted Alcohol

It made headlines not that long ago, but has since gone quiet; we’re talking about the issue of tainted alcohol. A number of people reported to have a couple of drinks at resorts and then suddenly blacking out without any recollection of what had happened . After some newspapers in the United States began investigating, the authorities cracked down on supplies of tainted alcohol. Still, while the headlines have died down, it’s smart for you to know about issues with liquor. Try to drink from unopened bottles if you can. If not, go slowly and make sure you have others around that can help should something go wrong.

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Mexico Travel Advisory

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.

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The Fodor's Five

The five things you need to know before traveling to Cancún

Cancún International Airport may overwhelm you.

Cancún International Airport (CUN) is Mexico’s second busiest airport by passenger traffic after Mexico City International (MEX). It has four sprawling terminals and one lesser-known terminal (FBO) for private aviation and Tropic Air commercial planes. From the minute you exit customs, you’re exposed to a chorus of sales pitches, pushy taxi offers, and charlatans pretending to work with the shuttle bus company while loud music blasts from the arrivals bar. It's easiest if you pre-book an airport collection, and perhaps walk through the exit with sunglasses on and earphones in to drown out the noise.

Read More: Everything You Need to Know About Cancún International Airport

It’s not all about partying.

Cancún’s party palaces like Coco Bongo and Señor Frogs need no introduction. In this Mexican Caribbean destination there are certainly opportunities for boozy hijinks and wild tequila-fuelled antics, but wholesome fun is never too far away. From spas and circus nights to water parks, shopping, and hopping between underwater and topside museums, Cancún is not solely the preserve of hedonists.

Read More: 15 Things to Do in Cancún if You’re Not Into the Party Scene

There is life beyond the hotel zone.

Cancún’s Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera) is the slender peninsula that you’ve probably seen in magazines and brochures of the city. This is where most travelers stay when visiting Cancún. While it has beaches of gobsmacking grandeur and a scintillating selection of restaurants and accommodations, don’t forget to head further afield to Downtown Cancún for rich cultural experiences and for your tourism dollars to also end up in local pockets.

Sargassum might thwart your beach plans.

From April to October, a pungent seaweed known as sargassum blankets many of the beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, Cancún included. It might be prudent to avoid these seven months or book your trip for Cancún’s shoulder seasons, which are October through November (crowds are thinner and hotel rates are lower) and April through May (when the sargassum hasn’t yet arrived in earnest). Also, choose a hotel that regularly clears sargassum from the beach and keep tabs on the state of Quintana Roo’s sargassum map.

Read More: How to Experience Cancún’s Best Beaches

Cancún has all types of hotels and not just all-inclusive resorts.

All-inclusive resorts reign supreme in Cancún but there are hotels and also hostels to suit every traveler. Whether you want to check into somewhere that’s family-friendly, luxurious, on the south of the “number 7” sandbar, or on the north closer to the nightlife action, with some research, you can find the right place for you.

Read More: Everything to Know About Booking a Stay in Cancún’s Zona Hotelera

Fodor's Cancún & The Riviera Maya: With Tulum, Cozumel, and the Best of the Yucatán Whether you want to party in Cancún, snorkel in Cozumel, or explore Mayan ruins and...

• Nightlife 7 Listings
• Sports and Activities 6 Listings
• Sights 3 Listings
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15 Things to Do in Cancún if You’re Not Into the Party Scene Here is how to skip the sun-drenched margarita bars of Cancun in favor of its Mayan history, spellbinding adventures, and cultural expeditions.

How to Experience Cancún’s Best Beaches How to find waterfront happiness in Mexico’s busiest resort town.

Everything to Know About Booking a Stay in Cancún’s Zona Hotelera Cancún has all types of hotels and not just all-inclusive resorts.

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Plan Your Cancun Holiday: Best of Cancun

Cancun, Mexico

Travel advice, discover the best of mexico with meliá.

Essential Cancun

Where to stay

Where to eat

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Cancun Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips or experiencing cancun.

justaguyincancun

Do not forget your sunglasses and biodegradable sunscreen. Studies show that some chemicals contained in regular sunscreen can be harmful to coral reefs!

Chain restaurants are expensive, opt for the cantina with authentic Mexican food. You will not be disappointed.

CancunCanuck

While U.S. dollars are accepted at most places (buses won't take U.S. coins), it is better to use pesos. Prices are in pesos, your change will be in pesos and your service staff will appreciate tips in pesos.

I tell them to picture the most beautiful beach, the kindest people, and the most amazing selection of resorts to choose from. There is something for everybody across all interests and price points.

Cancun offers cuisine to satisfy every taste. Whether you're looking for gourmet restaurants as part of your all-inclusive or just simple food there's sure to be a resort that offers what you're looking for. Want to dine outside your resort? No problem. Cancun has everything from the finest steakhouse and seafood restaurants to small places to just grab a quesadilla.

The hotel zone in Cancun has one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere. The hotels along here have amazing oceanfront views available and many of the hotels have pools right along the beach.

What is the best way to get there?

Cancun is served by the Cancún International Airport.

Do I need a visa?

Mexico has a visa exemption agreement with several countries, which means travelers coming from nations within this agreement (including the United States) don’t need a tourist visa for stays of up to 180 days — as long as they hold a passport valid at least six months beyond the period of intended stay, with one blank visa page.

For more information about visas and which countries are exempt,  see here .

When is the best time to visit?

Late April through May: The Spring Breakers have left it is before the thick of Summer when the humidity rises and tropical storms can bring rainfall. There are also good deals on offer at this time of year. The average daytime temperatures reach highs of 87 Fahrenheit (31°Celcius) and lows of 73 Fahrenheit (23° Celcius).

Three private bus lines connect Cancun’s downtown area and the "hotel zone" as well as more distant destinations such as Playa del Carmen and Tulum. For more information about fares and schedules,  see here .

taxi and rideshare

Public taxis hailed from the street do not have meters, so always agree on a price before you get in. Site taxis, or taxis that belong to a company that are called or booked, have standard prices — negotiation is not welcome. Ridesharing companies like Uber are also available.

For more information about Cancun taxis,  see here .

On the ground

What is the timezone.

Eastern Standard Time

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in Cancun is 127V and the standard frequency is 60Hz. The plug has two flat parallel pins.

What is the currency?

The Mexican peso is the main currency, however, U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the Cancun Hotel Zone.

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Are credit cards widely accepted, is it easy to find a bank, how much do i tip.

In Mexico, tipping in either U.S. dollars (bills only) or pesos is acceptable, although pesos are more practical for the recipient.

20 pesos per drink

20-50 pesos

Housekeeper

50 pesos per night

Taxis/rideshare

Only if a taxi driver helps with luggage, 10 pesos per bag

Are there local customs I should know?

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.

Slow it down:

Arriving 30 minutes to two hours late to a social function at someone’s house is acceptable. In fact, it is actually polite to arrive late as the host won’t be ready if you arrive on time. The same goes for dining out — don’t be in a hurry. The waiter won’t bring you the bill when you’ve finished eating as it is considered too forceful and rude. You’ll have to ask for the bill but in the meantime, sit back and relax.

Mexicans are very friendly and personable people. When meeting a group, take the time to greet each individual personally and shake their hand.

Learn the language:

Learning a few basic Spanish phrases is a sign of respect and courtesy and will be appreciated.

The ultimate Cancun travel guide

Get the Cancun travel low-down with this ultimate guide

Are you ready for the perfect getaway? Look no further than Cancun, Mexico! This beautiful city is full of stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and exciting activities. But before you start packing your bags, be sure to check out our Cancun travel guide. We’ve compiled all the essential information you need to know, including hotel recommendations, things to do, weather information, what to pack, and top tips for travelling to Cancun. With this guide, you’ll have everything you need to make the most of your Cancun travel experience.

About Cancun

Cancun is one of the most popular destinations for Cancun travel and Cancun vacations. Located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, this vibrant and exciting city is known for its beautiful beaches, nightlife, and cultural attractions. From the ancient Mayan ruins to the modern shopping centers, there's something for everyone in Cancun. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, you'll find it in Cancun. With a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and activities, you'll be sure to make lasting memories during your Cancun vacation.

Where to Stay in Cancun

Cancun is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico, attracting millions of visitors each year. With so many people coming to the city, there are plenty of great accommodations to choose from when planning a Cancun travel adventure. Whether you're looking for an all-inclusive resort, a budget-friendly option or something more luxurious, there is something to suit everyone's needs and tastes.

When planning your Cancun vacations, it's important to consider what kind of accommodation will suit you best. There are a variety of options available, from beachfront resorts to smaller hotels and guest houses. It's also worth researching different neighbourhoods and areas in Cancun to make sure you stay in a location that is close to the attractions and amenities you need.

All-Inclusive Resorts

Many of the bigger, more luxurious resorts in Cancun offer all-inclusive packages. This means that all meals, drinks and entertainment are included in the price and can be an ideal option for those who want a stress-free Cancun travel experience. These resorts tend to be located along the beachfront, making them perfect for those who want easy access to the sand and sea.

Read: The best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun

If you're looking for something a bit more affordable, there are plenty of budget-friendly hotels located throughout Cancun. These range from simple, family-run establishments to larger hotel chains with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.

The Hotel Zone is Cancun’s most popular place to stay, with many hotels and resorts offering amazing views of the Caribbean and instant beach access.

Read: The best honeymoon hotels in Cancun

Vacation rentals

If you're looking for something a bit more unique, Airbnb can provide an ideal solution. You'll be able to find a wide variety of accommodation options, from luxury villas to cozy apartments. It's a great way to explore the city like a local and get away from the touristy spots.

No matter what kind of accommodation you're looking for during your Cancun travel adventure, there are plenty of options available to suit every budget and taste. From all-inclusive resorts to budget-friendly hotels and even Airbnb properties, there's something to make your trip memorable.

The top 5 best things to do in Cancun

1. Explore the Mayan Ruins

Cancun is home to some of the most important Mayan ruins in Mexico, including Chichen Itza , Tulum and Coba. A visit to these ancient sites is a must for any Cancun travel plans.

Read: Tulum Mayan ruins travel guide

2. Swim in a Cenote

Cenotes are natural underground pools of crystal clear water and they are a unique experience during your Cancun vacations. There are many cenotes to explore around Cancun and they are a great way to cool off on hot days.

See Cancun’s cenotes on an organised day trip with transfers

3. Relax on Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a small island located just off the coast of Cancun and it's perfect for a day trip during your Cancun vacations. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, snorkelling or exploring the local markets.

4. Enjoy the Nightlife

From beachside bars to lively nightclubs, Cancun offers an array of nightlife options for visitors. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city and don’t forget to try the local tequila!

Read: The ultimate Cancun nightlife guide

5. Visit Xcaret Park

Xcaret is an eco-archaeological park located close to Cancun and it’s a great place to spend the day. The park has amazing wildlife, ancient ruins and even an underground river where you can take a dip!

Read next: The best things to do in Cancun

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Getting Around

Getting around Cancun can be tricky, but there are a few options for transportation.

If you’re flying in, your best bet is to book a transfer from the airport to your hotel in advance. Taxis can be inexpensive, and you’ll likely get ripped off if you’re not careful.

It’s generally not recommended to hire a car for Cancun travel as the roads can be difficult to navigate and the driving standards are fairly poor. The public transport system is unreliable, so it’s best to opt for walking or taxis when getting around.

It’s important to plan ahead when it comes to getting around Cancun and to make sure you’re aware of all of your options before starting your Cancun vacations.

Important Cancun information

When planning your Cancun travel, it’s essential to be aware of the important information related to the destination. Firstly, it is important to note that the official language of Mexico is Spanish, however in Cancun you can expect that many locals also speak English.

It is advised to have some understanding of Spanish phrases when travelling in the area to ensure a smooth Cancun vacation. It is also necessary to remember to bring a valid form of identification such as a passport for traveling in and out of the country.

When it comes to currency, Mexican Pesos is the national currency of Mexico and is used in Cancun and the surrounding areas. It is recommended to exchange money or use an ATM at an airport or hotel upon arrival. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, however not all vendors may accept card payments so it’s always good to carry some cash with you during your Cancun travel.

For health-related advice, it is wise to check with your doctor before departure for any vaccinations or other medical advice specific to Mexico and your Cancun vacations. Additionally, visitors should take extra care when swimming in the ocean and canals due to strong currents, and be sure to check if their hotel provides lifeguards at the pool or beach.

Finally, visitors should make sure they are aware of the relevant customs and laws in the region before their Cancun trip This includes being aware of local dress codes in certain areas, and not engaging in activities such as drug trafficking or smuggling as this can lead to serious criminal charges.

Cancun weather

When it comes to Cancun travel, you’re in luck – the weather in Cancun is typically sunny and warm year-round. During the peak tourist season of May to October, temperatures range from 82°F (27°C) to 86°F (30°C). The winter months from November to April are slightly cooler, with temperatures usually between 68°F (20°C) and 78°F (26°C).

Read next: What is the best month to go to Cancun?

What to pack for a trip to Cancun

When you’re planning your Cancun travel, it's important to consider what you'll need to bring. Although Cancun is a beautiful vacation destination, the environment can be quite different than your home town. Here’s a list of 6 items that you’ll want to make sure you pack for your Cancun vacations:

Cancun’s climate is quite hot and sunny, so it’s important to bring sunscreen with a high SPF in order to stay safe from sunburns.

Lightweight clothing

The hot weather of Cancun means that you’ll want to wear breathable and lightweight clothing. You may also want to bring a pair of sandals or flip flops for walking around.

A wide-brimmed hat is great for keeping the sun out of your eyes while exploring Cancun.

Insect repellent

Mosquitos and other bugs can be quite annoying during the summer months in Cancun. Bring some insect repellent to keep them away.

Waterproof phone case

It’s not unusual to get caught in an unexpected rain shower while traveling in Cancun. To keep your phone safe and dry, it’s best to bring a waterproof phone case.

When you’re in Cancun, you’ll definitely want to take a dip in the ocean or pool. Make sure to pack a swimsuit to enjoy the water!

Cancun travel Top Tips

Bring cash for small purchases. Many shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards, so bring enough cash for small purchases.

Use the airport shuttle services. For a much cheaper rate, use the airport shuttle service to get from the airport to your hotel.

Choose a reputable tour operator. Do your research and choose a tour operator that has a good track record and is recommended by locals.

Avoid the busy areas. Cancun can get very busy, especially during peak season, so avoid the crowds and explore other less-visited parts of the city.

Be aware of the weather. Cancun’s climate is tropical, so pack appropriate clothes and sunscreen depending on the season you visit.

Shop around for the best deals. Compare prices between hotels, restaurants and tour operators and don’t be afraid to haggle if needed.

Pack light. Cancun vacations often involve lots of sightseeing, so it pays to pack light and only take essential items on day trips.

Get travel insurance. Make sure you purchase travel insurance before you embark on your Cancun travels, just in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

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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

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Cancun essentials: Everything you need to plan the perfect Mexico getaway

For decades, Cancun, on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula in the southeast of the country, has been a go-to for Americans looking for a quick beach getaway. It's just a two- to three-hour flight from cities like Atlanta, Houston, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. Flights have traditionally been inexpensive and, in this age of COVID-19, Mexico has made it easy to visit. Mexico is one of TPG's picks for where to travel right now. There are no restrictions or requirements to enter Mexico at this time. You will, however, need a negative COVID-19 test to re-enter the U.S. , but most resorts in Cancun can assist you with this.

There are two things that typify Cancun: the Caribbean Sea that laps its incredible white sand beaches and the party scene that's a fixture of many resorts, bars and clubs. Most travelers start with a visit to the ubiquitous Senor Frogs bar and grill chain and then work their way up to the city's classic nightclubs.

But, there is so much more to Cancun than its spring break scene. It's home to the world's second-longest coral reef, which means there are plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. Parasailing and fishing are other popular pastimes and there are some Mayan ruins, such as Zona Arqueologica El Rey, that you can see right in town.

Here's what you need to know to plan a trip to Cancun.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our free daily newsletter .

When to visit Cancun

December through April is peak season in this part of Mexico, but steer clear of March and April if you wish to avoid spring breakers. May through August brings warmer and more humid weather. You may encounter perfect weather from September through November, but it's the season for rain and hurricanes so keep that in mind as a possibility.

If you travel during hurricane season and your trip investment is hefty, consider buying trip insurance that covers named hurricanes. But if you want more flexibility to cancel your trip based on the threat of bad weather, purchase a policy with a cancel for any reason add-on .

How to get to Cancun

I know this is The Points Guy and we all love using miles and points for all our trips. However, it's usually quite easy to find very affordable airfare from U.S. gateways to Cancun. The above map shows nonstop, round-trip prices from a variety of cities to Cancun for dates from June through October. We're talking $173 round-trip from Miami, $181 round-trip from Denver and $245 round-trip from New York.

Before redeeming miles, check cash prices to see if it makes more sense to book your flights that way.

Cancun is a fantastic option for a special trip where you want to pull out all the stops because it is possible to fly there in style. Learn how to fly to Cancun in a lie-flat seat.

These are the U.S. gateways with service to Cancun International Airport (CUN). (Note that not all airlines have resumed routes from all gateways to Cancun. Check with your preferred airline to confirm the route has returned or when it's scheduled to resume.)

• Atlanta (ATL): Delta
• Austin (AUS): Southwest, Spirit
• Baltimore (BWI): Southwest, Spirit
• Boston (BOS): American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue
• Charlotte (CLT): American Airlines, VivaAerobus
• Chicago (MDW): Southwest
• Chicago (ORD): American Airlines, Frontier, Spirit
• Cincinnati (CVG): Delta, Frontier, VivaAerobus
• Cleveland (CLE): Frontier, Spirit
• Columbus (CMH): American Airlines
• Dallas (DFW): American Airlines, Spirit, Sun Country
• Denver (DEN): Frontier, Southwest, United Airlines
• Detroit (DTW): Delta, Spirit
• Durham (RDU): American Airlines, Delta
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL): JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit
• Houston (HOU): Southwest
• Houston (IAH): Spirit, United Airlines
• Indianapolis (IND): American Airlines, Frontier
• Kansas City (MCI): American Airlines, Frontier
• Los Angeles (LAX): Delta, Interjet, United Airlines
• Miami (MIA): American Airlines, Interjet, LATAM
• Minneapolis (MSP): Delta and Sun Country
• Nashville (BNA): Spirit, VivaAerobus
• Newark (EWR): Frontier, United Airlines, VivaAerobus
• New Orleans (MSY): Spirit
• New York (JFK): American Airlines, Interjet, JetBlue
• Orlando (MCO): Delta, JetBlue
• Phoenix (PHX): American Airlines
• Pittsburgh (PIT): Spirit
• Philadelphia (PHL): American Airlines, Frontier, Spirit
• Portland (PDX): Alaska Airlines
• Saint Louis (STL): American Airlines, Frontier
• Salt Lake City (SLC): Delta
• San Diego (SAN): Alaska Airlines
• San Francisco (SFO): United Airlines
• Seattle (SEA): Alaska Airlines, Delta
• Washington (IAD): United Airlines

Where to stay in Cancun

As you search for the perfect resort, understand that Cancun is divided into two areas: the Zona Hotelera and El Centro. The Hotel Zone is a long beachfront strip of resorts interspersed with restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shopping centers. When people think of Cancun, they are picturing this area and it's where you want to stay. El Centro is a downtown area.

For families, here are some particularly family-friendly resorts in Cancun .

If you're not sure if Cancun is right for you, check out TPG's favorite points hotels on the beach in Mexico .

Cancun all-inclusive resorts

• Armar House, All-Inclusive (Marriott)
• Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Ascend Collection: from 65,000 Choice points
• Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun All-Inclusive Resort (Marriott)
• Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort: opening soon
• Hyatt Zilara Cancun: from 25,000 Hyatt points
• Hyatt Ziva Cancun : from 25,000 Hyatt points
• Now Jade Riviera Cancun, Ascend Collection: from 25,000 Choice points
• Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun, Ascend Collection: from 25,000 Choice points
• Planet Hollywood Cancun All-Inclusive Beach Resort (Marriott)
• Planet Hollywood Adults Scene Cancun All-Inclusive Beach Resort - Adults Only (Marriott)
• Royalton CHIC Suites Cancun All-Inclusive Resort & Spa (Marriott)
• Royalton Riviera Cancun All-Inclusive Resort & Spa (Marriott)
• Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Ascend Hotel Collection: from 75,000 Choice points
• Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya, Ascend Collection: from 90,000 Choice points

Cancun resorts

• Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla: 35,000 to 80,000 Hilton points
• InterContinental Hotels Presidente Cancun Resort: from 30,000 IHG points
• JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa : from 40,000 Marriott points
• Marriott Cancun Resort: from 30,000 Marriott points
• Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina: from 30,000 Marriott points
• The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun : from 40,000 Marriott points
• The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, Cancun: from 40,000 Marriott points
• The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun: from 30,000 Marriott points
• Waldorf Astoria Cancun: opening soon

Riviera Maya resorts

Riviera Maya, another popular Mexican resort area, is just to the south of Cancun and encompasses destinations such as Playa del Carmen, Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Cozumel Island. It's about an hour's drive to Riviera Maya from Cancun and two hours to Cozumel.

• Acanto Playa del Carmen, Trademark Collection by Wyndham: from 15,000 Wyndham points
• Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya : from 25,000 Hyatt points
• Cozumel Hotel & Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham: from 15,000 Wyndham points
• Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort : from 25,000 Hyatt points
• Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort: 46,000 to 80,000 Hilton points
• Hotel La Semilla, Playa del Carmen, a Member of Design Hotels: from 30,000 Marriott points
• InterContinental Hotels Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa: from 44,000 IHG points
• Secrets Aura Cozumel, Ascend Hotel Collection: from 35,000 Choice points
• Sunscape Sabor Cozumel, Ascend Hotel Collection: from 30,000 Choice points
• The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton: 35,000 to 70,000 Hilton points
• The Westin Cozumel: from 30,000 Marriott points
• The Yucatan Resort Playa del Carmen, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: coming soon
• Thompson Playa del Carmen Main House: from 12,000 Hyatt points
• Thompson Playa del Carmen Beach House : from 20,000 Hyatt points
• Wyndham Garden Playa del Carmen: from 15,000 Wyndham points
• Viva Wyndham Azteca - All-Inclusive Resort: from 30,000 Wyndham points
• Viva Wyndham Maya - All-Inclusive Resort: from 30,000 Wyndham points

What to see and do

Sand, sun and sea are the main draws in Cancun and you can enjoy all three from the comfort of your resort. Most hotels in Cancun's Hotel Zone are beachfront with plenty of loungers, palapas or cabanas to choose from and they also have pools for when you're not in the mood for sand.

The world's second-longest coral reef is right offshore, so you can book snorkel or diving excursions -- or even just a sunset catamaran sailing if you'd prefer to stay topside.

If you do go diving, check out the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) at the National Marine Park of Cancun and Isla Mujeres. You can explore 500 sculptures in three galleries: Manchones Gallery, in Isla Mujeres, where the sculptures are 26 feet deep and Punta Nizuc Gallery and Punta Sam Gallery, both in Cancun, with sculptures at a depth of 3 feet.

Shop for Mexican handicrafts at Mercado 28, located downtown. Just be ready for aggressive sales tactics and know that negotiating price is expected. There are some good restaurants and street food in the area and it's also a good place to find tour operators if you're not satisfied with the options at your hotel. You can book everything from parasailing to horseback riding to trips to a local cenote (a sinkhole swimming hole).

For a bit of history, check out the Mayan Museum of Cancun and the Zona Arqueologica El Rey ruins.

Finally, for adrenaline junkies, Xavage by Xcaret offers white-water rafting, jet boat tours, ziplines, ropes courses and even a "monster truck" experience.

Safety in Mexico

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Mexico. You can read the COVID-19 health alert and the security alert pertaining to cartel violence in the country.

Despite the travel advisory, many Americans feel safe traveling to Cancun because it is a very defined resort area catering to tourists. Some visitors preferred to stay at their resort for the entirety of their stay. If you venture beyond your resort, take the same type of precautions you would at home. Be aware of your surroundings, know where you're going and how to get there, and avoid sketchy areas. Your hotel concierge can help you map out a plan to see the surrounding areas in a safe way.

Bottom line

Beach fans, divers and anyone that enjoys resort-style vacations will fall in love with Cancun and its affordability. Visitors tend to return year after year -- either to their favorite resort or trying a new spot on every trip. It's the perfect place to home base for day trips to visit Playa del Carmen, Xcaret or Cozumel as well.

!The ultimate guide to traveling to Cancun Mexico!

CANCUN TRAVEL GUIDE CONTENT ⤵️

AT A GLANCE | GETTING THERE AND AROUND | WHEN TO VISIT | WHERE TO STAY | WHERE TO EAT | THINGS TO DO | TOP TOURS | SAFETY IN CANCUN | WHAT TO PACK | FAQ

This Cancun Travel Guide is both your site map and your bible when it comes to everything Cancun. It’s a summary of all the information included in this Cancun Travel Blog and a go-to resource for the most updated information about traveling to Cancun.

Cancun is one of the most popular Mexican beach vacation destinations together with Los Cabos. Renowned mostly as a spring-breakers destination , Cancun is much more than that, and here below I will show you all the amazing natural attractions tours Cancun has to offer.

I have been living in Cancun for over a decade now and although I am always traveling around Mexico I still consider Cancun my home which is why I suggest you stick around if you want to get fresh insider news about Cancun. 😎

I suggest you browse this site where I will continuously pour information about Cancun, or if you want to save time, check out this Cancun City Guide which is a sort of summary of the site content.

CANCUN AT A GLANCE | THE BASICS

Where is cancun located.

Cancun is located on the north tip of the Mexican Caribbean Coast in the Mexican State of Quintana Roo, which is one of the three states that altogether make the Yucatan Peninsula region.

It borders Yucatan state on the northwest side, the state of Campeche on the southwest side, and with Belize on the southern side.

Distances to the main destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula

Cancun to Playa del Carmen – 68 km / 42 miles Cancun to Tulum – 131 km / 81 miles Cancun to Valladolid – 156 km / 96 miles Cancun to Holbox – 139 km / 86 Cancun to Merida – 303 km / 188

Know before you go

Currency : Mexican Pesos 1 USD = 19 MXN (approx)

Where to exchange money in Cancun – Avoid exchanging your currency at the airport or in your hotel . The best place to do it is a bank or an exchange bureau. There are many commercial plazas in the Zona Hotelera.

Main Airport : Cancun International Airport (CUN)

Electric socket – the most commonly used is the plug that has two flat parallel pins, just like in the US. However, if you are coming from another country you will need a universal travel adaptor.

Mexico Visa – If your country is not listed  on this page , you can enter Mexico without a visa as a tourist, otherwise, you will need to apply for a visa. Since every country is different you should consult the Mexican consulate or embassy in your country.

Mexican Sim Card – I would recommend buying a Mexican SIM CARD for many reasons. Primarily because staying connected it’s a way to stay safe, and also because you can be reachable by your family and friends all the time (unless you don’t want to 😜) and you can share your beautiful vacation on your social)

Language Spoken – Although the official language is Spanish and some prehispanic dialects are still spoken in some communities, English is widely spoken among those who are in the tourism business.

Related posts

► Is Cancun in the Caribbean? Cancun fun facts

COMPARING CANCUN TO OTHER DESTINATIONS

One of the most frequently asked questions is “Is it better to travel to Cancun or…?” In this section, you will find some interesting posts on how Cancun compares to many popular beach vacation destinations. Please bear with me as I add more and more places.

✅ Cancun vs Isla Mujeres

✅ Cancun vs Hawaii

✅ Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta

✅ Cancun vs Playa del Carmen

✅ Cancun vs The Bahamas

✅ Cancun vs Tulum

✅ Cancun vs Punta Cana

✅ Cancun vs Cabo

✅ Cancun vs Riviera Maya

✅ Cancun vs Jamaica

GETTING TO CANCUN

Cancun International Airport is the second most trafficked airport in Mexico after Mexico City with 22.3 million passengers flying through it in 2021.

From the US you have a connection with the major airline from the most popular hubs while from Europe you also have the option of charter flights from Spain, Italy, Germany, and Belgium.

I always recommend checking on Expedia for flights only or, even more conveniently, packages with flights+hotels.

MOVING AROUND CANCUN

Unfortunately, there is no Uber in Cancun for many reasons which I will explain in a dedicated post. Therefore if you want to move around there are different options which I am going to list here below.

Getting from Cancun Airport to your Hotel

↳ Private Shuttle | best option is booking a private shuttle with a recommended company such as Cancun Airport transportation service from 39 USD/65 USD round trip (up to 3 people).

CANCUN AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION

✔️ RELIABLE ✔️ ENGLISH-SPEAKING STAFF ✔️ CLEAN AND SANITIZED VAN ✔️ PRIVATE SERVICE ✔️ NO WAITING

↳ Shared Shuttle | best budget option the downside is that you will have to wait for other passengers and for the drop off, especially if your hotel is the last one on the route. But for only 10 USD it may be worth it. Book it here!

↳ Car Rental | This is my favorite option as you can pick up your car at the airport and drop it off at the end of your vacation so you will be free to explore Cancun and its surroundings at your own pace. Check rates on DiscoverCars

↳ ADO public bus | If you travel on a budget you can always rely on the ADO bus company (5USD) which may imply a long waiting time and it will take you to Cancun Downtown . From there you will necessarily need a taxi.

↳ Taxi | A taxi from the Airport may cost something like 50 USD. I would not recommend this option because taxi drivers will always try to inflate the rates, especially at the airport.

Quick peek into Cancun-to-Hotel transportation options

Getting from cancun to anywhere.

As I mentioned before Cancun is a huge city with the Hotel Zone separated from downtown by the Nichupte’ lagoon . With the exception of a nice sidewalk along the hotel zone, the city is not walkable at all and you need transportation to move around. So let’s see what is the best way.

✔️ Renting a Car – again, the best way to move around in Cancun and to reach the best attractions and nearby cities such as Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Valladolid, and more, having your own car is the best option. DiscoverCars is the platform I recommend where to look for the cheapest car rentals.

If you are concerned about renting a Car and driving in Cancun I have got you covered. It’s very easy and worry-free, especially after reading my guide 😉

✔️ Local city buses – From the Cancun hotel area to downtown, you can easily hop on the R1 and R2 buses that run along the strip, but once you get to Cancun Downtown using local transportation is kind of a mess and I would not recommend it.

✔️ ADO bus service – It’s a very efficient and cost-effective way to get from Cancun to almost anywhere and although is not as comfortable as driving your own car, the buses are brand new and clean. The service is also relatively cheap and connects you with all the major cities in the Yucatan peninsula and the entire of Mexico.

✔️ Colectivo (minivan) – if you want to try the local way and the cheapest one, you can use the colectivos (minivans) to get to either Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Chiquila’ (Holbox). They leave from Tulum Av. opposite the ADO Bus station.

To get to Tulum you will need to get off in Playa and then hop on another colectivo to Tulum.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO CANCUN

In Cancun, you have mainly two main seasons that is called the wet season ( summer) and the dry season (winter). There are some transition weeks between the two mains season that are called shoulder seasons. Let’s see what each of them looks like.

💦 Cancun wet season (summer) -The wet season starts approximately in June and until October. In this time of the year when the temperature is higher and there is a higher chance of rain, and even hurricanes (that is why it’s also called hurricane season) .

But also the sea water is warmer and prices go slightly down. It is also called the Low season although it’s not entirely so because there is still good affluence of tourists, especially family, due to school closure.

This is also when usually the sargasso is most likely to show up.

☀️ December through April (winter) – This is the dry season, characterized by mild temperatures, sunny days, and blue skies. The water temperature is cooler. Although there is less chance of rain, you can still find a few showers. This is the high season, because of the beautiful weather. Prices are at their highest, especially in December and Holy Week.

😎 After Easter – beginning of June (shoulder season) – This is generally the best time to travel to Cancun in my opinion because the prices are at their lowest, there are fewer crowds, and the water starts getting warmer.

We are still in the dry season slowly sliding into the wet season but the weather should be still nice for the most part. I say “should” because you can never be sure about the weather.

⛈ Mid-October – November (shoulder season) – This is another so-called shoulder season when the weather is the worst. The temperatures are at their highest, it’s most likely to rain, and even more risk of hurricane. But it can also be sunny and nice.

This time of the year is really unpredictable. The only thing you can be sure of is that it’s hot and humid. Sea temperatures are the warmest of the year and water temperatures are pleasant. Sargasso is going away (🥳) and the beach is cleaning up for the dry season!

The lower rates and fewer crowds make this season still an interesting time to travel to Cancun.

When is the best time to travel to Cancun? As you can see there is no best or worst time to travel to Cancun. It all depends on what you are looking for.

I will talk about Cancun Weather, events, and things to do for each month in specific posts.

✔️ Traveling to Cancun in November ✔️ Traveling to Cancun in December ✔️ Traveling to Cancun in January ✔️ Traveling to Cancun in February ✔️ Traveling to Cancun in March ✔️ Traveling to Cancun in April ✔️ Traveling to Cancun in May ✔️ Traveling to Cancun in June ✔️ Traveling to Cancun in July ✔️ Traveling to Cancun in August ✔️ Traveling to Cancun in September ✔️ Traveling to Cancun in October

WHERE TO STAY IN CANCUN

Cancun is renowned mainly for its gorgeous all-inclusive resorts but in truth, you can find all sorts of accommodations from Luxury to budget , from beachfront to local areas, Adult only resorts (even clothing optional if it’s your thing) to family-focused resorts.

Here I am going to share a few options for each category and below you will find the related articles.

Best Cancun Luxury hotel in Downtown – Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina Best Cancun Mid-range hotel Downtown – Oh! Cancun The Urban Oasis Best Cancun Budget hotel in Downtown – Hotel Kavia Plus

Best Cancun All Inclusive luxury hotel in the Hotel Zone – Live Aqua Beach Resort All Inclusive Adult only Best Cancun All-Inclusive mid-range hotel in the Hotel Zone – Riu Cancun Caribe Best Cancun All-Inclusive budget hotel in the Hotel Zone – Mayafair Design Hotel

Best Cancun Vacation Rental Property – Luxury – Ocean View Three Bedroom, Three Story Penthouse by the Beach Best Cancun Vacation Rental Property – Midrange – (downtown) – Stay Tropical Downtown Studios Best Cancun Vacation Rental Property – Budget (downtown) – Villa Sofia

Best hotel for Solo travelers – Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa – Adults Only – All Inclusive Best hotel for Families – Hyatt Ziva Cancun All Inclusive Best hotel for couples – Turquoize at Hyatt Ziva Cancun – Adults Only – All Inclusive Best Luxury Hotel in Cancun – Nizuc Resort and Spa

► Best Hotels with private pools in Cancun ► Best Hotels near the Airport in Cancun ► Best Hotels in Cancun Hotel Zone ► The Best Party Resorts in Cancun ► The best VRBO and Airbnb in Cancun

WHERE TO EAT IN CANCUN

The Culinary scene in Cancun is very eclectic although I believe there are still too feel real Mexican restaurants, compared to other parts of Mexico.

However, there are some that are worth mentioning, besides the incredible international cuisine, fine dining, and healthy spots.

As a Cancun resident, I have tried quite a lot of restaurants and although I continue to try new ones every time I go back, it’s really difficult to keep up with all the new spots.

I have published a full article on the best restaurants in Cancun that I invite you to read. Here below I am including my top three spots!

✔️ La Habichuela

La Habichuela is a high-end restaurant Mexican Gourmet in the Downtown area close to Parque de las Palapas located in a beautiful setting.

Address  — Calle Margaritas #25, Downtown Cancun, Quintana Roo.

Contact Number  — +52 (998) 884 31 58

✔️ Frontoni Pizzeria

Here you will find the best Italian pizza in Mexico!

✔️ C he Che

The best place in Cancun where enjoying a healthy meal while working from your laptop in a cozy ambiance and cool vibes.

Address  —Calle Av Chilam Balam 50, Riviera, 50, 77533 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Contact Number  — +52 (998) 372 5612

THINGS TO DO IN CANCUN

Cancun is brimming with things to do within the city and in the near surrounding and I will talk more extensively about it in the post. However, on this page, I would like to highlight the top things to do in Cancun that you can include in your Cancun Itinerary .

GO SCUBA DIVING

VISIT SOME OF THE BEST CANCUN CENOTES

VISIT ISLA MUJERES

VISIT ISLA CONTOY

EXPLORE THE CANCUN ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES

GET A DAY PASS IN ONE OF THE LUXURY HOTELS IN CANCUN

ADMIRE THE EXTENSIVE NICHUPTE LAGOON

TAKE A DAY TRIP TO PUERTO MORELOS

ESCAPE TO ISLA BLANCA: CANCUN BEST KEPT SECRET

TAKE A WALK TO LA ISLA COMERCIAL CENTER

VISIT THE MUSEO MAYA OF CANCUN

GO FLY FISHING

TOP TOURS IN CANCUN

There are so many activities and tours to join from Cancun that it’s almost difficult to choose. Here I am including the most popular tours from Cancun with the highest review rate. I hope it helps you narrow down your choice. More articles will follow! 🙂

Click on the image or text below to check rates and info of the tour ⤵️

Get your GoCity Cancun Pass

✔️ Save individual fees and get multiple adventures ✔️ Makes your trip easier to plan ✔️ Offers something for everyone

Or read the Gocity Cancun Pass Review to learn more about the City pass!

Related articles

👉 The best 12 private tours from Cancun 👉 Contoy Island top tours

WHAT TO PACK FOR CANCUN

Packing for Cancun is easy and straightforward, especially if you plan a beach-focused vacation, in which case it’s easy to pack light. Things may change if you want to venture out exploring which is something I always recommend.

Here below find what you MUST include in your suitcase I will write separate posts with more detailed packing list suggestions, with some cute dresses, especially for the ladies.

Keep in mind that although you are going to a beach destination where the dress code is usually relaxed, it’s not the case if you are going to a luxury resort where you are required to dress up in many restaurants at night and in fact, the ambiance calls for it as well. No worries because I will also cover that too, just bear with me.

Click on the image to go to the Amazon page!

SAFETY IN CANCUN

When traveling to the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, where Cancun is located, the US Travel Advisory site suggests “ Exercise Increased Caution” . It also says:

“ There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state, which includes tourist areas in  Cancun ,  Cozumel, Isla Mujeres,   Playa del Carmen ,  Tulum , and  the   Riviera Maya . However, personnel is 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. “

Also, considering the 22.5 million passengers that flew into Cancun International Airport in 2021, as I mentioned above, I would say that Cancun is indeed a safe place to travel.

Bad things have happened before and I cannot promise they will never happen again, but they are usually drug and cartel-related so if you keep out of that circle you should be fine.

Then there is the usual small crime ad petty theft issue which you will find anywhere. So make sure you use some common sense and you should be fine.

Also, you need to consider the following in order to avoid getting sick or robbed

► Don’t drink tap water

► Use mosquito spray to protect yourself from bites (even the dangerous ones, see below)

► Always stay hydrated, especially in the summer but, really, always!

► Use sun protector except for when you are in a cenote or in the sea because they damage the environment (use a rough guard in that case, instead)

► Don’t swim in the water when the flag is red – Cancun sea is beautiful but it can be dangerous as there are a lot of undertows and rip tides, which is why is also a great place for surfing in Mexico

► Don’t pay in US dollars even if they are accepted because the exchange rate would be a rip-off.

► Don’t stay in your hotel all the time, go out and explore (but only after reading this Cancun Travel Blog blog and learning your way around:)

► Don’t buy tours from street vendors. Some of them may be ok but you never know and if you have an issue you may not find them again to report it.

► Don’t get wasted, especially if you are out alone.

► Get travel insurance before traveling.

👉 Cancun Solo traveler complete guide 👉 Is Cancun safe to travel to? 👉 Can you drink water in Cancun?

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Cancun?

Yes, you do! I always recommend getting travel insurance before starting a trip for many reasons but mainly for peace of mind.

Of course, we hope that nothing happens but no matter how cautious we can be, there are many circumstances that don’t depend on us and we can fall victim, such as a flight delay a missing bag, or even a sudden flue that makes us miss the flight and lose loads of money that we have been saving for a year for our lifetime trip.

I am just giving examples. In Mexico, there are good hospitals in case something happens but they are pricey. Good travel insurance will cover all of it.

Travel insurance is the only thing that I buy with the hope that I never have to use it. 😂 And it’s the only purchase for which I am happy to say that I have “thrown away the money” but for the peace of mind it gives me it’s all worth it.

If you ask me I have two recommended sites, one is SafetyWings , which I find relatively affordable and quite comprehensive.

However, there is also a Travel Insurance master site that will help you find the perfect insurance for you.

You fill out the form with the information about your profile and requirements and they select the insurance company that is a good fit.

CANCUN TRAVEL GUIDE FAQ

Can you brush your teeth with tap water.

Yes, you can, but I would advise against it, to prevent any unpleasant bathroom situation.

C an you drink the water in Cancun?

No. Use bottled water or buy a water bottle to refill.

How many days in Cancun is enough?

It really depends on what kind of vacation you are looking for. If you just want to relax on the beach in your hotel, 4 or 5 days are more than enough.

If you love to explore, 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how much time you have. There are so many things you can do in Cancun and the surrounding that you will find plenty of things to keep you entertained.

Is it ok to travel to Cancun right now?

Yes of course it is more than ok. Just check the weather and the hotel rates and our guide on when is the best time to travel to Cancun to make sure the weather conditions fit your needs.

What month is the best to go to Cancun?

Check out the WHEN TO VISIT session of this post where I talk about it extensively.

What you should know before traveling to Cancun?

✔️ pre-book your airport transfer.

Cancun International Airport is a mess. So if when you get out you find your guy with your name on a board, it will make you feel relieved and at home, trust me.

I always recommend Cancun airport transport because they are reliable and you will be sure somebody is right there waiting for you.

You won’t have to negotiate the rate or struggle to understand each other because they speak English. Their fleet is impeccably clean and they have insurance.

The transfer is private so once you arrive you are off to your hotel with no waiting. This is how I love to travel.

✔️ Pay in pesos whenever possible, tip in pesos too

US is generally accepted anywhere (except for gas stations and toll roads) but it’s always better to exchange the money in a bank or a Casa de Cambio (not at the airport) and pay in pesos otherwise you will end up paying way more.

✔️ Choose the right hotel for your budget

I have listed my top hotels in this Cancun Travel Guide but I am going to write more about the best Cancun hotels, so stay tuned.

✔️ Don’t spend all your time on the beach

As I mentioned before there is so much to do in Cancun that it’s a shame to spend all your time on the beach, try to make at least one or two tours during your stay. You won’t regret it.

✔️ And take it easy with the sun

Remember we are in the Caribbean, where the sun is strong, even behind the clouds. So whether you go to the beach or out exploring remember to use good sun screen .

✔️ Sign up for tours to nearby destinations

Unless you are renting a car, which I recommend, there are so many amazing tours to choose from. Do not miss them.

How much money should I bring to Cancun Mexico?

Well, that depends on what you are planning on spending. Keep in mind that for major expenses you can use credit cards, visa and MasterCard are widely accepted.

For souvenirs , toll roads, snacks, and tips it’s advisable to have cash.

Why is Cancun considered so dangerous

Cancun is not considered dangerous. Check my full article on safety in Cancun to read more about the topic.

Is it safe to drive from Cancun to Playa del Carmen at night

I never recommend driving at night. You never know what can happen. Even a simple flat tire can become an issue it if happens at night in the middle of nowhere.

For what kind of traveler is Cancun?

Cancun is the perfect destination for all sorts of travelers, for any budget, and for any type of Vacation you are planning to have. With its spectacular beach, it can also be a great base for more adventurous travelers as well.

Honeymooners and spring breakers alike, families, and solo travelers will love what Cancun has to offer, especially after you have read this guide.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• 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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Cancun   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Jonathan Ross | Getty Images

18 Best Things To Do in Cancun

Cancún, Mexico, is known for its white sand beaches, its adventure tours and the many must-see attractions you can visit nearby. For example, this region of Mexico earns praise for cultural landmarks like Chichén Itzá and the underwater art museum

• All Things To Do

Chichén Itzá Chichén Itzá

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Visit El Mestizo, about 3.5 miles from Chichén Itzá, for an authentic Mexican lunch after touring the archeological site. I recommend ordering the pollo adobado, which remains one of my favorite chicken meals I've ever had abroad. –  Leilani Osmundson

Chichén Itzá is a large Mayan archaeological site and one of the most notable and recognized landmarks on the Yucatán peninsula. The site itself was originally a main hub of Mayan civilization and has since been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The focal point of the ruins is the pyramid-like El Castillo that was once used by Mayans as a temple to the god Kukulkan.

Isla Mujeres Isla Mujeres

U.S. News Insider Tip: For close proximity to Isla Mujeres during your beach vacation, consider staying at the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún hotel, located on the tip of Zona Hotelera. The ferry to Isla Mujeres departs from Playa Caracol, which is located just a few minutes' walk from the hotel. – Holly D. Johnson

To escape the frantic beat of Cancún's nightlife and beaches, head to Isla Mujeres ("Island of Women"). There is little to do on this 5-mile island just a 30-minute ferry ride from Cancún, but travelers like it that way.

Playa Tortugas Playa Tortugas free

Widely considered a beach spot for locals, Playa Tortugas is known for its relaxed atmosphere and clean sands. The area also boasts impressive views and travelers report several places nearby to grab a meal or drink. From here, daily ferries also depart for Isla Mujeres .

Some travelers enjoy Tortugas so much that they choose the area over their own hotel's beach. Visitors appreciated that the public beach is free to enjoy and the water is calm and relaxing (a particular highlight for those traveling with children). Others warned of pushy salespeople and crowded sands. Playa Tortugas is located in Cancún just northwest of the Hotel Zone and accessible by bus or rental car. Umbrella and chair rentals are also available.

Popular Tours

Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour

(17533 reviews)

from $ 69.00

Cancun ATV Jungle Adventure, Ziplines, Cenote and Tequila Tasting

(1100 reviews)

Adults only Hip Hop Sessions Boat Party Cancun

(995 reviews)

from $ 105.00

El Rey Ruins El Rey Ruins

While they may not have the awe factor of  Chichén Itzá , the El Rey Ruins have convenience on their side. Located in the heart of the Hotel Zone, these ruins are extremely accessible to visitors, and the site's small size makes it easy to see in a short time. Thought to be used as a royal retreat at one point, El Rey dates back to 1250.

But for many past visitors, the ruins themselves were not the primary attraction: people flock to El Rey to mingle with the hundreds of iguanas that have invaded the former Mayan town, saying the iguanas make for some unforgettable photo-ops. You can reach the site via a city bus, taxi or rental car.

Isla Contoy Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy National Park is a small island located off the coast of mainland Mexico, north of Cancún and Isla Mujeres . For the most part, this island is known for its stunning white sand beaches and spectacular nature views, and as a refuge for seabirds (more than 170 species) and other marine wildlife. The island is located alongside the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second longest reef in the world, which makes it an ideal spot for snorkeling or diving to see coral, tropical fish or both in some of the clearest waters in all of the Caribbean.

The only way to visit Isla Contoy is through a boat tour company, but the trip can be worth it since the small destination only allows up to 200 visitors per day. While some boat tours that visit Isla Contoy include snorkeling, lunch or both, many also combine the visit with a few hours at Isla Mujeres. Either way, most boat tours that visit the island start at around $130 per adult, with many costing upwards of $150.

Cancún Golf Courses Cancún Golf Courses

With tropical weather and luxury resorts luring tourists from around the globe, it's no surprise that a world-class golf scene has developed around Cancún. With numerous distinct options, the biggest issue facing golfers is where they should schedule a tee time.

One memorable range is the 18-hole Playa Mujeres Golf Club, which players describe as a satisfying mix of challenging and scenic. However, reviewers do note that the course is expensive to play if you're not a guest at the Dreams or Secrets resorts.

Avenida Kukulkan Avenida Kukulkan free

Even if you don't seek out Avenida Kukulkan, you'll likely cross its path at least once during your Cancún vacation. That's because Avenida Kukulkan is Cancún's main artery, stretching from downtown through the hotel zone and running south toward the airport. The avenue is lined with pathways and an endless number of shops and eateries, along with hotels and resorts. If you're not strolling along the avenue, you'll likely be riding the bus along it since this is the main route for the buses most frequently used by tourists.

Recent travelers described Avenida Kukulkan as a safe, well-maintained and well-lit, place to walk or jog. In fact, the street is a great place to get in some exercise on your vacation since there are ample sidewalks the whole route. Still, some travelers say there isn't much to do here other than get from one place to another or see the towering hotels that occupy the area.

Playa Delfines Playa Delfines free

If you're tired of the standard beaches along the Hotel Zone, try heading to Playa Delfines, which is a largely undeveloped ribbon of sand located near the El Rey ruins . Likewise, the beach often lacks the heavy crowds found elsewhere throughout the Hotel Zone. This is also where you'll find the colorful "Cancún" sign featured on many of the city's postcards and brochures.

Travelers regard Playa Delfines as the quintessential escapist's beach as there is very little in terms of umbrellas or shade and few vendors hawking goods or services. Just be mindful of heavy currents and riptides, since the beach is known for its rough waters.

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Avenida Tulum Avenida Tulum free

While Avenida Kukulkan provides the primary artery for Cancún's Hotel Zone, Avenida Tulum serves as the main thoroughfare through the mainland portion of Cancún. The boulevard cuts straight through downtown, providing an excellent avenue for people-watching and exploring. Between restaurants, hotels and other stores, visitors will find an assortment of landmarks along the avenue, including two well-known and oft-photographed statues, the Monumento a la Historia de México and the Fuente del Ceviche. Additionally, Palacio Municipal, headquarters of the municipal government, sits along Avenida Tulum and is sandwiched between a public park and a sculpture garden.

Past travelers enjoyed strolling around Palacio Municipal and the surrounding streets, which offers a unique and much less touristy atmosphere from Cancún's Hotel Zone. Many also rave about the affordable shopping here, as well as the inexpensive places to grab a bite to eat.

Playa Marlin Playa Marlin free

Situated in the Hotel Zone about a 5-minute walk from the Kukulkan Plaza shopping mall, Playa Marlin offers a broad stretch of sugar white sand. There's also lifeguards and beach supplies, such as chairs and umbrellas, for rent.

Recent travelers said that Playa Marlin is a beautiful public beach, perfect for those who aren't staying at a beachside resort . Still, some warn of powerful waves and strong undertow. Though the waters can be too rough for swimming, they're great for water sports like parasailing.

Nichupté Lagoon Nichupté Lagoon

Nichupté Lagoon is a vast tropical paradise that's located in between mainland Cancún and the strip of land that makes up the hotel zone. This region has become a natural reserve for the mangrove ecosystem, and it is made up of seven different lakes.

Not only is Nichupté Lagoon popular for fishing, but it sees a range of visitors that participate in activities like kayaking, canoeing and underwater activities like snorkeling throughout the year. The lagoon is also popular for its wildlife tours, which let eager visitors check out local animals like seabirds, migratory birds and crocodiles.

Museo Maya de Cancún Museo Maya de Cancún

Museo Maya de Cancún houses archeological pieces from significant historic sites across Mexico. Within its exhibit halls, the museum displays a range of archeological artifacts, many of which were found at Chichén Itzá , Palenque and Comalcalco. In addition to its memorable artifacts, Museo Maya de Cancún's architecture proves impressive. It boasts floor-to-ceiling, hurricane-resistant glass windows – a necessary design element following the original anthropology museum's closure in 2004 due to hurricane damage.

Past visitors appreciated the archeological site adjacent to the museum, which offers walking trails to explore. They also recommended visiting the museum on a rainy day, as most of Cancún's alternative attractions are outdoors. Many also remarked that some, but not all, of the information shared within the museum was offered in both English and Spanish.

El Parque de las Palapas El Parque de las Palapas free

This small plaza sits in downtown Cancún and blurs the lines between a local and tourist hot spot. Fans of street food will appreciate the assortment of vendors that line the park and offer delicious Mexican dishes. Past visitors praise the readily available churros and marquesitas (a crepe-like dessert). If you enjoy live music, the area also boasts a stage for performances, which generally occur on Friday evenings.

El Parque de las Palapas sits in downtown Cancún, roughly 6 miles west of the northern end of the Hotel Zone. The plaza's position – a block off Avenida Tulum – makes it easily accessible for anyone staying in or exploring the downtown area.    

Isla Mujeres Luxury Catamaran Sailing plus Lunch and Open Bar

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Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA) Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA)

Unlike a traditional museum, Museo Subacuático de Arte (Underwater Museum of Art) is composed of concrete structures spread across the seafloor. The underwater museum sits somewhere between Isla Mujeres and the Hotel Zone and is divided into three areas: Manchones, Punta Nizuc and Punta Sam. The more than 470 sculptures found within Manchones are only accessible via scuba diving. Punta Nizuc houses 33 sculptures, which travelers can see while snorkeling in the area. The nine sculptures visible at Punta Sam sit in the shallowest water. Travelers who'd prefer to stay on land can swing by the MUSA's small gallery near downtown Cancún.

In general, past travelers praised the unique experience. Many reviewers also agreed the trip to the underwater museum is well worth it to see the colorful fish and the lifelike statues firsthand. Others were disappointed that they didn't see more statues during boat and snorkel trips.

Xavage Park by Xcaret Xavage Park by Xcaret

Xavage Park by Xcaret is a thrill park that offers activities the entire family can enjoy. Basic admission includes a ropes course, the chance to go kayaking and access to the park's splash zone. Meanwhile, the more robust package includes whitewater rafting, a jet boat ride, a ropes course, monster truck rides, zip lines, kayaking and splash zone access. Both packages include snacks, a buffet meal and nonalcoholic drinks. Note that some age and height restrictions apply to these activities, such as the fact that drivers must be at least 5.2 feet (and passengers must be 4 feet tall) to ride in the monster truck. Children younger than 12 but taller than 4.5 feet must be able to verify their age with a photo ID.

Past visitors seem to agree the park is clean and well run. Most say they had a great time and stayed active while enjoying the weather and scenery. Reviewers also said the food included in the package was tasty. 

La Isla Shopping Village La Isla Shopping Village free

Travelers in search of a little retail therapy will appreciate the assortment of storefronts in La Isla Shopping Village, including options like Abercrombie & Fitch, Prada and Studio F. True to its name, the open-air shopping area is separated from the rest of Cancún's Hotel Zone by a small canal. It is also located just north of Playa Marlín .

Past visitors were delighted by the mall's offerings, which include a Ferris wheel and an interactive aquarium that hosts regular dolphin shows, in addition to numerous food options. Along with a selection of assorted eateries, the shopping village also houses clothing and souvenir stores in its collection of retail options.

Xoximilco Xoximilco

Xoximilco claims to be a "floating fiesta in Cancún," but it's much more than that. This Mexican theme park aims to explore and celebrate local culture through food, music and games. Visitors get the opportunity to learn and experience Mexican traditions and folklore throughout each visit. Essentially, Xoximilco is a cultural experience that includes a boat ride plus dinner and entertainment.

A ticket to Xoximilco comes with a range of included amenities and activities, such as a gondola ride through festive canals, a Mexican dinner and culinary experience, an open bar, a range of live music performances and a personal guide. 

Coco Bongo Cancun Coco Bongo Cancun

Considered  the  spot for nightlife in Cancún, Coco Bongo isn't your traditional, DJ-controlled nightclub. Instead, thousands of travelers pack the house to witness nonstop performances from acrobats, conga lines, live bands and musician impersonators. A typical night at Coco Bongo involves projected videos, balloons, soap bubbles and confetti.

While Coco Bongo is a nonstop amalgam of cocktails and dancers, you can also dance the night away on the club's dance floor. If you're seeking some stage antics and endless performances, that's another reason Coco Bongo is definitely worth a try. Most travelers say that they had a great night at Coco Bongo, even if their seats offered poor views, there were long lines for drinks and the tickets were expensive.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Mexico travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: May 13, 2024 06:59 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, mexico - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

Guerrero - Avoid all travel

This advisory excludes the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, where you should exercise a high degree of caution.

Regional Advisory - Avoid non-essential travel

• all Chihuahua
• all Colima, except the city of Manzanillo
• all Coahuila, except the southern part of the state at and below the Saltillo-Torreón highway corridor
• all Durango, except Durango City
• Highway 45 between León and Irapuato
• the area south of and including Highway 45D between Irapuato and Celaya
• all Michoacán, except the cities of Morelia and Patzcuaro
• the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park
• the municipality of Xoxocotla
• the area within 20 km of the border with Sinaloa and Durango
• the city of Tepic
• all Nuevo León, except the city of Monterrey
• all Sinaloa, except the cities of Los Mochis and Mazatlán
• all Sonora, except the cities of Hermosillo and Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Peñasco
• all Tamaulipas
• all Zacatecas

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General elections

General elections are scheduled to take place on June 2, 2024. Demonstrations and other political gatherings could occur before, during and after the elections. Road closures and blockages may cause travel disruptions. A strong military and police presence is expected.

You may face deportation if you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico. Arrest and detention rates are low and don’t deter criminal activity.

Criminal groups, including drug cartels, are very active. ‎Clashes between cartels or gangs over territory, drugs and smuggling routes are common.

In some parts of the country, military, navy and federal police forces have been deployed to combat organized crime and improve security conditions. They maintain a visible presence by:

• patrolling the streets
• setting up roadblocks
• conducting random vehicle checks  

If you plan on travelling to Mexico:

• remain vigilant at all times
• stay in tourist areas
• be very cautious on major highways
• avoid travelling at night
• monitor local media closely

If you’re the victim of a crime, you must report it immediately to local authorities. No criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint. Complaints must be made in person before leaving Mexico. You should hire a local lawyer to represent your interests and follow up on your case after you return to Canada. Failure to do may result in incomplete investigations or long delays in bringing cases to trial.

Violent crime

There are 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.

Criminal groups and drug cartels are present in tourist areas. Inter-gang and cartel fighting has taken place in restaurants, hotels and nightclubs frequented by tourists.

Innocent bystanders have been injured or killed. You may be in the wrong place at the wrong time and become a victim of violent crime.

Border areas often see higher criminal activity and violence, including in rural areas. Confrontations between organized criminal groups and Mexican authorities continue to pose a risk. Shootouts, attacks and illegal roadblocks may occur without warning.

You should travel to Mexico by air to avoid international land border crossings, particularly along the border with the United States, in the following cities:

• Ciudad Juárez
• Nuevo Laredo

If crossing an international land border:

• remain extremely vigilant
• use only official border crossings

Armed robbery

Armed robbery occurs. Foreigners have been targets of robberies that sometimes involve assault.

Robbers will follow a victim after they exchange or withdraw money at airports, currency exchange bureaus ( casas de cambio ) or ATMs.

• Stay in hotels and resorts with good security
• If you are threatened by robbers, stay calm and don’t resist
• Avoid withdrawing or exchanging money in public areas of the airport

Canadian travellers have been physically and sexually assaulted. In some cases, hotel employees, taxi drivers and security personnel at popular tourist destinations were involved. In some cases, hotel staff are not helpful and try to dissuade victims from pursuing the incident with police.

• Avoid walking after dark, especially alone
• Avoid isolated or deserted areas
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption

Are you a victim of sexual violence? – Government of Canada and British Embassy Mexico City

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs in Mexico. When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overcharging

Some bars and nightclubs may try to charge exorbitant prices. Discussions about overcharging may lead to threats of violence and security guards may force you to pay. Avoid running a tab or leaving your credit card with bar or restaurant staff.

Overseas fraud

Police officers

Legitimate police officers have extorted money from tourists or arrested tourists for minor offences such as :

• drinking alcohol on the street
• urinating on public roads
• traffic violations

They have requested immediate cash payment in exchange for their release. Travellers driving rental cars have been targeted.

If this occurs:

• don’t hand over your money or your passport
• ask for the officer’s name, badge and patrol car number
• ask for a copy of the written fine, which is payable at a later date, or insist on going to the nearest police station

Virtual kidnappings

Extortion, including virtual kidnappings, is the third most common crime in Mexico. Criminals use a variety of tactics to gather information about potential victims for extortion purposes, including using social media sites or eavesdropping on conversations

In a virtual kidnapping, criminals contact the victim’s hotel room landline and threaten the victim to stay in their room. The criminals then instruct the victim to provide information needed for the caller to use to contact family and friends, to demand the immediate payment of ransom for their release.

• Don't discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information around strangers
• Never leave your cellphone unattended
• Ensure your cellphone is password protected
• Don't divulge personal business details to strangers in person or over the phone or on social media, especially when using hotel phones
• If you're threatened on the phone or hear screams, hang up immediately
• When you answer the phone, wait for the caller to speak. If the caller asks who is speaking, hang up immediately.
• Don’t answer unrecognized or blocked phone numbers
• Don’t answer hotel landlines

Kidnappings

Mexico has one of the highest kidnapping rates in the world. Kidnapping, including virtual and express kidnapping, is a serious security risk throughout Mexico.

Kidnappers target all classes. Canadian citizens and contractors working for Canadian businesses have been kidnapped, mostly in areas that are not under the control of police and security forces.

If you're kidnapped:

• comply with the kidnappers’ requests
• don’t attempt to resist

Express kidnappings

Express kidnappings occur in large urban areas. This is a method of kidnapping where criminals ask for a small and immediate ransom.

Thieves most commonly work in cooperation with, or pose as, taxi drivers. They force victims to use their debit or credit card to withdraw money from ATMs in exchange for their release.

• Use only a reputable taxi company or a trusted ride-sharing app
• Book taxis through your hotel or an authorized taxi stand ( sitio )

Petty theft

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in Mexico.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, even in areas normally considered safe
• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Avoid showing signs of affluence, such as flashy jewellery, cell phones, headphones and designer bags
• Carry only small amounts of money
• Be cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs

Home break-ins

Tourists staying in rental homes have been the victims of break-ins and burglaries. Whether you're staying in private or commercial accommodations, make sure you lock windows and doors securely.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Some incidents of assault, rape and sexual assault against Canadian women have occurred, including at beach resorts and on public buses. 

• Exercise caution when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances
• Be wary of rides or other invitations

Advice for women travellers

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Unregulated alcohol

Some bars, restaurants and resorts have served counterfeit alcohol. Some travellers have reported getting sick or blacking out after drinking alcohol.

• Be cautious if you choose to drink alcohol
• Seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick

Alcohol, drugs and travel

Height standards for balcony railings in Mexico can be considerably lower than those in Canada. Falls have resulted in deaths and injuries.

• Exercise caution when standing close to balcony railings

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly throughout the country. Protests and roadblocks are common in:

• Mexico City, including to and from the airport
• the states of Chiapas, Guerrero, Michoacán and Oaxaca

Such incidents may last a long time, leading to shortages of fresh food, medicine and gasoline.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.

Many beaches don’t offer warnings of dangerous conditions and they don’t always have lifeguards on duty.

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

• Consult local residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
• Always obey warning flags at beaches
• Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities

Water sports

Tour operators may not adhere to international standards. Many operators don’t conduct regular safety checks on their sporting and aquatic equipment.

Also, Canadians have been involved in accidents where operators of recreational vehicles, such as watercraft, have demanded compensation exceeding the value of the damage caused to the vehicle or equipment.

If you undertake water sports, such as diving:

• choose a well-established and reputable company that has insurance
• ensure that your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose
• wear the appropriate safety equipment, such as helmets and life jackets
• ensure that equipment is available and in good condition
• don’t consume alcohol before the activity

If in doubt concerning the safety of the facilities or equipment, don’t use them.

Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism  

Outdoor activities, such as white water rafting, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, bungee, zip lining, paragliding, hiking, mountain biking, etc and other adventure activities can be dangerous if unprepared. Trails are not always marked, and weather conditions can change rapidly, even during summer.  

Tour operators may not always adhere to international safety standards. 

If you intend to practice adventure tourism: 

• consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company 
• obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be setting out  
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation   
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal  
• pay attention to the symptoms of dehydration and heatstroke, both of which can be fatal  
• avoid venturing off marked trails  
• ensure that you’re adequately equipped and bring sufficient water   
• stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard  
• refrain from using facilities or equipment if you have doubts on their safety  
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary  

Road travel

Road conditions and road safety.

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country.

Road conditions can be dangerous due to:

• sharp curves
• poorly marked or hidden road signs
• construction sites
• roaming livestock
• slow-moving or abandoned vehicles

Toll highways are typically safer and better maintained than secondary highways.

Mexican driving styles are very different from those in Canada. Many drivers don’t respect traffic laws, and police don’t strictly enforce these laws. Drivers often drive at excessive speeds and may be aggressive or reckless. Drinking and driving laws are not strictly enforced. Accidents causing fatalities are common. Police don’t regularly patrol the highways.

Roadblocks and checkpoints

Illegal roadblocks and demonstrations are common. Heavily armed gangs have attacked travellers on intercity highways. Criminals especially target sport utility vehicles and full-size pickup trucks for theft and carjacking.

The military searches for drugs and firearms at military checkpoints throughout the country.

• Avoid road travel at night between cities throughout the country
• Ensure that you only stop in major centres, at reputable hotels or at secure campsites
• Keep your car doors locked and the windows closed, especially at traffic lights
• Avoid hitchhiking which is not a common practice in Mexico
• Don’t leave valuables in the vehicle
• Rent cars that don’t have stickers or other advertisements for the rental company on them, as rental cars have been targets for robbery, sometimes using force
• Ensure operators provide insurance and helmets if renting scooters
• Travel on toll roads to lower the risk of targeted roadblocks and robberies
• Never attempt to cross roadblocks, even if they appear unattended

Public transportation

Remain vigilant in airports, at bus stations, on buses and on the metro.

The Mexico City metro is often very crowded and a popular place for pickpocketing. There are metro cars dedicated to women and children during rush hours. They are located at the front of the trains.

The Metrobus in Mexico City, which has dedicated lanes and stops, is relatively safe. There are sections dedicated to women and children at the front of the buses.

The “colectivos” and “pesero” mini-buses that stop when hailed are frequently targeted for robbery.

When travelling to other cities, use bus companies that offer VIP or executive class transportation. These buses only travel on toll roads, which lower the risks of targeted roadblocks and robberies, and follow a speed limit.

Taxis and ridesharing services

Disputes between taxi and ridesharing application drivers may occur, especially in Quintana Roo. They may result in:

• altercations

Although tourists have not been targeted, you may be caught up in these incidents and harassed or injured. 

In Mexico City, all government-authorized taxis have licence plates starting with “A” or “B.” Taxis from designated stands have both the logo of their company and the plate number stamped on the side of the car. Official taxis in Mexico City are pink and white. Users can validate the pink and white taxis on the CDMX app.

• Avoid hailing taxis on the street
• Don't share taxis with strangers

When arriving at an airport in Mexico, pre-pay the taxi fare at the airport (inside or outside the terminal) and ask to see the driver’s official identification. You can also use a ridesharing app to arrange for a pickup at certain airports. Not all airports in Mexico allow ridesharing service pickups.

If you use a trusted ridesharing app, confirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the car.

Mi Taxi  – CDMX app (in Spanish)

Cruise ship travel

Plan carefully if you plan to take a cruise departing from or stopping in Mexico.

Advice for cruise travellers

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters of the Bay of Campeche. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report  - International Maritime Bureau

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Mexican authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Mexico.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required Business visa: required Work visa: required Student visa: required

Required documents

To enter Mexico, you must present a valid passport and a duly completed tourist card (Multiple Immigration Form). Carry documents to prove the purpose of trip, such as hotel or tour booking confirmations, as immigration officers may request them.

Tourist card

You must obtain a tourist card to enter the country unless you stay in Mexico for less than 72 hours within the northern border zone. 

If you don’t obtain a tourist card upon arrival, you may face:

It is highly recommended to keep your digital tourist card, or tourist card if entered by land, with you at all times as proof of your legal stay in Mexico. You may be asked to show it to Mexican officials when exiting the country or if you are stopped on an immigration check point.

If you are stopped at an immigration check point and you are unable to prove your legal stay, you may be fined, detained or expelled from the country.

Entering by land

If entering Mexico by land, you must stop at the immigration office located at the border to obtain a tourist card, even if not explicitly directed by Mexican officials. Immigration officials will write down on your tourist card the number of days you are allowed to stay in Mexico.  

You may complete the tourist card form online before your arrival. However, you must print the form and present it to the migration official at the port of entry.

Multiple Immigration Form  - Government of Mexico

Entering by air

If entering Mexico by air, you are advised to download your tourist card issued by Mexican officials upon entry.

Depending on your airport of entry:

• the immigration official will stamp your passport and note the number of days you are allowed to spend in Mexico or
• you will go through an E-gate kiosk where you will scan your passport and self-register your entry in the country. Only use this option if you are entering Mexico as a tourist.

Once in the country, whether you entered via a E-gate or not, you will be able to access the digital tourist card online. You have 60 days to download it.

If you are unable to show your tourist card or digital tourist card upon departure, you will have to pay for a replacement at the immigration office of any international airport before boarding.

Make sure to plan sufficient time at the airport to obtain a new card in time for your flight.

Portal access for digital tourist card  - Government of Mexico

Length of stay

An immigration official will determine the number of days you can remain in Mexico and note it on your tourist card. The maximum length granted for a tourism-related trip is 180 days; the maximum number of days is not granted by default.

If you're seeking the maximum number of days, you may be required to:

• explain the purpose of your trip to the immigration official
• provide details about your trip (accommodations, funds, return flight, etc.)

You won’t be able to request an extension or change the condition of your stay from inside the country.

Canadians travelling to the northern border zone (within 21 kilometres of the U.S. border) for work don’t require a visa for stays of 72 hours or less.

If you require a business or work visa, you should take care of the process yourself. If a prospective employer is processing your visa for you:

• obtain copies of all correspondence between the employer and Mexican immigration authorities
• verify that these copies are stamped by the immigration authorities as proof that your papers are being processed
• request a receipt from your employer for any document that you provide for purposes of obtaining the visa
• avoid surrendering your passport to your employer

Volunteer, religious, research and eco-tourism activities

You may not be able to undertake volunteer, religious/missionary, research or certain forms of eco-tourism activities while visiting as a tourist. Contact the Mexican Embassy or closest Mexican consulate for information the type of visa required for these activities.

Tourism tax

Most visitors to Mexico must pay a tourism tax.

This fee is normally included in airline ticket prices. Visitors arriving by road or sea will have to pay this fee at any bank in Mexico. There is a bank representative at every port of entry. The bank receipt must be attached to the tourist card for submission at departure.

You don't have to pay this tax if:

• you're entering by land for tourism purposes, and your stay will not exceed 7 days
• you're travelling to the northern border zone for less than 72 hours
• you're travelling to Mexico on a cruise ship

Dual citizenship

If entering and leaving Mexico as a dual citizen, you must identify yourself as a Mexican citizen. You must carry valid passports for both countries.

Laws about dual citizenship

Criminal records

Canadians with a criminal record or a warrant for arrest may be refused entry and returned to Canada or to a third country on the next available flight.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 6 May, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Salmonellosis is a common illness among travellers to this country. It can be spread through contaminated food or beverages, such as raw or undercooked poultry and eggs, as well as fruits or vegetables.

Practice safe food and water precautions . This includes only eating food that is properly cooked and still hot when served.

Pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, those over 60 years of age, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill.

Cases of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella have been reported among Canadian travellers returning from Mexico. These strains of Salmonella do not respond to some of the recommended antibiotics if treatment is needed.

Most people recover on their own without medical treatment and from proper rehydration (drinking lots of fluids).

• Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Travellers with severe symptoms should consult a health care professional as soon as possible.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)   is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

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 payment with a credit card in advance or a bank transfer/direct deposit.

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.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Medical tourism

Medical tourism is common in Mexico. Canadian travellers have had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad.

Before leaving for medical travel, you should do your research, especially on:

• the health and financial risks
• the medical facility where the procedure will be performed
• language barriers, which can lead to misunderstandings about your medical care and conditions
• travel insurance that includes coverage for the type of medical procedure you will be undergoing

You should discuss your medical plans with your primary healthcare provider in Canada before travelling. Most provincial and territorial health care programs are extremely limited in their coverage offered abroad.

• Make sure that the healthcare providers you choose are authorized by the Mexican health authorities
• Ask to see the credentials of the healthcare providers
• Obtain a written agreement detailing the proposed treatment or procedure
• Receiving medical care outside Canada
• If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return
• Medical tourism – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Mexico. 

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Medication cannot be sent to Mexico from Canada via courier services.

Many types of medication—both over-the-counter and prescription—are readily available with little oversight. Counterfeit medication is common in certain parts of Mexico. If you need to purchase medication while in Mexico, make sure to get it from a reputable location.

Federal Commission for protection against sanitary risk  (in Spanish)

Air quality in Mexico City

In Mexico City, you may experience health problems caused by high altitude or by air pollution, which is at its peak during the winter months.

Consult your doctor before booking your trip if you have lung, heart or respiratory problems.

Death in Mexico

If you plan to retire or spend long periods of time in Mexico, or travel there for medical procedures, you should:

• share your plans or wishes with relatives
• make sure important documents can easily be located
• make arrangements in case of your death while in the country
• What if I Die in Mexico? – Fact sheet
• Death Abroad Factsheet

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Penalties for breaking the law in Mexico can be more severe than in Canada, even for similar offences.

Foreign nationals are often held in pre-trial detention and there can be lengthy delays before a trial.

Many petty crimes (such as public urination, failure to pay a bill or disorderly behaviour) can result in a 72-hour detention by police. Paying a fine can secure an early release from detention.

Detention conditions are below the standards of Canadian prisons.

• Overview of the criminal law system in Mexico
• Arrest and detention

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Smoking is prohibited in all public places except for clearly marked designated smoking areas. This includes but is not limited to:

• restaurants

You may be fined if you’re caught smoking in public.

Electronic cigarettes

It’s illegal to bring electronic cigarettes/vaping devices and solutions into Mexico.

You could have these items confiscated by customs officials if you have them in your possession. You could also be fined or detained.

It is strictly prohibited to sell or distribute these devices and solutions in Mexico.

Imports and exports

The Mexican government strictly enforces its laws concerning possession, importation and trafficking of firearms.

Anyone entering Mexico with a firearm or ammunition without prior written authorization from Mexican authorities is subject to imprisonment.

It is also illegal to enter the country with certain types of knives.

Importing vehicles and boats

Mexico has very strict rules regarding the importation of foreign vehicles and boats.

You must enter Mexico with the proper import permit and insurance, since it cannot be obtained once you are in Mexico. You may face a fine and have your vehicle seized if you enter Mexico without the proper permit.

You must present a paper document of your vehicle registration to obtain a vehicle importation permit from the Mexican authorities. If you present a digital document of your vehicle registration, your vehicle may be refused entry into Mexico.   

• Vehicle importation  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Temporary vehicle import application system  – Banjército
• Travelling to Mexico by land  – Mexican Embassy in Canada

Cigarettes and alcohol

If you are older than 18, you are allowed to bring into Mexico up to:

• 10 cigarette packs
• 25 cigars or
• 200 grams of tobacco
• 3 litres of alcohol and
• 6 litres of wine

If you bring more alcohol and cigarettes into Mexico than allowed, even if you declare your imported items, you will be subject to a high import fee. You will still be subject to a significant fee if you decide to relinquish your imported items

It’s illegal to possess archaeological artefacts or to export such items from Mexico.

• Goods you can bring to Mexico as part of your personal luggage  – Government of Mexico
• Goods you cannot bring into Mexico  – Government of Mexico
• Agricultural product restrictions  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

Political activity

It’s illegal for foreigners to conduct political activity in Mexico, including participating in demonstrations.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Mexican law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely accepted in Mexican society, particularly in rural areas.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are disproportionately targeted for violence and can face discrimination.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Mexico.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Mexico, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Mexico.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Mexico, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Mexican court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Mexico to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

There are no clear procedures or regulations about surrogacy in Mexico.

If you're considering surrogacy, seek advice from legal professionals knowledgeable in Canadian and Mexican laws and citizenship procedures.

Identity documents

The names on your identity documents must be identical to those on your birth certificate to obtain official Mexican documents, such as marriage certificates, immigration documents or passports.

Middle names are often left off Canadian identity documents. This has caused significant difficulties for many Canadians. If you plan on residing in Mexico or dealing with the Mexican Civil Registry, obtain a Canadian passport that will meet Mexican requirements.

Identification

You should carry photo identification.

Authorities can ask you to show identification and a proof of your legal status in Mexico. They can demand to see your tourist card at any time. You must carry the original at all times. You must carry the original at all times, and should also carry a photocopy of the identification page of your passport.

Investments

If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Mexico, seek legal advice in Canada and in Mexico. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Mexican real estate agents are not licensed or regulated.

• Choose your own lawyer
• Avoid hiring a lawyer recommended by a seller

Problems with timeshare arrangements occur.

Timeshare representatives may be very persistent. They use pressure tactics and offer free tours, meals, gifts or alcoholic beverages.

It's illegal for timeshare companies to ask you to sign a waiver that prevents you from cancelling a contract. You're legally entitled to cancel a timeshare contract without penalty within 5 working days. Contracts must be cancelled in writing directly with the timeshare company.

Before purchasing a timeshare:

• gather as much information as possible
• review carefully the contract; anything not included in the contract will not be honoured
• provide your credit card only if you are sure you want to make the purchase
• keep copies of all correspondence

If you suspect a fraud in the real estate procedures, contact the Federal Attorney’s Office of Consumer immediately.

• Federal Attorney’s Office of Consumer (PROFECO)  – Mexican Government (in Spanish)
• Should I buy a timeshare in Mexico? - Embassy of Mexico in Canada
• Should I sell my timeshare in Mexico? - Embassy of Mexico in Canada

Rental accommodations

Rental agreements between two individuals in Mexico are considered a private matter and are not regulated by the government.

If you encounter difficulties with a rental agreement, you must obtain the services of a Mexican lawyer.

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Auto insurance

Mexican liability insurance is mandatory. Canadian automobile insurance is not valid in Mexico.

You can obtain insurance at the Mexican border. You should obtain full coverage, including coverage for legal assistance.

Automobile insurance is much more expensive in Mexico than in Canada. Many local drivers don’t have any form of car insurance.

If you’re involved in an accident, and you don’t have Mexican liability insurance, you could be prevented from leaving the country until all parties agree that adequate financial satisfaction has been received. If you’re found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of an accident, or if you don’t have a valid driver’s licence, your insurance will be considered invalid.

If you’re involved in a traffic accident, you may face serious legal problems, including imprisonment. You could be taken into custody until responsibility for the accident is determined and all fines are paid. You must report any accident you’re involved in to the police.

Driving restrictions in Mexico City

The Hoy No Circula (No Driving Today) program restricts some cars from driving in Mexico City and in some municipalities of the State of Mexico, from Monday to Saturday, from 5 am to 10 pm.

You will face driving restrictions depending on:

• your car’s emission sticker
• the last digit of your license plate
• where your license plate was issued

Hoy No Circula program is strictly enforced. You may face heavy fines and temporary confiscation of your vehicle if you don’t comply. Consult the Hoy No Circula calendar before driving.

Electric and hybrid cars are exempted from these restrictions. Gas-fueled cars of a 2008 model or later may obtain a tourist pass valid for selected drive days.

• Hoy no circula – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Tourist pass  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Ministry of Environment  – Government of (in Spanish)

Buying/selling a vehicle

You must be either a temporary or a permanent resident if you wish to buy a car in Mexico.

It’s illegal to sell your imported vehicle in Mexico. If you do, your vehicle may be seized and you may be subject to a fine and deportation.

The currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso.

In some parts of Mexico, particularly tourist destinations, hotels and other service providers may advertise prices in USD.

There is a limit to the amount of U.S. dollars that residents and foreigners can exchange in Mexico, depending on your immigration status. The rule doesn’t apply to Canadian dollars but some financial institutions, hotels and currency exchange bureaus don’t make the distinction.

When carrying more than US$10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, cash, cheques, money orders or any other monetary instrument, you must declare the amount exceeding US$10,000. Failure to make this declaration is against Mexican law and often results in detention.

Mexico is subject to various natural disasters, such as:

• earthquakes
• volcanic eruptions
• torrential rains, floods and mudslides
• forest fires

In the event of a natural disaster:

• monitor local news to stay informed on the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• Secretary of Integrated Risk Management and Civil Protection  – Government of Mexico City (in Spanish)
• National Center for Disaster Prevention  (CENAPRED) – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Get prepared

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings  - United States’ National Hurricane Center

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains can cause flooding and landslides. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Mexico is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions can occur.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

Useful links:

• National Seismological Institute  – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)
• Latest earthquakes  - U.S. Geological Survey
• Tsunami alerts  - U.S. Tsunami Warning System
• Centre for Studies and Research of Volcanology  - University of Colima (in Spanish)

Forest fires

Forest fires may occur, particularly during the dry season from:

• January to June in the centre, north, northeast, south and southeast
• May to September in the northwest

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

• stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• always follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel, including any evacuation order
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Daily report on wildfires – Government of Mexico (in Spanish)

Local services

In case of an 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.

You can download the App on your mobile device.

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

Consular assistance

Aguascalientes, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Estado de Mexico, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Michoacán, Morelos, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, San Luís Potosí, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Zacatecas.

Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo north of the municipality of Solidaridad, including Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres and Holbox

Baja California, Sonora

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Mexico, in Mexico City, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

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.

  Avoid all travel

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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Latest update

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 expert breaks down the 10 things you should NEVER do as tourist visiting Cancun

• Travel expert Dan broke down 10 things to avoid as a tourist visiting Cancun
• The Mexican coastal city welcomes millions of visitors annually
• His advice ranged from sanitation measures to opting for bottled water

A TikTok travel expert has given the rundown on the top 10 things to avoid as a tourist in Cancun.

Dan, who posts under the handle  @danstravelguide  with more than 64,000 followers, dove into the essential need-to-knows of visiting the famed coastal city on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula in a rapid-fire video. 

The destination has long been one of the most visited spots in the world, welcoming a record-setting 30 million visitors in 2022, according to the Cancun Sun .

First up on Dan's 'don'ts': Stay away from the tap water.

'The tap water here is not the safest so it's best if you just get a bottle of water,' Dan said.

Second: Don't give in to temptations to buy things before even getting out of the airport.

'Don't get pressured to buy things at the airport. You're gonna get bombarded with all kinds of different things to buy. A lot of these are timeshare scams. Just keep going and say "No, gracias."'

Third: Avoid taxis. 

'Don't take the taxis. Taxi drivers have been known to abuse tourists, so take another form of transportation. It's much better to take a bus instead. They're about 10 per cent of what taxis charge.'

Number four was 'don't trust the excursions' at face value, Dan stressed.

'Always get it in writing and make sure it's legit. You can often get scammed this way so just make sure you double check,' he explained.

Fifth: Remember to wear sunscreen.

' Mexico  is a lot hotter than you may think. And even if you don't go to the beach, you can end up like this guy right here,' Dan said, gesturing to an image of a man with a sunburnt face, save for the white silhouette of sunglasses around his eyes.

Coming in at number six on his list, don't worry about getting pesos in cash.

'Most places will take US dollars as well,' Dan said.

Seventh: Avoid timeshare presentations like the plague.

'They'll try to offer you discounts and free stuff if you go to these presentations. These are high-pressure sales. Do not go to them,' the travel expert advised.

His eight tip was 'never lose your [resort] wristband under any circumstances.'

'If you lose your resort wristband, expect to pay a lot to get another one,' Dan said.

'When you're out and about, make sure you hide your wristband. Some people will pretend to be like they're from your resort and try to scam you,' he added.

Ninth was: 'Don't forget to tip.'

'A lot of the people here really depend on tips to survive, so make sure you tip at least 10 to 20 per cent,' Dan said.

And last but not least: 'Don't be scared to go outside of the resort and explore.'

'There's a lot more to Cancun than just a resort so don't be afraid to get out there and find some cool places,' Dan concluded.

While tourists should of course make the most of their trip, visitors would be wise to use basic common sense and awareness of their surroundings at all times. 

After all, as idyllic as Cancun is, the area can also be rather seedy, thanks to those looking to make a quick buck off of unwary tourists as well as due to underground criminal activity.

In April 2023, authorities found eight bodies in a dumpster  at a resort in Cancun, with the murders believed to be the doing of a cartel.

Earlier this year, a captain of a tourist boat was arrested after his speedboat was hit by a wave and sank, causing four of the 16 passengers deaths by drowning.

And in February, US officials issued a travel advisory to use 'increased caution' when visiting Mexico due to the prevalence of 'unregulated drinks and synthetic drugs' in the country.

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According to the ORG Ocean Conservancy, the more sargassum there is, the more sargassum there will be, which in practical terms means that seeing tropical beaches buried under tons of sargassum over the summer has the potential to become the “new normal.”

To tackle this issue, countries like Mexico have elevated their sargassum alert level from green to yellow (Level 3) in Quintana Roo.

More than 300,000 tons of sargassum are expected to land on Mexican beaches this year, shattering the records set in previous seasons.

https://www.travelinglifestyle.net/these-6-caribbean-travel-hotspots-to-see-record-seaweed-invasion-in-summer-2024/

The numbers do not make sense:

"The Mexican Sargassum Monitoring Network (RDMS) has discovered 7,400 tons of sargassum (5,000 square kilometers) floating on their way to six Caribbean hotspots."

Yet "More than 300,000 tons of sargassum are expected to land on Mexican beaches this year..."

Perhaps "7,400" should be "740,000" or "7.4 million."

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Cancun without the crowds: Meet Isla Mujeres, a quieter Mexican getaway

As soon as I arrived at Isla Mujeres, I knew I was going to experience a completely different side of Cancun.

With turquoise-blue waters, soft sand beaches and ancient Mayan ruins, Cancun is one of the top travel destinations for Americans seeking out a tropical getaway. Located on the Yucatán Penisula, the city drew 30 million visitors in 2022. It’s an easy place to visit and offers visitors the most hotels in the country . 

A gorgeous beach locale? Definitely. Peaceful? Not exactly.

But looking out to the bright blue horizon, you’ll see the secluded haven I’m going to instead: Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets . 

Those looking to escape the loud parties and crowds of Cancun but still bask in the Yucatan’s natural beauty should consider Isla Mujeres, a small island 8 miles northeast of Cancun. In 2022, Isla Mujeres saw only 20% of Cancun’s tourist numbers , which makes it a more serene beach vacation.  

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets is a newly opened all-inclusive luxury resort that caters to a quieter Mexican getaway. A personal butler, four levels of infinity pools and even private boat transfers to and from Cancun are just a few of the amenities guests at the luxurious adults-only resort can take advantage of.

Here’s what it’s like to vacation at Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets. 

What makes Isla Mujeres so special?

Isla Mujeres translates to “Island of Women,” and it is said to be where the Mayan goddess Ixchel resides. The only way to reach the island is by boat, a 15-minute ride from Cancun.

Like Cancun, Isla Mujeres has pristine beaches but with a more laid-back vibe. Think of the island as a less overwhelming, more intimate version of the tourist hub. There is a downtown square, but it’s nothing like Cancun’s party block, which I found overwhelming the last time I visited. 

Here’s what Isla Mujeres has to offer visitors: 

• On display is Isla Mujeres’ natural beauty. The island is surrounded by an azure sea so vivid it looks as if it were dyed. The calm waters invite travelers to spend most of their time there, and the island is known for flourishing marine life – it’s sometimes called the whale shark capital. If you don’t spot one of these docile sea creatures, whose population has declined more than 50% over the past 75 years, there are still plenty of fish and giant shells to see below the surface. Even the resort pays tribute to the gentle giants by being the home base for shark conservation nonprofit Saving Our Sharks Foundation. A portion of each stay at Impressions Isla Mujeres by Secrets goes to the local organization, meaning guests are supporting “marine biodiversity conservation, promoting sustainable fishing practices, conservation efforts and responsible tourism,” Erica Doyne, senor vice president of marketing and communications at Hyatt Hotels Corp., told USA TODAY.
• As for non-living sea wonders, the island is home to the Museo Subacuático de Arte , one of fewer than 10 underwater art museums worldwide. Since 2010, visitors have been able to swim among the more than 500 life-size submerged sculptures, which also add biomass to the reef system. If going below the surface isn’t your thing, you can book a tour by glass-bottom boat.
• Though the most popular of ancient Mayan temples, Chichén-Itza, is on the peninsula, Isla Mujeres has its share of cultural and historical sites. Visitors can make their way to the Mayan Temple of Ixchel, perched atop a striking seaside cliff in Punta Sur on the most southern point of the island, a short distance from the resort. On the mornings of the new year, Isla Mujeres residents gather here to greet the first rays of sunlight. 

What is it like to stay at Impressions Isla Mujeres?

Relaxing and recharging are the focal points of the adults-only resort, which opened in 2023 as the second property in the Impression by Secrets brand, run by World of Hyatt. You can skip the front desk; check-in is done on the boat. Upon arrival at the dock, guests are greeted with a welcome drink and their personal butler, who is easily reachable via WhatsApp. During my stay, I often forgot I was in Cancun and not some private island in the Caribbean (or at least, how I imagine that would be like).

The property: The ocean is the resort's centerpiece, and its vistas are prioritized, from the rooftop infinity pool to the oceanfront rooms with their private terrace complete with an outdoor hot tub. Woven throughout the property are subtle reminders of the sea and the creatures within, such as sculptures of whale sharks by Mexican artist César Menchaca using upcycled plastic and elegant lobby seating echoing the shape of a starfish. 

The property was once an abandoned hotel, but you’d never know it. Looking up, you can see how the whitewashed resort pays tribute to its location by resembling a seashell. Its cliffside location, tucked-away courtyards and archways give it a Santorini architectural feel. 

“Built into the natural landscape atop a coastal cliff, the development of Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets was designed with purpose and inspired by a profound respect for the natural beauty and cultural richness of Isla Mujeres,” Doyne said.

A dock wraps around the 125-room resort’s beachfront, providing plenty of cabana space for guests to hunker down in and enclosing a swimming oasis. Hammocks hang off the dock, inches above the water, inviting you in for a daytime nap. 

With spring break around the corner, it'll cost two adults during the week of April 5-12 about $1,100 a night for an ocean-view room with two double beds, or one king bed and a sofa area. This rate includes a terrace, free laundry service, boat transfers, all amenities, and, of course, food and beverage. You can also use World of Hyatt points to book, and there’s a member rate.

The same week at fellow Isla Mujeres high-end resort Hotel Privilege Aluxes Isla Mujeres will run you more than $4,190 a night for an ocean-view suite, which has a large living area, food and beverage and similar amenities. (Although this seems a high rate, it is cheaper later in the year. A normal room is $1,949 in September, but there’s no terrace or promised ocean views.)

Eating well: The all-inclusive food and drink at Impression Isla Mujeres were top-notch, with eight dining options to choose from, ranging from Italian to Japanese cuisine and nine bars and lounges. My favorite restaurant was the breezy La Vista, which served Mexican fare to outdoor tables overlooking the water. 

It was my first time at an all-inclusive resort, and I indulged almost daily in the unlimited room service, with help from an in-room touchscreen tablet. If I didn’t hear the doorbell, staff would place the food in a two-way cabinet, lending to my peace and quiet.

To do: Besides the difficult choice between lounging by the pool or beach, guests can participate in robust daily programming, from wellness offerings to cultural enrichment workshops. I attended a smoke-cleansing session during sunset, and not only were the views breathtaking but I learned more about the Indigenous spiritual practice. Those who want more of a thrill can try out the four-story waterslide that empties into the ocean, go snorkeling or take one of the free bikes out for a ride. It takes only about 40 minutes to cruise the entire island. 

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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9 Best Islands in the Caribbean to Retire

Beautiful weather, an affordable cost of living, and a relaxed vibe await retirees on these Caribbean islands.

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When retirement approaches , many begin to consider where they want to spend their golden years. While some retirees are most comfortable in the familiar surroundings of their hometowns, others envision themselves in an idyllic location — one that might offer beaches, sunshine, delicious food, palm trees, and a laid-back atmosphere. Perhaps they fell in love with a place they visited, and, for many, that place might be one of the islands in the Caribbean .

For some retirees, the goal is to reduce their living expenses and live comfortably on a limited fixed income. Others, meanwhile, prioritize luxury and amenities, ideal weather, and beautiful scenery. Living costs, ease of obtaining residency, tax benefits, financial requirements, expat communities, residential developments, and lifestyles vary among the islands, so a solid amount of research should go into making this important decision.

So, before you go out and buy your “I Live Where You Vacation” T-shirt, an extended visit with input from locals and expats is highly recommended. The U.S. State Department also offers advice about what to consider before retiring abroad. With insight from experts on the subject, we’ve selected some of the best Caribbean islands for retirement.

Puerto Rico

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As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico offers many advantages for retirees seeking a tropical climate without relocating abroad.

Health care is widely available, and Medicare is accepted. Retirees can own property in Puerto Rico , too, with no restrictions or visas. For qualified retirees, the Individual Investors Act waives island and federal income taxes on dividends, interest, and capital gains for residents who live in Puerto Rico for at least half the year.

The cost of living is around 11 percent lower than on the mainland, and rents are about 53 percent less. In the major cities, like San Juan and Ponce, English is widely spoken, but it’s helpful to know at least some Spanish. The weather is warm , although humid at times, and hurricane season comes each year from June through November, peaking in August and September.

A number of established retiree communities, as well as assisted living facilities, are available. “Retirees will have no trouble settling into life in Puerto Rico,” according to an article by U.S. News & World Report . “The island is a retirement haven, home to big, active, and well-established retiree communities from the U.S. mainland. Most retirees settle around San Juan and the beach neighborhoods east of the city, though pockets of expats can be found around the island.”

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

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Located in the Caribbean about eight miles from the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres was once a fishing village. The atmosphere is still laid-back, and the cost of living is affordable. The small island offers beaches, clear and warm waters for snorkeling and diving, delicious restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Apartments, condos, and hotels are available, and rents and overall cost of living are relatively low. Most residents get around on motor bikes or golf carts, saving the expense of an automobile.

Retirees can apply for a temporary residency visa or permanent visa (after four years) at their local Mexican consulate, with financial qualifications. Those with legal residency can enroll in public health insurance for a small premium. Many purchase private insurance to cover medical expenses or pay out of pocket. Medicare is not accepted, though it is advisable for U.S. citizens to maintain coverage in the event they need to return to the U.S. for treatment.

U.S. Virgin Islands

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The main islands of St. Thomas , St. Croix , and St. John are attractive places to retire for those seeking mild weather, beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and access to restaurants and nightlife. As a U.S. territory, the U.S. Virgin Islands require no visas or passports for relocating. Medicare is accepted, and medical facilities are available on all the islands. The U.S. dollar is the currency, there’s no sales tax, and English is widely spoken.

The overall cost of living is higher than in the U.S., and rents are about six percent higher. A look at recent listings showed a wide range of rental costs, and like in most places, location, views, and amenities make a difference. Purchasing real estate on the islands works similarly to the mainland U.S., with attorneys representing both the buyer and seller. Travel + Leisure A-List advisor Margie Hand said, “When I was in the U.S. Virgin Islands this past June, I was shocked at all the people I met who had retired there. Some were working at stores in town, and one was an artist who sold pieces to local stores.”

Turks and Caicos

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Turks and Caicos is a British overseas territory consisting of eight main islands and more than 300 small ones. Average temperatures range from a high of 88 degrees Fahrenheit in July to 81 degrees Fahrenheit in January, and the climate is relatively dry . English is the official language, and the currency is the U.S. dollar. “These islands are some of my favorites in the Caribbean,” Hand told T+L. “However the cost of living may be high for some retirees.” In Providenciales, the most populous island that's also home to the international airport, monthly rents range from abut $1,500 to $3,660 in the city center. Condos, town houses, residences, and vacant land are available to purchase at a range of prices, plus there are no restrictions on property ownership by foreigners.

The government grants temporary residency permits with annual applications and offers investors permanent residency if they purchase property to use as a home. The investment must be $300,000 or $1 million, depending on the island, and the funds can be used for new construction or renovation of an older property. There are no taxes on real estate, income, inheritance, or estates. And the new Health City Medical Centre on Grand Cayman provides a range of high-quality, affordable health care,

On Anguilla , the northernmost of the Leeward Islands, the lifestyle is casual, and fishing, snorkeling, golf, tennis, and sailing are popular activities for visitors and residents. The cost of living here is on the high side, but apartments are available starting between $1,000 and $2,000 monthly. However, there are no income taxes, VAT taxes, or taxes on capital gains or inheritance.

Steve Haines, a longtime resident of Anguilla and a real estate broker at Trophy Properties , represents Four Seasons Anguilla Residences. He told T+L, “Some of the greatest things about the island are the wonderful people, perfect weather, and unbelievable food.” He added, “I’m seeing retirees who buy residences for year-round [living], as well as others who spend half the year here. It’s a combination of both.” Haines also noted that the island’s new airport — in progress — will make it easier to reach the destination in the future — perfect for visitors and residents.

Retirees are able to purchase property with an Alien Landholders license and additional fees. Those who own property are able to obtain permanent residency. With one hospital on the island, residents may need to travel to nearby St. Maarten for medical care or to one of the other islands — something to consider when retirement planning. Private insurance that includes transportation to the U.S. or a nearby large city is advisable.

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Dominica , nicknamed the “Nature Island,” is considered one of the most affordable Caribbean islands for retirees. There's an income tax based on residency status and income sources, but the destination offers tax incentives for retirees, including a reduced rate for those over age 65. “Navigating the landscape of Dominica taxes can be a crucial factor for individuals and businesses considering the island nation as a destination for investment and residency,” according to a recent article by Rihab Saad , managing director at Next Generation Equity.

For retirees who decide to make Dominica their permanent home, the Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program enables foreigners to establish permanent residency by making an investment of at least $100,000 in a government fund or real estate.

Both public and private health care services are available, and private insurance is recommended. Haines, who often spends time with friends who live in Dominica, said, “The island reminds me of Hawaii — very lush with fruit trees and gorgeous scenery. [It's a] beautiful place to live.”

Dominican Republic

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Located on the island of Hispaniola (along with Haiti), the Dominican Republic is one of the most affordable islands in the Caribbean for retirement. The cost of living here is about 47 percent lower than in the U.S., and rents are about 75 percent lower. The tropical climate, convenient location (it's about two hours from Miami), outdoor activities, and entertainment at resorts and hotels also make the destination an attractive option for retirees. Most expats and retirees live in Santo Domingo, Santiago, or Punta Cana.

The Dominican Republic offers a retirement visa for long-term residency with modest financial requirements, and those who decide to spend their golden years here can start with a standard tourist visa while the retirement visa is in process. Social security and pension benefits are not taxable, but all residents must pay taxes on income from financial investments such as stocks and bonds, certificates of deposit, and more.

According to a September 2023 article by Ashley Kilroy, an investment and insurance expert at SmartAsset, “Expats will need to purchase private health care insurance. Although this is an additional expense, it costs less to see a doctor and receive treatment in a private hospital in the Dominican Republic than in the U.S. International health insurance may cost up to $200 per month, and it covers most procedures and emergencies, and even some prescriptions.”

This small island in the southern Caribbean offers a stable political climate, warm weather, and a location outside the hurricane belt. Resorts, museums, shops, and towns provide plenty of activities and entertainment. While the overall cost of living in Aruba is slightly higher than in the U.S., rents are about 57 percent lower. There's an income tax, and retirees are eligible for exemptions on foreign pensions and annuities.

Quality health care — both public and private — is available, too. Foreign tourists can stay in Aruba for up to 90 days (180 days for citizens of the U.S. and the Netherlands). To stay longer, an application must be made to the Department of Immigration and Naturalization Services for a residence permit. A guaranteed annual income of at least $50,000 may qualify applicants age 55 and over for the status of “retired with guaranteed income.” According to luxury Caribbean property specialist 7th Heaven Properties , “The Government of Aruba welcomes foreign investment and there are no restrictions on foreign buyers buying property on the island with a view to moving to Aruba.”

Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, Belize

Located on Central America’s northeastern coast, just south of Mexico, Belize (formerly called British Honduras) consists of a mainland area and about 450 islands. Two of the islands (called cays) are popular retirement destinations: Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Both are a short flight or boat trip from the mainland. On a trip to Ambergris Caye a few years ago, I met retirees from the U.S. and Europe, happily adapting to the slower pace of life, living without cars (just about everyone drives a golf cart), and spending less than they did at home.

Belize correspondent for International Living, Shane Kenny, who moved his family to the country in 2019, noted in a recent article , “With Ambergris Caye being such a hot tourist destination, it’s also one of the more expensive places to live in Belize.” Of Caye Caulker , about a 30-minute ferry ride from Ambergris Caye, Kenny said, “Many consider Caye Caulker to be the laid-back, smaller version of Ambergris Caye. Be prepared to walk everywhere, as the streets are unpaved and there are no cars on the island — just a few golf carts.”

The government of Belize explains how to acquire residency or retirement status through the Visitor's Permit Extension, Qualified Retired Person Program, and permanent residency. Also making Belize an attractive retirement spot, the official language is English and the currency is U.S. dollars along with Belizean dollars.

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