Travelling to Mexico from the UK: Travel Guide
Mystical Mayan ruins, out-of-this-world beaches, amazing cuisine... These are just a few of the reasons UK nationals visit Mexico each year.
But what do you need to know before visiting? What COVID-19 requirements and restrictions are in place? Are there places you shouldn't visit?
In this article we'll outline essential information for those travelling to Mexico from the UK.
Travel: UK to Mexico - Do I need a visa?
Under the tourist visa on arrival scheme, the maximum length of stay is 180 days for a UK national. However, you might not be granted the full period; check the ‘Temporalidad’ section of the visa stamp to find out how long you can stay.
Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.
If you lose your passport, you'll need to pay 600 Mexican Pesos to replace the entry stamp.
Mexico Tourist Card: What is it?
The entry immigration form - or Mexico Tourist Card - should be completed before arrival. While some airlines hand out this immigration form, not all do.
It's quicker and easier to complete the form online, then print out the Tourist Card.
To quote the official Mexico Tourist Card site: "All you need is your passport, flight information, address or name of the hotel where you are staying, and a printer..."
Mexico travel advice: COVID-19 requirements?
- Visitors must be vaccinated
- Covid-19 testing is not required
- Quarantine not required
- Masks recommended in enclosed public spaces including public transport.
- The UK government website states "There are no COVID-19 specific entry requirements regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status."
Are there places I shouldn't go in Mexico?
Yes. Gov.uk has published a map of areas that "The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to".
See the map here. This page also provides further Mexico travel advice.
The FCDO may advise against visiting certain cities and states - such as Chihuahua and Sinaloa - but with exceptions.
The Mexican Government has dedicated resources to protecting tourist resort areas such as Cancun, but it's still possible to become a victim of robbery, assault and vehicle hijacking.
The FCDO strongly advises visitors not to become involved with drugs, since "Drug related crime and violence is prevalent and is on the increase."
Hurricane season in Mexico
Hurricane season runs from June to November and is likely to impact both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Flooding, landslides, and transport disruption are all possible - and can occur many hundreds of miles from storm epicentres.
Travel insurance for Mexico
The FCDO strongly urges UK visitors to take out comprehensive travel insurance.
Be sure you understand what is and isn't covered by your policy – e.g., will it cover medical costs if you fall ill with Covid-19?
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