Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Electronic Visitor Authorization
Certain nationalities now require an online Electronic Authorization (SAE) for air travel to Mexico, costing around 700 MXN and valid for up to 180 days. The application is quick via the official INM website, but apply at least 72 hours in advance to ensure approval and avoid boarding issues.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Mexico, with at least one blank page for entry stamps. This is crucial for U.S. and Canadian citizens who often travel by land or air to popular spots like Cancun or Mexico City.
Always verify with your airline or border officials, as expired documents can lead to denied entry and costly returns.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, Canada, EU countries, UK, Australia, and many others can enter Mexico visa-free for tourism or business stays up to 180 days, depending on nationality. Upon arrival by air or sea, you'll receive a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) tourist card at no extra cost.
Keep the FMM safe, as it's required for exit; losing it incurs a fine of up to 500 MXN at departure.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, such as some Asian and African countries, apply at a Mexican consulate with documents including a valid passport, proof of funds (around 1,500 MXN/day), return ticket, and hotel reservations; fees range from 300-1,000 MXN. Processing times vary from 10 days to several weeks, so start early.
Student or work visas need additional approvals from INM and can take 1-3 months with more extensive paperwork.
Border Crossings
Airports like Mexico City (MEX) and Cancun (CUN) have efficient immigration with biometric scans, but expect lines during peak seasons; land borders from the US (e.g., Tijuana or Nogales) require FMM and may involve vehicle inspections. Sea arrivals on cruises often get simplified entry without full stamps.
Overstaying your allowed period can result in fines of 1,500-5,000 MXN or bans, so track your dates carefully.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical emergencies (which can be expensive in Mexico), trip delays, and adventure activities like snorkeling in Cozumel or hiking in Chiapas. Look for policies with at least $50,000 USD in medical coverage starting from 200 MXN for a week.
Include evacuation insurance for remote areas like the Yucatan Peninsula, where hospitals may be far away.
Extensions Possible
You can apply for a visa extension up to 180 days total at an INM office before your FMM expires, providing reasons like medical needs or extended tourism, with fees around 300-600 MXN. Approval isn't guaranteed and requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation.
For longer stays, consider temporary residency visas, which involve background checks and can be applied for in-country if eligible.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Mexico uses the Mexican Peso (MXN). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Mexico City or Cancun by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during shoulder seasons like May or November.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at street food stalls or fondas for authentic tacos and tamales under 100 MXN per meal, avoiding resort restaurants to save up to 60% on food costs. Markets like Mercado de la Merced in Mexico City offer fresh fruits, handmade tortillas, and ready-to-eat dishes at bargain prices.
Opt for set lunch menus (comida corrida) around 80-120 MXN for a full three-course meal during weekdays.
Public Transport Passes
Get a Metro card in Mexico City for unlimited rides at 15 MXN per trip or use ADO bus passes for intercity travel starting at 300 MXN for multi-day routes, slashing costs compared to taxis. Colectivos (shared vans) in places like Playa del Carmen cost just 20-50 MXN for short hops.
Apps like Uber or Didi provide safe, affordable rides, often cheaper than official taxis at airports.
Free Attractions
Explore public beaches in Puerto Vallarta, hike national parks like Copper Canyon without fees, and wander historic centers in Oaxaca, all offering rich cultural experiences at no cost. Many Mayan ruins like Tulum have low entry fees under 100 MXN, but nearby cenotes are often free for locals and visitors alike.
Free walking tours in Guadalajara and festivals like Day of the Dead in some towns provide immersive insights without spending a peso.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards are accepted in cities and resorts, but carry pesos for markets, buses, and tips in rural areas like Chiapas. Use ATMs from major banks like Banorte for the best rates, avoiding airport exchanges that add 10-15% fees.
Notify your bank of travel plans to prevent card blocks, and consider a no-foreign-fee card to maximize savings.
Attraction Passes
Purchase the Mexico City Pass for bundled entry to museums, Teotihuacan pyramids, and Xochimilco canals at 500-800 MXN for 48 hours, covering 5-7 sites and paying off quickly. Yucatan Explorer passes offer discounts on multiple ruins and eco-parks, ideal for Riviera Maya itineraries.
Student or senior discounts (up to 50% off) are available at many UNESCO sites with proper ID.
Smart Packing for Mexico
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for hot, humid climates in coastal areas like Cancun, including quick-dry shirts and shorts for beach days. Include modest long-sleeved options and pants for visiting churches in Mexico City or indigenous communities in Oaxaca, respecting local customs.
Layer with a light jacket for cooler highland evenings in Guanajuato, where temperatures can drop to 10°C at night.
Electronics
Bring a Type A/B adapter for 127V outlets, a portable power bank for long days exploring ruins like Chichen Itza, and a waterproof phone case for cenote swims. Download offline maps via Google Maps and translation apps like Google Translate for Spanish in non-touristy spots.
A GoPro or compact camera is great for capturing vibrant markets and sunsets, but pack extra memory cards for high-resolution shots.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance details, a basic first-aid kit with motion sickness meds for bus rides, and prescriptions for any ongoing conditions. High-SPF sunscreen (50+), aloe vera gel, and DEET insect repellent are musts for mosquito-prone areas like the Yucatan during rainy season.
Include antidiarrheal meds and electrolytes for traveler's tummy, plus a reusable water bottle for purified water refills to stay hydrated safely.
Travel Gear
Opt for a versatile daypack with anti-theft features for city streets in Mexico City, a reusable water purifier bottle, and a sarong for impromptu beach lounging or as a shawl. Pack small denomination pesos and a money belt for secure transactions at markets or street vendors.
Photocopies of your passport, FMM, and insurance in a waterproof pouch ensure quick access during checkpoints or emergencies.
Footwear Strategy
Choose comfortable walking sandals or sneakers for cobblestone streets in colonial towns like San Miguel de Allende and rugged terrain at Teotihuacan pyramids. Water shoes or reef-safe flip-flops are essential for snorkeling in Cozumel or exploring rocky beaches in Puerto Escondido.
Hiking boots with good traction are ideal for volcano treks in central Mexico, paired with moisture-wicking socks to handle dusty trails.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized biodegradable toiletries, high-factor lip balm with SPF, and a wide-brim hat to combat intense UV rays across Mexico's diverse landscapes. A compact fan or cooling towel helps in sweltering heat, while wet wipes serve as a freshener for long travel days without showers.
For women, include tampons as they're less common in rural pharmacies; men might want extra razor blades for varying availability.
When to Visit Mexico
Dry Winter (December-February)
Peak season for whale watching in Baja California and mild weather of 20-28°C in Mexico City, with low humidity and clear skies ideal for outdoor adventures. Fewer rains make it perfect for exploring Yucatan ruins without mud, though expect crowds and higher prices in beach resorts like Cancun.
Holiday festivities add vibrancy, but book accommodations early to avoid shortages during Christmas and New Year's.
Spring (March-May)
Shoulder season with warm temperatures of 25-32°C and blooming cacti in Baja, great for hiking Copper Canyon or relaxing on Pacific beaches before summer heat intensifies. Fewer tourists mean better deals on tours to monarch butterfly sanctuaries in Michoacán.
Start of rainy season in May brings occasional showers, but they're short and followed by lush greenery in highland areas.
Rainy Summer (June-August)
Affordable travel with afternoon showers cooling 28-35°C heat, ideal for indoor cultural sites like Frida Kahlo's museum or escaping to air-conditioned malls. Coastal areas see fewer crowds, perfect for surfing in Sayulita or diving in Isla Mujeres during turtle nesting season.
Hurricanes are possible in the Gulf, so monitor weather apps; inland spots like Guadalajara remain vibrant with summer festivals.
Autumn (September-November)
Best value with post-rain freshness and temperatures of 22-30°C, excellent for Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca and migrating birds in coastal wetlands. Shoulder crowds allow intimate experiences at ancient sites like Palenque amid verdant jungles.
Early November avoids hurricane risks while enjoying harvest seasons for coffee in Chiapas and seafood in Ensenada.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN). ATMs are widespread; cards accepted in cities but cash preferred in rural areas and for tips.
- Language: Spanish is official. English spoken in tourist hubs like Cancun and Mexico City, but basic phrases help elsewhere.
- Time Zone: Multiple zones; mainly Central Standard Time (CST), UTC-6 (no DST in most areas since 2022)
- Electricity: 127V, 60Hz. Type A/B plugs (two flat pins, sometimes grounded)
- Emergency Number: 911 for police, medical, or fire assistance nationwide
- Tipping: Common and expected; 10-15% at restaurants, 20-50 MXN for taxis, porters 20 MXN/bag
- Water: Tap water not safe; drink bottled or purified. Avoid ice in rural areas
- Pharmacies: Abundant (farmacias); look for green crosses. Many sell over-the-counter meds without prescription