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Before you go to Mexico: what to know

Must know

  • Since 16 Jan 2026 the import and sale of vapes/e-cigarettes is banned; customs confiscate them from tourists and cruise passengers — leave vapes at home.
  • Get your entry recorded (stamp or e-gate ticket) and check the number of days granted — you need proof of entry to leave.
  • Visiting Cancún, Tulum or the Riviera Maya? Pay the Quintana Roo VISITAX (≈ USD 15 pp) only at visitax.gob.mx; you may be asked for the QR code at departure.
  • Many nationalities that need a visa can enter visa-free with a valid US, Canada, UK, Schengen or Japan visa or residence permit.
  • Use bank ATMs inside branches/malls and only app or authorised (sitio) taxis, especially at night.

Entry and visas

US, UK, EU and UAE citizens enter visa-free as tourists for up to 180 days; the officer decides the actual days granted. Citizens of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, China and India need a visa unless they hold a valid US, Canada, UK, Schengen or Japan visa (or residence). At airports the immigration form (FMM) is now digital and its fee is usually in the airline ticket; land arrivals complete the FMM online.

Online arrival forms and permits

Passport validity: Valid for the whole stay; the Mexican Embassy recommends at least 180 days.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Check the days granted on your stamp or e-gate record.
  • Keep the e-gate ticket or digital proof for departure.
  • Lost entry proof costs ~MXN 700 to replace.

Customs

  • Vapes/e-cigarettes banned (confiscation, possible fines).
  • Declare cash over USD 10,000 equivalent.
  • Bring medicines with the prescription; some cold medicines (e.g. pseudoephedrine) and controlled drugs are restricted.
  • Firearms and ammunition: severe penalties, even a single bullet.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, inm.gob.mx ↗, visitax.gob.mx ↗, hoodline.com ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are widely accepted.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex

Apple Pay — works · Google Pay — works

Where to exchange money

  • Bank ATMs (BBVA, Banorte, Santander, Citibanamex) — choose MXN
  • Casas de cambio in city centres for USD cash

Where not to exchange

  • Airport exchange desks after customs
  • Paying in USD at tourist shops (poor rates)
  • Independent/street ATMs (high fees, skimming risk)
  • Dynamic currency conversion

ATMs: Bank ATMs charge ~MXN 30–150 per withdrawal for foreign cards; use ATMs inside banks or malls in daytime.

Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants (propina, rarely included); small tips for baggers, hotel staff, guides. No tip needed for app taxis.

  • Cash still needed at markets, street food, small shops and colectivos.
  • Russian Mir cards don't work.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: banxico.org.mx ↗, gov.uk ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Importing or selling vapes/e-cigarettes
  • Carrying firearms or ammunition
  • Any drugs; cannabis possession penalties still apply in practice
  • Removing archaeological artefacts or natural items (coral, shells) from protected areas
  • Participating in political activity as a foreigner

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Drinking in public streets is prohibited in most cities.
  • Carry a copy of your passport and proof of legal entry.
  • Sunscreen in many cenotes and marine parks must be biodegradable.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Mostly Roman Catholic.

Clothing: Casual; cover shoulders and knees in churches. Beachwear only at beaches and resorts.

Etiquette

  • Greet with 'buenos días/tardes' before asking anything.
  • Politeness and patience go a long way; timing is relaxed.
  • Ask before photographing indigenous people, especially in Chiapas.
  • Learn a little Spanish — English is limited outside tourist areas.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Climate

Tropical coasts (hot; rainy season June–October, hurricane risk Jun–Nov); temperate highlands (Mexico City: mild year-round, cool nights); hot, dry north.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: dry, Mexico City ~6–22°C; Cancún ~20–28°C
  • February: Feb: dry, pleasant
  • March: Mar: dry, warming
  • April: Apr: hot and dry; Easter crowds
  • May: May: hottest month inland
  • June: Jun: rainy season starts; hurricanes possible
  • July: Jul: rainy afternoons; humid coast
  • August: Aug: rainy, hot; sargassum on Caribbean coast
  • September: Sep: wettest, peak hurricane risk
  • October: Oct: rains easing; hurricanes possible
  • November: Nov: dry season begins; Día de Muertos 1–2 Nov
  • December: Dec: dry, pleasant, peak season

Best season: November–April (dry season).

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: en.wikipedia.org ↗, nhc.noaa.gov ↗

What to pack

  • Insect repellent (dengue)
  • Biodegradable sunscreen for cenotes/reefs
  • Light jacket for Mexico City evenings
  • Copies of passport and entry proof
  • Small peso notes and coins
  • Prescriptions for medicines

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Vapes and e-cigarettes
  • Any ammunition or weapons (even souvenirs)
  • Pseudoephedrine cold medicines

Practical

Plugs: Type A/B, 127 V, 60 Hz

Water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled or purified (garrafón). Ice in restaurants is usually purified.

Traffic: drives on the right

Mobile and eSIM: Telcel has the best coverage; SIMs at OXXO and Telcel stores; eSIMs available. Many US plans include Mexico roaming.

Apps: Uber, DiDi, Google Maps, Rappi, WhatsApp

Internet: No restrictions.

Health: No compulsory vaccinations. Dengue is common — use repellent. Hepatitis A and typhoid advised. Mexico City is at 2,240 m altitude.

Insurance: Not required for entry; travel medical insurance strongly recommended.

Emergency: 911 — all emergencies; 078 tourist assistance (Ángeles Verdes)

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travelhealthpro.org.uk ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.