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All visitors must hold a tourist card (FMT form), which is issued free of charge and obtainable from airlines, Mexican Consulates, Mexican international airports and border crossing points. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travelers traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.
Americans: United States passport holders
must have a valid passport, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days, if holding a Tourist Card/FMT form issued free of charge by airlines, embassies and at border crossings. Business travelers do not require a visa for up to 30 days if holding a FMTTV form.
UK nationals: British passport holders must have a valid passport and carry a Tourist Card/FMT Form. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days if holding an endorsed British Citizen passport. If the passport is endorsed British National (Overseas) or British Overseas Territories Citizen (with consular stamp on Tourist Card) the visa exemption is for a maximum of 90 days. British passport holders traveling on business can stay visa-free for one month if in possession of a FMTTV form, which can be acquired on arrival. Travelers must have a return or onward ticket (unless a British Citizen with a Tourist Card or visa), as well as necessary documents for further travel, and sufficient funds.
Canadians: Canadian passport holders must have a valid passport, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days if in possession of a Tourist Card/FMT form issued free of charge by airlines. Business travelers do not require a visa for up to 30 days if holding a FMTTV form. Travelers are required to have the necessary documents for further travel, and sufficient funds.
Australians: Australian nationals must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days if in possession of a Tourist Card/FMT form issued free by airlines. Travelers are required to have tickets and documents for a return or onward journey, and sufficient funds.
South Africans: South Africans require a valid passport. A visa and Tourist Card/FMT form with consular stamp is required and is valid for 90 days after date of issue. Travelers are required to have tickets and documents for a return or onward journey, and sufficient funds.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days if in possession of a Tourist Card/FMT form issued free by airlines. Travelers are required to have tickets and documents for a return or onward journey, and sufficient funds.
New Zealanders: New Zealanders must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a tourist stay of up to180 days, if holding a Tourist Card/FMT form issued by airlines (free of charge). Travelers are required to have tickets and documents for a return or onward journey, and sufficient funds.
Health
Those entering Mexico from an infected area require a yellow fever certificate. There are no vaccination requirements for visitors to Mexico, however visitors should take medical advice if traveling outside the major tourist areas. Immunization against hepatitis A and B and typhoid is generally recommended. A malaria risk exists in some rural areas, but not on the Pacific and Gulf coasts, and dengue fever is on the increase. Other risks include dysentery and diarrhoeal diseases, and sensible precautions regarding food and water are strongly advised, visitors are advised to be cautious of street food and stick to bottled water. Medical facilities are very good, but medical insurance is recommended.
Safety
There is a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks in public places. Crime is high in Mexico, especially in Mexico City, where robberies and muggings are prevalent. Travelers should avoid displays of wealth and be particularly vigilant on public transport, at stations and tourist sites. Only use authorized taxi services, from the taxi rank. All bus travel should be in daylight hours and if possible it is advisable to travel first class. Women traveling on their own should be alert, especially in tourist areas, as a number of serious sexual assaults have occurred in Cancun recently. Visitors drawing money from cash machines or exchanging money at bureaux de change should do so in daylight hours and be especially vigilant on leaving. There have been reports of tourists being approached by 'questionnaire agents', who use visitors' personal details to mislead relatives about their well-being, so be cautious. Visitors are advised to be wary of people presenting themselves as police officers attempting to fine or arrest them for no apparent reason, leading to theft or assault; if in doubt ask for identification, and, if possible make a note of the officer's name, badge number and patrol number. The practice is most common in Cancun where increasing numbers of motorists in rental cars have been stopped and threatened with imprisonment if an immediate fine is not paid. Hurricanes may affect the coastal areas between June and November; the Yucatan Peninsula suffered severe damage to infrastructure from Hurricane Dean on 21 August 2007. Severe flooding in November 2007 affected southern Mexico, particularly the states of Tabasco and Chiapas. Demonstrations relating to the contested July 2006 elections led to severe disruption in Mexico City, while in Oaxaca, southern Mexico, protests against the governor in 2006 resulted in a five-month takeover of the city and violent demonstrations that resulted in 12 deaths and numerous injuries.
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