The advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Crime ('express kidnappings' on the Metro, security in Mexico City), Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate (update) and Where to Get Help (embassy website). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

The city of Oaxaca has experienced periods of violent civil unrest in the past year. Underlying tensions and a large police presence remain in the city.

You should avoid all protests and demonstrations and closely monitor the media and other local information sources for information about possible security risks. You should follow the instructions of the local authorities.

The Mexican constitution expressly prohibits political activity by foreign nationals while they are in Mexico. Participation in protests or demonstrations may result in detention or expulsion from Mexico for up to 10 years.

Armed rebel and civilian groups are present in the State of Chiapas, particularly in remote areas including jungle areas near the Guatemalan border. You should remain in well-frequented tourist areas and familiarise yourself with the local security situation if you are considering travel to remote areas of Chiapas.

Crime

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Mexico because of the high level of violent crime. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Violent crime, including sexual assault, armed robbery and kidnapping, occurs in popular tourist destinations and beach resorts. Drink and food 'spiking' occurs in bars and restaurants. There have been reports of sexual assault and other serious crimes, including assault and robbery, committed by individuals presenting themselves as police officers. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is prevalent at tourist destinations, airports, bus stations and on the metro in Mexico City. Security risks increase after dark.

The number of 'express kidnappings', where individuals are forced to withdraw funds from ATMs to secure their release, continues to increase, particularly in urban areas. There has been a recent increase in the number of 'express kidnappings' targeting people travelling on the Metro. The use of ATMs located inside shopping malls during daylight hours may reduce risk.

Thieves often work in co-operation with or pose as taxi drivers.

Security in Mexico City has been stepped up, particularly in areas frequented by tourists, following a bomb explosion in February 2008.

You should be aware it is increasingly common for extortionists to call prospective victims on the telephone, often posing as law enforcement or other officials, and demand payments in return for the release of an arrested family member. If you receive such calls you should contact local police.

There has been a significant increase in drug-related gang violence. Violent crime, often related to the illegal drug trade, occurs in the regions bordering the United States, including the cities of Nuevo Laredo, Tijuana, Cuidad Juarez, Nogales, Reynosa, Matamoros and, most recently, Mexico City. Although the violence is not normally targeted at foreign residents or tourists, bystanders are at risk and visitors should be vigilant. Organised crime and drug-related violence is prevalent in the states of Michoacan and Guerrero (particularly in the city of Acapulco). In most urban areas of the States of Baja California, Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon, Sinaloa and Guerrero, military and federal police forces maintain a visible presence to combat organised crime and to improve security conditions. They patrol the streets, set up roadblocks and conduct random vehicle checks.

If you are a victim of a crime, it must be reported immediately to the Mexican authorities (Agencia de Ministerio Publico).

Local Travel

Travellers have been robbed when using taxis hailed from the street. You should only use radio-despatched taxis or taxis based at a designated stand (sitios), particularly in Mexico City. Use only official taxis (yellow/white with an aircraft symbol on the door of the vehicle) from the airport, after pre-paying the fare inside the airport. Visitors travelling alone should avoid public places after dark.

Crime levels on inter-city buses and when travelling on highways are high. Avoid unnecessary travel at night and use only first-class bus services. The use of toll (cuota) roads rather than free (libre) roads wherever possible may reduce the risk of crime when driving in Mexico.

Driving on rural roads in Mexico is dangerous due to poor road conditions, the presence of livestock and pedestrians on roads and inadequate street lighting and signage.

The standards maintained by diving schools, dive operators and other adventure activity companies may not be high or comparable to those in Australia. Carefully check the operator's credentials beforehand and ensure that your insurance policy covers you for all activities that you undertake.

Standards maintained by search and rescue services may not be as high or comparable to those in Australia. These services may not be available in some locations.

Visitors to beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Mexico should follow the warning flags. Local undertows and currents may endanger even strong swimmers. Where beaches are not supervised, visitors should consult hotel staff.

Airline Safety

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

The hurricane season is June to November when landslides, mudslides and flash flooding may occur, including in Mexico City. In the case of a hurricane, monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning. You can check the latest hurricane information at the National Hurricane Center website.

In the event of an approaching hurricane, you should identify your local shelter. Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. You should contact your airline for the latest flight information. The hurricane could also affect access to sea ports in the region. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay. You should familiarise yourself with your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. You should carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. passport, picture identification, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts. For further information, see our Travel Bulletin: Severe Weather – Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons.

Mexico is in an active seismic zone and earthquakes do occur. There were a number of earthquakes in early 2008, including one in Oaxaca measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale.

Volcanic eruptions also occur in Mexico. There are several active volcanoes, including the Popocatepetl and Colima volcanoes. The Popocatepetl volcano currently has a Yellow (phase two) alert, following significant recent activity. Information on volcanic activity can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.

If a natural disaster occurs, you should monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife Watching

Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas. US dollars are widely accepted in holiday resort areas of Mexico.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or child care facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or child care facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select child care providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Mexico, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. In Mexico, suspects may be considered guilty until proven innocent.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

The Mexican constitution expressly prohibits political activity by foreign nationals while they are in Mexico. This includes participation in protests or demonstrations. Such activity may result in detention or expulsion from Mexico for up to 10 years.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy prison sentences local jails.

People who rent or borrow cars in Mexico are responsible for any illegal items found in those vehicles, even if they were unaware of their presence.

You can be arrested for possession of Mexican archaeological artefacts.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Mexico for the most up to date information.

Children (under 18) travelling with one parent, regardless of their nationality, are required to present a notarised, written consent of the non-travelling parent to enter Mexico. Australians travelling with children are advised to contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Mexico for further information

If you are travelling to Mexico through the United States of America (USA), including transiting in Honolulu or other USA points of entry, you must meet USA entry/transit requirements. You should check your visa needs well in advance of travel with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. See also our travel advice for the USA.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

The standard of medical facilities provided by private hospitals in Mexico and other major cities is reasonable. Outside major cities, however, facilities can be very limited. Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is expensive. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payment prior to providing medical services, including for emergency care. Island resorts may lack comprehensive medical facilities.

Mexico has hyperbaric chambers available throughout beach resort towns where scuba diving is practised and in major cities.

Malaria is a risk throughout the year in some rural areas, including resorts in these areas. There is a high risk of transmission in some locations in the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca; moderate risk in the states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa and Tabasco; and low risk in Campeche, Durango, Guerrero, Michoacán, Jalisco, Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Sonora, Veracruz and Yucatan. Other insect-borne diseases (including dengue fever, Chagas' disease and leishmaniasis) are also a risk to travelers. You should consult your doctor or travel clinic about prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times.

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including hepatitis, typhoid, tuberculosis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw or undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

In addition to difficulties caused by high altitude, visitors to Mexico City may experience health problems caused by air pollution, which is at its peak during the winter months. Visitors with heart, lung or respiratory problems are advised to consult their doctors before travelling.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

In Mexico, you can obtain consular assistance from the:

Australian Embassy
Ruben Dario #55
Corner of Campos Eliseos
Colonia Polanco
11580 Mexico DF Mexico
Telephone (52 55) 1101 2200
Facsimile (52 55) 1101 2201
E-mail: embaustmex@yahoo.com.mex
Website: http://www.mexico.embassy.gov.au/

Australia has an Honorary Consulate in Nuevo Leon headed by an Honorary Consul. The Honorary Consulate provides limited consular assistance which does not include the issue of Australian passports.

Australian Honorary Consul
Batallon De San Patricio No. 111
Piso 16 Desp. 1602
Condominio Torre Commercial America
Col. Valle Oriente
66269 Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Telephone (52 81) 8158 0791 or 8158 0793
Facsimile (52 81) 8158 0799

If you are travelling to Mexico, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register on-line or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency-whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.

While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.