Fire and rescue services
Call 911.
Medical emergencies
Call 911 or go to the hospital.
Police
Call 911 or go to the local police station.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall due to the threat of violent crime.
Higher levels apply in some areas.
Call 911.
Call 911 or go to the hospital.
Call 911 or go to the local police station.
We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall due to the threat of violent crime.
Higher levels apply in some areas.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall due to the threat of violent crime.
Reconsider your need to travel to Michoacán (except Morelia and Lázaro Cardenas and the Monarch butterfly reserves), Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in southern Chihuahua and the states of Guerrero (including Acapulco), North-eastern Sinaloa, North-western Durango, South-eastern Sonora (except for the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway), Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.
Reconsider your need to travel to:
due to high levels of violent crime (including kidnapping and extortion) and their volatile security situation.
See Safety
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, especially after dark.
Murder, armed robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping are high risks. These crimes can occur at tourist spots and resorts.
Criminals posing as police officers have committed sexual assault, extortion and robbery. They may drive fake police cars.
Gangs have attacked travellers after they've changed money at airports.
To protect yourself from violent crime:
Crime on intercity buses and highways is common in Mexico.
Thieves have robbed tourists on buses along the Pacific Highway, including from Acapulco to Ixtapa and Huatulco.
Violent carjackings have increased. The northern borders and along the Pacific coast are high-risk areas.
Criminals have attacked tourists on toll roads and highways. The Sonora, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and border regions are high-risk areas.
Organised crime groups have targeted large campervans and SUVs travelling in and out of the United States.
To reduce the risk of crime when travelling by road:
Watch out for drink and food spiking, which can occur in bars, clubs and restaurants. You're at higher risk of sexual assault and theft if you get drugged.
Violent crimes related to the drug trade are widespread in Mexico.
Shoot-outs, grenade attacks and car bombings have occurred in public places.
Targeted attacks have increased on the military, government officials and journalists.
You may become a victim of violence directed against someone else.
Federal police and the military use roadblocks and random vehicle checks to deal with drug-related violence.
Drug cartels set up unofficial roadblocks in the northern areas of Mexico to obstruct military and police movement.
Stop at all roadblocks, or you risk getting killed. Comply with the instructions given.
Risks are higher in those areas most affected by drug-related and gang violence, including:
Violence and drug cartel activity are on the rise across the State.
Gang members are known to erect roadblocks on major highways. Murders, including mass killings, occur regularly.
Even as a tourist, you risk getting caught up in violence inadvertently.
Avoid known hot spots such as Acámbaro, Celaya, Irapuato, León, Salamanca, Silao and Santiago.
The violent crime rate remains high, and the security situation is volatile.
Violent criminal gangs are more active in rural areas than cities.
Acapulco has high levels of violent crime, such as murder and shootings. The resort city is unsafe, especially outside tourist areas.
Crime risks are lower in the tourist areas of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Taxco and on the toll road to Taxco than in other parts of Guerrero.
Protesters can disrupt toll booths along the road to Taxco, causing delays.
Many 'self-defence' groups have formed in the State. They are unpredictable, and the security situation is volatile.
Security near the Monarch butterfly reserves, including on the border with the State of Mexico, has deteriorated due to cartel activity.
Crime is lower in Morelia city.
Tamaulipas has widespread criminal activity linked to drug trafficking. Kidnapping and extortion are also common.
Violent crimes related to the drug trade have occurred in tourist areas of Quintana Roo, such as Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Shoot-outs have occurred in public places, injuring or killing tourists.
Zacatecas has widespread criminal activity linked to drug trafficking. Violence is increasing due to clashes between competing drug cartels. Kidnapping and extortion are common.
Other violent areas
High levels of violent crime and lawlessness occur in:
Organised crime gangs operate in these regions. The Chihuahua-Pacific Railway is less affected.
The State of Mexico has a high level of violent crime. Murder, assault, armed robbery, extortion and kidnapping are common.
According to Mexican Government statistics, Baja California Sur and Quintana Roo have reported significant increases in drug-related violence, particularly murder. The states with the highest homicide rates are Baja California Sur, Colima, Quintana Roo, Morelos, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Baja California, Chihuahua, Michoacan and Sonora.
To reduce your risks if travelling to violent areas, stay in:
To protect yourself from crime in violent areas:
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is common. Take care on public transport, at tourist spots, airports, hotels and bus stations.
Thieves often work with or pose as taxi drivers. Be aware travellers have been robbed when using taxis hailed from the street.
More information:
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Kidnapping is a serious risk in Mexico. It's common in rural and inland areas.
Some victims claim police officers are involved in their kidnapping.
Express kidnappings target travellers on metro and public transport in Mexico City. Kidnappers force victims to withdraw funds from ATMs before they are released.
Virtual kidnappings target people over the phone to extort money. Kidnappers pose as officials or cartel members and demand payments for the release of a family member they have allegedly detained. If you receive a call or message, contact local police.
To reduce the risk of kidnapping:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
It's illegal for foreigners to take part in political activity in Mexico.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. They're common and often:
Protesters may blockade roads.
Public protests in Mexico City are common. Expect protests and potential roadblocks in the states of Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guerrero and Michoacán.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
More information:
Even strong swimmers can be at risk from undertows and currents on both coasts of Mexico. Obey the beach warning flags.
Mexico experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:
If you're involved in a natural disaster:
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Severe weather occurs in Mexico.
The hurricane season is from June to November. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning.
Landslides, mudslides and flash flooding can also occur, including in Mexico City.
If there's a hurricane or severe storm:
To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:
Mexico experiences earthquakes and tremors each year. Aftershocks are common and can damage already weakened structures.
Earthquakes can disrupt power and communication systems.
Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you stay and visit.
Tsunamis may occur in Mexico.
Receive tsunami alerts by registering with the following:
If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities or if you:
Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, check local media.
Active volcanoes include the Popocatepetl and Colima volcanoes.
Volcanic ash from eruptions of these volcanoes can disrupt domestic and international flights and cause airport closures. Exposure to falling ash and toxic fumes from active volcanoes can also affect your health, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments.
The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System can give you general volcano alerts.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of someone you know, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Mexico. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Malaria is a risk in Mexico, particularly in:
Zika virus is widespread in Mexico. There's no vaccination for Zika virus.
Read the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care page on Zika virus for advice on how to reduce your risk.
If you're pregnant, the department recommends that you:
In Mexico, there's also a risk of:
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
High altitude and air pollution can cause health issues in some regions. Pollution peaks in winter from December to February.
If you have heart, lung or respiratory problems, ask your doctor for advice before you travel.
Foodborne, waterborne and other diseases are widespread. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
More information:
Private hospitals in Mexico City and other major cities provide a reasonable standard of care. Services are limited in rural areas.
Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is very expensive.
Doctors and hospitals are unlikely to work with your overseas travel insurer. You'll need to pay before they'll treat you, even for emergency care.
You can find hyperbaric chambers in major cities and resort towns where scuba diving is popular.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Smoking, including vaping, has been banned in all public places, including beaches, parks, hotels and restaurants. You may be fined or arrested.
Property laws and time-share agreements can be complex.
Before you buy or invest in property, do your research and get legal advice.
In Mexico, it's illegal to:
If you need a firearm permit, apply at a Mexican Embassy or Consulate before you arrive.
You're responsible for any illegal items found in rented or borrowed vehicles. This applies even if you don't know they're there.
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Check if being an Australian-Mexican dual citizen may affect your travel.
Always travel on your Australian passport.
More information:
Although same sex marriage is legal in Mexico, some parts of the country are conservative.
LGBTI travellers should consider limiting public displays of affection.
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
If you visit for 180 days or less as a tourist, you can get a visa on arrival. Be aware of the date that's stamped in your passport on arrival, as you may not receive the full 180 days. Your visa will expire on the entry stamp date. This is usually for the amount of time you indicate to the immigration officer that you are staying in Mexico.
To avoid being detained or deported, you'll need to:
You can complete the FMM online before you arrive or on arrival.
If you're entering by road, make sure you get the stamp on your passport at the immigration office (Instituto Nacional de Migración: Spanish). These are usually located near, but not directly at, a border crossing.
Present your completed FMM for inspection at immigration if entering by air. You'll need to show it when you leave Mexico.
To cross the land border between Mexico and the US, you'll need to verbally provide the reason for your travel.
Periodic closures of Mexico's land borders with Guatemala and Belize may occur. Check with local authorities before crossing the border or travelling by plane.
Confirm your travel and transit arrangements directly with your airline or travel agent.
If you're travelling through the US, ensure you meet all current US entry or transit requirements, including if you're transiting through Hawaii.
If you travel through Canada, ensure you meet all entry and transit requirements.
Mexico charges all visitors an immigration fee.
If you arrive on a commercial flight, the cost of your ticket includes the fee.
If you enter by land, the immigration office will arrange for you to pay the fee at a nearby bank. There's no exit tax.
A child under 18 years who's also a citizen or resident of Mexico must carry a Mexican Minor Travel Consent Form (Spanish) or a notarised consent if travelling with anyone other than their parent or legal guardian.
You may need a permit if you arrive in Mexico by motor vehicle. Check with the Embassy of Mexico before you travel.
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This may apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport isn't valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
Mexico's official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN).
Declare amounts over US$10,000 or foreign currency equivalent. Do this on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
US dollars are widely accepted in holiday resort areas. You can't generally exchange Australian currency and traveller's cheques in Mexico.
ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Take care as credit card fraud occurs.
Carry cash if you're travelling to rural areas.
Most international hotels and tourist facilities accept credit and debit cards.
Ask your bank whether your ATM card will work in Mexico.
You can use your valid Australian driver's licence to drive in Mexico.
Vehicles generally don't stop for pedestrians or indicate when they're turning. Intersections can be confusing, with vehicles coming from unexpected directions.
Strict laws cover insurance and reporting of accidents.
If you drive in Mexico:
If you're a victim of roadside robbery or stopped at a roadblock, do as you're asked.
Driving on rural roads in Mexico is dangerous due to:
Criminals target vehicles, including campervans and SUVs, especially in rural areas.
More information:
Use ride-share services, where possible, instead of taxis. If this isn't an option, it's best to use registered official taxis and limousines, preferably arranged through your hotel. To avoid issues:
Crime levels on intercity buses and highways are high, and the risks increase after dark. See Safety
Use first-class buses.
Women travelling on public transport should be cautious.
More information:
Check Mexico's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 911.
Call 911 or go to the hospital.
Call 911 or go to the local police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Read the Consular Services Charter. It details what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.
Ruben Dario #55
Corner of Campos Eliseos, Polanco
Colonia Bosque de Chapultepec
11580 CDMX Mexico
Phone: (+52 55) 1101 2200
Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au
Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian Embassy, Mexico City
X (Twitter): Australian Embassy, Mexico City
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
EDIFICIO GRUPO VIVO
Calle Luciernaga esquina con Avenida Politécnico
Región 501, Manzana 13, Lote 7
Cancún, Quintana Roo
C.P. 77535, México
Email: aushonconcun@gmail.com
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.