23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 911.
Call 911 or go to the hospital.
Call 911 or go to the local police station.
Do not travel to Mexico
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
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 ongoing. Expect protests and potential roadblocks in the states of Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guerrero and Michoacán.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
More information:
Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, especially after dark.
Murder, armed robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping are 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.
There is increased law enforcement activity in the city of Culiacan, Sinaloa state. This is due to gunfights between security forces and drug cartel members in October 2019.
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. This can occur in bars and restaurants. You're at higher risk of sexual assault and theft if you get drugged.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is common. Take care on public transport, at tourist spots, and in airports, hotels and bus stations.
Thieves often work with or pose as taxi drivers. Travellers have been robbed when using taxis hailed from the street.
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 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. Kidnappers pose as officials 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:
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 roadblocks in the northern areas of Mexico to obstruct military and police movement.
Stop at all roadblocks or you risk being killed.
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, yuo may be at risk of getting caught up in violence inadvertently.
Avoid known hot spots such as Acámbaro, Celaya, Irapuato, León, Salamanca, Silao and Santiago.
Government efforts to increase security in Guerrero haven't helped. 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.
Federal authorities took full control of public safety in Michoacán in early 2014. Organised crime had been increasing.
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 the cities of Morelia and Lázaro Cardenas.
Tamaulipas has widespread criminal activity linked to drug trafficking. Kidnapping and extortion are also common.
The government took control of security in May 2014 after a sharp increase in violent crime.
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.
Baja California Sur and Quintana Roo have reported large increases in drug-related violence, particularly murder, according to Mexican Government statistics. The states with the highest homicide rates are Baja California, Chihuahua, Mexico City, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Jalisco, State of Mexico, Michoacán, Puebla, Tamaulipas and Veracruz.
To reduce your risks if travelling to violent areas, stay in:
To protect yourself from crime in violent areas:
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:
If you're travelling to Mexico during hurricane season or after a natural disaster, check weather reports.
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:
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.
Register with the Disaster Prevention Centre of Mexico (Spanish) for alerts on the Popocatepetl volcano.
The Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System can give you general volcano alerts.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
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 1000s 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.
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 take medication, check if it's legal in Mexico. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Mexico. The Mexican Government has declared a national health emergency.
The Mexican Government recommends self-isolation for those not involved in essential activities, especially for those over 60 years of old and with pre-existing medical conditions.
For information on Mexico’s COVID-19 vaccination program, refer to the Ministry of Health (Spanish). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
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's Zika virus bulletin 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.
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:
High altitude in some regions and air pollution can cause health issues. Pollution peaks in winter from December to February.
If you have heart, lung or respiratory problems, ask your doctor for advice before you travel.
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 expensive.
Doctors and hospitals are unlikely to work with your overseas travel insurer. You'll need to pay cash before they'll treat you, even in 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.
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:
Mexico passed laws allowing same-sex marriage in 2015. But parts of the country are conservative.
Public displays of affection by LGBTI travellers or between members of the same sex may not be acceptable in some areas.
If you're visiting for 180 days or less, you generally won't need a visa.
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, you can get the form at the immigration office (Instituto Nacional de Migración: Spanish). This is usually located near, not directly at, a border crossing.
Present your completed FMM for inspection at immigration if entering by air. Keep the form safe. You'll need to show it when you leave Mexico.
Information on other customs and import requirements are available from the Mexican government.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the Embassy of Mexico for details about visas, customs, currency and quarantine rules.
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 aged under 18 years departing alone, or with anyone other than their parent or legal guardian, must carry their notarised consent.
Minors with Mexican dual nationality or residency will need a specific form (SAM). Contact the Embassy of Mexico to get the form.
You may need a permit if you arrive in Mexico by motor vehicle. Check with the Embassy of Mexico before you travel.
More information:
If you’re travelling through the US, options are quickly disappearing due to COVID-19. You'll need to meet US entry or transit requirements, including if you are transiting through Hawaii.
If you're travelling through Canada, you'll need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada. Transit arrangements through Canada due to COVID-19 are strictly enforced.
More information:
Entry and departure from Mexico
Flights to Australia from the region through US hubs are very limited and transit arrangements through Canada are strictly enforced.
The land border with the US is closed to all non-essential traffic. Don’t plan to cross at a land border if you're transiting through the US.
The land border with Guatemala and Belize is closed to all non-essential traffic. If you need to travel, travel by plane.
Confirm your travel and transit arrangements directly with your airline or travel agent.
Check with the nearest embassy or consulate of Mexico to confirm the latest entry and exit requirements.
Staying in Mexico
The Mexican Government has declared a ‘new normal’ due to COVID-19. Businesses and public spaces have started to re-open, depending on local health conditions.
Be aware that COVID-19 remains a serious health risk in Mexico. Continue to monitor the situation and take care to minimise your exposure to COVID-19.
Measures will be determined on a state-by-state basis. The Government has established a ‘traffic light’ system to indicate the COVID-19 risk in each state. The scale has four colours, red (only essential activities allowed), orange (essential activities and in a reduced way non-essential activities allowed), yellow (activities that take place in public space and economic activity resume), and green (normal activities can resume).
Even as some measures are relaxed, expect widespread closures of businesses to continue. Stay in your accommodation wherever possible.
Hotels in States that are designated as 'red' or 'orange' in the traffic lights system are only offering limited accommodation. The Australian Government can't help you find alternative accommodation if you cannot stay in your preferred accommodation.
Many states in Mexico have imposed local movement restrictions. In some states, you must wear a facemask if you go outside. Monitor the advice of local authorities as COVID-19 related measures can change quickly.
If you're remaining in Mexico:
Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. It can 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 is not 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:
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.
To drive in Mexico, you need a valid Australian driver’s licence.
You're twice as likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Mexico than in Australia.
Driving on rural roads in Mexico is dangerous due to:
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.
Criminals target vehicles, including campervans and SUVs, especially in rural areas.
If you drive in Mexico:
If you're a victim of roadside robbery, do as you're asked.
More information:
It's best to use registered 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
In 2016, tourist buses were set alight by protesters at a roadblock in Chiapas State.
In March 2018, two explosive devices were found on ferries in Playa del Carmen.
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.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
If you aren't happy with the response, you can lodge a complaint with PROFECO, the state-run consumer protection agency.
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
Fax: (+52 55) 1101 2201
Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au
Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au
The Embassy and the Australian Consulate in Cancun is temporarily closed to the public due to local measures in place. We're still providing consular assistance to those in need.
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
EDIFICIO POPOL-NÁ
Av. Náder No. 28-3er. Piso, SM 2
77500 Cancún, Q.R.
Phone: (+52 998) 898 2299
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.