Call 911.
Call 911 or go to the hospital.
Call 911 or go to the local police station.
If you're travelling on federal toll roads operated by CAPUFE (Caminos y Puentes Federales) call 074 for roadside assistance. The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall due to the threat of violent crime.
Reconsider your need to travel to:
due to high levels of violent crime (including kidnapping and extortion) and their volatile security situation.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Violent crime is widespread. This includes:
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.
Violent crimes occur in many popular tourist areas, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Tijuana and Puerto Vallarta.
To protect yourself from violent crime:
Crime on intercity buses and highways is common.
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.
Plan your travel carefully. Some cities should only be accessed directly by air travel or major toll roads wherever possible. Other travel options and routes may have higher security risks.
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:
Petty crime is common, mainly pickpocketing and bag-snatching. You’re most at risk in big cities.
Take extra care of your valuables in:
To prevent petty crime:
More information:
Be cautious about snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes offered to you as they may contain drugs, putting you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.
Violent crimes related to the drug trade are widespread.
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:
Scams and credit card fraud are a risk.
Instances of credit card and ATM fraud can occur. Take precautions when using debit or credit cards.
Scam artists target foreign visitors and residents. The scams come in many forms and can cause great financial loss. Warn your friends and family to be sceptical if they’re asked to transfer funds to you in Mexico. Tell them to contact you to check that you’ve made this request.
Women travelling alone may encounter instances of sexual harassment and verbal abuse.
More information:
Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnapping can happen anywhere, even in places that seem safe.
Kidnapping is a serious risk in Mexico. Kidnapping occurs throughout the country, with the highest number of cases recorded along the Gulf Coast from Tamaulipas to Tabasco states, and in large cities including Mexico City. Drug cartels, criminal and terrorist organisations have all been involved in kidnapping.
Kidnappers target a broad demographic, including wealthy Mexicans, migrants seeking to cross the US border, as well as foreigners and expatriates. Motives are also varied, with political kidnappings and forced disappearance reported across the country. Victims of traditional kidnappings are physically abducted and held captive until a ransom is paid. In some cases, the captors receive a ransom and kill the victim.
Some victims claim police officers or other officials are involved in their kidnapping.
Virtual or scam kidnappings target people over the phone or online to extort money. Kidnappers pose as officials or cartel members and demand payments for the release of a family member they have allegedly detained. Criminal groups may also attempt to extort relatives of tourists reported as missing in news reports.
Foreign nationals have been kidnapped and/or assaulted by people they have met through online dating apps, with victims and their families extorted for large sums of money to secure their release.
Express kidnappings are also regularly reported. Kidnappers may hold victims in unauthorised taxis, then force victims to withdraw funds from ATMs, before being released.
If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide assistance in these destinations is extremely limited.
You’re responsible for your own safety. You can find more information on how to reduce your risk of kidnapping here: Kidnapping
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to contravene Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.
Virtual kidnapping and extorsion scams occur in Mexico. Criminals may target travellers and their families by phone, messaging applications or social media.
Criminals may pose as government officials, police, military personnel or cartel members and claim they have detained or kidnapped a family member. They may demand immediate payment for the person’s release. In some cases, criminals use personal information obtained through social media or other sources to make the threat appear credible.
Criminal groups may also monitor media reports of missing foreign tourists and attempt to extort money from relatives by falsely claiming they are holding the missing person.
If you receive a call or message of this nature:
More information:
Demonstrations and protests against the government can occur. Some can turn violent, causing injuries and deaths. They may occur anywhere across the country and often affect public transport.
It's illegal for foreigners to take part in political demonstrations.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
Protesters may blockade roads.
Public protests in Mexico City are common. Expect protests and potential roadblocks in the states of Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guerrero, Michoacán and main entrances to Mexico City.
If you encounter a protest, leave as soon as it is safe.
More information:
Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.
Possible targets include:
To stay safe:
If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.
More information:
Even strong swimmers can be at risk from undertows and currents on both coasts of Mexico. Follow the beach warning flags.
Rescue services may not consistently meet international standards, and unpredictable tidal changes can result in powerful currents and common riptides. Lifeguards and warning flags may not be present on all beaches to signal hazardous conditions.
Tour operators and diving centres may not adhere strictly to international standards. When engaging in adventure sports such as diving, choose a reputable company with proper insurance coverage.
Mexico can experience natural disasters and extreme weather, such as:
To protect yourself if a natural disaster is approaching:
Get local advice before visiting areas affected by a disaster.
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
The hurricane and rainy season is from June to November. Landslides, mudslides, and flooding can happen.
If you’re travelling during the rainy season, contact your:
Tropical storms and hurricanes can happen in other months. Hurricanes can change direction and strength suddenly.
If there's a hurricane or severe storm:
Extreme weather may also affect:
To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:
Check the US National Hurricane and Tropical Prediction Center for weather forecasts.
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.
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.
We don't provide a comprehensive list of health risks, diseases or outbreaks for every destination. Before you travel, check the latest health advice from the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Malaria is a risk, particularly in:
Zika virus is widespread. There's no vaccination for Zika virus.
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.
HIV/AIDS is a significant risk.
Protect yourself if you're at risk of infection.
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 occur from time to time.
Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.
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:
Severe air pollution happens during the dry season.
This can lead to respiratory problems. Before you travel, discuss the risks and how to manage them with your doctor.
Private hospitals in Mexico City and other major cities provide a reasonable standard of care. Hospitals in Mexico may not meet the same medical standards or expectations as those in Australia. Services are limited in rural areas.
Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is very expensive. You'll likely need to pay up front and claim back later from your insurer.
Doctors and medical staff may only speak Spanish.
If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with appropriate facilities. Medical evacuation can be expensive. Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Many ambulance services in Mexico are privately operated. You may be charged significant fees for ambulance transport and in some cases, ambulances may take patients to hospitals where they have existing commercial arrangements with, rather than the nearest or most suitable facility.
You can find hyperbaric chambers in major cities and resort towns where scuba diving is popular.
Penalties for drug offences, such as possession, use or trafficking are severe and include long prison sentences in local jails.
More information:
Smoking, including vaping, has been banned in all public places, including beaches, parks, hotels and restaurants. You may be fined or arrested.
If you're considering entering into a surrogacy agreement, be aware that laws and regulations vary by state. While surrogacy is legal in some parts of Mexico, other areas have restrictions or outright bans, especially for foreign nationals. There is no legal framework to protect parents who pursue surrogacy in Mexico.
Before proceeding:
Spanish is the official language, and you may need to engage the services of a translator for several different scenarios, including engaging with your lawyer and medical provider.
The Australian Embassy can't provide:
You may need to spend a significant amount of time in Mexico before and after the birth, to complete processes, such as issuing a birth certificate.
Don’t confirm travel plans until you’ve finalised citizenship and passport processes. If unforeseen legal complications arise, this period could be considerably prolonged.
More information:
Property laws and time-share agreements can be complex.
Before you buy or invest in property, do your research and get legal advice.
Public displays of affection may attract negative attention.
Same-sex relationships are legal, but the country is conservative.
Same-sex marriages are recognised.
More information:
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.
If you're the victim of a crime and want to report the incident, do so immediately to the nearest branch of the state prosecutor’s office (Agencia del Ministerio Público). A criminal investigation is not possible without a formal complaint to Mexican authorities. Complaints must be made in person before leaving Mexico.
Mexico recognises dual nationality. If you're a dual national, the consular services we can provide to you may be limited.
More information:
Ask permission before taking photos or video of handicraft and art markets, as well as people, especially children.
If you have an ordinary passport with a chip, and you're visiting for tourism, you can use the e-gates available at a number of major airports. This authorises Australian citizens to stay for up to 180 days only for tourism purposes. You'll then receive a printed QR code where you can check the number of days you're authorised to stay in Mexico. You'll also receive a receipt and have 60 days to download your e-tourist card.
To use the e-gates you must:
You can't use the e-gates if you have a valid visa and/or immigration document issued by the Mexican Government, such as:
If you don't have an ordinary passport with a chip and you visit for up to 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 to stay. Your visa will expire on a date given by the immigration officer on arrival. This is usually for the amount of time you indicate to the immigration officer that you're staying in Mexico. This 180-day period isn't guaranteed, and the length of stay is up to immigration authorities.
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.
If you're entering from the United States, and no immigration officer is available to stamp your passport, locate the nearest immigration office before continuing your travel. These offices are typically close to the border, and customs officials can guide you. It’s usually more difficult to resolve immigration issues after leaving the border area.
Confirm your travel and transit arrangements directly with your airline or travel agent.
If you enter by land, your length of stay will be determined on arrival by immigration authorities, and could be up to 180 days. You'll be required to pay a fee. Non-compliance with visa conditions may result in fines or detention.
Customs
Mexico allows travellers to enter the country with a duty-free personal allowance (franquicia) up to a specified value. If the value of goods you're bringing into Mexico exceeds the permitted allowance, you'll be required to pay the applicable customs duties and taxes on the excess amount.
Before you travel, make sure you understand Mexico's customs allowance limits and keep receipts or proof of purchase for high-value items. Customs officials may ask you to demonstrate the value of goods you're carrying, including electronics, gifts, luxury items, and other newly purchased products.
If you're travelling with goods that exceed the duty-free allowance, be prepared to declare them and pay any applicable taxes on arrival. Failure to declare goods may result in delays, fines, confiscation of items, or further action by Mexican customs authorities.
Customs procedures can vary between airports and border crossings. If you're unsure whether an item must be declared, ask a customs official before passing through the customs control area.
For information on current allowance limits and duty payments, consult Mexican customs authorities before departure.
If you’re travelling through the US, ensure you meet all current US entry or transit requirements, even if you're only transiting.
More information:
If you're travelling via Canada, you'll need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada.
More information:
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 or Consulate of Mexico before you travel.
More information:
Mexico's official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN).
Declare amounts over USD$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.
More information:
Plan your travel carefully. Some cities should only be accessed directly by air travel or major toll roads wherever possible. Other travel options and routes may have higher security risks.
Our consular partners (Canada, United Kingdom and United States) also publish travel advisories for Mexico that you can read.
Transport and adventure tour operators may not meet Australian safety standards for:
Rescue services may not be as effective as those in Australia.
If taking part in adventure activities:
If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
To drive a vehicle, you'll need a current Australian driver's licence. Foreign digital driver’s licences are not accepted.
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 choose to drive:
If you're a victim of roadside robbery or stopped at a roadblock, do as you're asked.
Driving on rural roads 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.
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.
If you're travelling on federal toll roads operated by CAPUFE (Caminos y Puentes Federales) call 074 for roadside assistance. The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist 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: Australian Embassy, Mexico City
Instagram: 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 (for routine appointments)
Phone: +52 9982 061775 (for emergency appointments. Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm)
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.