{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1711656541,"date":"2024-03-28 16:09:01"}},"data":{"country-iso":"MX","advisory-state":1,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":1,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"Regional advisory modified","eng":{"name":"Mexico","url-slug":"mexico","geo-group":"Americas","flag":null,"friendly-date":"March 28, 2024 15:58 EDT","advisory-text":"Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)","recent-updates":"Risk levels - updated information on Guerrero State risk level and regional advisory","advisories":"
Exercise a high degree of caution<\/a> in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.<\/p><\/div> Avoid all travel<\/a> to Guerrero State due to the precarious security situation following damage by Hurricane Otis. There is a threat of armed violence, banditry, and looting in cities and on roads. This advisory excludes the cities of Ixtapa\/Zihuatanejo, where you should exercise a high degree of caution.<\/p> <\/p><\/div> Avoid non-essential travel<\/a> to the following areas due to high levels of violence and organized crime: <\/p><\/div>","security":" Deteriorating security situation in Guerrero State<\/p><\/h3> Hurricane Otis struck Guerrero State on October 25, 2023. The security situation remains volatile and unpredictable after the storm. Damage to transportation and communications networks have left many towns and cities isolated, increasing the risk of criminal and gang activity.<\/p> Certain areas are particularly affected by banditry and violence, including:<\/p> You should avoid all travel to Guerrero State. If you are in Guerrero despite the advisory, you should take necessary precautions to ensure your safety, including:<\/p> Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico. Arrest and detention rates are low and don’t deter criminal activity.<\/p> Criminal groups, including drug cartels, are very active. Clashes between cartels or gangs over territory, drugs and smuggling routes are common.<\/p> In some parts of the country, military, navy and federal police forces have been deployed to combat organized crime and improve security conditions. They maintain a visible presence by:<\/p> If you plan on travelling to Mexico:<\/p> If you’re the victim of a crime, you must report it immediately to local authorities. No criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint. Complaints must be made in person before leaving Mexico. You should hire a local lawyer to represent your interests and follow up on your case after you return to Canada. Failure to do may result in incomplete investigations or long delays in bringing cases to trial.<\/p> There are high rates of violent crime, such as homicides, kidnappings, carjacking and assaults, including in popular tourist destinations such as the Mayan Riviera (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Tulum), and Acapulco.<\/p> Criminal groups and drug cartels are present in tourist areas. Inter-gang and cartel fighting has taken place in restaurants, hotels and nightclubs frequented by tourists.<\/p> Innocent bystanders have been injured or killed. You may be in the wrong place at the wrong time and become a victim of violent crime.<\/p> Border areas often see higher criminal activity and violence, including in rural areas. Confrontations between organized criminal groups and Mexican authorities continue to pose a risk. Shootouts, attacks and illegal roadblocks may occur without warning.<\/p> You should travel to Mexico by air to avoid international land border crossings, particularly along the border with the United States, in the following cities:<\/p> If crossing an international land border:<\/p> Armed robbery occurs. Foreigners have been targets of robberies that sometimes involve assault.<\/p> Robbers will follow a victim after they exchange or withdraw money at airports, currency exchange bureaus (casas de cambio<\/em>) or ATMs.<\/p> Canadian travellers have been physically and sexually assaulted. In some cases, hotel employees, taxi drivers and security personnel at popular tourist destinations were involved. In some cases, hotel staff are not helpful and try to dissuade victims from pursuing the incident with police.<\/p> Are you a victim of sexual violence?<\/a> – Government of Canada and British Embassy Mexico City<\/p> Credit card and ATM fraud occurs in Mexico. When using debit or credit cards:<\/p> Some bars and nightclubs may try to charge exorbitant prices. Discussions about overcharging may lead to threats of violence and security guards may force you to pay. Avoid running a tab or leaving your credit card with bar or restaurant staff.<\/p> Overseas fraud<\/a><\/p> Legitimate police officers have extorted money from tourists or arrested tourists for minor offences such as :<\/p> They have requested immediate cash payment in exchange for their release. Travellers driving rental cars have been targeted.<\/p> If this occurs:<\/p> Extortion, including virtual kidnappings, is the third most common crime in Mexico. Criminals use a variety of tactics to gather information about potential victims for extortion purposes, including using social media sites or eavesdropping on conversations<\/p> In a virtual kidnapping, criminals contact the victim’s hotel room landline and threaten the victim to stay in their room. The criminals then instruct the victim to provide information needed for the caller to use to contact family and friends, to demand the immediate payment of ransom for their release.<\/p> Mexico has one of the highest kidnapping rates in the world. Kidnapping, including virtual and express kidnapping, is a serious security risk throughout Mexico.<\/p> Kidnappers target all classes. Canadian citizens and contractors working for Canadian businesses have been kidnapped, mostly in areas that are not under the control of police and security forces.<\/p> If you're kidnapped:<\/p> Express kidnappings occur in large urban areas. This is a method of kidnapping where criminals ask for a small and immediate ransom.<\/p> Thieves most commonly work in cooperation with, or pose as, taxi drivers. They force victims to use their debit or credit card to withdraw money from ATMs in exchange for their release.<\/p> Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in Mexico.<\/p> Tourists staying in rental homes have been the victims of break-ins and burglaries. Whether you're staying in private or commercial accommodations, make sure you lock windows and doors securely.<\/p> Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.<\/p> Some incidents of assault, rape and sexual assault against Canadian women have occurred, including at beach resorts and on public buses. <\/p> Advice for women travellers<\/a><\/p> Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.<\/p> Some bars, restaurants and resorts have served counterfeit alcohol. Some travellers have reported getting sick or blacking out after drinking alcohol.<\/p> Alcohol, drugs and travel<\/a><\/p> Height standards for balcony railings in Mexico can be considerably lower than those in Canada. Falls have resulted in deaths and injuries.<\/p> Demonstrations take place regularly throughout the country. Protests and roadblocks are common in:<\/p> Such incidents may last a long time, leading to shortages of fresh food, medicine and gasoline.<\/p> Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.<\/p> Mass gatherings (large-scale events)<\/a><\/p> Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.<\/p> Many beaches don’t offer warnings of dangerous conditions and they don’t always have lifeguards on duty.<\/p> Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.<\/p> Tour operators may not adhere to international standards. Many operators don’t conduct regular safety checks on their sporting and aquatic equipment.<\/p> Also, Canadians have been involved in accidents where operators of recreational vehicles, such as watercraft, have demanded compensation exceeding the value of the damage caused to the vehicle or equipment.<\/p> If you undertake water sports, such as diving:<\/p> If in doubt concerning the safety of the facilities or equipment, don’t use them.<\/p> Water safety abroad<\/a><\/p> Outdoor activities, such as white water rafting, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, bungee, zip lining, paragliding, hiking, mountain biking, etc and other adventure activities can be dangerous if unprepared. Trails are not always marked, and weather conditions can change rapidly, even during summer. <\/p> Tour operators may not always adhere to international safety standards. <\/p> If you intend to practice adventure tourism: <\/p> Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country.<\/p> Road conditions can be dangerous due to:<\/p> Toll highways are typically safer and better maintained than secondary highways.<\/p> Mexican driving styles are very different from those in Canada. Many drivers don’t respect traffic laws, and police don’t strictly enforce these laws. Drivers often drive at excessive speeds and may be aggressive or reckless. Drinking and driving laws are not strictly enforced. Accidents causing fatalities are common. Police don’t regularly patrol the highways.<\/p> Illegal roadblocks and demonstrations are common. Heavily armed gangs have attacked travellers on intercity highways. Criminals especially target sport utility vehicles and full-size pickup trucks for theft and carjacking.<\/p> The military searches for drugs and firearms at military checkpoints throughout the country.<\/p> Remain vigilant in airports, at bus stations, on buses and on the metro.<\/p> The Mexico City metro is often very crowded and a popular place for pickpocketing. There are metro cars dedicated to women and children during rush hours. They are located at the front of the trains.<\/p> The Metrobus in Mexico City, which has dedicated lanes and stops, is relatively safe. There are sections dedicated to women and children at the front of the buses.<\/p> The “colectivos” and “pesero” mini-buses that stop when hailed are frequently targeted for robbery.<\/p> When travelling to other cities, use bus companies that offer VIP or executive class transportation. These buses only travel on toll roads, which lower the risks of targeted roadblocks and robberies, and follow a speed limit.<\/p> Disputes between taxi and ridesharing application drivers may occur, especially in Quintana Roo. They may result in:<\/p> Although tourists have not been targeted, you may be caught up in these incidents and harassed or injured. <\/p> In Mexico City, all government-authorized taxis have licence plates starting with “A” or “B.” Taxis from designated stands have both the logo of their company and the plate number stamped on the side of the car. Official taxis in Mexico City are pink and white. Users can validate the pink and white taxis on the CDMX app.<\/p> When arriving at an airport in Mexico, pre-pay the taxi fare at the airport (inside or outside the terminal) and ask to see the driver’s official identification. You can also use a ridesharing app to arrange for a pickup at certain airports. Not all airports in Mexico allow ridesharing service pickups.<\/p> If you use a trusted ridesharing app, confirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the car.<\/p> Mi Taxi<\/a> – CDMX app (in Spanish)<\/p> Plan carefully if you plan to take a cruise departing from or stopping in Mexico.<\/p> Advice for cruise travellers<\/a><\/p> Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters of the Bay of Campeche. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.<\/p> Live piracy report<\/a> - International Maritime Bureau<\/p> We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.<\/p> Information about foreign domestic airlines<\/a><\/p>","entry-exit":" Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.<\/p> We have obtained the information on this page from the Mexican authorities. It can, however, change at any time.<\/p> Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada<\/a>.<\/p> Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.<\/p> Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.<\/p> Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Mexico.<\/span><\/p> Different entry rules may apply.<\/p> Official travel<\/a><\/p> While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Tourist visa: not required To enter Mexico, you must present a valid passport and a duly completed tourist card (Multiple Immigration Form). Carry documents to prove the purpose of trip, such as hotel or tour booking confirmations, as immigration officers may request them.<\/p> You must obtain a tourist card to enter the country unless you stay in Mexico for less than 72 hours within the northern border zone. <\/p> If you don’t obtain a tourist card upon arrival, you may face:<\/p> It is highly recommended to keep your digital tourist card, or tourist card if entered by land, with you at all times as proof of your legal stay in Mexico. You may be asked to show it to Mexican officials when exiting the country or if you are stopped on an immigration check point.<\/p> If you are stopped at an immigration check point and you are unable to prove your legal stay, you may be fined, detained or expelled from the country.<\/p> If entering Mexico by land, you must stop at the immigration office located at the border to obtain a tourist card, even if not explicitly directed by Mexican officials. Immigration officials will write down on your tourist card the number of days you are allowed to stay in Mexico. <\/p> You may complete the tourist card form online before your arrival. However, you must print the form and present it to the migration official at the port of entry.<\/p> Multiple Immigration Form<\/a> - Government of Mexico<\/p> If entering Mexico by air, you are advised to download your tourist card issued by Mexican officials upon entry.<\/p> Depending on your airport of entry:<\/p> Once in the country, whether you entered via a E-gate or not, you will be able to access the digital tourist card online. You have 60 days to download it.<\/p><\/div> If you are unable to show your tourist card or digital tourist card upon departure, you will have to pay for a replacement at the immigration office of any international airport before boarding.<\/p> Make sure to plan sufficient time at the airport to obtain a new card in time for your flight.<\/p> Portal access for digital tourist card<\/a> - Government of Mexico<\/p> An immigration official will determine the number of days you can remain in Mexico and note it on your tourist card. The maximum length granted for a tourism-related trip is 180 days; the maximum number of days is not granted by default.<\/p> If you're seeking the maximum number of days, you may be required to:<\/p> You won’t be able to request an extension or change the condition of your stay from inside the country.<\/p> Canadians travelling to the northern border zone (within 21 kilometres of the U.S. border) for work don’t require a visa for stays of 72 hours or less.<\/p> If you require a business or work visa, you should take care of the process yourself. If a prospective employer is processing your visa for you:<\/p> You may not be able to undertake volunteer, religious\/missionary, research or certain forms of eco-tourism activities while visiting as a tourist. Contact the Mexican Embassy or closest Mexican consulate for information the type of visa required for these activities.<\/p> Most visitors to Mexico must pay a tourism tax.<\/p> This fee is normally included in airline ticket prices. Visitors arriving by road or sea will have to pay this fee at any bank in Mexico. There is a bank representative at every port of entry. The bank receipt must be attached to the tourist card for submission at departure.<\/p> You don't have to pay this tax if:<\/p> If entering and leaving Mexico as a dual citizen, you must identify yourself as a Mexican citizen. You must carry valid passports for both countries.<\/p> Laws about dual citizenship<\/a><\/p> Canadians with a criminal record or a warrant for arrest may be refused entry and returned to Canada or to a third country on the next available flight.<\/p> Learn more about travelling with children<\/a>.<\/p> Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever <\/a>(vaccines section).<\/p>","health":" This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.<\/p> Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div> Be sure that your routine vaccinations<\/a>, as per your province or territory<\/a>, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.<\/p>\n Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. <\/p> Yellow fever<\/a> is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p>\n Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>\n Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n Country Entry Requirement*<\/strong><\/p>\n Recommendation<\/strong><\/p>\n * It is important to note that country entry requirements<\/a> may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office<\/a> of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.<\/p>\n About Yellow Fever<\/a><\/p>\n Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada<\/a><\/p><\/details> There is a risk of hepatitis A<\/a> in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Practise safe food and water precautions<\/a> and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present. <\/p><\/details> Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/p>\n Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.<\/p>\n Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.<\/p><\/details> Hepatitis B<\/a> is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B<\/a> infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.<\/p><\/details> Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) <\/a><\/span>is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally. <\/span><\/p>\n Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry\/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. <\/span><\/p><\/details> The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza<\/a> (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot<\/a> at least 2 weeks before travelling. <\/p>\n The flu occurs worldwide. <\/p>\n The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.<\/p>\n The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.<\/p><\/details> Malaria<\/a> is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes. Antimalarial medication may be recommended<\/a> depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. <\/p>\n Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). <\/p><\/details> 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.<\/p>\n <\/p> Travellers' diarrhea<\/a> is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.<\/p>\n Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.<\/p>\n The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.<\/p><\/details>Guerrero - Avoid all travel<\/h3>
Regional Advisory - Avoid non-essential travel<\/h3>
Crime<\/h3>
Violent crime<\/h4>
Armed robbery<\/h4>
Assault<\/h4>
Fraud<\/h3>
Credit card and ATM fraud<\/h4>
Overcharging<\/h4>
Extortion<\/h4>
Police officers<\/h5>
Virtual kidnappings<\/h5>
Kidnappings<\/h3>
Express kidnappings<\/h4>
Theft<\/h3>
Petty theft<\/h4>
Home break-ins<\/h4>
Women’s safety<\/h3>
Spiked food and drinks<\/h3>
Unregulated alcohol<\/h4>
Balconies<\/h3>
Demonstrations<\/h3>
Water activities<\/h3>
Swimming<\/h4>
Water sports<\/h4>
Adventure tourism <\/h3>
Road travel<\/h3>
Road conditions and road safety<\/h4>
Roadblocks and checkpoints<\/h4>
Public transportation<\/h3>
Metro<\/h4>
Buses<\/h4>
Taxis and ridesharing services<\/h4>
Cruise ship travel<\/h3>
Piracy<\/h3>
Air travel<\/h3>
Passport<\/h3>
Regular Canadian passport<\/h4>
Passport for official travel<\/h4>
Passport with “X” gender identifier<\/h4>
Other travel documents<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Visas<\/h3>
Business visa: required
Work visa: required
Student visa: required<\/p>Required documents<\/h3>
Tourist card<\/h4>
Entering by land<\/h5>
Entering by air<\/b><\/h5>
Length of stay<\/h3>
Work visa<\/h3>
Volunteer, religious, research and eco-tourism activities<\/h3>
Tourism tax<\/h3>
Dual citizenship<\/h3>
Criminal records<\/h3>
Children and travel<\/h3>
Yellow fever<\/h3>
Relevant Travel Health Notices<\/h3>
Routine vaccines<\/h3>\n
Pre-travel vaccines and medications<\/h3>\n
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements <\/summary>
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Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Measles <\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
COVID-19<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
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Malaria <\/summary>
There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and\/or during a certain time of year in this destination. <\/strong><\/p>\n
Protect yourself from mosquito bites<\/a> at all times:
• Cover your skin and use an approved<\/a> insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and\/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing.
If you develop symptoms<\/a> similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. <\/p><\/details>Rabies <\/summary>
In this destination, rabies<\/a> is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions<\/a>, including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.<\/p>\nSafe food and water precautions<\/h3>\n
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Travellers' diarrhea<\/summary>
Typhoid <\/summary>