Mexico Holidays
Cancun's Caribbean coast, Tulum's laid-back shores, and Riviera Maya resorts. Plan your Mexico beach holiday with flights, hotels, and travel tips.
Today
Travel warning
Weather in Mexico
Tue
Wed
Thu
SPF level in Mexico
Autumn
SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Winter
SPF 50+
Entry requirements for Mexico
You do not need a visa to visit Mexico as a tourist and will receive a passport stamp specifying your allowed stay duration.
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, though the Mexican Embassy recommends at least 180 days validity.
You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket and proof of your accommodation, such as a hotel booking, at border control.
British nationals entering Mexico by land must fill in an immigration form online before travel.
When leaving Mexico, you must show your passport with the entry stamp indicating your permitted stay duration.
Good to know:
If you are travelling with a child, you may need to show evidence of your relationship with them and the reason for your travel.
There are strict rules about goods you can bring into and take out of Mexico, so you must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Safety in Mexico
Mexico is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Use ATMs in daylight inside shops or malls, and avoid withdrawing large amounts.
Do not leave food or drinks unattended in bars or restaurants.
Use authorised taxis or have your hotel order one, especially from airports.
Carry your original passport and entry stamp, as copies and photos are not accepted.
Follow beach warnings and stay away from lagoons where crocodiles may be present.
Bonus tips:
Be especially cautious after dark in downtown Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
Do not bring or use e-cigarettes, vaping devices or solutions in Mexico.
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Driving in Mexico
A UK driving license is valid for tourist visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended but not always required.
Side of the road
Right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Mexico drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Mexico
It's crucial to get comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, before you travel to Mexico. Make sure your policy covers all activities you plan to do. The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are not valid in Mexico.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for the most up-to-date health advice regarding Mexico. Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccinations. Drink only bottled or purified water, and be cautious with street food. Dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya are present in Mexico, so take precautions against mosquito bites.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist destinations, but less so in smaller towns and rural areas. Always have some cash on hand, especially when traveling outside urban centers.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
Tipping in Mexico
Tipping is customary in Mexico for various services. While not legally required, it's a significant part of service industry workers' income. Locals generally tip, and tourists are expected to do the same.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill. Higher for exceptional service.
Bar/Café
10-15% of the bill. Bartenders often receive a higher tip for special cocktails.
Taxi
10-15% of the fare. Rounding up is also common for shorter trips.
Hotel Porter
10-20 MXN per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
20-50 MXN per night, left daily.
Tour Guide
10-20% of the tour cost, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Mexico. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM
5 GB for 300 MXN (~£15)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Mexico
Voltage
127V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces, especially in tourist areas. However, the quality and speed can vary significantly.
Average speed
25 Mbps
While WiFi is widely available, the speed and reliability can be inconsistent. Purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan is a good option for reliable internet access, particularly if you plan to travel outside major cities.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Police
911
Ambulance
911
Fire
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Mexico
Country code
52
To call Mexico from abroad, dial 52 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
Rio Lerma 71, Col. Cuauhtémoc, Alcaldía Cuauhtémoc, 06500, Ciudad de México
Phone
+52 55 1670 3200
Website
Mexico City International Airport
Cancun International Airport
Don Miguel Hidal Y Costilla International Airport
Monterrey International Airport
Tijuana International Airport
Los Cabos International Airport
Recent updates
Safety
The detail mentioning England playing Mexico on 5 July 2026 at Estadio Ciudad de México has been removed.
All three specific bullet points about incidents, crime, and Emergency Travel Documents have been removed.
The instruction to read the full Mexico travel advice pages is no longer included in the World Cup section.
Natural Disasters
Hurricane Polo is expected to affect Baja California Sur on the afternoon and evening of 28 September, then move into Sinaloa and Sonora over the following days.
High winds, dangerous sea conditions, heavy rain, life-threatening flooding and landslides are expected.
Post-storm conditions may include damaged infrastructure, flooding, power cuts and limited communications.
If affected and needing consular assistance, call the British Embassy in Mexico on +52 55 1670 3200.
Local authorities have published emergency preparedness guidance and the locations of emergency shelters for Hurricane Polo.
Hurricane Polo is affecting Mexico’s southwestern coast, with heavy rain expected through the week of 21 September and a risk of life-threatening flooding and landslides.
The storm is forecast to move towards Baja California on the weekend of 26 and 27 September.
A tropical cyclone warning is in place; monitor weather updates and follow advice from local authorities and tour operators.
Hurricane Polo is bringing heavy rainfall to Mexico’s southwestern coast, including parts of Guerrero, Michoacán and Oaxaca.
Life-threatening flooding and landslides are possible during the week of 21 September, and a hurricane warning is in place.
Monitor weather updates and follow instructions from local authorities and your tour operator.
Hurricane Marie is causing intense rain across Baja California Sur, including Los Cabos, with conditions expected to continue until 4 September.
A hurricane warning is in place; monitor weather updates and follow instructions from local authorities and tour operators.
Beaches in Mexico
Acapulco Diamante
Barra Vieja Beach
BlueKay Beach
Cabo Pulmo Beach
Chen Rio
El Medano Beach
Hotel Zone
Isla Blanca Beach
La Ventanilla
Los Muertos Beach
Mayto Beach
Mermejita
Playa Balandra
Playa Carrizalillo
Playa Chacala
Playa Coromuel
Playa de Chachalacas
Playa de Guayabitos
Playa del Amor
Playa de los Muertos
Playa el Requesón
Playa la Llorona
Playa la Ropa
Playa Las Ánimas
Playa Las Gatas
Playa Los Cerritos
Playa Majahua
Playa Maruata
Playa Paraiso, Tulum
Playa Pie de La Cuesta
Playa Puerto Angelito
Playa Punta Cocos
Playa Punta Colorada
Playa Punta Lobos
Playa Quieta
Playa San Agustinillo
Playa San Pancho
Playa Sayulita
Playa Tlacopanocha
Playa Tortugas
Playa Xpu-Ha
Playa Zicatela
Playa Zipolite
Tecolote Beach
Tulum Beach
Xcacel Beach
Yelapa Beach
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.