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.
€1 = $20
Today
—
Travel warning
Weather in Mexico
Sat
Sun
Mon
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:
Be wary of criminals posing as police officers trying to fine or arrest you; ask for ID and a copy of any fine.
Do not leave food or drinks unattended in bars and restaurants as criminals have drugged and robbed tourists.
Only use authorised 'sitio' taxis from official ranks or hotel-ordered taxis, as unlicensed taxis have been used for robberies.
Take care at ATMs, preferably using them inside shops during daylight, and avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash.
Be very cautious after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, staying in well-lit tourist zones.
Bonus tips:
It is illegal to bring e-cigarettes or vaping devices into Mexico, and you can be fined for smoking or vaping in public places.
Be aware that hotel balcony railings can be low in some places, posing a risk of falling.
Saily eSIM for Mexico
Skip roaming fees with Saily, our partner eSIM provider. Use code ATOBEACH for 10% off. Plans start at €3.89 for 1GB, valid for 7 days.
Activates when you land
200+ destinations
Code ATOBEACH at checkout
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.
FIXED: spelling of 'Cuidad' to 'Ciudad' in the 2026 World Cup match location (Estadio Ciudad de México).
The specific note about protests at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) on 11 June has been removed.
World Cup advice has been expanded to add that England plays Mexico in Mexico City on 5 July 2026.
New World Cup warnings include three crowd-related deaths in Mexico City and increased reports of mobile phone theft and drink-spiking during the tournament.
A new warning for World Cup travellers states that an Emergency Travel Document issued to British nationals cannot be used to re-enter the USA from Mexico.
Protests are now blocking vehicle access to Oaxaca airport.
Check your flight status and allow more time to get to and from Oaxaca airport.
Oaxaca airport added as a specific disruption point.
Protests at Mexico City International Airport are now expected on 11 June (changed from 10 June).
A note about potential protests at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) on 03 June has been removed.
The link for 'World Cup page' is no longer clickable (now just plain text).
Protests expected at Mexico City International Airport on 3 June could disrupt access; allow extra time for journeys.
Entry Requirements
Mexico may now introduce temporary border measures for travellers arriving from countries affected by the Ebola outbreak.
The World Health Organisation has declared the Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Beaches in Mexico
No beaches listed for Mexico yet.
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.