Travel Vaccines and Advice for Mexico

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Mexico. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Mexico: typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, polio, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Specific Vaccine Information

Travelers’ diarrhea is a risk to travelers to all destinations, including Mexico. Take precautions by only eating from reputable establishments and be sure to bring a travelers’ diarrhea kit.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Mexico. Speak with a travel health specialist about your itinerary and the potential need for antimalarials.

Mexico is an affected area of the Zika virus . Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid travel to Mexico. Take extra precautions against Zika infection including insect repellents and mosquito netting.

Dengue is another mosquito-borne illness found in various parts of Mexico. Take the same precautions against this infection as you would Zika.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.

Prevent Bug Bites in Mexico

Food and Water Safety in Mexico

Altitude Sickness in Mexico

Infections To Be Aware of in Mexico

• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever – There are reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in Baja California. Most cases are in Tecate. Ticks spread the disease to humans through bites. Travelers are advised to use repellents while in rural areas. RMSF can be deadly. See a medical professional immediately if you develop flu-like symptoms while traveling to the region or within two weeks of returning home.
• Salmonella – Some travelers to Mexico have returned home with multidrug-resistant strains of Salmonella. Most infections are believed to have come from beef, cheese, beef jerky or dried beef. Travelers should take precautions to only eat food from reputable establishments and to wash their hands regularly. Avoiding raw or undercooked beef, or soft cheeses is advised.

Travelers to Mexico do not need a visa for stays less than 180 days. If you plan to stay longer-term, a visa will be required before entry.

Mexico Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Mexico?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Mexico and U.S. State Department

Because of its size, Mexico has a diverse climate.

The Tropic of Cancer splits the country into temperate and tropical zones. Regions north of the 24th parallel have a cooler climate during the winter months. Regions to the south have a more constant climate throughout the year. On the coast on both sides of Mexico, the climate is generally hot and humid, especially in the summer.

In contrast, Mexico City’s temperatures can drop to freezing in the winter. Areas of higher elevation can even see snow during these months. Most of the northwestern area of Mexico has a desert climate. The eastern coast has a tropical climate characterized by a wet season during the summer. Be sure to research the area that you are traveling to and bring appropriate clothing. Bring breathable clothing that you will not be adverse to sweating in.

Violence from drug cartels is a major problem in Mexico. Do not travel out alone after dark, especially in heavily populated urban areas. Always be alert, and look out for strange behavior. Keep track of your belongings, as pick-pocketing and other forms of petty theft are common. There have been instances of kidnappings by cartels in various parts of the country.

Possession of small amounts of narcotics is legal in Mexico, but it is best to avoid using drugs at all. The legal system is much harsher than in the United States. Consult with locals to find out where it is safe to travel without a guide, and what areas to avoid after the sun sets. They will be able to provide the most accurate information.

When swimming on the beach, look out for riptides. They can be difficult to detect but very strong. Be sure to use sunscreen, and be aware of jellyfish.

If you are traveling by bus, do not put your bag in the storage room of the bus. This is an easy way to have your belongings stolen. If you plan on using a taxi, call a taxi service and request one instead of hailing one from the street. Ride share services like Uber are available in Mexico.

Mexico is an excellent destination for diving and snorkeling. With beautiful waters ripe with wildlife, there is plenty to see in the depths.

If you have a taste for danger, consider cage diving with Great White sharks off Guadalupe Island. You are outfitted with scuba gear, put into a metal cage, and lowered into the water. It is the closest you will be able to get to the sharks while remaining out of danger. It is not for the faint of heart.

If you are looking for a diverse array of aquatic life, look no further than the Sea of Cortez. It is very accessible to foreigners. It is a meeting point of tropical species from the south and species from the temperate zones of the north. This creates a unique ecosystem that will provide an unforgettable experience for travelers. There are plenty of local dive shops and places to charter a boat.

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Mexico:

• Personal Hygiene Products – These can be expensive in Mexico, so it is best to bring them from home.
• Medications – Pharmacies are different in Mexico. It is safest to bring your medications with you from home.
• Close-toed shoes – It’s tempting to wear sandals, but fire ants and scorpions are a common problem.
• Breathable clothing – It can get quite hot in Mexico.
• Water purification tablets – It is recommended that you do not drink the tap water in Mexico. But, if absolutely necessary, it is best to have tablets on hand.

All Americans visiting Mexico should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.

Once in Mexico, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:

U.S. Embassy Mexico City
Paseo de la Reforma 305
Colonia Cuauhtemoc
06500 Mexico, D.F.
Telephone: 011-52-55-5080-2000
Emergency Telephone: 01-55-5080-2000, extension 0
Fax: 011-52-55-5080-2201
acsmexicocity@state.gov

If you have any questions about traveling to Mexico or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.