Many travel addicts are already planning next year’s spring and summer trips. And while exotic destinations like Greece and Thailand are still very popular, a lot of travellers choose to plan an equally exotic trip to Mexico.
What makes Mexico extremely popular year after year is its diverse natural beauty, rich historical and cultural heritage and lively culture. Mexico can accommodate both those looking to enjoy nature and those looking for a wild nightlife scene. However, there is a lot that the average traveller does not know about Mexico. Below are practical tips for planning a trip to Mexico, from entry rules and safety to getting around.
How to Plan a Trip to Mexico
Entry Paperwork
All US citizens including infants need a valid passport if they’re planning to visit Mexico. Mexico requires the passport to be valid for your whole stay, and the Mexican Embassy recommends at least 180 days of validity, the longest tourist stay. US citizens crossing by land or sea can use a US passport card instead of a passport book.
Apart from your passport, you need a tourist permit (FMM, Forma Migratoria Múltiple). If you fly in, it is handled digitally at most airports. The officer stamps your passport or you use an e-gate, and the fee is usually included in your airline ticket. If you arrive by land and travel beyond the border zone, fill in the FMM online on the INM website before you go. You can stay up to 180 days, but the immigration officer decides how many days you get, so be ready to show a return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds.
If you bring goods beyond your personal belongings, you may also need to declare them to customs. Travelers arriving by air or sea can bring up to US$500 worth of new goods per person without paying duty, and the limit is lower by land. Anything above that must be declared.
You should also be aware that some items like guns and even some animals are illegal to import into Mexico. You should consult a Mexican Consulate for more info on what you can and cannot bring with you.
Finally, if you plan on visiting Mexico with your own car, you will need a separate Mexican car insurance policy, as your US insurance policy is not valid in Mexico. What Mexican insurance does is cover for any injuries to other drivers or damage that you might cause while in Mexico.
Dangers of Travel in Mexico
A lot of people avoid travelling to Mexico because the country is often portrayed as a violent country with the risk of being stuck in a middle of a gang shootout or a drug cartel war.
And while it’s true that Mexico does have its problems with drug cartels that often clash with each other or the Police in violent shootouts, that’s not true for every single part of the country.
Crime does affect visitors in some areas, and the risk varies a lot by state. The US State Department rates Mexico overall at Level 2, “exercise increased caution”, with Yucatán and Campeche at Level 1 and six states, including Guerrero and Michoacán, at Level 4, “do not travel”. Check the US advisory and the UK Foreign Office advice for each state on your route, and read our guide Is it Safe to Travel to Mexico? for practical tips.
Vaccines Recommended for Mexico
Mexico’s entry rules for tourists do not include proof of vaccination. It still makes sense to be up to date with routine vaccines such as measles and tetanus.
Which other vaccines or malaria tablets make sense depends on your route and your health. Check the official travel health advice or the CDC Mexico page at least eight weeks before you travel, and speak to a travel clinic.
Moving past the language barrier in Mexico
While the vast majority of the younger population can speak English, it is advised that you at least learn the basics of Spanish. Not only is it a beautiful language but understanding the fundamentals will help you with your travels! Given that we do live in the digital age, use it to your benefit and make use of free helpful videos on YouTube.
When planning your trip to Mexico, you should also know that there are a number of Spanish teachers offering remote teaching popping up, so you could have a few skype/zoom sessions before you go.
See also The Benefits of Learning a Language Before You Travel.
Transport in Mexico
If you are planning a trip to Mexico, it is essential that you figure out how to not only travel to this dream destination, but how you will get around when you arrive. In Mexico City, the Metro is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to get around, and Guadalajara and Monterrey have urban rail lines too.
Keep in mind that it can get pretty crowded, and as it goes with most mass transit systems, you do run the risk of pickpockets, so make extra sure to keep your belongings close.
One of the many perks of taking a trip to Mexico is that women in Mexico City can ride on the women/children only cars. They are usually located at the front of the train.
Between cities, long-distance buses are the backbone of travel in Mexico. Companies such as ADO, OCC, ETN and Primera Plus run first-class coaches with reserved seats. For long distances, such as Mexico City to Cancún, a domestic flight is often the better choice.
On the Yucatán Peninsula, the Tren Maya started running in December 2023 and completed its loop in December 2024. Its 1,554 km route links Cancún Airport, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Chetumal, Campeche, Mérida, Valladolid and Chichén Itzá, and Palenque in Chiapas. Tulum also has its own international airport, open since December 2023.
Highlights of a trip to Mexico
Mexico’s inherent beauty is what draws most people to visit this wonderful country. This country is among the most diverse countries in the world.
It encompasses several ecosystems and diverse topography. Mexico has more than a thousand bird species and several hundred species each of mammals and reptiles.
Whether you choose to visit the Yucatán Peninsula (including Kohunlich and Merida) or the butterfly heaven of Michoacán, you will not regret your decision. You can also join a fitness retreat in Mexico if you want to combine workouts with adventure and sightseeing.
Note that Michoacán is at Level 4 (“do not travel”) in the US advisory, which also restricts parts of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve. The reserve extends into the State of Mexico, which is at Level 2, and several sanctuaries lie on that side of the state line.
The best times of the year to visit Mexico
When it comes to planning your trip to Mexico, it is essential that you establish what exactly you want to do when you arrive. Your itinerary will help you figure out the best time of the year to visit.
If you plan on visiting between the months of January and February, you will be able to witness the great migrations. During this time, you will get to experience the bewildering migration of butterflies and whales – both of which make for an appealing view.
If you want to avoid both the summer rains and the busiest weeks, November, March and early April work well in most regions. May is usually the hottest month in much of the country, especially on the Yucatán Peninsula. See our guide to the best time to visit Mexico for each region.
For those looking for a culturally immersive experience, then the month of September is the best time to take a trip to Mexico. This is when you get to witness the festive independence celebration where the entire nation gathers around for the parade.
If you are ready for the adventure of a lifetime, put Mexico near the top of your list. With these basics sorted, the rest of the planning is the fun part.
