🇲🇽 Mexico

Ancient pyramids, colonial cities, Caribbean and Pacific beaches, and one of the world's richest culinary traditions.

Continent: North America
Capital: Mexico City
Best time to go: November to April (dry season)
Currency: Mexican peso (MXN)
Languages: Spanish, plus 68 recognised Indigenous languages

Quick guide: Mexico essentials

🛂 Visa & entry

Many passport holders (including Canada, the US, the UK, the EU and Japan) can visit visa-free for up to 180 days; the immigration officer decides how long you get, so ask for enough days. Keep your entry record until you leave.

💉 Vaccines & health risks

Routine vaccines plus hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly recommended. Dengue is present; use repellent. Low malaria risk in a few rural areas.

🚗 Driving

Drive on the right. Most foreign licences are accepted, but Mexican liability insurance is mandatory and US or Canadian policies usually don't cover it. Use toll highways (cuota) and avoid driving rural roads at night.

🏥 Healthcare & emergencies

Good private hospitals in big cities and resort areas, usually paid up front; get insurance. Emergencies: 911.

⚖️ Drug laws

The Supreme Court has ruled against punishing personal cannabis use, but there is no legal shop market and possession over 5 g can lead to arrest. All other drugs are illegal and the drug trade is linked to cartel violence, so don't buy. Check your government's state-by-state advice.

🎉 Nightlife & party scene

Mexico City's Roma and Condesa (mezcal bars, clubs, live music), Guadalajara, and the beach clubs of Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Late nights are normal. Drinking age 18.

Last reviewed 2026-10-17. Entry, health and legal rules change and can depend on your passport; always confirm with official sources before you travel.

City guides

Mexico City

A sprawling, creative capital with leafy neighbourhoods, world-class museums and tacos on every corner.

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Oaxaca

Mexico's culinary heartland, famous for mole, mezcal, textiles and Zapotec heritage.

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All cities in Mexico (8,951)

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