Mexico Travel Advice Summary from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Below is the latest summary advice from the UK FCO for British Citizens considering travel to Mexico.
In line with the Government’s initiative to improve standards of personal hygeine in public you may also want to consider carrying and regularly using our travel sized mini bottles of Hygienics Anti-Bacterial Moisturising Hand Gel.
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 5. See the WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html for further details.
- We are now advising against all but essential travel to Mexico.
- Routine Consular and all Visa Services at the Embassy in Mexico City have been suspended until further notice. British Nationals in Mexico, who have an urgent consular issue should call the Embassy on (01 55) 5242 8500 for assistance.
- British nationals resident in or visiting Mexico may wish to consider whether they should remain in Mexico at this time.
- British Nationals should continue to follow local advice on precautions to take to avoid exposure to the influenza.
- Cases of swine influenza have been reported in Mexico City and a number of other locations across the country. Travellers should consult a doctor immediately if they show signs of flu-like symptoms.
- The Mexican Secretariat of Health has advised people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands and kissing people as a greeting. Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons and frequent hand washing may decrease the risk of exposure. The Mexicans have closed educational establishments across the country. Museums and other public venues and events have been closed or postponed.
- On 29 April President Calderon announced that the 1 May public holiday would be extended until Wednesday 6 May. All Government offices during this period will be closed. The President advised the population to remain at home. All bars and restaurants in Mexico City have been ordered to close until 6 May.
- Most visits are trouble-free, but crime and kidnappings continue. You should be particularly alert in tourist areas (especially on public transport and when dealing with real or purported policemen) and exercise caution when exchanging or withdrawing money. See the Crime Section of this advice for more details.
- There were a high number of drug-related killings in 2008, which continue in 2009, particularly in the northern border and Pacific states. On 15 September 2008 two grenades were thrown into crowds during the Independence Day celebrations in Michoacán, killing at least seven people and injuring many more. More than 1,500 Mexican troops have moved into Ciudad Juarez on the US border which is being fought over by rival drug gangs. Foreign visitors and residents have been among the victims in the border region but there is no evidence to suggest that they have been targeted because of their nationality. Visitors to the region should follow the advice of local authorities.
- There have been a recent number of unexpected and unpredictable demonstrations across the country particularly in Monterrey and northern border areas. Visitors to these areas should be aware of the potential for disruption to their travel plans and should ensure they follow the advice of local authorities.
- There were three shark attacks along the Pacific coast in 2008, all involving surfers, approximately 150 miles from the Pacific resort of Acapulco close to Pantla and Troncones beaches near Zihuatanejo. Two of the attacks were fatal, one involving a foreign tourist. Although shark attacks are relatively rare in Mexico, you should exercise caution in these coastal areas, particularly when surfing.
- 315,568 British nationals visited Mexico in 2008 (Source: Instituto Nacional de Migracion). The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Mexico in 2008 were for: replacing lost or stolen passports (147 cases); arrests or detentions, for a variety of offences (21 cases); hospitalisations (25 cases); and deaths, mainly from natural causes (19 cases).
- There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
- The hurricane season in Mexico normally runs from Juneto November and can affect both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Youshould monitor local and international weather reports and follow theadvice of the local authorities as appropriate. See the NaturalDisasters (Hurricanes) section of this advice and Tropical Cyclonesfor more details.
- We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
