Travel to Mexico requirements: what documents do you need?

Mexico is a country in Central America where music and color are everywhere. Its delicious food and friendly locals will captivate you. 

There are lots of things to do in Mexico and a myriad of landscapes for you to explore. From ancient pyramids and temples to white sandy beaches and snow capped volcanoes, Mexico is an incredible country to visit.

In this article you will read all about travel to Mexico requirements: documentation, vaccination and more. 

Travel requirements for Mexico

Passport

You must have a valid passport with 3 blank pages for stamps. This requirement is only for those traveling for more than 7 days. 

In case you have dual nationality, you'll need to enter and leave the country using your Mexican passport.

FMM 

All foreigners traveling to Mexico by land need a Mexico tourist card known as the FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple). You have to apply online before starting the trip. Once your application is approved, print the document out and present it at the border along with your passport. 

The FMM is not the same as a visa. Depending on your nationality, you may need both. All the information you need is in our guide on how to get a Mexico visa.

Travel Insurance

Mexico does not require travel insurance for visitors, but it is always best to take out travel insurance covering theft, assistance, loss of luggage and medical assistance. 

Vaccines

No vaccines are required to travel to Mexico but the following are recommended:

• Chickenpox
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Influenza
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Shingles
• Hepatitis A and B
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Tuberculosis
• Typhoid
• Chikungunya

Also, Mexico requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for those arriving from a country with risk of transmission of the disease.

Currency

The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso (MXN), which is represented by the M$ symbol.  

You can exchange currency at casas de cambio (exchange houses) or banks, but they always take longer. You will need your passport as a form of ID.

In most Mexican cities and tourist areas you will find ATMs, but there may not be as many in remote areas, so make sure you always carry enough cash just in case. 

You can also use your debit or credit card but, depending on your bank, you might have to pay international surcharges.