Mexico Travel Advice

• There have been many cases of the H1N1 virus, also known as Swine Flu in Mexico. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. Travelers arriving at and departing from Mexican airports may be required to complete a health questionnaire detailing whether they are suffering any flu like symptoms. Travelers will be required to pass in front of thermal imaging cameras that will check their body temperature. If travelers are found to have a high temperature (above 38.5C), medical personnel will check for other flu like symptoms. A test will be carried out if any H1N1 (Swine Flu) symptoms are displayed. Travelers with negative test results will be allowed to continue their journey. Travelers with a positive test result will be directed to an on site doctor for further examination.

• You should take personal responsibility for your safety in the event of a future pandemic, including access to adequate medical care and ensuring that your travel documents are up to date. It is advised that you should avoid large crowds, shaking hands, greeting people with a kiss. Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other people, covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing and frequent hand washing may decrease the risk of exposure.

• Travelers should consult a doctor immediately if they show any signs of flu like symptoms, such as coughing, fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and headache. People at high risk for the H1N1 (Swine Flu) are: Children younger than 5 years old, Adults aged 65 years or older, pregnant women, and anyone with a prior condition (Cancer, Asthma, Diabetes, Sickle Cell).

• The Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 200,000 adults in Mexico were living with AIDS/HIV. The prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.3% of the adult population. There has been an increase in deaths from AIDS/HIV since 2008, from 5,000 deaths per year to 11,000 deaths by mid 2009.

• Malaria is common in low lying rural areas of Mexico and outbreaks can occur throughout the year. Dengue fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. Since early 2009, an increased number of dengue cases have been reported (100 cases were reported in Guadalajara). Dengue fever is caused by four similar viruses (DENV-1, -2, -3, and -4) and is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. You should take all precautions against mosquito bites whenever possible.

• Poor sanitation and unclean water still cause tuberculosis, trachoma, and venereal infections. Gastrointestinal complaints, Pneumonia, Diphtheria, Scarlet Fever, and Mumps are relatively common in the country, as are waterborne diseases such as Typhoid Fever, Cholera, Dysentery, and Hepatitis (Hepatitis A is widespread throughout Mexico). You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhea during a visit to Mexico you should seek immediate medical attention. You should therefore exercise caution before purchasing food and unbottled drinks from street vendors.

• Before visiting Mexico, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for are: Hepatitis A , Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, and routine shots such as, Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) vaccine, Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (DPT) vaccine, and Polio Virus vaccine.

• On arrival in Mexico City or other high altitude areas, you may feel a lack of energy, shortness of breath or headaches. Allow for a short period of adjustment when making your travel plans, a brief rest will often help you acclimate.

• There is a threat from terrorism in Mexico. You should exercise caution at all times as terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers such as restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers.

• Kidnapping continues to occur in the urban areas, particularly in Mexico City. Victims have been required to withdraw funds from credit or debit cards at ATM machines (cashpoint) to obtain their release. Where victims have friends or relatives living locally, a ransom may be demanded from them. There have been allegations of complicity by police officers. You should be cautious and discrete about openly discussing your financial or business affairs.

• Street crime is on the increase. Around 140 cases of stolen passports are reported to the Embassy every year. You should be particularly alert on public transport, at airports, bus stations and tourist sites. Passengers have been robbed and assaulted by unlicensed taxi drivers, particularly in Mexico City. At airports, use only authorized prepaid airport taxi services. Pick pocketing is common in Mexico City.

• There have been incidents of rapes on urban buses (micros) on routes in the South of Mexico City. Most attacks have occurred early in the morning or late at night. A number of serious sexual offenses have also occurred in tourist areas in Cancun. Care should be taken even in areas close to hotels, especially after dark. Business travelers should keep a close watch on their briefcases and luggage at apparently secure locations such as the lobby of their hotel.

• Hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcano eruptions can occur. You should monitor the local and international weather updates. Check with local authorities or your tour operator for any changes to your onward travel plans.

• Possession, use and trafficking of controlled drugs are all serious criminal offenses in Mexico. The possession of even a small amount of drugs could result in a prison term.

• The police will sometimes ask foreigners to show some form of identification. It is advised that you carry photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport and important documents and leave the originals in a safe place.

• Emergency medical treatment in Mexico is not readily available outside the main urban centers, and you may have to be taken to a major city for serious medical treatment. Treatment in the private clinics and hospitals are highly recommended for adequate medical treatment but will be quite expensive. It is recommended that you obtain a comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling.

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