Vaccination & Health requirement to visit Mexico

Official Entry Requirements

Mandatory Vaccinations

Mexico does not currently require any proof of vaccination for entry, including for COVID-19 or Yellow Fever. This information is subject to change, and we advise all travelers to verify the latest policies directly with their airline before departure.

• Yellow Fever: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is not required for entry into Mexico.

COVID-19 Status

As of our latest update, all entry requirements related to COVID-19 have been removed. Travelers are no longer required to present proof of vaccination or a negative test result to enter Mexico. However, some airlines may maintain their own policies, so it is prudent to confirm with your carrier before your flight.

Recommended Vaccinations & Health Precautions

Consult a Travel Health Professional

We strongly advise that you consult your primary care doctor or a specialized travel medicine clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before your departure date. A health professional can provide personalized advice and ensure you are properly prepared for your journey.

Your personal vaccination recommendations will depend on several factors:

• Where you are going in Mexico (e.g., a coastal resort versus more remote, rural areas).
• How long you will be staying.
• Your planned activities, such as hiking or adventure sports.
• Your current health status and personal vaccination history.

Routine Vaccinations

The crucial first step in your health preparations is to ensure your routine immunizations are current. Many travelers overlook this, but it is fundamental for safe travel anywhere in the world.

Ensure you are up-to-date on all standard vaccinations, including:

• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (Tdap)
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Polio
• Your yearly flu shot

Recommended for Most Travelers

Hepatitis A: This vaccine is highly recommended as the virus can be contracted through contaminated food or water. This risk exists throughout Mexico, regardless of whether you are staying in a luxury resort or a local guesthouse.

Typhoid: Also transmitted through contaminated food and water, the typhoid vaccine is particularly recommended for those who plan to stay with friends or relatives, visit smaller cities or rural areas, or consider themselves adventurous eaters.

Recommended for Some Travelers

These recommendations are for travelers whose itineraries or planned activities may expose them to specific health risks.

• Hepatitis B: This vaccine is recommended if you anticipate you might have a medical procedure, get a tattoo or piercing, or have new sexual partners during your trip.
• Rabies: Consider this vaccine if you will be spending a significant amount of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, engaging in activities like caving, or working directly with animals.
• Malaria: It is important to note that the risk of malaria in Mexico is very low and confined to specific rural areas, such as certain parts of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Quintana Roo. There is no risk in major tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, or Mexico City. If your itinerary includes travel to high-risk rural zones, please consult your doctor and review the latest CDC maps to determine if preventative medication is necessary.

Common Health Risks in Mexico & Prevention

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses (Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya)

These diseases are present in parts of Mexico and are transmitted by the bites of infected mosquitoes. While this may sound concerning, simple preventative measures can significantly reduce your risk.

Prevention is Key:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, particularly during the peak mosquito hours of dawn and dusk.
• Choose accommodations that have air conditioning or well-screened windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

Zika Virus Note: The Zika virus can cause serious birth defects. We advise pregnant women, or couples who are planning a pregnancy, to consult their doctor before traveling to any areas with a known risk of Zika transmission to discuss the potential risks and preventative measures.

Food and Water Safety (“Traveler’s Diarrhea”)

Taking simple precautions with what you eat and drink is the most effective way to avoid traveler’s diarrhea and stay healthy throughout your trip.

Water Precautions:

• Drink only sealed bottled water or water that has been properly purified.
• Avoid using tap water, even for brushing your teeth. Use bottled water instead.
• Avoid ice in your drinks unless you are in a reputable hotel or restaurant where it is certain to be made from purified water.

Food Precautions:

• Eat food that is thoroughly cooked and served to you hot.
• Exercise caution with food from street vendors. Opt for vendors who are busy and appear to have high standards of cleanliness.
• Avoid raw or undercooked meat and seafood.
• Only consume fruits and vegetables that you have peeled yourself or that you know have been washed in purified water.

Preparing Your Personal Health Kit

Prescription & Essential Medications

• Bring enough of your personal prescription medication to last for the entire duration of your trip, plus a few extra days’ supply in case of travel delays.
• Keep all medications in their original, clearly labeled containers to avoid confusion or issues at customs.
• Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor detailing the medication, especially for controlled substances or injectable medicines.

Suggested Over-the-Counter Items

• Pain and fever reducer (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Anti-diarrhea medication (e.g., loperamide)
• Oral rehydration salts to treat dehydration
• Antihistamine for minor allergic reactions or insect bites
• Motion sickness medication if you are prone to it
• A small first-aid kit with antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizer, and assorted bandages
• High-SPF sunscreen and a soothing aloe vera gel for sunburn relief

Disclaimer & Official Resources

For Informational Purposes Only

This information is intended as a helpful guide for your travel preparations and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Health conditions and recommendations can vary based on the individual, and we insist that you consult a qualified doctor or a travel medicine clinic for advice tailored to your specific needs.

Check for the Latest Updates

Health and vaccination recommendations can change. For the most current information, we urge you to consult these official sources before your departure:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Mexico Profile
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Your home country’s government travel advisory website (e.g., U.S. Department of State, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office).