All you need to know about travelling to Mexico

Jungle, Mayan and Aztec archaeological sites, immense white-sand beaches... Travelling to Mexico promises a change of scenery and incredible discoveries. Its natural and cultural wealth is unequalled. It's the ideal destination for a unique experience you won't soon forget! Here's all the advice and useful information you need to prepare your trip to Mexico and make the most of it.

Formalities for traveling to Mexico

Do I need a VISA to go to Mexico?

If you're leaving for less than 180 days, and for tourist purposes only, you don't need to apply for a VISA (nationals of all Schengen countries). However, you will still need to prepare certain documents before entering the country:

- The FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), which you can fill out in advance online or on the plane before you land.

- Your passport, valid for the entire duration of your stay in Mexico

- Your round-trip plane ticket (if you're leaving by land or sea, your transportation ticket)

- Your accommodation address

You'll need to present all this to the air and border police officer, who will ask you for details of your stay. After that, your passport will be stamped and you'll be given a copy of the FMM with the dates of your stay indicated. Keep it with your passport until the end of your vacation. You could be inspected on the spot and asked to show it.

What insurance do I need to travel to Mexico?

There is no compulsory travel insurance to enter Mexico. However, it is strongly recommended that you take out insurance to cover the unexpected: hospitalization costs, urgent health expenses, medical repatriation...

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Reimbursement of medical expenses in Mexico

To access private medical services (hospital, clinic), the price is often very high and you have to pay in advance. Hospitals in Mexico often require patients to sign a kind of open credit card "voucher".

To give you an idea of medical costs in Mexico:

- 1-day hospitalization in Mexico: CHF 1'000

- Repatriation to Switzerland: over CHF 10'000.

To protect yourself financially, you need travel insurance. With our Comfort packages, you'll be reimbursed for medical expenses up to CHF 250'000, with unlimited emergency transport and repatriation. In addition to medical assistance, you're covered in the event of trip cancellation, loss or theft of luggage, unforeseen expenses, etc. Find out more about our insurance here.

We advise you to take note of Mexican emergency numbers before you leave. If you have a problem or witness an incident, call 911.

When to go to Mexico?

Mexico is a vast territory, so the weather varies according to the region you're visiting. Generally speaking, we advise you to avoid the hurricane and rainy season, which runs from mid-May to the end of November on the Pacific side and from early June to the end of November on the Atlantic side.

If you're dreaming of discovering the Yucatan, Cancun or the archaeological sites of Tulum, the period from early December to May offers ideal temperatures. If you're more of a city person, head for Mexico City between March and May. For Baja California, with La Paz and the wine regions, go in April.

Quand partir au Mexique ?

C’est un vaste territoire, la météo est donc différente selon la région où vous vous rendez. Plus généralement, on conseille d’éviter la période des cyclones et de la saison des pluies qui s’étend de mi-mai à fin novembre côté Pacifique et de début juin à fin novembre côté Atlantique.

Si vous rêvez de découvrir le Yucatan, Cancun ou les sites archéologiques de Tulum, préférez la période début décembre – mai qui offre des températures idéales. Si vous êtes plutôt ville, rendez-vous à Mexico entre mars et mai. Pour ce qui est de la Basse-Californie avec La Paz et les régions viticoles, allez-y au mois d’avril.

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How safe is Mexico?

The big tourist cities are safe for most travellers, but the country's high crime rate cannot be ignored. So always be vigilant (as with any trip) and inform yourself about the risks and what to do if you encounter a problem. Follow our advice to stay safe abroad. Certain areas of the country are clearly not recommended, so avoid going there.

Are there any compulsory vaccinations for Mexico?

There are no compulsory vaccinations, but we do recommend that you make sure your vaccinations are up to date (DTP, MMR). Depending on the conditions of your trip to Mexico, vaccinations against typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B and rabies may also be advisable. Talk to your doctor before you leave.

Travelling to Mexico with a baby

Of course, anything's possible - you just have to get organized. Vacation destination, health, baby's suitcase, travel insurance for you and your baby, formalities and identity documents: you need to think of everything. Read our tips for traveling with your baby.

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