Mexico

Visit Mexico and tuck into tacos, tequila, tradition, and more! Famous for its glorious golden beaches and luxurious coastal resorts, its diverse landscape of mountains, deserts and jungles, and a rich history showcased by scatterings of ancient Aztec and Mayan ruins, tree-lined Spanish colonial towns, and the buzzing Mexico City, home to upscale shops, renowned museums and gourmet restaurants. Mexico has a fantastic culinary scene whether it’s hip fusion cuisine at a sleek, stylish restaurant or grandma’s recipes at a bustling market comedor (food stall) – it’s foodie heaven – and there’s a strong tradition in handicrafts too. Whether you want to discover its rich history and culture, unwind on a beach, snorkel warm Caribbean reefs, hike mountain cloud forests or search for dolphins or whales on a boat trip, there’s something enticing for you in Mexico.

First-hand knowledge

Tracey and Julie have both been to Cancun, in Mexico.

KEY FACTS BEFORE YOU GO:

Capital: Mexico City

Currency: Mexican peso

Time Difference: Most of Mexico is in the Central Time Zone (or Zona Centro) and observes Daylight Saving Time, but there are some exceptions, including the state of Quintana Roo, which is best known for popular destinations such as Cancun and the Mayan ruins of Tulum. For most of Mexico, Daylight Saving Time is observed from the first Sunday in April through to the last Sunday in October. During Summer, most of Mexico is 5 hours BEHIND GMT, and 6 hours BEHIND GMT in Winter. To find out more specific information about Mexico's time differences, please read here.

Flight time: You can fly direct to Cancun in 11 hours or Mexico City in 11 hours and 55 minutes.

Official language: Spanish (the de facto language of most Mexicans, but not the official language in legislation)

Entry requirements: No visa is required to visit Mexico, although you will need to fill out immigration forms on entry and exit. Forms are available on-board flights to Mexico or at border crossings, or you can complete a form online in advance from the National Institute of Immigration website, if your passport has a minimum of 6 months' validity from date of entry. (If you are completing forms upon arrival, your passport only needs to be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.) If you are planning to undertake certain adventure or eco-tourism activities - such as caving, potholing, or entomology (especially if they involve any scientific/technological research) - then a visa may be required. If you’re in any doubt, check with the Mexican Embassy in London well in advance of your visit and ask for written confirmation if necessary.

Vaccinations and Health: For up-to-date information, please check this website (as recommended by the Foreign Office): https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/147/mexico#Vaccine_recommendations

General information on travel vaccinations can be found on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/