Emilie & Kyle

With its gorgeous turquoise seas, powdery white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, it’s no surprise that Cancun and the Mayan Riviera are one of Mexico’s most popular tourist areas.

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Entry/Exit Requirements

To enter Mexico, you must present a valid passport and a duly completed tourist card (Multiple Immigration Form). Carry documents to prove the purpose of trip, such as hotel or tour booking confirmations, as immigration officers may request them.

Tourist card

You must obtain a tourist card to enter the country unless you stay in Mexico for less than 72 hours within the northern border zone. 

If you don’t obtain a tourist card upon arrival, you may face:

• fine

• detention

• expulsion

It is highly recommended to keep your digital tourist card –, or tourist card if entered by land, with you at all times as proof of your legal stay in Mexico. You may be asked to show it to Mexican officials when exiting the country or if you are stopped on an immigration check point.

If you are stopped at an immigration check point and you are unable to prove your legal stay, you may be fined, detained or expelled from the country.

Entering by air

If entering Mexico by air, you are advised to download your tourist card issued by Mexican officials upon entry.

Depending on your airport of entry:

• the immigration official will stamp your passport and note the number of days you are allowed to spend in Mexico or

• you will go through an E-gate kiosk where you will scan your passport and self-register your entry in the country. Only use this option if you are entering Mexico as a tourist.

Once in the country, whether you entered via a E-gate or not, you will be able to access the digital tourist card online. You have 60 days to download it.

If you are unable to show your tourist card or digital tourist card upon departure, you will have to pay for a replacement at the immigration office of any international airport before boarding.

Make sure to plan sufficient time at the airport to obtain a new card in time for your flight.

Portal access for digital tourist card - Government of Mexico

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Tourism tax

Most visitors to Mexico must pay a tourism tax.

This fee is normally included in airline ticket prices. Visitors arriving by road or sea will have to pay this fee at any bank in Mexico. There is a bank representative at every port of entry. The bank receipt must be attached to the tourist card for submission at departure.

You don't have to pay this tax if:

• you're entering by land for tourism purposes, and your stay will not exceed 7 days

• you're travelling to the northern border zone for less than 72 hours

• you're travelling to Mexico on a cruise ship

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Health

Consult a health care professional a minimum of 6 weeks before departure to inquire about vaccines. 

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Mexico. 

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you

• Always keep your medication in the original container

• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage

• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Medication cannot be sent to Mexico from Canada via courier services.

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Weather

April is a dry month with the average daytime temperature around 26 degrees Celsius. 

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Money

The currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso.

In some parts of Mexico, particularly tourist destinations, hotels and other service providers may advertise prices in USD.

There is a limit to the amount of U.S. dollars that residents and foreigners can exchange in Mexico, depending on your immigration status. The rule doesn’t apply to Canadian dollars but some financial institutions, hotels and currency exchange bureaus don’t make the distinction.

When carrying more than US$10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, cash, cheques, money orders or any other monetary instrument, you must declare the amount exceeding US$10,000. Failure to make this declaration is against Mexican law and often results in detention.

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Laws & Culture

You must abide by local laws. The criminal justice system in Mexico differs significantly from that in Canada. We recommend you familiarize yourself, as needed.

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For more current information, we recommend visiting www.travel.gc.ca closer to your departure.