Mexico Travel Information

Most trips to Mexico are made without special problems. The security situation in Mexico is particularly related to organized crime and is of little concern to tourists in the country, but also crime of profit, including assaults, armed robberies and thefts, is widespread in Mexico and often affects more affluent Mexicans and foreigners. Some states are more vulnerable than others, and one must take precautions to avoid getting into unpleasant or dangerous situations. For information on coronavirus see the section on Health. According to Abbreviationfinder, MEX stands for Mexico in geography.

Safety

Most trips to Mexico are made without special problems. The security situation in Mexico is particularly related to organized crime and is of little concern to tourists in the country, but also crime of profit, including assaults, armed robberies and thefts, is widespread in Mexico and often affects more affluent Mexicans and foreigners. Some states are more vulnerable than others, and one must take precautions to avoid getting into unpleasant or dangerous situations. The violence in Mexico is complex and travelers are urged to exercise caution and keep up to date. There is little risk of terrorist attacks.

For business operators, security issues related to personnel and other values ​​should be considered by competent actors, and companies are encouraged to have close contact with Norwegian honorary consulates in Mexico, as well as the embassy.

In recent years, drug-related violence in Mexico has increased dramatically. The violence is brutal and merciless, and even though it is mainly internal settlements between different groups, innocents are also affected. The problem is greatest in the border with the United States, and especially in the states of Tamaulipas, Guerrero, Michoacan, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Jalisco, Sonora and Sinaloa.

In recent years, violence has also spread to other parts of the country. Among other things, the situation has worsened in the states of Estado de M¨¦xico and Veracruz. Acapulco, which is visited by many tourists, is one of the cities where violence has escalated significantly in recent years, and there has recently been a sharp increase in the number of killings – even in the popular hotel areas. Travelers should exercise caution in the border area against Guatemala – especially when crossing the border by car or by bus as there are cases of criminal gangs operating in the area.

  • Countryaah: Mexico City is the capital of Mexico. Check to find information of population, geography, history, and economy about the capital city.

Most popular resorts, such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, have so far been less affected by the wave of violence. Nevertheless, there have been certain violent incidents targeting tourists in these areas, and shooting episodes have occurred in Playa del Carmen and Cancun. The embassy knows that western tourists in Mexico have been victims of sexual harassment and abuse, including rape. This seems particularly to have taken place in the context of high alcohol consumption.

Mexico City has not been particularly affected by drug-related violence, but travelers are encouraged to take precautions as in any major city. Crime of violence and episodes of violence occur and there has been an increase in the number lately.

Robbery and kidnappings occur, but this does not concern tourists. A special phenomenon, on the other hand, is so-called “express kidnappings”, which involve short-term kidnapping situations, where the victim is forced to withdraw money from ATMs or otherwise quickly obtain a small amount of ransom.

It is important to look after valuables and preferably hide as much money as possible, passports, jewelry and photo equipment. The safe in the hotel should be used. Travelers should be aware of the risk of pickpockets and bag closers. Discretion and caution should be exercised when using ATMs and money exchange. It is recommended to withdraw money from shopping malls and for example. within the customs area of ​​the airport, rather than out in the arrivals hall. Should an assault occur, one should not resist, but rather surrender what one has of valuables. Violence episodes in which the police have been involved have occurred and corruption is widespread among the police.

Road safety and transport: Driving should be well planned and night driving should be avoided. One should not embark on a car trip without having inquired about a safe itinerary, as there are robberies and assaults on some roads, especially after dark. The toll roads (“cuotas”) are the safest. Traffic in stressed areas and areas particularly affected by violence should be avoided.

Although taxis are a good means of transportation in most urban areas, it is important to avoid having to taxi a street. Any taxi without a permit (so-called “libre”) or that is not safe (“seguro”) should be avoided as there have been cases of both robbery and robbery of passengers in such taxis. General precautions should be taken. Tourists should book a taxi either through the hotel or by calling a taxi company (so-called “sitios”/radio taxis). It is also an idea to note the registration number as an extra security should something happen and you want to report the case. Uber can also be used, but precautions should also be taken there.

Mexico has a very well-developed transport system for both cars, buses and aircraft, and good toll roads between the major cities. The Norwegian driver’s license is valid in Mexico.

Political unrest: The general political situation in the country is stable, but local political unrest can occur in several places in the country. Tourists should exercise caution and stay informed about the situation through media and local sources. Political markings and demonstrations are common in Mexico City and the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca. Travelers are therefore advised to keep up to date with the current situation. These demonstrations are mainly peaceful, but can create traffic chaos and inconvenience for travelers due to closed or blocked streets/roads.

The situation in the state of Chiapas, where the authorities and Zapatists were in conflict in the 1990s, has normalized to a considerable extent. Nevertheless, there may be disturbances internally between different peoples groups and/or the authorities of this state, which have the largest percentage of indigenous people in all of Mexico. Travelers to the Chiapas area should exercise caution.

Natural disasters: The volcanoes of Colima on the border between the states of Colima and Jalisco, and Popocat¨¦petl approx. 72 km southeast of Mexico City, are active.

There is a risk of earthquakes in Mexico. Before an earthquake, you may want to take precautions and be prepared for how best to respond.

Hurricane and tropical storms occur during the period June to November. Travelers are encouraged to follow the advice and recommendations of local authorities. Information on hurricane threats can be found on the National Hurricane Center website.

Norwegian citizens staying for a shorter or longer period in Mexico are encouraged to register at http://www.reiseregistrering.no//. Norwegians are encouraged to have valid travel insurance.

Local emergency numbers: Police 060, Fire/Accidents 068, Mexican Tourism Authorities 078 (free 24 hours).

If a crisis or emergency occurs, Norwegian citizens are encouraged to contact the embassy:
The Norwegian Embassy in Mexico
Blvd. Virreyes 1460
Col. Lomas Chapultepec
C.P. 11000 Mexico, Mexico DF,
Tel: (+52) 55 50 47 37 00

Internet: http://www.norway.no/es/mexico/

Email: emb.mexico@mfa.no

Winter time: Monday to Thursday from 8 am to 4 pm, Friday
8 am to 3:30 pm Daylight saving time (May 15 to September 14): Monday to Thursday from 8 am to 3:30 pm

Outside the embassy’s opening hours, the public can contact the UD’s 24-hour operating center on tel: +47 23 95 00 00 or by e-mail: UDops@mfa.no

Major Landmarks in Mexico

Entry

Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.

Norwegians only need a passport for entry into Mexico and can stay 180 days in the country. Tourist visas are granted automatically upon entry and are not issued in advance. A business traveler who stays in the country for less than 180 days and who is not paid by a Mexican institution must complete a migration form and be granted a business visa on arrival.

For any questions related to visas and entry into Mexico, please contact the Mexico Embassy in Oslo, located at Frøyas gate 9, tel: 406 06 158, e-mail: embnoruega@sre.gob.mx

Visas are also issued at the Mexico Embassy in Copenhagen, where applicants must meet in person by appointment to submit fingerprints.

Mexican migration authorities have recently tightened their requirements with regard to travelers arriving in Mexico in other ways than by air directly from Norway/Europe, and also those crossing the border from the United States, Guatemala and Belize by bus/car etc. Make sure so you get the right migration papers and stamp in your passport.

All travelers to Mexico should take out travel and health insurance before leaving.

When entering Mexico, the passport is required to be valid six months from entry into the country.

To travel out of Mexico you need a valid passport and tourist document which you fill in upon entry. If you have lost a tourist visa (eg when your passport is lost or stolen), you have to calculate good time at the airport to get a new one. A new visa is obtained at the Migration Office at the airport or at the following address: In Mexico City, contact Mexican migration authorities directly through the Instituto Nacional de Migraci¨®n.

Ej¨¦rcito Nacional 862 (between Plat¨®n and S¨¦neca)
Col. Los Morales –
Secci¨®n Palmas 11540 Mexico City

Telephone number: Tourists (55) 2581-0100, (55) 2581-0116, students and working people (55) 2581-0120, business travelers (55) 2581-0132.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm

A copy of the passport, airline ticket and cash must be brought to the Migration Office (they do not take cards at the Migration Office).

It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure that travel documents, or any visa, are valid.

Remember that Mexican law is the basis for foreigners visiting/staying in Mexico. On the website of the Mexican immigration authorities you can find information on: Tourist visas, visits, extension of residence, what to do if you have lost a tourist visa, about living in Mexico, marrying a Mexican citizen etc.

Health

Coronavirus (covid-19): Norwegian travelers should keep abreast of how the coronavirus is developing in the country. Follow local authorities’ advice, guidance and instructions on how to deal with the situation.

Useful links:

  • Information and advice from the Norwegian authorities at no
  • General information about the corona virus on the Mexican government website
  • Daily status update on Mexican government websites

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not create travel advice because of the risk of infection. It is the Public Health Institute that provides health professional travel advice. You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

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For official health professional travel advice and health professional guidance, you can contact the Institute of Public Health.

Unusual bacterial flora can cause stomach upset, and in some cases cause severe stomach upset as a result of amoeba and salmonella. The prevalence of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne virus, occurs in low-lying rural areas throughout the year. Most cases have been reported in the state of Veracruz. There is also zika in Mexico. Cholera occurs in the country, including in the capital. The number of tuberculosis cases is increasing. In jungle areas on the border with Guatemala there is still danger of malaria. For information on travel vaccines, see the recommendations of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

Most major cities have good private hospitals, but the general hospital standard is relatively poor. Proof of insurance must be presented at hospital.

Please note that in case of stomach problems, Mexican doctors will often prescribe stronger medicines than is recommended in Norway. This can cause side effects.

There is good access to pharmacies in urban areas and these generally have good coverage when it comes to medicines. In connection with some of the pharmacies there is also a doctor on duty where you can request a simple consultation.

Medications: As long as what is taken into the country is for personal use and there is a relatively limited amount of medicines for the journey, it is not necessary to specify. In the case of a somewhat larger amount or of syringes or similar, one must bring with you a letter from a doctor (possibly a pharmacy) in English specifying that these are medications for personal use (with the patient’s name corresponding to prescriptions and names that stand on the boxes) and that one is dependent on these drugs. You have the right to bring medicines for personal use in the country and possibly medicines you need for the journey in your luggage.

Pollution: Mexico City is very polluted, especially in winter. Along with the dry and thin air, this can lead to respiratory tract infections and other health problems.

Practical information

The time difference to Norway is seven hours. The current is at 110 volts. In periods you may experience power outages. The voltage may also vary – therefore a power regulator for electronic equipment is recommended.

The telephone network is well developed, but outside urban zones coverage can vary greatly. There are both 3G and 4G, but it is a bit unstable at times. Take into account roaming costs when using a Norwegian telephone in Mexico. Hotels, restaurants and caf¨¦s increasingly offer Wi-Fi networks to their clients.

According to allcitycodes, national telephone code is +52, for calls to mobile you must add a number after +52 (+521) and then enter the mobile number. The Internet domain is.mx
The currency unit is Mexican Pesos – MXN.

Credit cards are accepted in most places, increasingly in smaller urban areas, but some places (especially restaurants) do not take American Express.

Normal opening hours for banks, shops and public offices: Banks from 9am to 4pm (until 3pm Saturday), public offices from 9am to 4pm, but often close at lunchtime (2pm – 3pm), grocery stores from 8am to 4pm. 20:00 or longer, and in the larger cities you will find 24-hour shops.

National Holidays: January 1 (New Year’s Day), February 5 (Constitution Day), March 21 (Benito Ju¨¢rez’s Birthday), Crescent Thursday, Good Friday, May 1 (Public Holidays), May 5 (Battle of Puebla), 16. September (National Day), November 1 (Halloween), November 2 (Day of the Dead), November 20 (Revolution Day), December 12 (Virgin Guadalupe), December 25 (Christmas Day). Whether the holidays fall on a weekend or mid-week, they are often moved to the preceding Monday to give people long weekends (puente).

Mexico is a federal state, and travelers are subject to local law in the state in which they are located. Norwegians who are arrested or imprisoned have the right to contact the responsible Norwegian authorities (the embassy).

Mexico is a welcoming, warm country where emphasis is placed on formal courtesy. Mexicans dress relatively formally in a work context. They often have long working days and from one to two hours lunch in the middle of the day. This is the big meal of the day, often with several dishes. Most people eat a lot outdoors and restaurants are usually open until midnight. Furthermore, it is useful to note that Mexicans attach greater importance to formal courtesy than Norwegians, and it is customary to greet with a kiss on the cheek, right from the first meeting.

Spanish is the official language of Mexico. English or other languages ​​are limited to a limited extent, but usually at tourist destinations.