Mexico
With a sunny climate, sandy beaches and affordable, all-inclusive resorts, Mexico is one of the most popular vacation destinations for Canadian travellers. Resorts in Mexico attract crowds from various age groups, as they offer fun for solo travellers, groups, couples and families alike. But, before you tan your worries away, make sure to read up on travel advisories and consult your healthcare professional to ensure you have all the recommended vaccinations required to have a fun and safe vacation.
Travellers planning to leave the resort territory or those planning to stay in Airbnb or other alternate accommodations should consult the Government of Canada’s travel advice and advisories for Mexico for the latest travel safety advisories throughout various regions of Mexico.
Q&A: Before you visit Mexico
- Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis
- Polio
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- And others
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
- Measles
- Rabies
All travellers are encouraged to have all their routine vaccines up to date regardless of the travel destination. Routine vaccines may include vaccines such as:
Please consult your family doctor, province or territory vaccination guide or visit the Canadian Immunization Guide for an updated list of routine vaccines.
In addition to the routine vaccines, the Government of Canada recommends that travellers consider the following vaccines prior to visiting Mexico:
The CDC also recommends having your updated Typhoid immunization. There is no yellow fever immunization requirement to enter Mexico.
Please consult your pharmacist, family doctor or travel health professional to determine which vaccines are right for you.
There is a risk of malaria in certain parts of Mexico during certain seasons. As a result, the Government of Canada and the CDC both advise taking prescription medication in order to prevent it. Depending on the type of medication you are prescribed, you may need to start taking it before your trip and continue taking it during and after as well. In order to determine which malaria medication will best suit you, please consult with your healthcare advisor, preferably at least six weeks before departure.
Depending on which areas of Mexico you plan on visiting, it might be enough to take other preventative measures rather than take medication. Since malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites, you can protect yourself by covering exposed skin, using insect repellent, staying in enclosed accommodations that are air-conditioned and sleeping under a bed net.
You can find a map outlining the risk of malaria in certain parts of Mexicohere.
Although most large resorts have water purification systems, it is advisable that travellers avoid consuming tap water unless they are sure that water is safe to consume. Switch to bottled water instead or bring a reusable water bottle with a filter. Hot beverages such as coffee and tea are safe to drink since the water has been boiled. When it comes to ice, it is best practice to confirm with the staff at the resort you are staying at whether it has been made from filtered water. If the staff seems unsure, it’s best to skip the ice in order to avoid traveler’s diarrhea.
The Government of Canada advises travellers to avoid raw or under cooked meat and fish as well as to avoid eating food that has been sitting out at or served at room temperature. When eating raw vegetables and fruits, make sure that they have been washed with filtered water and peel them if you can. You should also avoid eating street food or other food prepared outside of your resort.
The CDC recommends that you should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to travelling. Due to the fast-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic developments, the entry and exit requirements are continuously changing.
For latest updates on COVID-19 entry/exit requirements please visit Government of Canada’s travel advice and advisories for Mexico.
Healthy traveller packing list: Mexico
Please see a list below of items that are recommended to bring on your trip abroad. This is a general list and may not include everything you may need. For a more detailed list, please visit the packing list for Mexico provided by the CDC.
Medical supplies:
- Your prescriptions
- Traveller’s diarrhea antibiotic
- Anti-malaria medication
- First-aid kit that contains band aids, anti-septic, aloe gel
- Medicine for pain and inflammation (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
Other supplies:
- Hand sanitizer or wipes
- Water purification tablets or a water bottle with a filter
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Ear plugs
Documents:
- Health insurance documents, including your health insurance card and copies of claim forms
- Printed copies of your prescriptions