Travel Vaccines and Advice for Mexico
Mexico is known for its warm weather, natural beauty, and rich culture. Travellers can experience breathtaking beaches, to local celebrations and unique culinary history.
Among the most popular destinations in Mexico are Acapulco, Cancun, Los Cabos, and Cozumel. There is plenty to see and explore all across the country, from the dense rainforests to the arid deserts.
One of the greatest draws of Mexico is the remnants of ancient civilizations. Beyond these civilizations, many of the colonial buildings from the Spanish-era remain untouched.
To get the full experience of Mexico, it is best to interact with the locals as much as possible. They are generally friendly, and very proud of their culture. Sit and enjoy some agave liquor with the locals, and you may find yourself wishing you didn’t have to leave.
Do I Need Vaccines for Mexico?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Mexico. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Mexico: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Mexico |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Mexico |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Malaria is a risk in some parts of Mexico. Speak with a travel health specialist about your itinerary and the potential need for antimalarials.
Mexico is an affected area of the Zika virus . Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid travel to Mexico. Take extra precautions against Zika infection including insect repellents and mosquito netting.
Dengue is another mosquito-borne illness found in various parts of Mexico. Take the same precautions against this infection as you would Zika.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Mexico
“Had a great consultation with the RN working this morning. She was prepared with an entire package for travelers to Mexico and went through all of the risks with me. She recommended the necessary vaccinations I have not received yet and administered them promptly and efficiently. I would definitely recommend this travel clinic to friends.”
“I went to the clinic for a Fluzone flu shot because no pharmacies or my doctor carried this vaccine. While I was there I also received another vaccination for my upcoming trip to Mexico. The nurse was very informative & ran through all the vaccinations I should have or need for my trip.”
“Excellent visit! I was unsure all that I needed for my move to Mexico – but the nurse explained everything thoroughly, and was super kind and patient as I asked questions and considered my options. I left feeling peaceful about my move, and more knowledgable! Thank you!”
“The nurse did a great job in briefing us on the health risks and options for dealing with these risks for the part of Mexico we will be visiting. She answered all our questions and let us decide. Great work.”
“We were delighted to find a service that is a one-stop place to get all the vaccinations and health information that one needs to travel to new destinations where you are unsure of health risks. Our nurse was terrific and very thorough. We’re excited for our trip to Baja, Mexico!”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Mexico?
No visa is required to enter Mexico for business or tourism stays under 90 days. Upon arrival, those using a Canadian passport will be issued a tourist card. The cost is $20 USD but the fee is included in most airline tickets. Residents of Canada who are legal immigrants using foreign passports also do not need a visa for business or tourism visits to Mexico.
Mexico Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Mexico? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Mexico and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Mexico?
Because of its size, Mexico has a diverse climate.
The Tropic of Cancer splits the country into temperate and tropical zones. Regions north of the 24th parallel have a cooler climate during the winter months. Regions to the south have a more constant climate throughout the year. On the coast on both sides of Mexico, the climate is generally hot and humid, especially in the summer.
In contrast, Mexico City’s temperatures can drop to freezing in the winter. Areas of higher elevation can even see snow during these months. Most of the northwestern area of Mexico has a desert climate. The eastern coast has a tropical climate characterized by a wet season during the summer. Be sure to research the area that you are travelling to and bring appropriate clothing. Bring breathable clothing that you will not be adverse to sweating in.
How Safe is Mexico?
Violence from drug cartels is a major problem in Mexico. Do not travel out alone after dark, especially in heavily populated urban areas. Always be alert, and look out for strange behavior. Keep track of your belongings, as pickpocketing and other forms of petty theft are common. There have been instances of kidnappings by cartels in various parts of the country.
Possession of small amounts of narcotics is legal in Mexico, but it is best to avoid using drugs at all. The legal system is much harsher than in Canada. Consult with locals to find out where it is safe to travel without a guide, and what areas to avoid after the sun sets. They will be able to provide the most accurate information.
When swimming on the beach, look out for riptides. They can be difficult to detect but very strong. Be sure to use sunscreen, and be aware of jellyfish.
If you are travelling by bus, do not put your bag in the storage room of the bus. This is an easy way to have your belongings stolen. If you plan on using a taxi, call a taxi service and request one instead of hailing one from the street. Rideshare services like Uber are available in Mexico.
Diving and Snorkeling in Mexico
Mexico is an excellent destination for diving and snorkeling. With beautiful waters ripe with wildlife, there is plenty to see in the depths.
If you have a taste for danger, consider cage diving with Great White sharks off Guadalupe Island. You are outfitted with scuba gear, put into a metal cage, and lowered into the water. It is the closest you will be able to get to the sharks while remaining out of danger. It is not for the faint of heart.
If you are looking for a diverse array of aquatic life, look no further than the Sea of Cortez. It is very accessible to foreigners. It is a meeting point of tropical species from the south and species from the temperate zones of the north. This creates a unique ecosystem that will provide an unforgettable experience for travellers. There are plenty of local dive shops and places to charter a boat.
What Should I Take To Mexico?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Mexico:
- Personal Hygiene Products – These can be expensive in Mexico, so it is best to bring them from home.
- Medications – Pharmacies are different in Mexico. It is safest to bring your medications with you from home.
- Close-toed shoes – It’s tempting to wear sandals, but fire ants and scorpions are a common problem.
- Breathable clothing – It can get quite hot in Mexico.
- Water purification tablets – It is recommended that you do not drink the tap water in Mexico. But, if absolutely necessary, it is best to have tablets on hand.
Canadian Embassy in Mexico
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Mexico, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Embassy of Canada in Mexico City
Schiller 529, Col. Bosque de Chapultepec (Polanco)
Del. Miguel Hidalgo
11580 Mexico City, D.F.
Mexico
Telephone: (55) 5724.7900
If you have any questions about travelling to Mexico or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Mexico?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Mexico?
What is the Climate Like in Mexico?
How Safe is Mexico?
Driving and Snorkeling in Mexico
What Should I Take To Mexico?
Canadian Embassy in Mexico
