Mexico

Have a safe trip with travel vaccines and advice from medical professionals.

Travel health and safety for Mexico 🇲🇽

Mexico blends ancient history with vibrant culture, offering an unforgettable and expansive travel experience.

From the sun-kissed beaches to the majestic mountains, arid deserts or the lush jungles, Mexico offers a tapestry of experiences that span from ancient archaeological sites to the bustling heart of vibrant cities.

Mexico’s landscape offers a breathtaking array of landmarks that bear witness to its rich history. The ancient ruins of Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan tell the tales of long-gone civilizations, while the UNESCO-listed historic center of Mexico City showcases the grandeur of its colonial past.

Natural wonders like the Copper Canyon and the stunning beaches of Cancun add an extra layer of splendor to Mexico’s numerous landmarks, inviting visitors to explore its cultural and natural treasures.

Mexico’s cuisine is a fusion of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and diverse ingredients. From the fiery kick of chilies to the earthy richness of mole sauce, every dish tells a story of centuries-old culinary traditions. Tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole are just a small sample of the diverse offerings that showcase Mexico’s mastery of balancing spicy, sweet, and savory elements.

Warm hospitality and genuine smiles are extended to strangers, creating an atmosphere where you’re not just a visitor, but a cherished guest.

Travel Immunizations for Mexico

What vaccines do I need for Mexico? Get all the information and vaccinations you need to minimize travel health risks.

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.

  • Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and may cause chronic infections. 

  • Its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

  • Spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals.
  • Symptoms initially resemble a common cold, followed by a characteristic rash fever, cough, runny nose, small, white spots inside the mouth and throat red eyes, sleepiness, and irritability.

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through animal bites.  

  • Symptoms may initially include fever, headache, and discomfort at the bite site, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. Rabies is fatal if it is not treated before symptoms develop.
  • Rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection typically transmitted through contaminated food and water.  

  • Typhoid vaccine is available in both injectable and oral forms and provides protection against typhoid fever.    
  • Symptoms of typhoid fever include a high fever, headache, weakness, fatigue, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite, and a rose-colored rash on the chest and abdomen. 

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three different bacterial infections.

Flu (Influenza)

Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.

Polio

Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.

Shingles

Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.

COVID-19

The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.

Mexico Concerns / Health Canada Recommendations

Most common illness for travelers, from consuming contaminated food & water

  • Affects up to 70% of travelers and risks minimized with good hygiene and safe food/drink choices (eg. avoid raw foods, ice in drinks).
  • Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, bloating.

Insect Bite Prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Cover up and use mosquito repellents to protect against infection.   

  • Chikungunya: Symptoms include joint pains, fever, rash, and headache.    
  • Dengue: Symptoms include high-grade fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and nausea/vomiting.    
  • Zika: Symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle, and joint pains.    

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. 

  • Symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, similar to the flu. Without treatment, malaria can cause severe illness and death. 
  • Malaria can be treated with anti-malarial medications. 
  • Use insect repellents containing DEET, wear long sleeves, long pants, and consider staying in accommodations with screens or bed nets. 

Salmonellosis

Infectious disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella contracted through contaminated food or water. 

  • Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting, headache, and muscle aches. 
  • Most cases, resolve on their own without treatment. It is important to stay hydrated to replace lost fluids. 

American trypanosomiasis

Also known as Chagas disease, can be life-threatening if left untreated.  

  • Symptoms include skin lesion and/or eye lid swelling. Fever, headache, enlarged lymph glands, muscle pain, fatigue, body aches, rash, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting.

Over the Counter Medications for Travel to Mexico

Pain Relief

Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever. 

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens. 

Antacids

Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel. 

Allergy Medications

If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine(e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites. 

Motion Sickness Medications

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.

Sun Protection

Mexico has a sunny climate, so it is essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing. 

Medical Services and Facilities in Mexico
  • The quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.
  • Good health care is available in private hospitals and clinics, but it’s generally expensive. Most private facilities won’t agree to deal directly with medical insurance companies and will require advance payment.
  • Mental health services are extremely limited in Mexico, particularly outside of Mexico City. Services and treatment standards may differ substantially from those in Canada.
  • Medical evacuation can be very expensive, and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.
  • Ensure travel insurance includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Medical Tourism in Mexico

Canadian citizens have had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad. 

Before leaving for a medical travel trip: 

  • Ensure you have researched properly
  • Use reputable healthcare providers only

Consular Assistance in Mexico

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Mexico, in Mexico City, and follow the instructions.

Street Address: Calle Schiller No. 529, Colonia Polanco, 11580 México, D.F., México 

Telephone: +52 55-5724-7900

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Mexico

Street Address: Pasaje Diana, Avenida Costera Miguel Alemán 121, L-16, Fracc. Magallanes, 39670 Acapulco, Guerrero, México 

Telephone: +52 55-5724-9794

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Mexico

Street Address: Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 0.5, Local 82, Col. El Tezal, 23454 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, México

Telephone: +52 55-5724-9797

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Mexico

Street Address: Centro Empresarial, Oficina E7, Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 12, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo, México

Telephone: +52 55-5724-9795

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Mexico

Street Address: World Trade Center, Av. Mariano Otero 1249, Torre Pacifico Piso 8, Col. Rinconada del Bosque, 44530 Guadalajara, Jalisco, México

Telephone: +52 33-1818-4200

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Mexico

Street Address: Centro Comercial La Marina Business and Life, Blvd. Marina Mazatlán 2302, Office 41, Col. Marina Mazatlán, 82103 Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico 

Telephone: +52 55-5724-9798

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Mexico

Street Address: Torre Gomez Morin 955, Ave. Gomez Morin No. 955, Suite 404, Col. Montebello, 66279 San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Léon, México

Telephone: +52 81-2088-3200/3201

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Mexico

Street Address: Plaza Paraíso Caribe, Modulo C, Planta 2, Oficina C21 – 24, Av. 10 Sur entre Calle 3 y 5 Sur, M-35, Lote 1, Colonia Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, México

Telephone: +52 55-5724-9796

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Mexico

Street Address: Plaza Peninsula, Local Sub F, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 2485, Zona Hotelera Norte, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, México

Telephone: +52 55-5724-9799

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Mexico

Street Address: Germán Gedovius No.10411-101, Condominio del Parque, Zona Río, 22320 Tijuana, Baja California Norte, México

Telephone: 664-684-0301

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Mexico

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

In case of emergency, dial 911

Roadside assistance:

The Angeles Verdes is a highway patrol service that provides free assistance on all major toll highways from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In case of an emergency, you can also dial 078 or 800 006 8839 (toll-free in Mexico) to reach them.

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