Mexico Visa, Passport & Money Advice
When travelling to Mexico it is important to get to grips with the money, visa and passport matters. We have compiled the most important information to help you plan your exciting adventure.
Visa & passports
If you’re a British passport holder travelling as a tourist, all you need to do to enter Mexico (and stay there for up to 90 days) is to complete an immigration form on arrival. You might be asked for proof of your return flights, so it’s good to have a copy of your e-ticket handy. Please keep your visa/immigration form with you as you’ll need to present it on your departure. Don’t panic if you lose it along the way – it can be replaced at the immigration office at any international airport in Mexico for around 550 Mexican Pesos (£25). Please make sure your passport is valid for 6 months from the date that you’re back in the UK.
IMPORTANT: If the duration of your trip exceeds 90 days OR if you’re planning to get involved in some volunteering during your travels, please contact the Mexican Embassy in London to arrange a visa in advance.
Travelling to Guatemala and Belize from Mexico
You won’t need a visa to enter Guatemala or Belize, however, be prepared to pay exit fees of around USD20/25 for Belize, USD5/10 for Guatemala and USD30/35 for Mexico. We recommend having USD100 p/p in cash (preferably in small notes) to cover all the border crossing formalities and unexpected expenses.
If you’re flying to Mexico via the US and want to use the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), you will need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System Travel Authorization) in advance. All travellers with UK passports (including children and infants) must have an individual machine-readable passport and must complete an ESTA prior to departure. Without an approved ESTA, you could be denied entry into the US and therefore could miss your connecting flight(s). Also check with the US embassy ESTA website for current customs regulations, as they change frequently.
Local currency
The Mexican currency is Nuevo Peso, known informally as ‘Peso’. UK debit and credit cards are broadly accepted for payment and in ATM’s – remember to notify your bank before you jet off so they don’t stop your transactions. If you take sterling with you, currency can be easily exchanged at Casas de Cambio (currency exchange kiosks, usually open throughout the day) or at the banks.
In Guatemala, the currency is called the Quetzal and you can exchange US dollars in the larger towns without any troubles. ATMs are also available if you prefer to use your card. If you’re crossing the border to Belize, you’ll be able to change your Quetzales into Belizean Dollars when you leave Guatemala. We recommend taking cash for Belize as ATMs are not as common, and sometimes they run out of money or don’t accept certain cards. US dollars are widely accepted here, and you can also get some local cash at the Casa de Cambio (exchange kiosk) or local bank.
Tipping
A tip (or propiña) is the best way to show your appreciation for good service in Mexico, Guatemala & Belize. It’s usually expected, and a lot of people rely on it to earn their living as the salaries in these countries are very modest. It’s customary to leave 10-15% of the bill at a restaurant unless service is already included. Porters and bellboys usually get 25-50 pesos for help with the luggage and you can leave the same for housekeeping. Taxi drivers usually don’t expect tips. We recommend tipping your guide 150-200 pesos per person for a full day trip.
