travel mexico uk

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Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

State of Baja California

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Tijuana, except:

• airside transit through Tijuana airport
• the Cross Border Xpress bridge from the airport linking terminals across the Mexican-US border
• the federal toll road 1D and Via Rápida through Tijuana to the border

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the city of Tecate in Baja California (including roads between Tijuana and Tecate)

Note: FCDO does not advise against all travel or all but essential travel to any part of the state of Baja California Sur.

State of Chiapas

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 40km of the Guatemalan border between the Pacific Coast up to and including the border crossing at Gracias a Dio

FCDO advises against all but essential travel on Federal Highway 199 (Carretera Federal 199) between Rancho Nuevo (just outside San Cristobal de las Casas) and the Chancalá junction just outside Palenque (where Federal Highway 199 meets Federal Highway 307).

State of Chihuahua

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Chihuahua, except:

• the city of Chihuahua
• the border crossing in Ciudad Juárez (accessed by federal toll road 45)
• federal toll road 45D connecting the cities of Chihuahua and Ciudad Juárez
• the Copper Canyon rail route to and from Chihuahua and towns immediately on this route including Creel
• the road from Creel via San Juanito to San Pedro
• state highway 16 from San Pedro to Chihuahua

State of Colima

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Colima, except:

• the city of Manzanillo accessed by sea or air via the Manzanillo-Costalegre International Airport

State of Guanajuato

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the areas southwest of road 45D.

State of Guerrero

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Guerrero, except:

• the town of Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa accessed by air.

State of Jalisco

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the areas south and southwest of Lake Chapala to the border with the state of Colima.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern municipalities of:

• Chimaltitán
• Hostotipaquillo
• Huequilla el Alto
• San Martin de Bolaños
• Santa Maria de los Ángeles
• Villa Guerrero

State of Michoacán

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Michoacán, except:

• the city of Morelia accessed by federal toll roads 15D, 126 and 43; and the federal toll road 48D between the city of Morelia and the General Francisco Mujica airport
• the town of Pátzcuaro accessed by federal toll roads 14D and 15 from Morelia, and boat trips out to islands on Lake Pátzcuaro
• the Federal Highway 15D

State of Sinaloa

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Sinaloa, except:

• the cities of Los Mochis and Mazatlán
• road 32 that runs between El Fuerte and Los Mochis
• the 15D federal toll road that runs the length of the state
• the Copper Canyon rail route to and from Los Mochis, El Fuerte and the towns immediately on this route

State of Tamaulipas

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Tamaulipas, except:

• the border crossing at Nuevo Laredo accessed by federal toll road 85D from Monterrey
• Federal highways 80, 81 and 85 between Tampico, Ciudad de Victoria and Magueyes, and the entire area of Tamaulipas south of these highways.

State of Zacatecas

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Zacatecas.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel to these areas .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you: 

• women travellers  
• disabled travellers  
• LGBT+ travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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Travelling to Mexico from the UK: Travel Guide

Mystical Mayan ruins, out-of-this-world beaches, amazing cuisine... These are just a few of the reasons UK nationals visit Mexico each year.

But what do you need to know before visiting? What COVID-19 requirements and restrictions are in place? Are there places you shouldn't visit?

In this article we'll outline essential information for those travelling to Mexico from the UK.

Travel: UK to Mexico - Do I need a visa?

Under the tourist visa on arrival scheme, the maximum length of stay is 180 days for a UK national. However, you might not be granted the full period; check the ‘Temporalidad’ section of the visa stamp to find out how long you can stay.

Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.

If you lose your passport, you'll need to pay 600 Mexican Pesos to replace the entry stamp.

Mexico Tourist Card: What is it?

The entry immigration form - or Mexico Tourist Card - should be completed before arrival. While some airlines hand out this immigration form, not all do.

It's quicker and easier to complete the form online, then print out the Tourist Card.

To quote the official Mexico Tourist Card site: "All you need is your passport, flight information, address or name of the hotel where you are staying, and a printer..."

Mexico travel advice: COVID-19 requirements?

• Visitors must be vaccinated
• Covid-19 testing is not required
• Quarantine not required
• Masks recommended in enclosed public spaces including public transport.
• The UK government website states "There are no COVID-19 specific entry requirements regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status."

Are there places I shouldn't go in Mexico?

Yes. Gov.uk has published a map of areas that "The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to".

See the map here . This page also provides further Mexico travel advice. 

The FCDO may advise against visiting certain cities and states - such as Chihuahua and Sinaloa - but with exceptions.

The Mexican Government has dedicated resources to protecting tourist resort areas such as Cancun, but it's still possible to become a victim of robbery, assault and vehicle hijacking.

The FCDO strongly advises visitors not to become involved with drugs, since "Drug related crime and violence is prevalent and is on the increase."

Hurricane season in Mexico

Hurricane season runs from June to November and is likely to impact both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Flooding, landslides, and transport disruption are all possible - and can occur many hundreds of miles from storm epicentres.

Travel insurance for Mexico

The FCDO strongly urges UK visitors to take out comprehensive travel insurance .

Be sure you understand what is and isn't covered by your policy – e.g., will it cover medical costs if you fall ill with Covid-19?

We use essential cookies to ensure our site is safe and works properly. We also use analytics cookies to offer you a more personalised experience and to improve our site. To find out more and manage your cookie preferences, please choose ‘Manage’ or view our cookies policy .

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Can I go to Mexico? Travel rules from the UK explained

By Sarah James and Abigail Malbon

Travel to Mexico is back on the cards. But is the destination accepting British tourists, and what are the current entry requirements? Here’s everything you need to know.

Is Mexico on the UK's red list?

No, it was removed from the red list on Monday 11 October 2021, which means that hotel quarantine is no longer required for those returning to the UK. And the UK government will no longer manage quarantine hotels from the end of March 2022. 

As of Friday 18 March 2022, all people travelling from Mexico to the UK do not need to take any tests or quarantine when returning to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, as all UK Covid travel rules have been dropped. 

What are the entry requirements for visitors to Mexico arriving from the UK?

Travellers – whether fully vaccinated or not – do not currently need to show proof of a negative Covid test to enter Mexico, but they do need to register on the Mexico Vuela Seguro Platform before boarding their flight to Mexico, and should show the QR code upon arrival at the airport. Depending on where you are staying, your hotel may also ask you to fill in a health questionnaire  on arrival. 

The land border between the US and Mexico is currently closed for all unvaccinated travellers for tourism and recreational travel reasons. It reopened for travellers going to the US who have been vaccinated with WHO-approved Covid vaccines and cargo, trade and healthcare workers on 8 November 2021.

Tourists should fill out an immigration form and keep it on-hand when they enter and leave Mexico. These should be available on your flight, or can be filled out online in advance. 

As with any overseas trip, it’s recommended that you check current travel advice in the days before departing the UK, as this can change regularly. We also recommend purchasing valid travel insurance with Covid cover in case of any changes during your trip.

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Mexico travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go

Crescent-shaped and tapering like an ocean-flanked chilli pepper, mexico has pure, tropical beaches fringing each coast, creative, colourful cities, unforgettable festivals and mayan ruins worth the detour, article bookmarked.

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With balmy beaches spread across 9,350 km of coastline, rich culture and history, beautifully preserved colonial towns, warm hospitality and mouthwatering cuisine, it’s no wonder that Mexico is one of the most visited destinations in the world.

The multifaceted country is bursting with life, flavour and diversity. Whether you crave nightlife, fun in the sun or spiritual solitude; jungle, mountain, ocean or desert; mellowing out in a charming pueblito or going full throttle in one of the greatest cities in the world: prepare to be astonished.

Current travel restrictions and entry requirements

There are no test or vaccination requirements for entry into Mexico.

Mask requirements vary by city and state. Currently, masks are no longer required in open spaces but are still mandatory on public transport, including in airports and airplanes.

• Read the full Mexico travel rules here

Best time to go

There are good reasons to visit year-round. Generally, the best time is dry season (approximately November to April), when temperatures are at their coolest and there is little chance of rain. This is also the high tourist season, however: meaning elevated prices, busy resorts and the need to book in advance. Avoid beaches during Easter’s Semana Santa (Holy Week), when Mexicans head en masse to the coast.

Rainy season is June to October. If you can handle the humidity, the landscape is lush and there are low-season bargains to be snapped up. Summer is also the best time for surfing.

September and October are the wettest, stormiest months. Flooding can occur and it’s the most active period for hurricanes. November is the sweet spot, before the crowds arrive. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated nationwide on 1 and 2 November; the most famous celebrations are in Oaxaca and Janitzio island in Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacan.

Top regions and cities

Mexico city.

Dynamic, immense, vibrant, oh so cool – Mexico’s capital, the fifth largest city in the world, is a colour and taste sensation. Ornate colonial buildings mingle with 1960s-era apartments and soaring skyscrapers; leafy parks and boulevards are oases in a sprawling urban jungle. This megalopolis is in constant motion – though don’t be surprised to find yourself occasionally stuck in gridlock or lingering over dessert, like the locals. Mexico City is a mecca for art, fashion, design and food; the gastronomic scene is worth the trip alone. Bars and restaurants make the “world’s best” lists every year, while the antojitos (street food) need no accolades – just look for the carts with long queues. Visit one of the more than 150 museums, shop haute Mexican designers, or trawl flea markets. Marvel at the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan. Cheer (and jeer) at a lucha libre wrestling match, before capping off the night with dancing and tacos.

• How to explore Roma, Mexico City’s coolest neighbourhood

The arid desert landscape of Mexico’s southwest belies Oaxaca’s embarrassment of riches. Gastronomy, architecture, handicrafts and ethnic diversity flourish in this southern city. Days should be spent wandering the neat grid of cobblestone streets lined with sun-baked, 19th century buildings in a riot of colours. Today, Oaxaca is something like an artist’s colony and there are gorgeous, inspired touches at every turn. Pop into courtyard cafes, galleries and boutiques before getting lost in the many markets, snacking from vendors along the way. People-watch in the bustling main square. Sip mezcal, the region’s famed distillate, on a rooftop bar before indulging in Oaxacan fare, arguably the most famous regional cuisine of Mexico. Day trips bring you into breathtaking countryside: roam the archaeological remains of Monte Alban; tour a mezcal distillery; and shop for exquisite handwoven rugs, pottery and mythical alebrije sculptures in rural artisan villages .

Jalisco and Nayarit

Located on the Central Pacific Coast, the neighbouring states of Jalisco and Nayarit deliver adventures on both land and sea. The mountainous, jungle-cloaked coastline, anchored by the small city of Puerto Vallarta, is a paradise for surfers and lovers of laidback public beaches. Whale watching is popular, as are spiritual retreats. Puerto Vallarta is also the gay capital of Mexico, with a whole district of hotels and restaurants catering to the LGBT+ community. Head north into Nayarit to discover a string of surfer towns: hop from beach to beach, enjoying fish ceviche under a thatched-roof palapa , or head into the highlands to Guadalajara, the burgeoning capital of Jalisco and heartland of Mexican charro (horsemanship), mariachi and tequila-making.

• Three foodie adventures you shouldn’t miss in Puerto Vallarta

Quintana Roo

The state on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is better known by its brand name attractions Cancun and Riviera Maya, which includes Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum. The appeal is obvious: white sand, Caribbean sea, all-inclusive resorts, nightlife and entertainment for all budgets and ages. Do venture outside of the resort: drink up Caribbean island vibes on Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox. Disconnect with a rustic retreat on Bacalar Lagoon. Swim in cenotes, natural limestone sinkholes filled with clear, turquoise water. There are dozens to explore, along with many Mayan ruins.

• Why Tulum doesnt deserve its bad reputation
• Hotel Esencia review: Relax and unwind at Tulum’s ultimate five-star sanctuary

With cacti-peppered desert coastlines and pounding azure surf, the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, collectively known as Los Cabos, are an adventure sport playground for travellers with deeper pockets. Ultra-luxury resorts boast dramatic oceanfront locations at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. Both towns are a good base to explore the cape, and to golf, surf, sail, fish, dine, shop and party. Enjoy farm-to-table dining in spectacular settings. Scuba with whales and sharks in Cabo Pulmo National Park. Hike to the waterfalls Sol de Mayo and Canon de la Zorra, or the East Cape sand dunes. Drive to Todos Santos, then to the white sand and vivid blue water of Playa Balandra, before returning via the less developed eastern coast.

• Baja’s best undiscovered gems

Best under-the-radar destinations

Mango, lemon, cherry, pistachio – no, not gelato flavours but the colours of the buildings in Merida, the largest city on the east coast Yucatan Peninsula. The region prospered in the 18th and 19th centuries, the wealth leading to a boom in manors and grand haciendas. The architecture is a delightful medley of Mayan with Old World Spanish, Italian and French-style, with beaux-arts wedding-cake facades. More colour can be found in the local markets bursting with exotic produce. Yucatecan cuisine is a distinctive mix of Mayan with European, Caribbean and Lebanese influences. Merida is the best place to try delicious slow-cooked, spiced pork cochinita pibil and sour lime soup. Outside of the Centro Historico, haciendas have been renovated into plush boutique hotels, while pretty beaches and cenotes offer a respite from Merida’s sweltering clime.

• Mérida: Take a ride on the Riviera Maya

San Cristobal de las Casas

Nestled in a valley in the cool, hilly highlands of Chiapas, the southern-most state, San Cristobal de las Casa’s largely Indigenous population makes it one of the most unique places to visit in Mexico. The mountain town has a magical, lost-in-time quality. Ambling the steep cobblestone streets, broad plazas and hectic markets instantly transports visitors to another world; you’ll hear native languages instead of Spanish, see Tzotzil women in traditional embroidered blouses and black woollen skirts selling handwoven textiles and handicrafts.

The country’s fourth largest city would receive more attention if it wasn’t overshadowed by Mexico City, just 100km away. Puebla has all the enticing diversions of a large metropolis in Mexico, including a thriving gastronomy scene and street food galore. Two of the country’s most notable dishes, meat stuffed poblano chiles en nogada and mole poblano , a complex, earthy sauce made from ancho chile and chocolate, originated here. The towering 16th and 17th century Baroque-style cathedral is just one of countless well-preserved churches in the historic centre, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

• Why Puebla is Mexico’s coolest under-the-radar city

Best things to do

Eat your way through mexico city.

The world’s most exciting food city has gastronomic experiences for every budget, from family-run taquerias to Michelin stars. Do a street food tour; indulge in Pujol restaurant’s renowned taco omakase; and join the crowds for late-night churros dipped into hot chocolate. On weekends, sample edible insects and other popular snacks in Xochimilco market before hiring a boat and floating around the canal drinking michelada .

Drink mezcal and more in Oaxaca

Mezcal remains largely handcrafted by small artisanal producers, some of whom use modern machinery. Learn how it is made at a palenque , a traditional village distillery. Oaxaca also has an impressive lineup of non-alcoholic drinks to try. Refresh with spiced, sugary café de olla or horchata , a sweetened rice/nut drink. Cacao was revered by the Mayans and Aztecs; the custom continues with chocolate de agua , hot, frothed chocolate water, and tejate made of fermented cacao and maize.

• Mexico’s mezcal country: The smart spirit for the dead and the living

Boat around Isla Espiritu Santo

The brilliant turquoise waters of Isla Espiritu Santo, a rocky archipelago in the Gulf of California, teem with marine life such as whales, sea turtles, manta rays and playful sea lions. The reefs, endemic flora and fauna, and virgin beaches are protected in this Unesco biosphere reserve. Kayaking, stand-up paddling, snorkelling, diving or hiking can be done through authorised tour operators.

Getting around

Taxis are widely available. Ride-sharing apps such as Uber are popular in Mexico City and other large cities. However, the legal status is touch-and-go in tourist destinations such as Cancun and Los Cabos. Check before arriving.

Buses are how most of the population move. The quality can range from poor (albeit cheap) to modern, air-conditioned intercity coaches. A six- or eight-hour coach journey can be your trade-off for a bargain bus fare.

Flying is the best option for longer distances. Multiple airlines service domestic routes. Unfortunately, it often requires connecting through Mexico City’s ageing airport, which is running well over capacity. Factor in a generous amount of time to change planes.

How to get there

Several UK-based or serving airlines operate non-stop flights to Mexico City and Cancun, including British Airways, Aeromexico, Virgin Atlantic and Tui.

Cruise ships frequent the Mexican coast from September to May. Cruises along the Pacific Coast usually depart from ports in California, while cruises through the Caribbean Sea/Gulf of Mexico depart from Florida.

Money-saving tip

Shops and restaurants in tourist areas often accept US dollars and other foreign currencies but at an exorbitant exchange rate; it is always better to use Mexican pesos. For domestic flights, especially travelling through Mexico City, buying your ticket well in advance can save upwards of 50 per cent.

What’s the weather like?

The weather varies greatly between regions. Generally, there are two seasons: dry (November to May) and rainy (June to October). For beach destinations, dry season is characterised by sunny, balmy weather. In the highlands and Mexico City, it can get extremely cold at night; and it is not unusual for northern states to have snowfall. It doesn’t rain persistently during rainy season – rather, there is usually an intense downpour before the sunshine returns.

What time zone is it in?

Mexico has four time zones, though not all states observe daylight saving time. A large portion of the country, including Mexico City, observes Central Standard Time (used by several US states).

What currency do I need?

Mexican pesos.

What language is spoken?

Spanish is the main language of Mexico. In tourist destinations and in Mexico City’s upscale neighbourhoods, some English would be spoken. That said, try to learn polite greetings and basic phrases in Spanish; a little goes a long way to break the ice.

Do I need to tip?

Mexico has a tipping culture. The minimum wage in the service industry is extremely low and workers rely on tips ( propina ). Leave 10-15 per cent tip, or 20 per cent if service is good.

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Mexico Tours & Holidays

Peel back the lucha libre mask and you’ll find a patchwork of cultures and customs mixed into one flavour-filled country.

The gregarious locals are just as likely to pull you up for a dance at one of Mexico City ’s hip-shaking salsa clubs as they are to show you the way to one of the country’s many ancient ruins , all with a casual ‘hola’ and an inviting smile. While   our tours   get you up close with locals, they also show you the best sights from on and off the gringo trail. You can party until dawn in Playa del Carmen , eat your way into a food coma in colourful Oaxaca , or, best of all, kick back with a horchata in the lazy seaside port of Merida .

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Mexico at a glance

Capital city.

Mexico City (population 8.7 million)

129.9 million

(GMT-06:00) Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey - New

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about Mexico

Best time to visit mexico.

Mexico is generally most pleasant in the cool, dry season between September and June. July and August can be very hot and humid, but perfect for swimming, snorkelling and lazing on the beach. These are, however, the busiest months for travel as this is the time of the North American school holidays. Highland areas such as Chiapas and Oaxaca tend to be cooler year-round, with cold nights.

Read more about the best time to visit Mexico

Culture and customs

Mexico lays claim to one of the richest and most historic cultures in the world. Characterised by their strong regional identity, locals are affiliated directly with the region they hail from, with each region having its own unique customs, cuisine and even dialect.

Despite this, national identity is still strong, with all Mexicans sharing common bonds over their love of sport, dance, food and religion.

With most of the country belonging to the Roman Catholic religion, religious festivals and celebrations are plentiful in Mexico. Parades, street fairs and parties held in honour of local saints are commonplace and offer travellers the chance to witness the customs and rituals of this vibrant culture.

Eating and drinking

One of Mexico's biggest drawcards is its food and drink. From Oaxaca's indigenous staples to the sizzling street food of Mexico City, there's almost too much choice for the hungry traveller. By the end of your Mexico tour, you'll know your tacos from your tamales, your enchiladas from your elote and your tequila from your mezcal.

Eat your way through this vibrant country on our 9 day Mexico Real Food Adventure.

Read more about what to eat in Mexico

Read more about what to drink in Mexico

Geography and environment

Mexico shares land borders with the   United States ,   Belize   and   Guatemala , and has an extensive coastline that runs along the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Featuring a wide variety of natural environments, Mexico is home to tracts of tropical rainforests, vast areas of low-lying plains and deserts, volcanic mountains and temperate beaches and lagoons.

Mexico's capital and major cities are typically built up, busy and lively – with a vast network of public transport, highways and roads. Rural areas, on the other hand, are distinctly less developed, with small-scale housing, unsealed roads and rustic farms.

History and government

Early history.

People have been living in Mexico for more than 13,000 years. Mesoamericans occupied the area early on, with archaeological evidence pointing towards Mesoamericans leading a hunter-gatherer existence. Maize farming is thought to have become commonplace by 1500 BC, which led to the farming of other commodities as well. A variety of cultures contributed to the early history of Mexico, with the Olmec, Toltec, Maya, Teotihuacan and Aztecs all bringing unique cultural, religious and artistic styles to the region, with the Mayan and Aztec Empires having the greatest (and most enduring) impact on the region. 

Mayan society can be traced back to 300 BC, while the Aztecs enjoyed prosperity from 1325 to around 1521 AD. Many ancient ruins and constructions from these periods are still standing all throughout Mexico and can be visited and viewed today. By the 16th century, the Spanish had arrived in Mexico, what followed was a period of colonialism that lasted nearly 300 years. 

During this time, Mexico was seen as a part of ‘New Spain’ along with Cuba and Puerto Rico. This was not a particularly good time for Mexicans who (under colonial law) were generally not allowed to travel outside of Mexico and were denied access to education. Mexico achieved independence from the Spaniards after the War of Independence (1810-1821), but peace was short-lived as two decades later, the Mexican-American War brought more confrontation and armed conflict to parts of Mexico.

Recent history

Mexico’s Revolution of 1910 - 1921 was a period of instability, marked by political turmoil and bloodshed. More recently, Mexico has enjoyed an economic resurgence after decades of economic hardship, which lasted from the 1970s to the mid-1990s. The earthquake of 1985 didn’t help matters, with wide-scale damage and loss of life compounding the economic problems and political uncertainty of Mexico. Currently, Mexico is benefiting from a period of improved economic conditions, although the gap between the wages earned by Mexicans and their northern neighbours continues to widen. Mexico is now operating in a free market economy and the growth of tourism, agriculture and industry has ensured an improved economy for the country, although financial inequality still exists within.

Memorable moments of Mexico

1. ramble among the ruins.

A visit to the famed ruins of Chichen Itza reveals history, ancient architecture and wildlife in equal measure. Walk through the complex and hear jungle animal calls as colourful birds fly among the canopy. This is a stirring experience to treasure.

2. Bittersweet bites

The cult of chocolate is well and truly alive in Oaxaca! The flavours here are simply phenomenal and unlike mass-produced chocolate in the Western world. Spiced with chilli, cinnamon and cloves, you won’t soon forget the taste of Oaxacan chocolate.

3. Sunshine and snorkelling

Mexico’s Caribbean coastline showcases expanses of clear blue water, white sand beaches, vibrant reefs and plenty of sunshine. Snorkelling over colourful fish and sun-lit coral is simply unforgettable.

4. Mountain majesty

The cooler climate and fresh mountain air of San Cristobal de las Casas provides some respite from the city heat. Chilling out in this relaxed and visually stunning area is a magical Mexican moment.

5. Bus buddies

Catching a local bus in Mexico is a never-ending source of amusement. Overcome the language barrier and make friends with local commuters to pass the time.

6. Tequila!

No visit to Mexico is complete without downing a little bit of the national drink. While you may not remember every detail the morning after, good times and memorable holiday snapshots are guaranteed when tequila is involved.

7. Volcanic splendour

Mexico’s volcanic landscapes are photo-worthy and awe-inspiring. Hiking past rocky escarpments and surreal scenery is a rewarding travel experience to remember.

8. Village people

Sharing smiles and laughs with locals while strolling through the rural villages of Mexico is a simple, yet memorable way to see the real heart of Mexico - its people.

9. Mariachi melodies

Sway to the unique sounds of Mexico’s mariachi music in the streets and cafes of Mexico. The rhythms and beats will live in your heart for years to come.

10. To market, to market

Witness Latin America’s time-honoured commercial traditions unfold in Mexico’s well-patronised markets. Hear the banter of stallholders, smell the fragrant scent of sizzling meat and admire the colourful array of wares on offer.

Top places to visit in Mexico

This coastal town is well-known for its incredible cliff-top Mayan temple ruins with expansive ocean views. But outside of architectural wonders, Tulum also has quite a few natural wonders. Spend some time exploring Tulum's numerous cenotes and caves for unforgettable snorkelling and diving.

Explore Tulum on our 8 day Yucatan Peninsula Adventure or on our 8 day Premium Mexico Yucatan Highlights tour.

Numerous significant architectural sites, baroque churches and impressive cultural displays may have landed Oaxaca the badge of Unesco World Heritage Site, but in recent years, the city has gained notoriety as a culinary destination. Make sure to try regional specialties like tlayudas, mole and mezcal.

Get a taste of Oaxaca on our 9 day Mexico Real Food Adventure.

3. San Cristobal

Set in a valley surrounded by pine forests, San Cristóbal de las Casas has a bright yellow cathedral, pastel houses and buildings draped in deep pink bougainvillea, making it one of Mexico's most colourful cities. Stop by the local markets to browse locally-made handicrafts with colours that rival those of the city itself.

Explore this colourful city on our 15 day Best of Mexico tour.

Travellers will be delighted with the range of good quality shopping available in Mexico. As usual, the markets offer some of the most cost-effective and fun ways to shop, although Mexico’s cities also showcase some excellent boutiques and galleries for more costly purchases. 

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in Mexico

1. Tiles, ceramics and earthenware

Mexico has a longstanding tradition of creating good-quality pottery. Hit the artisan markets for colourful pots, vases and jugs. Don’t forget to pack carefully.

2. Bright textiles

Woven textiles can be found almost everywhere in Mexico. Hand-woven rugs, blankets, scarves, and ponchos are great reminders of your time in Mexico.

3. Jewellery

The silver in Mexico is among the world's best. Rings, necklaces and bracelets featuring bold Aztec designs are popular choices.

4. Lucha Libre masks

This Mexican wrestling phenomenon is growing in popularity worldwide, so grab a colourful wrestling mask - it’s a great souvenir for kids (and big kids) at home.

Festivals and events in Mexico

Mexico is the land of the fiesta and the locals will find any reason to party. Whether they're celebrating independence, the saints or the dead, you can expect vibrant colours, lively music and a whole lot of dancing. One to keep an eye out for is the Autumn Equinox, when crowds gather at Chichen Itza to witness the sunlight and shadows play tricks on this ancient relic. During the autumn (and spring) equinox, the sun moves across Chichen Itza, illuminating parts of the temple to reveal the moving body of a snake. Not seen on any other days, this natural spectacle draws thousands of pilgrims.

Read more about festivals in Mexico

Further reading

Mexico travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit Mexico?

Mexico is a country of varied landscapes and altitudes and the best time to visit depends on a variety of factors, the first of which is where you actually want to go.

Is it safe to visit Mexico?

Mexico has long been a popular tourist destination and most travellers do not run into any trouble. There are, however, areas that experience high levels of violent crime as a result of lawlessness and drug trafficking. That said, you can rest assured that Intrepid would not take you anywhere unless we were convinced it was safe.

Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico?

All tourists travelling to Mexico need a tourist permit, but not all need a visa. Citizens of the US, EU, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand are among those that do not need a visa and can obtain a tourist permit on arrival.

Is tipping customary in Mexico?

Tipping is expected in most parts of Mexico. The service workers typically earn a low wage and rely on tips to earn a decent living. We recommend leaving 10–15 per cent at restaurants (if the service charge is not already included), 5–10 per cent of your room cost for housekeepers, and a few dollars for porters, bartenders and guides.

What is the internet access like in Mexico?

Internet access is good in Mexico with wi-fi available in most accommodations, bigger restaurants, airports and in some public spaces. It’s also easy and affordable to buy a local SIM card for the duration of your Mexico tour.

Can I use my mobile phone in Mexico?

If you wish to use your mobile phone while in Mexico be sure to activate global roaming before leaving your home country. You should also check with your provider regarding any charges you may incur when overseas.

If you wish to purchase a local SIM card in Mexico, your phone must first be unlocked. For more information on local SIM cards, please read about   internet access in Mexico .

What are the toilets like in Mexico?

It's likely that you will encounter different types of toilets while travelling in Mexico. Western-style flushable toilets are commonly found in high-end resorts, hotels and restaurants, while squat toilets are common in rural areas and homes. Be prepared by carrying your own supply of toilet paper and soap, as these aren't always provided.

What will it cost for a...?

Mexico’s unit of currency is the peso:

• Cheap local meal = MXN 150.00
• Domestic beer at a restaurant = MXN 50
• One-way metro ticket in Mexico City = MXN 6.00
• Mid-range meal = MXN 400.00

Can I drink the water in Mexico?

We do not recommend drinking the water in Mexico.

For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottle water and fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available, often boiled to use for tea or coffee.

It’s also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and to peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Mexico?

Credit cards are generally accepted in Mexico at large stores and most mid- high-range hotels. Some cafes, bars and restaurants may accept card too, but the places with real character – and the best local food – tend to be cash only.

What is ATM access like in Mexico?

ATMs are available across towns and cities in Mexico. Travellers should not encounter trouble finding an ATM but be wary of international transaction fees. For your own safety, try to use ATMs in daylight hours.

What is the weather like in Mexico?

Mexico’s renowned for its sunshine and sandy beaches, but the weather can vary depending on the region you’re travelling to and the time of year.

What public holidays are celebrated in Mexico?

• 1 Jan:   New Year’s Day
• 5 Feb:   Constitution Day
• 21 Mar:   Day off for Benito Juarez’s Birthday Memorial (variable)
• April:   Maundy Thursday/Good Friday (variable)
• 1 May:   Labour Day
• 16 Sep:   Independence Day
• Nov:   Revolution Day Memorial (held 3rd Monday of the month)
• 12 Dec:   Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe
• 25 Dec:   Christmas Day

Please note Mexico public holidays may vary.

Is Mexico safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

Mexico is becoming increasingly more accepting of same-sex relationships and has laws in place to protect those that identify differently, but it remains a country of strong Catholicism that has historically been hostile towards the local LGBTQIA+ community.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.

Is Mexico accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Tourist destinations in Mexico including Mexico City and the resort areas on the Yucatan Peninsula are seeing an increasing number of hotels, restaurants and tourist sights fitted out to accommodate travellers with limitations. That said, it can still be difficult for those with mobility issues and visual and hearing issues, particularly on public transport. We recommend using taxis to move around locally and flying between cities if possible unless, of course, you are on an Intrepid Mexico tour.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What should I wear in Mexico?

What you pack for your Mexico tour will depend on where you are travelling to. Mexico City, for example, will be much cooler than the coastal areas of Playa del Carmen or Tulum, thanks to its high altitude. In the winter, it can drop down towards freezing at night while reaching 23°C during the day, so it’s important to be prepared for both ends of the spectrum.

What's the accommodation like in Mexico?

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in Mexico you may find yourself staying in a basic hotel.

Intrepid prefers smaller character-filled hotels and guesthouses than hotel chains. When on vacation in Mexico, enjoy staying in small hotels owned and run by friendly locals.

Does my trip to Mexico support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to Mexico directly support our foundation partner, Gastromotiva Mexico.

Gastromotiva Mexico

Gastromotiva Mexico is tackling food scarcity and homelessness while promoting a sustainable food movement. Donations help them provide nutritious, balanced meals to community shelters for vulnerable people such as women affected by domestic violence and refugees.

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What is it like travelling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or you’re about to embark on your first trip, travelling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organising amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), travelling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

What you need to know about traveling to Mexico right now

Aug 31, 2021 • 4 min read

Mexico is open to visitors but restrictions apply in some regions once you're there © Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images

Mexico is open for travel but COVID-19 cases remain stubbornly high, particularly in tourist hot spots. Despite this, the county is continuing to welcome visitors with almost no testing and quarantine restrictions—though local restrictions are in place across individual states through a four-tiered traffic light system.

Travelers should check the regulations and recommendations of their government before planning any travel. Currently the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that unvaccinated travelers avoid nonessential travel to Mexico . If you're traveling to Mexico, here's what you need to know.

Can I travel to Mexico right now?

Mexico is open to travelers from all around the world and commercial flights are operating in and out of the country. Travelers who go to Mexico are required to complete a health declaration form and scan the QR code it generates on arrival.

Passengers arriving at Mexican airports may be subject to health screenings including temperature checks. Those showing symptoms of COVID-19 could be asked to quarantine. Travelers entering by land may also be subjected to health screenings and temperature checks. Although a COVID-19 test is not required for entry, US travelers will need to take a COVID-19 test  before flying home to the US.

Read more: Best time to visit Mexico

On March 21, 2020 the US and Mexico closed their shared land border to non-essential travel, and those restrictions have been extended every month since. The current land border restrictions are in place until at least September 21, 2021. 

Mexico is on the UK's red list for travel. This means that any UK citizen or resident who arrives into the UK from Mexio will have to quarantine in a government-approved hotel for 10 days upon arrival.

For travel within Mexico, some restrictions on intercity and interstate transit apply, but those details vary from place to place; the US State Department’s Local Resources section has a comprehensive breakdown .

Will I have to quarantine when I arrive in Mexico?

Anyone who shows signs of COVID-19 upon arrival may be returned to their country of origin or asked to voluntarily quarantine , but it’s not mandatory at this time. The government is strongly encouraging preventative measures like social distancing and hand-washing, with masks required in some parts of the country though not all. A full breakdown of measures can be found here .

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Mexico?

A negative viral COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery is required for anyone traveling by air to the US and they should be performed no more than three days before departure. The US Embassy says results for PCR and antigen tests are reliably available within 72 hours in Mexico. Many hotels, resorts and tour operators provide antigen tests for guests, and some airport have mobile COVID-19 testing stations in departure halls. PCR tests can be performed in hospitals and labortories.

What COVID-19 restrictions apply in Mexico?

Mexico is one of the few countries in the world that doesn't require mandatory testing or self-isolation upon arrival. But that doesn't mean that it's business as usual when you get there. The Mexican government has implemented a four-tier color-coded traffic light ( semáforo) system that corresponds to the level of COVID-19 transmission in each state. What's open depends on the rate of contagion in the area you're visiting. The levels range from green to red , with green for locations where COVID-19 is the least severe and restrictions are at their lowest level. Red is in place for locations where COVID-19 is most severe, and restrictions are at their highest level.

The traffic light system is updated every two weeks and the current restrictions are in place until September 5. However, the Mexican government warns that the classification of each place is subject to change at short notice, especially if there is a sudden increase in transmission.

Read more:  Top 5 road trips in Mexico

Green Level

Chiapas is the only state classified as green. All non-essential businesses are open here without restrictions.

Yellow Level

Baja California , Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Guanajuato , and Yucatán are at yellow level.

Under yellow, markets, supermarkets and golf courses can operate at 100% capacity. Hotels, restaurants, cinemas, theaters, beaches, public parks, theme parks, water parks, and tour guide services are typically capped between 50% and 70% capacity.

Orange Level

Sonora , Durango, Zacatecas , San Luis Potosí , Nayarit, Jalisco , Aguascalientes , Veracruz , Querétaro , Michoacán , Estado de Mexico, Ciudad de Mexico , Morelos , Tlaxcala, Oaxaca , Campeche , and Quintana Roo are at orange. Popular tourist resorts of Cancún ,  Tulum and Playa del Carmen are classified as yellow.

Nonessential businesses are open with stricter capacity limits. Hotels, restaurants, beaches, open-air parks, historical sites and gyms are limited to 50% capacity. Markets and supermarkets can operate at up to 75% capacity. While shopping malls, theaters, museums, and cultural events will be limited to 25% capacity.

Colima, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, Puebla , Tabasco , and Tamaulipas.

Under red level, only essential businesses and services may operate. Hotels are only open to critical workers. Parks open at 25% capacity. Residents are encouraged to remain at home and face coverings are required in public.

COVID-19 snapshot

This story was first published on August 18, 2020 and last updated on August 31, 2021.

You might also like:

Could Tulum be this year's hotspot for digital nomads? 15 best places to visit in Mexico Where to find cenotes - Mexico's amazing natural swimming holes

This article was first published August 2020 and updated August 2021

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Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

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Mexico (North America)

Advice for all destinations.

Read the information on the COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page for advice on travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccinations and malaria risk

Review both the Vaccination and Malaria sections on this page to find out if you may need vaccines and/or a malaria risk assessment before you travel to this country.

If you think you require vaccines and/or malaria risk assessment, you should make an appointment with a travel health professional:

• How to make an appointment with a travel health professional

A travel health risk assessment is also advisable for some people, even when vaccines or malaria tablets are not required.

• Do I need a travel health risk assessment?

Risk prevention advice 

Many of the health risks experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccines and other measures need to be taken.

Always make sure you understand the wider risks at your destination and take precautions, including:

• food and water safety
• accident prevention
• avoiding insect bites
• preventing and treating animal bites
• respiratory hygiene
• hand hygiene

Our advice section gives detailed information on minimising specific health risks abroad:

• Travel Health Advice A-Z

Other health considerations

Make sure you have travel insurance before travel to cover healthcare abroad.

Find out if there are any restrictions you need to consider if you are travelling with medicines .

Know how to access healthcare at your destination: see the GOV.UK English speaking doctors and medical facilities: worldwide list

If you feel unwell on your return home from travelling abroad, always seek advice from a healthcare professional and let them know your travel history.

Vaccinations

• Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including for example, seasonal flu vaccine (if indicated), MMR , vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
• Courses or boosters usually advised: none.
• Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Rabies; Tetanus; Typhoid.
• Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Hepatitis B.

No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.

Notes on the diseases mentioned above

• Diphtheria :  spread person to person through respiratory droplets. Risk is higher if mixing with locals in poor, overcrowded living conditions.

Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation is poor.

Risk is higher for long stays, frequent travel and for children (exposed through cuts and scratches), those who may require medical treatment during travel.

• Tetanus :  spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A total of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine are recommended for life in the UK. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available.
• Typhoid :  spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes.You cannot be vaccinated against malaria.

Malaria precautions

• Malaria risk in Mexico is low and is present intermittently throughout the year. In recent years, the states of Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Durango, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa and Tabasco have reported cases. 
• Malaria precautions are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.
• See malaria map – additional information can be found by clicking on the Regional Information icon below the map.
• Low to no risk areas: antimalarials are not usually advised.
• If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever seek medical attention promptly. Remember malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure.

Other Health Risks

Altitude and travel, dengue fever.

There is a risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) in this country.

Please be aware that the risk of COVID-19 in this country may change at short notice and also consider your risk of exposure in any transit countries and from travelling itself. 

• The 'News' section on this page will advise if significant case increases or outbreaks have occurred in this country.

Prior to travel, you should:

• Check the latest government guidance on the FCDO Foreign travel advice and country specific pages for travel to this country and the rules for entering the UK on return.
• Ensure you are up to date with UK recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination.
• You can check this in the FAQ's.
• If you are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 you should carefully  consider your travel plans  and consider seeking medical advice prior to making any decisions.

For further information, see  Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)  and  COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel  pages.

Zika Virus Infection

This country has been categorised as having a risk of Zika (ZIKV) virus transmission.

ZIKV is mainly spread through mosquito bites. The mosquito responsible most commonly bites during daylight hours and is common in towns and cities. 

The illness is usually mild but infection during pregnancy may lead to babies being born with birth defects. There is no vaccine currently available against ZIKV.

Advice for All Travellers

You should practice strict mosquito bite avoidance at all times. Do not travel without adequate travel insurance . Seek pre-travel health advice from a travel health professional 6 to 8 weeks in advance of travel.

Additional recommendations for pregnant travellers or those planning pregnancy

If you are planning pregnancy in the very near future you should consider whether you should avoid travel to this country.

• contact your GP, obstetrician or midwife for further advice, even if you have not been unwell or had any symptoms of ZIKV infection
• use barrier methods of contraception during and after travel and for the duration of your pregnancy, even in you have not been unwell or had any symptoms of ZIKV infection
• If you develop symptoms of ZIKV infection, it is recommended that you avoid becoming pregnant for a further 2 months following your recovery
• 2 months afterwards if you are female
• 3 months afterwards if you are male or if both partners travelled

These measures reduce the chance of sexual transmission of ZIKV and/or the risk of ZIKV infection in pregnancy.

For further information, see Zika virus infection page.

• 21 Feb 2024 - Dengue in the Americas and Caribbean: Update 1
• 19 Feb 2024 - Melioidosis in Mexico: Baja California Sur
• 111 additional items in the news archive for this country

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Mexico Entry Requirements for British Citizens

Mexico Visa Needed

(for stays of up to 180 days)

Tourist Card (FMM) Needed

(if traveling by land)

Citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland must meet a few simple entry requirements to travel to Mexico.

UK passport holders do not need a Mexican visa for short-term visits. However, they must get the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) , often referred to as the Mexico tourist card for Brits , if they’re entering by land.

Find out more about Mexico’s travel requirements for UK citizens in the information below.

What Do UK Citizens Need to Enter Mexico?

There are a few mandatory documents for British citizens heading to Mexico. The following items are required:

• Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) for land travel
• Valid UK passport — the expiry date must be at least 6 months after entering Mexico

The information on the FMM must match the British passenger’s passport.

Mexican immigration officials may ask to see additional documentation from Brits arriving by air.

UK passport holders may enter visa-free when staying for less than 180 days. However, this only applies to visits for tourism or business.

To work, study, volunteer, or visit for other activities , you’ll need to have the relevant type of Mexican visa for British citizens.

Mexico FMM for UK Nationals

The main entry requirement for British tourists and business travelers coming to Mexico by land is the FMM. You can get your FMM through this site.

Despite being referred to as a “tourist card”, the FMM is required by UK nationals visiting for business, in addition to being needed for holidays .

The specifications of the FMM for UK citizens are as follows:

• Valid for a single entry
• Allow visits of up to 180 days
• Consists of 2 parts — when reaching the Mexico border, local authorities will keep a part of the travel document, while UK visitors will be given the other part (slip of paper). The latter must be kept by travelers during the whole trip and be presented when leaving Mexico.

FMM requirements for UK Nationals

To apply, travelers from the UK must simply enter a few details into a brief online form, which can be found on our site. Once registered, the FMM is delivered by email.

Brits will need the following items to complete the FMM application online:

• A current UK passport with a remaining validity of at least 6 months at the time of arriving in Mexico
• A completed Mexican FMM application form registered to the British passport
• A credit or debit card with sufficient funds to pay online the processing fee of the Mexican tourist card
• An accessible email account, to receive notifications about the Forma Migratoria Múltiple

British travelers must show the FMM and UK passport to the authorities upon arrival at the border of Mexico to be allowed to enter.

Documents required to entry Mexico for British travelers

In addition to a UK passport and an FMM, Mexican immigration officials may also ask to see the following :

• Proof of intent to leave the country, such as an onward/return ticket
• Accommodation booking
• Proof of funds to support yourself while staying in Mexico

British visitors who are planning to stay with a friend or relative in Mexico may be asked to provide their address and/or a letter of invitation .

Brits who have goods to declare on arrival in Mexico will need to fill in a customs form beforehand .

Traveling to Mexico with a UK Emergency Travel Document

Mexico accepts UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) instead of a normal UK passport for the following:

• Airside transit

Passengers traveling with a UK ETD will still need an FMM .

UK emergency passports should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry to Mexico.

When leaving Mexico, the ETD must have an entry stamp . If the stamp you received on entry to Mexico has been lost, go to the immigration office at any Mexican international airport to replace it.

The British Embassy in Mexico

The British Embassy in Mexico City is the main diplomatic mission to Mexico and houses the offices of the British ambassador. It also provides consular services to British nationals abroad.

If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged while staying in Mexico, you can apply for a replacement or an emergency travel document from the British Embassy.

The Embassy can also provide assistance to British citizens on other matters. These include preparing or certifying documents, helping find services in Mexico, and giving general information.

We advise Brits traveling to Mexico to register with the Embassy to receive important information. You’ll also have a line of assistance in case of emergency.

Paseo de la Reforma, Torre de Angel 350-Piso 20

06600 Ciudad de México

British Embassy Updates for UK Citizens

British citizens may now easily register with the UK embassy in Mexico. This service allows you to enjoy extra peace of mind by receiving up-to-date information about security and safety in the country.

• Get the latest information from the UK Government to help plan a trip to Mexico.
• Be traced easily if an exceptional situation occurs, such as a natural disaster.
• Allow friends and family to get in contact quickly if emergencies occur at home.

British passengers can easily choose this service when getting a Mexican tourist card. Simply select the option for British Embassy registration on the application form payment page of this website.

British Consulates in Mexico

In addition to the British Embassy in Mexico City, the United Kingdom also has a Consulate General in Cancun . This diplomatic mission provides consular services to Brits living in or visiting the States of Yucatan and Quintana Roo.

ETA UK for Mexican citizens

United kingdom eta requirements from mexico.

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Mexican citizens is part of the UK government’s plan to digitalize its borders.

The UK ETA visa waiver will soon be mandatory for Mexicans travelling to the UK without a visa.

Applying for a UK ETA from Mexico is simple. Read on for all the conditions and requirements to apply online .

Do Mexican citizens need a visa to enter the UK?

Mexican tourists, business travellers, and students do not need a visa to enter the UK for up to 6 months. This is not about to change .

The only difference is that Mexicans will need to register online for an ETA before travelling to the UK. The ETA is for foreign visitors from visa-exempt countries.

With the ETA, Mexican passport holders can continue to enjoy short visa-free stays in the United Kingdom.

A UK visa for Mexicans is required to stay more than 6 months or for purposes such as work or long-term study.

Meeting the UK ETA requirements from Mexico

These are the UK ETA requirements Mexicans need to meet:

• Valid passport (use the same one to apply for the ETA and travel to the United Kingdom)
• Active email address to receive the approved ETA
• Pay the ETA processing fee via credit or debit card
• Comply with the ETA conditions regarding permitted stay in the UK
• Travel to the UK with the ETA only for approved travel reasons

How to apply for an ETA for the UK from Mexico

Applying for the UK ETA from Mexico is straightforward. Travellers have to fill in an online UK ETA application form, pay the processing fee, and wait for the approved ETA to be sent to their email address.

In the online application form , the following information will be required:

• Personal details: full name, date of birth, nationality
• Passport details: number, issuing country, date of issuance and expiry
• Contact details: home address, phone number, email address
• Travel plans

Note : To avoid processing delays, applicants are encouraged to ensure that all the information provided is accurate . Spelling mistakes or other inaccuracies may even lead to rejection of the UK ETA.

ETA processing takes approximately 72 hours.

UK ETA documents required for Mexican citizens

To be eligible to apply for the UK ETA from Mexico , travellers must have:

• A biometric passport
• A credit or debit card
• An active email address

ETA UK benefits for Mexican visitors

The following are the main benefits of the UK ETA for Mexican visitors :

• Easy application form available entirely online
• Fast processing
• Faster border controls upon entry into the UK
• Improved border safety for both foreigners and nationals

Travel from Mexico to the UK

The UK ETA will contribute to the implementation of digital borders in the UK . To enter the country, holders of the UK ETA will simply need to scan their passports.

There are several direct connections from Mexico to the UK , including flights to London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow.

UK embassy in Mexico

British Embassy in Mexico City, Mexico

Address: Rio Lerma 71, Col Cuauhtémoc

06500 Mexico City, Mexico

Additionally, the UK has two consulates in Acapulco and Cancun and three representative offices in Guadalajara, Monterrey and Tijuana.

In the UK, Mexican travellers can contact the embassy in London or one of the four consulates in Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow and Manchester. Below is the address of the Mexican embassy in the UK:

Mexican Embassy in London, United Kingdom

Address: 16 St. George Street, Hanover Square

London W1S 1FD, United Kingdom

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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Mexico

Mexico is known for its warm weather, natural beauty, and rich culture. Travellers can experience breathtaking seasides, to local celebrations and peculiar 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 spirits 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 National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Mexico: COVID-19 , hepatitis A , typhoid , rabies and tetanus .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:

• COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for all travellers
• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated.
• Tetanus – Wounds or Breaks in Skin – Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated.
• Typhoid – Food & Water – Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.

See the tables below for more information:

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 .

Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Mexico?

No visa is required for tourists venturing to Mexico. Business, work and other travellers may be required to obtain a visa. Passports must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Sources: Embassy of Mexico and GOV.UK

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 behaviour. Keep track of your belongings, as pick-pocketing 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 the United Kingdom. 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 seaside, look out for riptides. They can be difficult to detect but very strong. Be sure to use sun cream, 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 kitted out 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 whilst 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 peculiar 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:

• Private 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 necessary, it is best to have tablets on hand.

Embassy of the United Kingdom in Mexico

If you are in Mexico and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.

British Embassy Mexico City Paseo de la Reforma 350 20th Floor, Torre del Angel Col. Juarez 06600 Mexico City Mexico Telephone: +52 (55) 1670 3200 Emergency Phone: (0052) 55 1670 3200 Contact Form: Click Here

If you have any questions about travelling to Mexico or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Ring us up 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? Diving and Snorkeling in Mexico What Should I Take To Mexico? Embassy of the United Kingdom in Mexico

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Find cheap flights to Mexico from £238

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united kingdom to mexico departing on 26/4. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to mexico.

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Best Mexico Flight Deals

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know - Cheap tickets to Mexico

Faqs - booking mexico flights, what are the best flights available to mexico.

You'll find that the best deals for flights to Mexico are one-stop flights. They offer a good balance of affordable pricing and manageable travel times, with easy layovers when changing planes. One-stop planes leave from all of London's major airports but are cheapest from London Heathrow Airport (LHR).

Where will you stop on one-stop flights to Mexico?

The location of where you will change planes when you are flying to Mexico depends on the airport line you are travelling with and which airport you fly from and two. Lufthansa is a one-stop service provider too Mexico. Flying with Lufthansa means you'll stop at Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) and you're layover will be about 2 hours. 

Are there non-stop flights to Mexico?

There are direct flights to Cancun International Airport from Manchester Airport (MAN) on TUI Airways and from London Gatwick (LGW) on Thomas Cook Airlines and British Airways. Aeromexico flies direct from London Heathrow (LHR) to Mexico City.

Do I need to pay departure tax on leaving Mexico?

Many airlines will include the departure tax in the cost of the plane ticket but it is important to check this as if you do need to pay the departure tax at the airport, you should note that some airports will only accept payment in cash.

Which airport should I fly to in Mexico if I want to visit El Tajín?

If you are going to see El Tajín pyramid, you can book a flight to Poza Rica de Hilgado. From the UK, you can book a flight to Mexico and then connect to an onward flight that will take you to El Tajín National Airport (PAZ). From here you can reach the pyramids via road transfer.

I am going to Playa del Carmen, what is the best airport to use?

Cancun International airport, which receives direct flights from Manchester and London Gatwick in the high season, is the best airport to fly into if you are spending your holidays at Playa del Carmen. The airport is 34.2 mi away from the resort of Playa del Carmen and you can make the transfer by road.

How long is the flight to Mexico?

An average direct flight from the United Kingdom to Mexico takes 19h 40m, covering a distance of 5284 miles. The most popular route is London - Mexico City with an average flight time of 11h 20m.

What is the cheapest flight to Mexico?

The cheapest ticket to Mexico from the United Kingdom found in the last 72 hours was £273 one-way, and £302 round-trip. The most popular route is London Heathrow to Mexico City Benito Juarez and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was £569.

Which airlines fly to Mexico?

British Airways, Aeromexico & EL AL fly the most frequently from the United Kingdom to Mexico.

What are the most popular destinations in Mexico?

The next most popular destinations are Cancún (34%) and Cozumel (7%). Searches for flights to Puerto Vallarta (2%), to Guadalajara (2%) and to San José del Cabo (0.9%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Mexico

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Mexico flight deals.
• If you are a tequila enthusiast you'll be wanting to find cheap flights to Mexico to visit Jalisco in the west of Mexico. This region is world-famous because it's considered the birthplace of tequila and mariachi music. For the best access to the region fly into Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL).
• No matter which airport you fly into in Mexico it's good to know that if you are looking to use the bathrooms in the airport do not assume if you see an “M,” on the door that it is a men's room. Instead, look for a door marked with an “H” (for “hombre”) or a “C” (for “Caballeros”), to avoid an uncomfortable or embarrassing situation.
• When you arrive at a Mexican airport you'll fill out an immigration form. The last section at the end of the immigration is a perforated slip that the officer will tear it off and stick in your passport once you have passed through immigration. The form is called the Multiple Immigration Form (FMM). It is very important when you leave Mexico, so be sure to keep it safe with your passport to avoid paying a fine when you leave.
• Once you arrive in Mexico your best bet would be to make use of the public bus system. The bus service is safe and very reliable. It reaches more places than not in and around all the major cities in Mexico and it's cheap. Bus tickets are available in different classes, and buses are as comfortable as any world-class destination.
• The main airport hub for international airlines in Mexico is Mexico City International Airport (MEX), although many airlines will fly directly to some of the tourist destinations. Mexico City Airport is centrally located and so is a good place to explore both north and south. If you want to explore the Gulf of Mexico, you should consider flying in to Monterrey, while if you are interested in the Pacific coast, you could fly into Acapulco International Airport (ACA).
• If you are looking at flights to Mexico so you can visit the city of Campeche, you can book a flight to Campeche International Airport (CPE) via Cancun or Mexico City. Another alternative which may be less expensive, although it will take up to 6.5h, is to fly into Cancun (CUN) and then make the journey overland to Campeche.
• For visitors to Mexico who are wanting to spend time on the beaches in Puerto Vallarta, you are in luck, as there are direct flights from the London Gatwick (LGW) and Manchester Airport (MAN) into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). These direct flights operate during the high season, otherwise Aeromexico operates flights via Mexico City to Puerto Vallarta all year round.
• Visitors to Mexico do not need to be in possession of a visa upon arrival but will have to complete an immigration form that must be carried when you enter and leave the country. You can get the immigration form at the airport when you arrive, on your flight or, if your passport is valid for six months after entering Mexico, you can complete the form online in advance of travel. If you are transiting through the US, it is important to check that you have the correct authorisation to land in the US.
• While the main airports in Mexico will have bureau du change counters in the terminals, it is important to note that it is easier to change USD than it is to change GBP. UK debit and credit cards can be used as payment and at ATMs in the bigger centres. If you want to take a taxi from the airport, you might need to pay cash for the journey, as they may not accept cards.

Top 5 airlines flying to Mexico

Sorting on line would have been appreciated Onward information on flights missed No ability to get seating arranged before we got to gate Very unfriendly at gate

I booked the flight with Finnair, which made the arrangements for downloading a boarding pass unnecessarily complicated. I wouldn't do that again. Instead I'd book direct with AA.

Flight ok, but me and other two passengers didn’t have connection with the entertainment in our seats. So, no movies, no games, no music… for 9 hours. The crew just told us that there’s nothing they can do but I noticed during the flight that there were empty seats, so they could have offered to us to change seats. Customer service could be better.

Had a nice flight to London on BA will fly with them again in the future

Finnair cancelled my flight 12 hours prior to leaving for Helsinki. They stated there were mechanical problems. I had to scurry around to find a new flight that would meet my needs for arrival in Helsinki. Luckily I was able to find alternate transportation through Lufthansa/United.

I’m very disappointed, to fly into an airplane for 10 straight hours, and not having a TV even though when I put the ticket I was told that I will have entertainment for the TV. Very disappointed.

Helpful steward. Allowed me to move to some empty seats and I was able to get some sleep. He also had milk for my tea. Americans don’t realise that cream or half and half ruin tea.

Security was a mess at the Helsinki Airport. But I was delighted by the connecting flight waiting for us for JFK.

Very rude hostess. She embarrassed me in front of others. I went to sit after taking off in a different sit in the same economic cabin. Was the area where doors are. She come to me very laud and said: go back to your sit those sit are more expensive.wow! No diplomacy. Flight was super full except 3 of those sit. The only person in that row later during the flight occupied all sit laying down!. Once more disappointed at American Airlines. Early flight they lost my luggages for 4 days. Never refund money for replacement for some of essential items purchased..when I booked the flight I thought was Finlandair. I

The crew was very good, excellent, they help me with my needs.! Food was not that good.

Unfortunately delayed 2 hrs due to faulty tyre.. which had to be changed, but better safe than sorry.

The delay was an issue. Other than that. Every thing good

Staff didn’t check cabin well for landing seemed more interested in chatting to each other. Food was poor and differed from pre order.

We were in the last group to be called to the flight - which was 30 minutes late taking off. While we were lucky enough to have been given bulkhead seats (due to a medical condition I’d told them about beforehand) the seats weren’t particularly comfortable. A crying baby for the whole trip made things worse, so the crew managed very well with coping. The final thing I’d say was that there wasn’t enough food served during the flight.

Very good. Glad we had Premium for the flight out.

We flew Upper Class from London to The Turks and Caicos. Check in was amazing. Our ldriver too us directly to a special entrance to terminal 3. It took 10 minutes to check in and clear customs. Amazing! The VA lounge is large and comfortable. Boarding the flight was easy and without a wait. The crew was excellent. But the seats were awful, strange and uncomfortable. Having a comfortable flat bed seat is the reason we pays 1000s extra. The VA 787 uses a reverse herringbone configuration. Look it up. You have your back to the window and are facing the aisle with no privacy. Turning the seat into a bed requires assistance from the crew so not very spontaneous. . The food was ok. A bit tasteless and meager portions. Had to pay for WiFi. I believe VA has other configuration on their dream airbus flights. Lots of stuff about all this on YouTube where you can see what I have been describing. I can not recommend taking VA on a long flight with these seats.

From the start everything was perfectly fine. First meal was fantastic. Breakfast needs a lot of work and food was overcooked and not very nice for breakfast. Staff for a fantastic friendly nice we came round and check we need anything else to eat or drink

Tai-City to Atlanta :Lots of legroom on the flight. No interaction from the staff at all on the plane. They only attended to the First Class passengers. There was no entertainment. Security I was body scanned even though I hadn't set off an alarm, my father-in-law in his 80s, was stopped and subjected to a through body search, told that they would have to place their hands in intimate places. There were several border guards present, and as we walked off we could hear the TWA officer talk about the procedure as if he was training. My father-in-law was a little upset about the whole process. A kind explanation that training was taking place would have been more acceptable, and it felt dehumanizing to him. Atlanta to London: Check in was difficult we had been unable to do this online for 2 of the family members on the same booking both in their mid to late-80s. No seats had been allocated for them and we were all travelling Premium Economy. After several phone calls to the booking agent and conversations with Delta staff at TriCites airport, we were told that seats would be allocated at the gate in Atlanta. When we arrived at Atlanta, and spoke to a member of the boarding staff at the gate, he was curt and repeated back exactly what we had just told him, that only one of us was checked in. I explained that we had been unable to check-in online for the 2 family members (I had tried twice). He again repeated back that we needed to check-in. As we were in transit, I was at a loss at what he wanted us to do, but he kept repeating that we needed to do this. I asked where we should do this. No answer. In fact all he did throughout was look at his screen. He told us that there were no seats in Premium Economy, and that he could offer my parents-in-law 'two seats at the back'. I asked if he meant at the back of Premium Economy, and he replied, 'No, at the back of the plane'. At this point, myself and my father-in-law pointed out that they had paid for Premium Economy tickets and expected seats there. He never took his eyes off the screen once. Then he hit a button and it printed out two boarding passes for my parents-in-law. The seats were directly across from my seat. He had gone from saying there were no seats to somehow finding two together. No explanation, no eye contact, nothing. The flight: As we boarded, our first introduction to the flight was the stewardess at the entrance addressing a passenger with an annoyed and loud voice about a bag that belonged to them. That was not promising. The seats were good, and so were all the accessories. The food, etc.: we had flown with Virgin on our outward journey and I could not fault it. The service and food was excellent, the stewards very helpful, offering additional drinks and snacks. The toilets were more accessible than Delta, which were in the economy area and were told in no uncertain terms that we should not use the First Class toilets, even though they were much closer to our section of the plane. We had a menu for both flights, yet when I asked for the chicken dish on Delta, I was told that there was none left and that there was another chicken dish with mashed potatoes and that 'it was fine'. This was almost pushed on me before I could answer. I was sitting 3 rows from the front of the section, so I was surprised that they had already run out. I repeated that I would like the chicken dish on the menu, and asked whether she would be able to get one from her colleague who was serving in the other aisle. The stewardess replied 'No, that's not how it works!' It always has on previous flights, so I was a bit confused. I accepted that I would have to opt for the pasta option (no choice), but was a little perturbed by her response. Minutes later she returns and hands me the chicken dish I had originally asked for. I had already started eating the other one, but was told curtly that I could have both. This was the same stewardess who was shouting at a passenger as we boarded the plane. The food was very poor in the end, nowhere near as good as Virgin's. Unlike Virgin, there was no starter, no bread roll, just a main and a brownie served in a cardboard container. Virgin had provided real china and glass. Unlike Virgin, they did not return to ask if we wanted more drinks, and there was no tea or coffee served after the meal. The breakfast that was served later was equally poor and inedible, apart from the fruit. At the time, the stewardess, a different one, completely walked past my mother-in-law and did not offer her a hot drink. Both my parents-in-law are in their mid to late 80s, they have been world travellers in their time and had decided that this would be the last flight that they ever take. They have health problems, including memory issues. I feel that overall the journey back to London was pretty unpleasant for them especially, and that they were treated badly, especially by the ground staff. We have lived on two continents and are used to long haul flights, and I have to say that this is up there in the worst flight category. Bearing in mind that we had paid extra money expecting comfort and additional attention, it was extremely disappointing. I would fly Virgin again, but never Delta. The two flights were incomparable.

Lots of legroom on the flight. No interaction from the staff at all on the plane. They only attended to the First Class passengers. There was no entertainment. Security I was body scanned even though I hadn't set off an alarm, my father-in-law in his 80s, was stopped and subjected to a through body search, told that they would have to place their hands in intimate places. There were several border guards present, and as we walked off we could hear the TWA officer talk about the procedure as if he was training. My father-in-law was a little upset about the whole process. A kind explanation would have been more acceptable, and it felt dehumanizing to him.

Security area in terminal 3 needs to be made much nicer. Less claustrophobic and use of glass and big ceilings wouldhelp

Happy attentive flight crew. All in all good flight the night flight works well. Getting into Mexico City early so you don't get caught up it all the immigration and custom ques, additionally, this helps when exiting the airport and crossing the city to your final destination. All works very well and would do it again

Some entertainment and food/snack service would have been nice

All the pessengers should be wait in a line útil the creo and piloto are arrived.

Planes seat could be bigger very uncomfortable for tall humans.

Atraso de dos horas y media con vuelos sobre vendidos

Great airplane The confort was within the high standards. My only little problem was That all the movies ( only 3) was on Spanish, even though I was selecting the audio on English it didn't happen. After that I highly recommend aeromexico

1 hour waiting for suitcases to come out traveling in business class and food in business class is a sandwich? Avoid Aeromexico .

Aeromexico es siempre una buena opción, relación precio calidad adecuada!

Business class was economy with a table in the middle seat. That is worse than economy. No food and no entertainment. Very poor representation.

Newer plane with large seats. No meal, but snacks were plentiful. Inflight entertainment was good but movies were dated.

The boarding process was a disaster. No one respects the boarding groups—tired old aeroplane. There are no sockets to charge phones. The cushion seats are ancient and hurts back and gluts

Check in process was unfamiliar. While receiving assistance the employees supervisor berated him for not walking the area. Lucky for us, he ignored her and helped us check in. Did not know about the baggage fees with economy basic and spent 450 GBP (nearly$600) just on bags for a total of less than 2 hours flying time (50 minutes one way) on a round trip lasting less than 3 days. Customers check their own bags at kiosk and place on conveyor themselves. No reason for such an high cost of checking bags when customers do half the work. Some destinations it’s unavoidable, but will definitely seek other airlines before British Airways for future travel. Astronomically high price for bags. Our first experience flying British Airways and very, very disappointed. Completely overpriced for the services we received.

Check in process was unfamiliar. While receiving assistance the employees supervisor berated him for not walking the area. Lucky for us, he ignored her and helped us check in. Did not know about the baggage fees with economy basic and spent 450 GBP (nearly$600) just on bags for a total of less than 2 hours flying time (50 minutes one way) on a round trip lasting less than 3 days. Astronomically high price for bags. Our first experience flying British Airways and very disappointed. Completely overpriced for the service we received.

Both mine and my husband's chairs were broken. Also it took 2 hours to get our bags after our flight which was wild.

Having traveled from Canada through Seattle -London-Edinburgh with only carry on ( to keep trip uncomplicated ) We had to check our hand luggage at the gate as flight was full This was really annoying since due to their late flight in from Seattle we’d missed our orginal flight to Edinburgh and had been put on a flight four hours later We had no checked luggage with no need to go to the baggage carousel Very annoying

To take off on time but warned about a possible delay by enail which was good

perhaps eye contact with the cabin crew, instead of abruptness and an impatience to serve.

Crew and boarding fine. Flight delayed, then delayed again after boarding.

Not enough trash pickups throughout the flight. Everything else was great.

Overall good, the gluten free food is very hit/miss though and you must tell them you have an allergy days in advance.

The flight was delayed over 2 hours, we should off left the plane2 late passengers as it’s not fair on everyone who’s followed the rules.

Dreamliner. Yes great if maintained. I didn't see anyones screen work consistently during either of our flights. Worse was their ability to not only dump you out of premium but separate couples and seat someone's carer at the opposite end of the aircraft. This poor gentleman had no hand so his partner who assists him, being seated at the other end of the aircraft, well that really showed us all what Tui think :( It was fairly dire all in all, they advertise all the perks of the dreamliner only in reality you don't have the features and they change the windows and colours to suit their constant sales pitches. Ironically they were so low on stock for the return flight that all their sales pitches were a waste of time! Their contract only favours them and 'operational changes' well they cover every excuse and Tui use it. Surprisingly we haven't reinstalled the Tui app or booked with them since. It's a shame as I rated them highly during the pandemic.

One flight attendant not wearing a mask over nose, 50% of passengers not either, and no effort to correct. Boarding was very late with no information - lots of standing around waiting.

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The Mexican retreat where you can lose weight without even trying

Deprivation feels easy at this wellness clinic in cancun where real doctors and scientists give advice in an ultra-luxurious setting.

S ome people go on holiday to relax and have a nice time. I went on holiday to conduct an experiment. When I arrived at SHA Wellness Clinic, my body was equal parts wine and toast. I was tired and fed up. My diet needed a rethink, my exercise regime needed an overhaul, and my brain needed a reboot, but as the plane touched down in Cancun, what really bothered me was this: can you lead a meaningful life without crumpets? And can a holiday be enjoyable without wine?

My first mistake was thinking that I was on holiday at a fancy new spa. SHA is indeed brand new, and it has a spectacular spa, but you’re not here for the view of the mangrove forest from the sauna. You’re here because you know that you could, and should, feel better than you do, be it stress, recovery from illness, or the niggling issues of middle age — the hormones, the back pain, the grumpy digestive system.

Having said which, loose talk about “wellness” gives me hives. I’ve always put my trust in doctors and medicine, not Goop and gong meditation. SHA’s ethos, however, is that there’s a sweet spot between the two, where real doctors and proper science work alongside acupuncturists and breathwork practitioners in a beautiful, soothing, natural setting of spectacular luxury. In front is the Gulf of Mexico, and a white sandy beach with matching white sunloungers, and behind is jungle. In between is this enormous building, inspired by the human genome, which looks like an ocean liner heading out to sea. Everything has been designed not just to look good, but to feel good and smell good too. But the aim isn’t just to make you feel better while you’re here, it’s to give you the tools to feel better for ever. This is a big ask for someone who thinks toast is a food group and chablis is one of your five a day. But the original SHA, in Spain, has been open for 15 years and most of its customers are repeat. It must be doing something right.

There are five possible health programmes depending on your aim. I was on “rebalance and energise”, which kicked off at 9.30am on day one with a high-tech diagnosis of everything from blood pressure to stress and from body composition to cholesterol. I shared my bodily woes — a squelchy shoulder joint, a temperamental knee — and entertained the nutritionist with my carb-heavy diet. Her eyes widened only fractionally when I told her that dinner most nights was a poached egg on toast.

In return, she prescribed one of the three mostly vegan diets. They were a revelation. With a few bacon sandwiches and the occasional chip, this is the sort of food I’d eat every day, if I had a personal chef. There’s daily miso soup — good for the gut microbiomes — and apple cider vinegar for digestion. Breakfast always features raw vegetables with a chickpea-based dip, and maybe coconut yoghurt with toasted seeds, or chia porridge, or a rice cracker with avocado and seeds.

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You eat everything outside in the sunshine on a huge terrace, overlooking the ocean. Funnily enough, you soon start to feel altogether better, as the staff present you with a delicious little salad topped with edible flowers, or a tangle of vegetables and noodles and tofu. I drank my own body weight daily in detox tea and lost 9lb without meaning to, or ever feeling hungry.

In between, I beetled round the five-storey, light-filled clinic in flip-flops and a bathrobe for back-to-back appointments. There are 30 experts here, specialising in everything from cardiology to gynaecology, from traditional Chinese medicine, breathing and mindfulness practitioners, to dentistry, endocrinology and psychology. They studied my arteries and my cognitive powers, took my blood, and concluded among many other things that my glyco-oxidation levels were excellent.

Day one ended with my first treatment — the hydro energetic detox cure to break down fat. It featured 20 minutes having a head massage while lying in a warm, scented bath, then being smeared in algae-rich mud, wrapped in plastic and laid out on a vibrating waterbed. Finally, a therapist pummelled me from the other side of the room with jets of hot and cold water. I was down for a moonlight healing meditation at 8pm as well, but I fell asleep.

On day two, I ditched the flip-flops because the cool stone floors feel wonderful on your feet. I also pruned my schedule, which the endlessly accommodating, smiley staff couldn’t have been nicer about. Four breathwork sessions seemed at least three too many, but learning to do it properly promised to help with stress. Four acupuncture sessions seemed like four too many, frankly, but I compromised on two, because it helps with inflammation and ageing well. I carved out a morning here and an hour or two there when I could test the sunloungers for fatal design flaws (none), work up an informed view on the quality of the sand (excellent) and swim in the warm, pale blue sea. The swimming alone is worth the 11-hour flight to Cancun, because there are two properly enormous infinity pools overlooking the sea, plus a lap pool, and I had them mostly to myself.

The rest of the time, I was at the coalface of wellness. Part of the joy of this place is that you don’t have to think, or choose, or stress. They’ve thought of everything. Your day is structured, your food is put in front of you, you just have to turn up. I hit the gym with a personal trainer to lift weights, because they said I need to gain lean muscle mass now to protect me later in life. I tried a high-tech virtual reality exercise contraption, where you’re suspended and have to use your core to fly over a valley. Alas, I don’t have a core, so I crashed. The one-on-one yoga session confirmed my long-held belief that I would hate it, because slow movements and prolonged concentration are beyond me. “And that,” the delightful trainer said, “is precisely why doing yoga would be good for you.” He has a point. I had the same problem with the breathwork classes, but I persevered and now use some of the techniques when I get cross in the car, which is often.

There was intravenous ozone therapy to boost my immune system, improve blood circulation and revitalise my internal organs and tissues. When I looked doubtful, the doctor a) said it was true and b) produced clinical reviews to prove it. Kudos. I had my first ever therapy session, with a psychologist who concluded that it should not be my last. And in a holiday of firsts, I had my first ever ice bath, preceded by Wim Hof-style breathwork. To my astonishment, I lasted four and a half minutes without blinking.

My days passed in a flurry of massages, ginger therapeutic compresses for my kidneys and discussions about digestive issues. I was attached to a machine that showed how energy flows through my body and where there are possible blockages, which the acupuncturist would later address. I had osteopathy and presotherapy, to help with lymphatic draining and ease aches and pains, and Tibetan sound therapy. I spent 45 minutes gazing out over the ocean, on a pillow that made a faint fizzing sound, while my cells were regenerated by small metal plates strapped to my hands and feet.

• 18 of the best spa and wellness holidays • 20 best medical spas around the world

I never felt I was missing wine, toast or builder’s tea. In fact, I never even thought about them. My body obviously thinks that as long as it gets a hot liquid in the morning and a cold one in the evening, it doesn’t much care what it is (and you can actually have wine if you want, I just chose not to). As for the food, even someone as profoundly unvegan as me didn’t feel the lack of meat or dairy. And while I have no idea which of the individual treatments worked its magic, collectively they turned me into a new woman.

I left feeling profoundly clean, inside and out, and not just because of the colonic irrigation. The knots in my back have gone; ditto whatever was wrong with my shoulder. The nutritionist sent me home with a 19-page personalised diet and the reminder that “wellness is about balance, not perfection”, and I reflected on that when I got home and had the most delicious tea and toast of my life.

Sauerkraut at breakfast time is sadly not a habit that survived the return flight, but miso soup is now a fixture. I’ve bought apple cider vinegar and a jar of tahini, and I’ve told all my friends to go, no ifs, no buts. I spent a week in the lap of luxury having a comprehensive mid-life MoT and you know what? I’m not an old banger just yet. Hilary Rose was a guest of Healing Holidays. Seven nights’ full board on a rebalance and energise programme from £5,999pp, including flights and transfers ( healingholidays.com )

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‘A mystical experience’: millions watch total solar eclipse sweep across North America

Almost 32 million people in the path of totality as moon’s shadow crossed the Mexico-Texas border and then traversed 15 states

• If you missed the total solar eclipse just wait … until 2044
• Total solar eclipse over Mexico, US and Canada – in pictures

The ethereal spectacle of a total solar eclipse swept across North America on Monday afternoon, giving tens millions of people in Mexico, the US and Canada the chance to witness a rare and dazzling celestial show .

Almost 32 million people were in the path of totality as the moon’s shadow crossed the Mexico-Texas border at lunchtime and traversed 15 states over the next hour and a half, although many, especially in the south and midwest, were denied a clear view by low clouds and rain.

Those who did get to experience it were treated to a remarkable and surprisingly emotional display that won’t be seen again in the US until 2044 . Cities were plunged into sudden darkness, chilled by a precipitous drop in temperature, and felt the stillness of twilight in the middle of the day.

“There’s something very mysterious about a total solar eclipse, when literally day turns to night, animals start to behave differently, and we see changes in the Earth’s atmosphere,” Pam Melroy, the deputy head of Nasa, and a retired astronaut who has degrees in astronomy and planetary sciences, told CNN.

“It’s a mystical, mysterious experience. And I love the thought that millions of Americans stood together today, looking up into the sky.”

Tourism officials believe at least 4 to 5 million traveled from other parts of the US to witness the show, making it the country’s biggest travel day of the year and bringing in an estimated $1.5bn economic boost .

Many were up before dawn to stake their place, and cities from Texas to Maine, as well as others outside the path of totality, hosted watch parties and gave away free eclipse glasses.

Joe Biden posted a message from the White House, calling the eclipse an event “worth marveling at”, and urging Americans to use safety glasses to look at the sun.

The Dallas-Fort Worth region was the largest metropolitan area on the path of totality, making north Texas a major destination and creating potential headaches for locals. The cloudy weather left some scrambling at the last minute to change plans and head for clearer skies, but for much of north Texas totality itself was clear.

Ignas Barauskas traveled to Texas from Lithuania, arriving at midnight, just hours before the eclipse began.

“Better than all expectations,” he told the Guardian, after the clouds parted and Dallas experienced almost four minutes of blackout.

“Everyone was screaming, like a concert,” he added.

For many, the experience proved costly, with surging air fares and exorbitant hotel rates. Others found long-held bookings canceled and resold to new customers at up to three times their original prices.

Such was the interest in the eclipse that numerous states and municipalities declared states of emergency in expectation of massive crowds. The entire event, however, appears to have passed off peacefully, amid warnings from US intelligence of a rise in the terror threat , particularly for large gatherings, following last month’s deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall .

Nasa live streamed the event for those who could not see the eclipse directly or lived outside the path of totality. Almost everywhere in North America experienced a partial eclipse of varying percentages depending on the proximity to its center track.

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The agency also conducted science experiments. It fired rockets into the moon’s shadow to study how Earth’s upper atmosphere is affected by the momentary dimming of sunlight and the possible impact on communications systems, and it harnessed an army of citizen volunteers to capture images of the solar corona during totality, then help analyze them afterwards.

Meanwhile, at several zoos, researchers joined public volunteers to watch the behavior of animals . During previous eclipses, giraffes ran around frantically, tortoises started rutting and gibbons sang and barked, although television images of zebras at Dallas zoo on Monday showed them largely unimpressed by the event.

The most recent total solar eclipse in the US was in 2017 , but an interval of only seven years is unusual. This one had a longer track, and a wider shadow of totality than seven years ago because the moon was closer to Earth.

The time of totality in any given location was also longer. In 2017, the longest duration anywhere was two minutes and 42 seconds. Today it was four minutes and 28 seconds in Torreón, Mexico , while almost every place along the path experienced between three and a half to four minutes of totality, even if those below could not always see the eclipse.

The next total solar eclipse anywhere in the world is 12 August 2026 , covering large areas of the northern hemisphere, with totality limited to Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small area of Portugal. The UK will see a partial eclipse of more than 90%.

Residents of the mainland US must wait until 22 August 2044 , when a total eclipse will be seen in North and South Dakota and Montana, plus northern Canada.

Following that, it is almost exactly one year until the next coast-to-coast total eclipse in the US, on 12 August 2045 , spanning California to Florida.

Additional reporting by Charlie Scudder

• Solar eclipses

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A guide to LGBTQ+ travel in Latin America

With museums, culture, nightlife, family outings and safe spaces to  relax in, Latin America has much to offer LGBTQ+ travellers. 

Latin America is a vast region of over 656 million inhabitants. Stretching across two continents, it’s a storied location where people and cultures from Europe, Africa, the Americas and elsewhere mixed and settled. Spanish and Portuguese, vestiges of two rival superpowers, are the dominant languages. The ancient empires, Aztec, Incan, Mayan and others, still make their presence known — from the archaeological highlights of museums to the living spectacles of carnivals, parades and religious celebrations, like the macabre Day of the Dead and the continued worship of goddesses like Yemanjá brought from the West African coast.

The region’s powerhouse cities are where LGBTQ+ nightlife, culture and political progress are most visible, from the Beaux-Arts streets of Buenos Aires to the sun-kissed Rio de Janeiro, with its spectacular natural setting of mountains and beaches. Indeed, it’s these sandy stretches many tourists come to Latin America for, whether they’re seeking the golden shores of the Caribbean coast or the dramatic, mountainous landscapes that butt against the Pacific, creating conditions that every surfer dreams of.

One of the most thrilling of all Latin American destinations, glamorous Buenos Aires should be the starting point of every Argentine adventure. It’s also one of the world’s leading countries on LGBTQ+ human rights issues — it passed a national same-sex marriage equality law in 2010, five years before the US and three before the UK. Peppered with French Beaux-Arts architecture, Buenos Aires is crisscrossed by grand boulevards and marble-embellished monuments. Visitors will find hundreds of bookshops to explore, the most famous of which, El Ateneo Grand Splendid, is housed in a former theatre. There are cafes, museums and a glittering opera house. To walk along any street, especially the Nueve de Julio, is a dizzying experience.

Where to go at night in Argentina? Buenos Aires is home to some of the best LGBTQ+ nightlife on the continent, and it’s not for the faint hearted. Things don’t get going until past midnight, with locals out long after sunrise. Club Amerika in the Almagro neighbourhood is the city’s largest nightclub and a centre point of LGBTQ+ nightlife. El Lugar Gay is a small, men-only budget hotel located in the historic San Telmo neighbourhood, an area known for its Sunday antiques fair and tango performances.

Where to see Argentinian culture? Though a controversial figure in Argentina, former First Lady Eva Perón, better known as Evita, remains one of the country’s most well-known figures — a Dior-clad gay icon to many LGBTQ+ locals, with stars like Madonna, Patti LuPone and Elaine Paige having portrayed her. Her myth, mystery, legend and wardrobe are explored at Museo Evita in the elegant Palermo neighbourhood.

Where to go with family in Argentina? This nightlife-oriented city has plenty for queer family gaycations, from watching the famous ‘cat ladies’ take care of felines in Recoleta Cemetery to the Abasto neighbourhood’s Museo de los Niños , with educational science activities for children. Argentina’s Patagonian region makes an excellent option for skiing or hiking trips in Bariloche. Those of drinking age will enjoy Mendoza, an important wine region, where the Malbec grape reigns supreme.

Few places in Latin America rival the powerhouse experience that is Brazil. One of the largest countries in the world, this South American nation pulsates with a landscape as diverse as its people, with thousands of miles of beachfront, metropolitan cities, mountains and the Amazon rainforest, to name just a few points of interest. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to choose what to start with first in Brazil, and many LGBTQ+ travellers make repeat visits.

Where to go at night in Brazil? Rio is an effervescent metropolis and former capital where neighbourhoods jostle between mountains and beaches, the giant art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado mountain rising above it all. The highlight of the year is Carnival — the largest such celebration in the world — in February or March, depending on the Easter calendar. It’s all about the beaches here and two are main centres of LGBTQ+ life — Ipanema, especially its Rua Farme de Amoedo gay beach, and the densely urban Copacabana beach, where locals and visitors alike pose for sunset photos with the curvaceous Sugarloaf Mountain in the background. A Brazilian cultural highlight is in Rio’s Flamengo Park, which is home to the Carmen Miranda Museum , celebrating the actress whose oversized fruit-covered headdresses inspired many a drag queen.  

Where to explore in Brazil? Visitors will find urban charm in São Paulo, with its contrasting wealthy and impoverished neighbourhoods operating within walking distance of each other. Every May, it hosts a massive gay pride parade with millions of spectators lining Avenida Paulista. Salvador, in the northeastern state of Bahia, is a hotspot for Afro-Brazilian culture. Statues of Yemanjá, mother of orishas (divine spirits) in the Yoruba religion, are everywhere — a nod to the area’s past. A visit to Pelourinho is a highlight for many, its cobblestone streets lined with colourful buildings stretching to stunning vistas.

Where to go with family in Brazil? For LGBTQ+ family travellers with kids, no trip to Brazil is complete without visiting Iguazú Falls, a series of waterfalls in the country’s south where it edges against Argentina and Paraguay. Several times larger than their North American counterpart, legend says Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed, “Poor Niagara!” upon seeing them.

Visitors to Mexico should start in its glorious capital, filled wih museums and cultural venues like Palacio de Bellas Artes, with its Beaux Arts facade and art deco interior, or the fascinating National Anthropology Museum. Once the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, the city is centred around the massive Zócalo, a square where Spanish buildings were constructed over ancient temples and pyramids.

Where to see the best of Mexican nightlife? Only in Zona Rosa — literally the Pink Zone — can travellers find such a dense concentration of LGBTQ+ nightlife. Near the Angel of Independence monument along Avenida de la Reforma, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and other venues popular with LGBTQ+ tourists and locals abound, along with some of the city’s best hotels.

Where to see Mexican culture? The Frida Kahlo Museum is located in the bohemian Colonia del Carmen neighbourhood. Known as the Casa Azul, this tribute to the bisexual artist has been open to the public since the late 1950s.

Where to explore nature in Mexico? Mexico’s coastlines offer a wide array of beaches to explore. Cancun and the Riviera Maya on the Yucatán peninsula are among its jewels and the source of much of the country’s income from tourism. Storied Puerto Vallarta, one of Latin America’s most popular LGBTQ+ beach destinations, overlooks the Pacific.

Peru is geographically diverse, with beaches, mountains and the western stretches of the Amazon jungle, making it a must-visit spot for nature-seeking travellers.

Where to see the best of Peruvian nightlife? Peru’s capital, Lima, is a gastronomic paradise, with native cuisine like ceviche, a raw fish and citrus dish, and drinks such as the pisco sour a popular choice. The country’s large and influential Japanese population has also impacted the culture and the cuisine. The main LGBTQ+ area is garden-like district Miraflores, the name of which means ‘look at the flowers’. Sadly, two prominent gay nightlife spots, Lola Bar and Discoteca Legendaris, have recently closed; luckily, a number of new joints are in the works. However, ValeTodo DownTown , a bar central to the strong gay residential presence here, remains open and thriving.

Where to go on an outdoor adventure in Peru? One of the reasons many visitors come to Peru is to trace the country’s ancient Incan roots. Two of the world’s most coveted bucket-list destinations are in Peru: the ancient Andean temple complex Machu Picchu with its stunning views, and Cusco, which was a capital of the Incan Empire. Visitors will come across colonial buildings representing the Spanish conquest built on top of ancient temples, the periods of architecture instantly recognisable via differing stonework. A rickety train traverses a stunning mountain pass to connect Cusco and Machu Pichu, allowing for day trips. More adventurous travellers can hike the various Inca Trails over several days, finding lesser-known historic ruins along the way.

While certain parts of Latin America might be known for a degree of brashness, travellers will   find a more reserved destination when they visit Chile. Santiago, the capital, stretches along the city’s main thoroughfare, Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, and sits either side of the Mapocho River.

What to do at nighttime in Chile? The gay heart of Santiago is in the quaint district Barrio Bellavista, much of which dates to the 1920s. Chile is a former Spanish colony, and these influences can be seen in much of the area’s architecture, from the terracotta shingles to the white stucco walls. At night, the district comes alive with music and partying, as locals and visitors head to clubs, restaurants and bars, many with live music. The neighbourhood is dominated by San Cristóbal Hill and its statue of the Virgin Mary, a symbol of the city, connected by a not-always-functioning funicular.

Where to see Chilean culture? Argentina’s Mendoza on the other side of the Andes might be South America’s better known wine region, but Chile has one of the continent’s largest. What makes it even more ideal for visitors to the capital is that there’s no need to fly to a second destination. The wine region surrounds Santiago, most of it within an hour-and-a half drive by car or organised tour to Casablanca Valley, the Maipo region or the Central Valley, where wineries like Concha y Toro create magical elixirs from Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon and other grapes.

Related Topics

• LGBT-FRIENDLY TRAVEL
• FAIRS AND CARNIVALS
• CULTURAL TOURISM
• FAMILY TRAVEL

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• Solar Eclipse 2024

See the 2024 Solar Eclipse’s Path of Totality

A total solar eclipse is expected to pass through the United States on April 8, 2024, giving stargazers across the country the opportunity to view the celestial phenomenon in which the sun is completely covered by the moon.

The eclipse will enter the U.S. in Texas and exit in Maine. It is the last time a total solar eclipse will be visible in the contiguous United States until 2044.

Here's what to know about the path of the eclipse and where you can see it.

Read More : How Animals and Nature React to an Eclipse

Where can you see the total solar eclipse?

The eclipse will cross through North America, passing over parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. 

The eclipse will enter the United States in Texas, and travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.

Much of the eclipse's visibility depends on the weather. A cloudy day could prevent visitors from seeing the spectacle altogether.

When does the solar eclipse start and end?

The solar eclipse will begin in Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. It will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

The longest duration of totality—which is when the moon completely covers the sun — will be 4 minutes, 28 seconds, near Torreón, Mexico. Most places along the path of totality will see a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes.

Read More : The Eclipse Could Bring $1.5 Billion Into States on the Path of Totality

Where’s the best place to see the total solar eclipse?

The best place to witness the event is along the path of totality. Thirteen states will be along the path of totality, and many towns across the country are preparing for the deluge of visitors— planning eclipse watch parties and events in the days leading up to totality.

In Rochester, NY, the Rochester Museum and Science Center is hosting a multi-day festival that includes a range of events and activities. Russellville, Arkansas will host an event with activities including live music, science presentations, tethered hot-air balloon rides, and telescope viewings.

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Write to Simmone Shah at [email protected]

Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse people could see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:00 AM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse  crossed North America Monday with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show  where and when astronomy fans could see the big event  as skies darkened in the middle of the day Monday, April 8.

The total eclipse first appeared along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then traveled across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon fully blocked out the sun , according to NASA. The path ranged between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse started over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that experienced totality was Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT, according to NASA. From there, the path continued into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse exited continental North America at around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality included portions of the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. were included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others saw a partial eclipse. These were some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — though the weather was a factor :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse reached totality across its path

The eclipse began in the U.S. as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and then moving along its path to the northeast over the following few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. People could have also  checked their ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse was to reach them if they were on, or near, the path of totality — or if they saw a partial eclipse instead.

How much of the eclipse did people see if they live outside the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse covered a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may have spotted a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer they were to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that was hidden.

NASA allowed viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun was to be covered in their locations.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality had a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You could have checked the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where did the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, got to experience totality for the longest. Totality there lasted 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality saw a totality duration of between 3.5 and 4 minutes, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. came close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, had a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse they had on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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When is Eid al-Fitr 2024 and how is it celebrated?

The three-day festival celebrates the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan by Muslims across the world.

As a new moon was not sighted on Monday evening after Maghrib prayers, Muslims in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries will fast one more day, completing 30 days of Ramadan. The first day of Eid will then be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10.

The first day of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon marking the start of the month of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.

Keep reading

A ramadan no palestinian will ever forget, the cost of a ramadan iftar meal around the world, ramadan 2024: where do your dates come from, in washington, dc: celebrating ramadan, protesting israel’s siege of gaza.

Lunar months last between 29 and 30 days so Muslims usually have to wait until the night before Eid to verify its date.

Other countries follow independent sightings.

When the sighting has been verified, Eid is declared on television, radio stations and at mosques.

How do Muslims celebrate Eid?

Traditionally, Eid is celebrated for three days as an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries. However, the number of holiday days varies by country.

Muslims begin Eid day celebrations by partaking in a prayer service that takes place shortly after dawn, followed by a short sermon.

On their way to the prayer, which is traditionally held in an open area, Muslims recite takbeerat, praising God by saying “Allahu Akbar”, meaning “God is great”.

It is customary to eat something sweet before the prayer, such as date -filled biscuits known as maamoul in the Middle East. This particular festival is known as the “sweet” Eid – and the distribution of sweets is common across the Muslim world.

Muslims usually spend the day visiting relatives and neighbours and accepting sweets as they move around from house to house.

Each country has traditional desserts and sweets that are prepared before Eid or on the morning of the first day.

Children, dressed in new clothes, are offered gifts and money to celebrate the joyous occasion.

Girls and women in many countries decorate their hands with henna. The celebration for Eid begins the night before as women gather in neighbourhoods and large family gatherings for the application of henna.

In some countries, families visit graveyards to offer their respects to departed family members right after the morning prayers.

It is common for Muslim-majority countries to decorate their cities with lights and hold festivities to commemorate the end of the fasting month.

Eid amid the onslaught in Gaza

For some 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza this Eid, this will be the first Muslim religious holiday after more than 33,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks. With little food aid, and very limited water, Gaza’s Eid al-Fitr will be mired in destruction amid the continuing attacks.

What are common Eid greetings?

The most popular greeting is “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) or “Eid sa’id” (Happy Eid). Eid greetings also vary depending on the country and language.

The video below shows how people say Eid Mubarak in different languages around the world.

The best travel VPN in 2024

The best VPNs to use on your travel, according to our in-house tests

• Top 3 at a glance
• 1. Best travel VPN overall
• 2. Best cheap travel VPN
• 3. Best travel VPN for groups
• 4. Honorable mentions
• How to pick a travel VPN
• How we test

Top 3 travel VPNs at a glance 1. Best travel VPN overall: ExpressVPN 2. Best cheap travel VPN: Surfshark 3. Best travel VPN for groups: Private Internet Access 4. Honorable mentions How to pick a travel VPN How we test VPNs VPN FAQs

Along with your passport, sunblock, and phone charger, a VPN is a must-have item before you jet off abroad. It will safeguard your private information while you’re online and it’ll enable you to unblock all your favorite sites and services from back home. It’s especially useful if you’re headed to a destination that has strict internet censorship, such as China, North Korea, or Russia.

A quick online search will show you that there are plenty of VPNs that claim to be perfect for travel. But the truth is, not all of them are secure enough to protect your data, unblock streaming services, and go undetected by foreign governments. Luckily, we’ve compared dozens of VPNs to ensure they tick all these boxes for a fair price, while also delivering fast speeds and good customer service. So keep reading to find out our pick of the best travel VPNs.

The 3 best travel VPNs at a glance

If you’re looking for a quick recommendation for the best VPN for travel, take a look at our top three tried-and-tested travel VPNs: 

1. <a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.expressvpn.com%2Foffer%2Frecommended-deal%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Best VPN for travel: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is our number one choice for travel, thanks to its impressive fleet of secure servers around the world. No matter where you’re headed, ExpressVPN will keep your data safe with its market-leading security features. It’ll also allow you to unblock location-restricted content from anywhere.

It also has fast speeds that are ideal for streaming on the go. If you want to try it out, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can see if it’s right for you before you commit..

2. <a href="http://get.surfshark.net/aff_c?offer_id=61&aff_sub3=i%3Dbest&aff_id=1691&aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="get.surfshark.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Fast speeds for a low monthly cost: Surfshark

If you’re looking for a fast VPN that won’t break the bank or compromise your security, Surfshark could be your ideal solution. In testing, we found it had the fastest speeds overall.

It can give you access to a huge range of geo-blocked streaming services, and it comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, so you and everyone you’re traveling with can use one subscription. You can test it out risk-free thanks to Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

3.   <a href="https://privateinternetaccess.com/offer/future_60e7q6mk5?aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="privateinternetaccess.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Great for large travel parties on a budget: Private Internet Access

PIA has a massive selection of over 20,000 servers based around the world, and you can use them to unblock sites and services from other regions in seconds.

It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you and your travel buddies can all share one subscription. It’s also one of the cheapest reliable options around, so it’s ideal if you want to keep your costs low without skimping on security. You can test it out by using PIA’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

The best travel VPNs in 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The best travel VPN overall: ExpressVPN

1. expressvpn.

The best travel VPN, and great for beginners

Number of servers: 3,000+ | Speed: Up to 750 Mbps | VPN locations: 160 in 105 countries | Maximum devices supported: 8 | 24/7 live chat: Yes | 30 day money back guarantee: Yes

✔️ You want to access sites and services from around the world while you’re traveling . ExpressVPN boasts 160 server locations across 94 countries, so you’ll have plenty of secure options that can unblock the content you want. 

✔️ This is your first VPN and you want something that’s easy to use. ExpressVPN’s intuitive interface is ideal for beginners, and its 24/7 customer support is very reassuring and helpful.

✔️ You want a secure VPN with plenty of features. ExpressVPN comes with a sophisticated kill switch, DNS leak protection, and an auto-connect feature.

❌ You're on a budget. ExpressVPN is definitely one of the more expensive options out there. So you might want to look at Surfshark or PIA if you’re on a budget.

❌ You want the fastest speeds around. Although ExpressVPN shouldn’t slow you down for most everyday activities, if you game or stream a lot, you might be better off with NordVPN or Surfshark.  

ExpressVPN  is the best travel VPN around, thanks to its large fleet of secure servers, excellent security features, and ability to unblock region-restricted content from anywhere.

If you want the best VPN for travel, you’d struggle to find better than ExpressVPN. With an impressive fleet of over 3,000 servers across 160 locations in 94 countries, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

It even has servers in locations that have restrictive rules around VPNs, such as China, Iran, and Indonesia. This means that you can still protect your data while traveling to these countries without impacting your speed.

Speaking of protecting your data, ExpressVPN is one of the most privacy-focused VPNs on the market. 

ExpressVPN can unblock location-restricted content from other parts of the world. It has the best coverage we’ve found in the US and Europe. And it has servers across 26 Asia-Pacific regions, giving you no end of options when it comes to accessing the content you want.

Unfortunately, ExpressVPN is one of the more expensive options out there, and it only comes with eight simultaneous connections, which is frustrating, considering the price, but this will probably be sufficient for a lot of users. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it before committing to a lengthy subscription.

The best cheap travel VPN: Surfshark

2. surfshark.

The best cheap travel VPN available

Number of servers: 3,200+ | Server locations: 160+ in 100+ countries | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited | 24/7 live chat: Yes | 30 day money back guarantee: Yes

✔️ You want the fastest speeds a VPN can offer. Surfshark is the fastest VPN we’ve tested, getting up to 950 Mbps. So you’ll be able to enjoy a smooth, lag-free experience.

✔️ You want a VPN solution for your whole travel party in one subscription. Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning that everyone going with you will be covered on all their devices with the same subscription.

✔️ You’re after a cheap VPN that doesn’t skimp on features. Despite Surfshark’s low monthly cost, it comes stuffed full of security features, as well as unlimited simultaneous connections and unrivaled speeds.

❌ You feel the need for a particularly robust kill switch. Although it works reasonably well, we found it struggled under intense testing. If you need one that’s completely foolproof, NordVPN and ExpressVPN would suit you better.

❌ You have an older Windows device. Surfshark doesn’t support Windows versions below 8.1, and Windows users don’t get a free 7-day trial option.  

Surfshark offers incredible value for money, with very reasonable low monthly subscriptions that come with unlimited simultaneous connections and access to 3,200+ servers across the globe.

If you want a solid VPN for travel without breaking the bank, Surfshark is an excellent choice, particularly if you’re going with a large group of people. That’s because Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can all use the same subscription on all your devices at once.

It has a fleet of 3,200 servers in 143 locations across 100 countries. Although this isn’t the largest offering around, it’ll give you plenty of options while you’re traveling abroad.

It’s a particularly strong choice if you’re visiting a country where VPNs are restricted, such as China. This is thanks to Surfshark’s NoBorders mode, which switches on automatically whenever it detects restrictions on your network. It will then present you with a list of servers that are strong enough to bypass the restrictions.

Surfshark is also brilliant at accessing geo-blocked sites and services. Plus, if streaming is important to you, you’ll really appreciate Surfshark’s unbeatable speeds. You can try it out risk-free thanks to Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

The best travel VPN for groups: Private Internet Access

3. private internet access.

A great travel VPN for group holidays

Number of servers: 20,000+ | Server locations: 84 countries | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited | 24/7 live chat: Yes | 30 day money back guarantee: Yes

✔️ You want a huge selection of servers to choose from. PIA boasts an incredible fleet of 20,000+ servers. So wherever you are in the world, you’ll be sure to find plenty of options nearby that you can connect to.

✔️ You’re looking for one VPN subscription for everyone you’re traveling with. PIA gives you unlimited simultaneous connections, which means that everyone going on holiday with you will be able to use the same subscription.

✔️ Your privacy is important to you.  PIA operates a strict zero logs policy, which has been proven in court twice now, So you can trust that PIA really is as secure as it claims to be.

❌ This is your first VPN and you want something user-friendly. PIA has lots of customizable options, which is great if you know what you’re doing. But it’s not the easiest one to use if you’re not used to VPNs.

❌ You want to watch 10Play. While PIA is great at unblocking most region-restricted content, we weren’t able to use it to access 10Play.

Private Internet Access offers fantastic value for money, with low monthly costs and unlimited simultaneous connections.  

If you’re after a VPN while you’re abroad, you won’t go far wrong with PIA. With over 20,000 servers across 84 countries, you’ll never be far away from a server. It even has a server in every single US state, making it a fantastic choice if you’re traveling around the US. 

Even though it doesn’t have servers in quite as many countries as some of the other providers on our list, it has them in many locations where VPNs are restricted, such as China and Turkey. However, if you’re traveling to Iran, Cuba, Syria, or Myanmar, PIA won’t be able to bypass the restrictions. So make sure you check it works in your destination before you sign up,

PIA comes with unlimited simultaneous connections. So you and your travel companions can all use it on as many devices as you like while only paying for one subscription. Considering how cheap PIA is, this gives you excellent value for money.

Sadly, it’s not as fast as NordVPN or Surfshark. But its speeds are adequate for most online activities, including streaming. Speaking of which, PIA was able to bypass region restrictions on every streaming service we tested, apart from 10Play.

If you want to try it out, PIA offers a free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Other quality travel VPNs I've tested

The very best VPN I've tested

Number of servers: 6,000+ | Server locations: 140 in 110+ countries | Maximum devices supported: 6 | 24/7 live chat: Yes | 30 day money back guarantee: Yes

✔️ You want robust security. NordVPN is one of the most privacy-focused VPNs on the market, with features like Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and built-in antivirus protection.

✔️ You want to unblock region-restricted content while you’re traveling. Whatever you want to watch, NordVPN will help you access the content you want in seconds.

✔️ You need fast internet speeds. Thanks to NordVPN’s own NordLynx protocol, you’ll be able to enjoy fast and reliable speeds that are ideal for streaming and gaming.

❌ You want to access servers from the largest range of countries. Although NordVPN has servers in 60 countries around the world, Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer significantly more options.

❌ You need unlimited simultaneous connections . A NordVPN subscription only comes with six simultaneous connections. So you’ll need to pay for more than one subscription if you’re traveling in a large group or sign up to Surfshark or PIA instead.

NordVPN is one of the most reputable VPNs on the market, and with its outstanding security features, strong unblocking capabilities, and consistently fast speeds, it more than lives up to its reputation as being one of the best all-round solutions.

NordVPN might be the perfect travel VPN for you but it depends on where you’re going. Due to the fact it has servers in a comparatively small number of countries, it may not suit your plans. So make sure you check your destination is covered before choosing NordVPN.

However, if you’re happy with the list of server locations, NordVPN is a fantastic choice. Its obfuscated servers make it a perfect VPN for China, Iran, and other locations where VPNs are restricted. It works by disguising VPN traffic to make it look like regular traffic, so it can go undetected. This also makes it ideal for unblocking region-restricted content.

Elsewhere, it delivers consistently fast speeds thanks to NordVPN’s unique Wireguard-based protocol, NordLynx. If you’re traveling solo or with one or two others, it’s a strong and reliable solution that won’t let you down. You can try it out before committing, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost

A good travel VPN with a long money-back-guarantee

Number of servers: 9,700+ | Server locations: 91 countries | Maximum devices supported: 7 | 24/7 live chat: Yes | 45 day money back guarantee: Yes

✔️ You want time to make up your mind. While most providers offer 30 days, CyberGhost gives a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. This gives you plenty of time to try it out before deciding if it’s the right provider for you.

✔️ You’ve never used a VPN before. CyberGhost is easy to use with plenty of tutorials and handy guides to help you get to grips with all CyberGhost has to offer.

✔️ You’re on a tight budget. Price-wise, CyberGhost is comparable with other great-value solutions, such as Surfshark and PIA. It also offers plenty of features, giving you great value for money.

❌ You want a wide selection of streaming options. In testing, CyberGhost struggled to bypass region restrictions on some of the most popular streaming services, such as the UK versions of Netflix and Disney Plus. 

❌ You want one subscription for your whole travel party. Unless you’re traveling alone or with one or two other people, you might find that CyberGhost’s seven simultaneous connections aren’t sufficient for you. Instead, you might be better off with Sufshark or PIA

CyberGhost is a brilliant travel VPN for beginners as it’s easy to use and is a very affordable solution. 

If you’re looking for your first travel VPN, CyberGhost is a solid choice, thanks to its simple, intuitive interface, cheap price plans, and generous 45-day money-back guarantee. On top of this, it offers a huge selection of 11,700+ servers in 91 countries, so you’ll almost certainly be able to access secure servers at your destination.

Despite its low monthly cost, CyberGhost has some of the fastest speeds around, beating the likes of ExpressVPN and PIA. Better yet, CyberGhost can unblock local banking apps with ease, which means you can do secure online banking without worrying about hackers.

However, it’s not quite as adept at unblocking location-restricted streaming services. In our testing, we found that it struggled to unblock the UK versions of Disney Plus and Netflix.

It also doesn’t have the most reliable customer service, unlike NordVPN and ExpressVPN. It’s pretty good for the price, however, and if you want to try it out, you get a full 45-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to decide.

How to choose the right travel VPN

When choosing the best travel VPN, you’ll need one that will successfully spoof your true IP address and make it appear as though you’re in a different location. This will prevent third parties, including foreign governments, from being able to see your online activity or restrict your internet usage. Therefore, you’ll want a VPN with plenty of robust security features to prevent anyone from being able to view any of your data.

It’s also important to check whether or not it has a good range of secure servers at your destination. If you’re headed somewhere that restricts VPNs, such as China, Iran, or Russia, you’ll also need one that has obfuscated servers so you can access the content you want without detection.

On top of this, a good travel VPN will be able to unblock region-restricted sites and services from around the world. If you’re traveling as part of a large group, it’s a sensible idea to pick a provider that offers enough simultaneous connections for everyone.

How we test travel VPNs

Before recommending the best VPNs for travel, we put all the market-leading providers through a rigorous testing process before selecting the best options.

Our expert team of in-house testers try out a huge range of options and decide on the best ones. We trial desktop and mobile apps on all major operating systems and check all of the settings in each app to ensure it works well.

We also run further tests every six months to keep our findings completely up to date and to ensure we’ve tested out any new features. And we test each VPN to see if it can consistently unblock all the major streaming services.

For more details, see our full methodology on how we test VPNs .

Travel VPN FAQs

Where is using a vpn legal.

VPNs are legal in most places around the world, including the US, Europe, Canada, and Australia. However, there are some countries that prohibit the use of VPNs, such as China, North Korea, and Iraq. If you’re caught using a VPN in one of these locations, you could risk a heavy fine or even imprisonment.

Is using a VPN safe?

Yes, using a VPN is extremely safe. In fact, provided you choose a reputable VPN, it will radically improve your online security by spoofing your real IP address and protecting your data from being viewed by third parties. 

Should I use a VPN while travelling?

Yes, it’s a very sensible idea to use a VPN while traveling because it will keep your data private and allow you to access sites and services from other parts of the world. It’s particularly helpful if you’re visiting a country that restricts internet usage, such as China, Russia, or Iran. 

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

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Olivia joined TechRadar in October 2023 as part of the core Future Tech Software team, and is the Commissioning Editor for Tech Software. With a background in cybersecurity, Olivia stays up-to-date with all things cyber and creates content across sites including TechRadar Pro , TechRadar , Tom’s Guide , iMore , Windows Central , PC Gamer and Games Radar . She is particularly interested in threat intelligence, detection and response, data security, fraud prevention and the ever-evolving threat landscape.

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