It won't be long before you're off to Mexico! I want to make sure you have all of the information and documentation you need before you go. None of the forms listed here are required to be done in advance but I know once you arrive you will want to be on the way to your resort as quickly as possible! Doing these ahead of time online can save you time at the airport. Please reach out if you have any questions.

COVID Notice:

Just about everything travel-related is affected by the current COVID crisis in one way or another. Regulations, restrictions, and availability of normal amenities are all subject to change at any time. What is true for travel today may be very different by the time you actually travel.

Please keep in mind that your travel experiences in the midst of this pandemic will likely be different than similar experiences you had before this occurred. Resorts may not be offering all of their usual amenities. Restaurants may only be open on a rotating basis. Resort staff may still be downsized and this can cause slower-than-normal service. Please be patient with them and know that the resorts are all trying hard to keep guests happy while dealing with the realities of our current times.

If you have problems during your trip, please work with the resort’s front desk to see if they can get it resolved for you, and let us know so we can reach out on your behalf as well.

ENTRY Requirements:

Passport: Don't forget your passport! It must be valid for 6 months past your return date and in good condition (not damaged).
Mexico Tourist Card: This official entry immigration form needs to be filled out for arrival. It is slowly being phased out, but is still necessary for the time being. The form is often passed out on the plane but you can do it at home and print it out so you're ready ahead of time. If you want to do it at home to be prepared, use this link: https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html
- They will collect the first half of this form when you arrive, and you will need the other half when you depart Mexico. DO NOT LOSE THIS FORM! Keep the other half with you for when you return home.
Covid Test (optional/recommended): A COVID test is not required before arriving in Mexico. However, we strongly recommend testing before your trip anyway. This can help you to know if you are positive for the virus before arriving in your destination and then needing to quarantine if you develop symptoms and test positive.
Vaccine Card (optional/recommended): While not required to enter Mexico itself, if you are vaccinated, it is a good idea to bring the card with you.

EXIT Requirements:

Mexico Tourist Tax - As of April 1, 2021 tourists to Quintana Roo (Cancun/Riviera Maya area) will be required to pay a tourist tax. This is approximately $11 per person after conversion. You can pay this in cash at the airport on your departure or you can pay it in advance online. To avoid any hassle, please be sure to pay this tax prior to getting to the airport. It will give you a QR code to scan. Here is the link: http://www.visitax.gob.mx/sitio/
Tourist Card: Remember to keep the other half of the Tourist Card from when you arrived. They will require it to depart back home to the US.
Mobile Passport (optional): To expedite your entry back into the US when you return, we recommend that you download the CBP Mobile Passport Control app. You can see more details here: Mobile Passport Control

Timeshare Warning!

Time-share and “Vacation Club” salespeople are notoriously prevalent in Mexico, both at the airport and in the resorts. Most resorts have a “Vacation Club” or "Membership" that is very expensive and they will try very hard to get you to a sales presentation, sometimes even as soon as you check in! The presentation is NOT required. You can firmly tell them that you’re not interested and they should hopefully leave you alone, but you may have to be rather firm about it if you do want to spend 4-6 hours of your vacation in a sales presentation!

Here is a diagram of the Cancun airport for arrival. The pre-arranged transfer companies will always be outside of the airport. Do not stop in the timeshare area. Always follow the instructions included in your documentation.

A Note About the Beaches:

Sargassum/seaweed/’red tide” is a common problem in Mexico and the Caribbean. It is something that can change on a daily basis and is dependent on the weather and Mother Nature in general. While it can be unpleasant to look at (and smell), it is thankfully temporary. It is worse in the summer and tends to be a bit better in winter, but it is still rather variable.

The resorts all try to do a great job to clean it up and remove it when it gets bad, but there are times when it can be overwhelming. If it unfortunately gets bad during your vacation, try not to let Mother Nature ruin your trip! Enjoy the beautiful pools and other resort amenities, and know that all resorts in that area are struggling with the same issue, so your particular resort isn’t to blame.

All-Inclusive Resort Pointers:

Tipping is allowed and expected/encouraged at most resorts and is always appreciated, especially for wonderful service. Take small bills as they might not be able to change larger bills at the hotel. On the resorts, US dollars are acceptable. Outside of the resorts, the local currency is preferred (such as for tours or taxis).
Dress Codes apply in most restaurants and often require long pants for men. Check the resort’s website for their requirements. Some accept jeans and others do not.
Reservations: Depending on your resort, some or all restaurants may require reservations. If your resort requires them, please make them as soon as possible once you’ve checked in. Some will allow you to make reservations ahead of time.
Resort App: Many resorts have their own mobile app now, which can be used for dinner reservations and menus, seeing the schedule of daily events, and more. The resort will advise at check-in if they have an app that will be helpful during your stay.
Safes: Please use the safe in your room for valuables. It is very rare that something would come up missing but don’t take the chance.
Credit Cards: Remember to notify your credit card companies that you will be traveling out of the country so they won’t flag your transactions as fraud and lock your card.

Packing tips:

Rooms are generally not ready until 3 pm. Make sure you pack a swimsuit and sunscreen in your carry-on so you can enjoy the pool/beach when you arrive. The resort will hold your luggage until your room is ready.
In case your luggage is delayed or lost, be sure to pack a change of clothes and important items like medications in your carry-on!
Take an insulated tumbler for your frozen drinks. The bartenders will make your drink right into your cup and you won’t find yourself waiting for a drink as often.
Many resorts are doing away with straws or using paper ones, so a nice reusable one (with a cleaning brush) is a great idea.
Pack a small can of bug spray. Mosquitos can be a problem in the tropics and it can be expensive to purchase bug spray at the resort.
Pack some over-the-counter meds like Tylenol, Advil, and Tums/Imodium in your bag. These are expensive on-property. Most resorts filter their water but it's best to be prepared just in case. You may want to use bottled water to brush your teeth.
Biodegradable sunscreen protects the reefs so please use it when possible. Some excursions like the Cenotes require it. Don’t forget lip balm with SPF.
If you have a lot of electronics, you may want to bring a power strip.
Remember small bills for tips - bartenders, waiters, housekeeping, and transfer companies!