Mexico travel guide for Canadians

Canadians do not need a visa to enter Mexico as tourists. On arrival, you will receive an entry stamp and a tourist permit (FMM) that allows a stay of up to 180 days. Keep the permit safe; you must hand it back when you leave.

Your passport must be valid for the whole time you are in Mexico. Entry rules can change, so check the official Canadian travel advice and the Mexican immigration service before you fly.

For tourism, Canadians enter Mexico visa-free. You will fill in a form on the plane or at the border and receive a tourist permit (FMM) stamped with your allowed stay, usually up to 180 days. Do not lose it — you need it to exit.

If you plan to work, study or stay longer than 180 days, you need a different visa or permit, which you must arrange before you travel. Overstaying can lead to fines or a ban on re-entry.

Your passport should be valid for the entire stay. Some airlines ask for six months of validity, so check with your carrier. Entry rules can change, so confirm with the Mexican immigration authority before you go.

The Embassy of Canada in Mexico City is the main point of contact for Canadian citizens in Mexico. It can help with lost passports, arrests, medical emergencies and other consular issues.

For other cities, check the embassy website for consular services or contact the embassy directly. Consular services are also available in some major cities through honorary consuls.

A typical trip to Mexico for a Canadian costs roughly CAD 100–200 per day per person, depending on where you stay and how you travel. Budget travellers can get by on less; resort areas like Cancún or Los Cabos cost more.

Flights from Canada to Mexico vary by season. Round-trip fares from Toronto or Vancouver to Cancún or Mexico City often range from CAD 400 to CAD 900 in low season, and more in winter. Check flight prices for your dates.

Use the Mexico travel costs page for a detailed daily budget, and the flight-time planner to see how long the journey takes from your home city.

Direct flights from Canada to Mexico are available from major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary. Popular destinations include Cancún, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos.

Flight times vary: about 4–5 hours from Toronto to Cancún, 5–6 hours from Vancouver to Mexico City, and similar for other routes. Check the flight-time planner for your specific home city.

Book early for winter travel, when demand is high. Compare prices across airlines and dates to find the best fare.

Mexico uses the same plugs and voltage as the US and Canada: types A and B, 127 V, 60 Hz. If you are coming from Canada, your devices will work without an adapter.

Some older buildings may have only type A sockets, so a universal adapter can be handy. Voltage is similar to Canada, so no converter is needed for most electronics.

Tipping is customary in Mexico. In restaurants, leave 10–15% of the bill. For porters, guides and drivers, MXN 20–50 is typical, depending on the service.

Some resorts add a service charge; check your bill before adding extra. In taxis, rounding up is common, but not required.

In an emergency, dial 911 for police, ambulance or fire. The tourist assistance line is 078, and the Green Angels provide roadside help on highways.

Save the embassy number and your travel insurance details before you go. For non-urgent issues, contact the embassy during office hours.