Health & safety: Mexico
Can you drink the tap water in Mexico?
Tap water NOT safe to drink anywhere. Use bottled or filtered. Ice in hotels/major restaurants typically OK; street vendor ice questionable.
Food safety in Mexico
Major restaurants safe. Street food = generally OK but pick busy stalls with high turnover. Avoid raw vegetables you didn't wash + peel yourself. 'Don't drink the water' = also don't brush teeth with it.
Vaccinations
Required for entry
None required for entry.
Recommended by CDC/WHO
- Hepatitis A + B
- Typhoid (if traveling outside resort areas)
- Routine schedule current
Always check the CDC traveler's health page 4-6 weeks before departure for current recommendations.
Altitude warnings
Mexico City (2,240m) — give yourself 24-48h. Toluca (2,680m). Avoid heavy exertion day 1.
Mosquito-borne diseases
Dengue + Zika risk year-round in tropical areas (Yucatán, Pacific coast). Use DEET 30%+. Chikungunya sporadic.
Heat risk
Yucatán + tropical coasts Apr-Oct. Drink electrolytes.
Emergency medical infrastructure
Private hospitals in Mexico City (ABC, Médica Sur) world-class + affordable. Public hospitals limited. Insurance recommended.