We hope that this section will help you as you prepare for your Cancun vacation.

Documents needed for travel to Mexico

You are ready for your trip to Mexico. To enter the country, you need to have the following documents:

  • Valid passport (passport cards are not accepted)
  • Return airline ticket
  • Completed Customs form to show to Customs officials at the airport (one per family)

Immigration officials in the Airport may also ask to see proof of accomodation

  • Hotel reservation
  • Proof of funds to cover your intended stay such as cash or a bank statement

Due to the implementation of a pilot project to speed up Immigration checks for arriving visitors in Cancun International Airport and other destinations such as Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, you now only need to show a valid passport and a return airline ticket to enter the country. No immigration forms are required. Staff will check and stamp your passport with the number of the days that you are permitted to stay in the country. For most visitors it is 90 to 180 days depending on the nationality.

Immigration staff may ask to see proof of your booked accommodation, as well as funds to cover your intended stay while in the country.

Customs

You must fill in a customs declaration form prior to traveling to Mexico. This can be done online or using the forms available from airline staff on your inbound flight. Read the form carefully, if you have any goods to declare you need to complete the relevant section. If you do not declare goods, these may be confiscated, and you may be fined.  For information on restricted goods and how to declare goods, read the information published by the Mexican government.

Here is the link to the Customs form https://siat.sat.gob.mx/PTSC/DPE/faces/resources/pages/declaracion/declaracion.jsf

Items that may not be brought into the country

  • Firearms and ammunition
  • Narcotics
  • Electronic cigarettes (vaping devices) and vaping solutions
  • Fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, meat and cheese and other foods not in sealed packaging
  • Some prescription drugs are also prohibited

For the complete list check with the Mexican embassy or the nearest consulate in your country.

If traveling with cash, the maximum amount you are allowed to bring into Mexico is US$10,000.

In Cancun Airport when you go through Customs, your bags will be scanned, and you may be subject to random checks by Customs officials. Please be patient as there may be lines at peak times. The button system, whereby you press the button and if a green light displays, you may proceed, and a red light means a luggage inspection is not in use at this time.

Tax for international visitors (Visitax)

All international visitors entering the state of Quintana Roo pay a tax known as VISITAX, approximately US$10 per person, depending on the exchange rate. It can be paid online through the official government VISITAX website www.visitax.gob.mx/sitio before or during your visit to the state or in cash at the VISITAX desks in Terminal 2 and 4 at the airport prior to departure.

Travel & COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic Mexico did not impose travel restrictions for entering the country and this policy continues. However, arriving passengers may be subject to a temperature check in the airport and general hygiene procedures still apply. Wearing a face mask in the airport is now optional. The use of hand sanitizer is still recommended.

Medical and travel insurance

Before a trip anywhere in the world it is a good idea to check the coverage offered by your medical insurance provider. Many policies may not include full coverage overseas or emergency air evacuation and some may not cover you at all in the event of a sudden illness or accident abroad. Purchasing travel insurance is recommended to cover medical emergencies, theft or accidents and the inconvenience and expense caused by loss of luggage and cancelled flights.

Private hospitals in Mexico

Be aware that the policy of private hospitals in Mexico is to request a credit card for medical services required by international visitors if you do not have insurance or your medical insurance coverage does not apply in Mexico. They will charge your credit card or ask for cash payments up front.

Mobile phone service

Check with your service provider in your own country before departure to make sure that you have international coverage. Cell phones are available for rent locally.

Before your trip 

  • Call your bank, credit card company and phone service provider to let them know you’ll be traveling.
  • Make a note of all your bank and credit card numbers and store them securely.
  • Check your health insurance coverage and take out a travel insurance policy.
  • If you take prescription drugs, make sure that you have enough for your vacation needs in case your medication is not available in Mexico. Carry a copy of the prescription issued by your GP or a letter from your doctor in case you are asked to show it.
  • Let friends and relatives know where you will be traveling, when you are due back and give them the contact details for your hotel.
  • US travelers might consider registering with the US Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This system lodges their contact details at the embassy in the country they are visiting, sends them safety alerts and helps them contact their families in the event of an emergency. Other countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom have similar systems for people to register their travel plans.

Airport transportation

Arrange your airport transportation in advance with Thomas More Travel. Shared and private van services are available. Book online or call From US or Canada: 1-800-791-4496
From Mexico: 800 888-6627
Other countries: +52 998-881-01-65

Email: Email: airportservice@royalresorts.com

Download the Royal Resorts app

If you haven’t already done so, get the Royal Resorts app from the App Store or Google Play. You can use it to preregister and send special requests, check the daily activity programs, restaurant menus and spa treatments during your stay and to pay your resort bill and checkout at the end of your stay.

If you are staying at Royal Uno, download the Royal Uno app.