https://www.mexicancaribbean.travel/cancun/Where Beauty Meets Culture
With its gorgeous turquoise seas, powdery white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, it’s no surprise that Cancun is one of Mexico’s most popular resort areas.
Hotels, restaurants, malls, and nightclubs line either side of Boulevard Kukulkan, known as the Hotel Zone, which runs down the middle of the 15-mile-long sandbar. This is where you’ll find many of the city's all-inclusive hotels catering to families on vacation or couples on their honeymoon and everything in between. As you venture closer to the city’s downtown, “El Centro”, you’ll see a more local side of life, peppered with markets and traditional restaurants, as well as quality business class hotels and hostels.
Beaches
While Mexico boasts an impressive 6,200-mile-long coastline, Cancun and its 10 Blue Flag beaches continue to rank as one of the most popular spots for a beach vacation in the country. With most of the properties in the Hotel Zone sitting right on their own private stretch of sand, visitors can enjoy the ocean views from their very own balconies. When you’re ready for that next refreshing drink while basking in the Cancun sun. On the Caribbean side of the Hotel Zone, you’ll find public access beaches like Playa Gaviota Azul —known to locals as Playa Forum—, while in the southern end, Playa Delfines is a great option for people looking for moderate to intense waves. On this beach, you will find a well-known photographic parador.
Things to Do
Cancun is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers since there are plenty of things to do. Dive or snorkel in the region’s mystic cenotes located nearby (limestone sinkholes), or enjoy the day by the beach, jet skiing or parasailing. Cancun is the kind of place where it’s perfectly fine—and encouraged—to lounge in the sun or spa, or spend a day at one of its seven different golf courses, admiring the gorgeous views of the water while practicing your swing. For a taste of culture visit the Mayan Museum of Cancun, home to hundreds of artifacts uncovered at some of the most prominent archeological sites on the Yucatan peninsula, then be sure to check out the archeological sites that pepper the surrounding region, such as El Meco, El Rey, San Miguelito, Tulum, Cobá and Muyil, among others.
From upscale malls and designer boutiques to flea markets, Cancun offers a variety of shops for those looking to partake in a bit of retail therapy. The Hotel Zone is home to some of the city’s busiest malls like Marina Puerto Cancun, Kukulcan Plaza, and La Isla Shopping Village. If you’re looking for locally-made souvenirs and Mexican art, Flea market Coral Negro and Mercado 28 are the places to visit.
Restaurants & Nightlife
Cancun is renowned for its delectable cuisine and is home to some of the best restaurants in the region. You can find a wonderful mix of authentic Mexican fare and laid-back restaurants downtown, as well as upscale Mexican and international cuisine throughout our restaurants and nightlife options, including restaurants that overlook the Caribbean Sea and the beautiful Nichupté Lagoon , many of which have been recognized by prestigious travel and lifestyle magazines. These restaurants serve haute cuisine dishes featuring sophisticated atmospheres and the best service. They also feature some special performances, mariachi bands, DJ´s and dance shows.
embamex.sre.gob.mx/suiza/index.php/turismo/covid-19/english
To this day, there are no entry restrictions in Mexico and no obligation to carry a COVID test or to do quarantine.
Check the current status of the pandemic in Mexico and follow the sanitary rules to prevent contagion (information only in Spanish).
The Embassy informs that, according to article 36 of the Migration Act, Mexicans will always have the right to enter Mexico and cannot be denied of that right.
If you are a foreigner, the Embassy informs that, the Mexican migration authorities are especially careful to verify the entry requirements foreseen in article 60 of the Migration Regulations (http://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/regley/Reg_LMigra.pdf). Thus, the Mexican authorities are entitled to require, inter alia, following information: valid passport, visa (in case required), personal information, reason of travel, place of residence, address and period of stay in Mexico, date and form of transport to exit the country, invitation letters (in case of required), hotel reservations, subsistence means, etc.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
https://www.mexicancaribbean.travel/travel-information/getting-here/passports-visas/
Upon arrival in Mexico, you will need to produce an up to date passport plus a visitor’s permit which is now known as the FMM “Forma Migratoria Multiple”. This form is provided free of charge by your travel agent, airline or at point of entry. As before, passport holders from countries on Mexico’s no visa required list do not need to apply for a formal visa to visit Mexico. If you’re visiting Mexico from the US or Canada, this applies to you.
The immigration officer at passport control may also ask you to prove the necessary economic means and a return ticket to your country.
Immigration will check your documents and stamp and process the form, handing you back the right-hand portion, which you must keep and surrender when you leave Mexico. If you lose this form, you will have to go to the immigration desk at the airport and may have to pay a fine for another one, so it is best to attach it to your passport so it cannot be misplaced.
Mexico Visa Policy permits citizens of the countries listed below to travel to Mexico without a visa. (FMTTV):
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Irland, Island, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweeden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
http://www.sre.gob.mx/
Do I need a visa?
The general recommendation In Mexico and Switzerland is to avoid any kind of non-essential travel. Hence, if you decide to travel you do it on your own risk and with knowledge that the current situation can change immediately. In case your trip isn’t urgent, we suggest you avoid it.
Check the measures of the Swiss government for residents in the Swiss Confederation upon return from abroad.
Information about visa and entry requirements.
https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/suiza/index.php/seccion-consular/visas/english
ATTENTION: As of October 22, 2023, foreigners who intend to transit through Mexican international airports whose nationalities require a visa to travel to Mexico must have a Visitor visa without permission to carry out remunerated activities in order to board any flight to Mexico.
You can check the nationalities that require a visa to travel to Mexico in the following link: inm.gob.mx/gobmx/word/index.php/paises-requieren-visa-para-mexico/
How do I apply for a Visa?
Send us by post mail the listed documents, which can be found in each visa category. Our address - Mexican Embassy, Consular office, Weltpoststrasse 20, CH-3015 Bern.
- Once the documents have been verified, we will contact you by e-mail to arrange an appointment for an interview. The consular section reserves the right to request additional documents in individual cases. The visa is issued the same day if the interview is successful. (if there are not technical problems)
- The consular section does not accept incomplete documents. Your visa can only be issued if all the mentioned documents are submitted.
- The interview has to be in person (face to face) and you must bring your passport on the day of the appointment. Your passport will be returned to you on the day of your visit.
Visa fee must be paid in cash
WE DO NOT ACCEPT BANK TRANSFERS
Important information about entry into Mexico for foreigners of all nationalities with or without a visa, see here in English, Français, Italiano)
You will get an answer within the next 20 working days after sending your documents.
Type of visa
Tourist and business travelers - up to 180 days
Nevertheless,
if your nationality is on the list of countries that requires a visa, but you have a valid "C" permanent residence permit in Switzerland, or a valid visa (temporary or permanent) for the USA, the Schengen countries, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, Great Britain or Northern Ireland attached into your passport
, you do not need to apply for a visa as a tourist. You may stay in Mexico for up to 180 days. Holders of Swiss residence permit type B whose nationality is indicated in the following list DO require a visa to visit Mexico: https://www.inm.gob.mx/gobmx/word/index.php/paises-requieren-visa-para-mexico/ }
** ATTENTION: A VISUM and a RESIDENCE TITLE are two different documents!!! Check exactly which document you have!!!
** We regret to inform you that due to new instructions from the Mexican Foreign Ministry, visas may no longer be issued to holders of a Kosovar passport as of January 2017. Therefore, visa applications from Kosovar citizens will unfortunately be rejected.
Owners of Turkish/Russian/Ukrainian citizenship who do NOT meet any of the above requirements can apply for a normal tourist visa or an electronic visa, please click HERE. ATTENTION: traveling to Mexico with an electronic permit (SAE), please check before if the airline you will be traveling with accepts the SAE. If any reason the airline is not able to verify your electronic authorization (SAE) at check-in, your boarding will not be approved.
The following documents are required for the issuance of a visa - please send us the documents (copy) by mail for verification (Mexican Embassy Weltpoststrasse 20, CH-3014 Bern). Original documents must be shown on the appointment’s date.
- Completed APPLICATION FORM (currently only available in English)
- Copy of the passport with the personal data. The passport must be valid for at least six months before issuing the visa. For non Swiss citizens, a copy of the Swiss residence permit must be attached.
- A recent passport photo (please do not attach the picture to the application). The picture must be taken frontally, without glasses and against a white background (we recommend an appropriate photo studio for the picture). Please make sure that your head is completely visible on the picture.
- Proof of your financial situation:
a) Copy of your pay slips for the last 3 months confirming at least CHF 1'001.00 monthly income, please add: proof of an existing employment for at least one year (issued by your employer). Original documents must be shown on the appointment day.
b) Copy of your account statements of the last 3 months, on which at least 3'002.00 CHF monthly average balance is confirmed.
Please visit the following link for an example of how we require your bank statement -BANK ACCOUNT-
Please be aware that, if not presenting or showing the documents as mentioned in the requirements, your application will not proceed, and visa will be denied.
IMPORTANT:
The visa is valid for 180 days after being issued and is valid for multiple entries and exits.
ALL DOCUMENTS NOT ISSUED IN SWITZERLAND OR MEXICO MUST BE APOSTILLED BY THE PROPER AUTHORITIES AND IF IT IS THE CASE, TRANSLATED BY OFFICIAL TRANSLATORS INTO SPANISH OR ENGLISH. IF THE DOCUMENTS DO NOT HAVE AN APOSTILLE OR TRANSLATION, THE APPLICATION WILL NOT BE PROCESSED AND THEREFORE YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE AN APPOINTMENT.
For additional information: notmigsui@sre.gob.mx
https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/suiza/index.php/seccion-consular/visas/english
https://www.mexicancaribbean.travel/travel-information/things-to-know/
CURRENCY
The official currency is the Mexican peso, but the main credit cards and US dollars are accepted in most tourist points of interest.
There are banks, ATMs and exchange houses available in several of the destinations, however, it is recommended to always load with Mexican pesos.
TIME ZONE
Southeast Time (UTC-5), which remains fixed throughout the year.
WEATHER
Most of the year we have a warm and humid climate. The average annual temperature is 26 ° C, the average maximum temperature is 33 ° C and it occurs in the summer months (April and August), the average minimum temperature is 17 ° C during the month of January. The rainy season is from May to October.
WHAT TO PACK?
- When you do aquatic activities that involve marine flora and fauna, we ask you not to use the blocker (even if it is biodegradable), instead you can use a neoprene shirt that protects you from the sun.
- In case of doing some other type of activity (hiking, rappelling, bike rides) we recommend the use of sunscreen, sunscreen and biodegradable insect repellent.
- Don't forget to bring a hat or cap to reduce the possibility of sunburn and heat exhaustion.
- Bring tennis, sandals and water shoes, the latter will be of great help when you visit one of our water parks.
- Bring comfortable and fresh clothes.
- In the rainy season (May to October), we recommend you bring a light sweater, as the temperature tends to fall.
- Don't forget to bring a bathing suit, so you never have a pretext not to get in the water!
- We suggest you pack clothes and accessories for special occasions or to go out for dinner, as some restaurants have a dress code.
- In Mexico it is considered a gesture of gratitude for the good service provided to give tips, usually it is between 10 and 15% that is why we recommend you take this into consideration and although in some places load with cash at all times.
TRANSPORTATION
Getting around within the Mexican Caribbean is very easy thanks to the wide range of means of transport that each of the destinations has and which also allow you to connect comfortably to each other.
BUSES
The main destinations have different urban bus routes that run practically throughout the city and tourist sites, in continuous frequencies and the price is very accessible.
COLECTIVOS
They are vans that, like urban buses, have routes within cities.
TAXIS
The taxi service in the Mexican Caribbean is available at the main sites and tourist attractions. It is advisable to check the hotel rates; most hotels publish a list of prices from the hotel to various points of interest.
RENTAL CARS
Renting a car gives you the freedom to discover, in addition to the main tourist attractions, unsuspected places within the Mexican Caribbean.
There are many national and international car rental companies that are located at airports, some tourist sites, in the center of some of the cities, or you can also do it online.
We recommend renting a car in advance, especially during the holiday season.
Ferries
One of the options to reach any of the beautiful islands of the Mexican Caribbean: Isla Mujeres, Cozumel and Holbox; It is the ferry.