Cancun, Mexico - visas, jabs, general advice etc please

[Finwoodhill]

We are going to visit some friends in Atlanta, Georgia, USA in early February who have now decided to take us to Cancun, Mexico for a week whilst we are there. Could just do with some general advice as we are reading conflicting reports on whether we need to get any documentation before we go if we are getting internal flights in the US rather than fliying directly to Cancun (do we need to get ESTA authorisation?). Also reassurance that this area is safe for a 5 year old (panicking grandparents!) - many thanks.

[dzug2]

You need ESTA if you fly via the US - even if it's just to change planes

You don't need a separate ESTA to fly from Atlanta to Cancun and back though, or for any internal US flight.

So your ESTA that you use to get the US is fine.

[alex2877]

There is an exit tax to pay when leaving cancun. £750 pesos, around £40. thats if you fly back to the UK, so not sure if you would still have to pay back to US

[alex2877]

Also, you should be fine going early February with children. Spring break is the only time i wouldn't recommend going

[buildersmate]

Cancun is entirely organised around the requirements of Americans - it is hard to envisage anything less like 'real' Mexico. That doesn't make it a bad place to go - just that security is not an issue to worry about

[Buenchico]

General safety advice, etc, (including entry requirements) from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office:
http://www.fco.gov.uk...ntral-america/mexico1

Health information from NaTHNaC (which is funded by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office):
http://www.nathnac.or...s/country_page_MX.htm

Chris

[dzug2]

I believe the main 'safety' concern in Cancun as Alex says is the 'spring break', when American students (who cannot legally drink at home as they are under 21) come in their thousands and drink themselves stupid. More of a danger to themselves than you.

Seems to be in March this year.

[Finwoodhill]

Thanks for your help folks - an ESTA it is then!

[T&S]

Don't miss Chichen Itza and Tulum....amazing.