Emergency Help Abroad – Mexico

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Mexico — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession, purchase or use of illegal drugs can result in arrest, imprisonment and severe penalties.

• Larger quantities may be treated as intent to supply, leading to long sentences.

• Carrying weapons, including knives or pepper spray, can lead to arrest.

• Drinking alcohol in public is restricted in many states; violations may result in fines.

• Drink-driving laws are strict, and checkpoints are common in tourist areas.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Religious sites require respectful clothing and behaviour.

• Desecrating cultural or historical monuments is illegal.

• Public indecency or nudity outside designated areas may lead to arrest.

• Littering in beaches, cenotes, archaeological sites or natural parks carries penalties.

• Damaging coral reefs or marine environments is strictly prohibited.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police can request identification; travellers should carry their passport or a copy.

• Disorderly behaviour in bars, clubs or public areas can lead to arrest.

• Tourist-targeted scams are common — especially involving taxis, ATMs and street vendors.

• Attempting to bribe officials or police is illegal and may worsen the situation.

• Avoid involvement in protests or large gatherings — they may turn unsafe quickly.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Using unlicensed taxis or unofficial transport can be dangerous — only use regulated providers.

• Driving without the correct licence or insurance can result in fines or vehicle seizure.

• Speeding, using a mobile phone while driving and seatbelt violations are enforced.

• Riding scooters or motorbikes without a helmet is illegal and voids insurance.

• Overstaying your visa or tourist card can result in fines or delays at the airport.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Drones require authorisation; unauthorised flights can result in fines and confiscation.

• Photographing military zones, government buildings or border areas is prohibited.

• Some archaeological sites restrict drone use and interior photography.

• Taking photos of people without permission, especially in rural communities, may cause confrontation.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing coral, shells or sand from beaches and marine parks is illegal.

• Swimming in cenotes or rivers without following safety signs can lead to penalties or risk.

• Feeding wildlife, including monkeys, iguanas or marine animals, is prohibited.

• Starting fires in forests or protected nature reserves is illegal.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Removing stones, fossils or items from heritage zones is illegal.

• Climbing on ancient ruins or restricted structures can lead to fines.

• Entering closed-off archaeological areas is prohibited.

• Purchasing souvenirs made from endangered species is illegal.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels relaxed or acceptable in the UK may carry very different cultural or legal implications in Mexico.

• Don’t buy or use illegal drugs, even in tourist areas where they may be offered; penalties can be severe and drug-related crime is a real concern.

• Don’t drink tap water, and use bottled or purified water for drinking and brushing teeth, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.

• Don’t display expensive jewellery, watches or large amounts of cash, particularly in crowded markets or transport hubs.

• Don’t accept unsolicited drinks from strangers in bars and clubs, and keep your glass in sight to reduce the risk of drink-spiking.

• Don’t hail random taxis late at night if safer alternatives exist, and use authorised taxi ranks, hotel-arranged cars or reputable apps.

• Don’t wander into unfamiliar neighbourhoods at night, especially far from tourist zones or without local advice.

• Don’t leave bags on chairs or the backs of seats in busy restaurants, where opportunistic theft can occur.

• Don’t climb or sit on restricted parts of pyramids or ruins, as many archaeological sites now have strict no-climbing rules.

• Don’t ignore local hurricane or storm warnings, particularly on Caribbean and Pacific coasts during storm season.

• Don’t swim in unmonitored areas with strong currents, and always respect red flags or “no swimming” notices.

• Don’t drive after drinking, as enforcement is increasing and penalties can be serious.

• Don’t rely solely on cards in rural areas, where cash remains essential and ATMs may be limited.

• Don’t photograph police, military or security checkpoints, as this can attract unwanted attention.

• Don’t assume all street food is equal, and choose stalls with high turnover and good hygiene practices.

• Don’t carry your passport loosely, and keep a secure copy separate in case of loss or theft.

• Don’t bargain aggressively in markets, as firm but polite negotiation is more effective than confrontation.

• Don’t swim in cenotes or natural pools without respecting local rules, such as showering first and not wearing certain sunscreens.

• Don’t ignore warnings about drinking on public beaches or streets, where local regulations may restrict alcohol consumption.

• Don’t underestimate altitude in highland cities, where overexertion and alcohol can affect you more quickly.

• Don’t share detailed travel plans or accommodation details publicly online, especially if you’re travelling solo.