Mexico City essentials

Entry to Mexico

Visitors arriving by air are issued the FMM digital (Forma Migratoria Múltiple digital) by Mexico’s immigration institute, the INM. It proves a stay as a visitor without permission to work for up to 180 days; the officer at the border decides the number of days granted (Mexican consulate guidance, sre.gob.mx).

Travel on a valid passport, and check the rules for your nationality on your government’s travel advice and on gob.mx/inm before you fly. Never pay a third-party site for the FMM.

From the airport

Mexico City International Airport (AICM) has two terminals, a short drive east of the centre (aicm.com.mx). Buy a taxi ticket at the authorised desks inside the terminal and take the car from the official rank; Metro and Metrobús lines also serve the airport.

Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) is the second airport, north of the city (aifa.aero).

Metro, Metrobús and the travel card

The Metro has twelve lines; the Metrobús runs in its own lanes; the Cablebús crosses Chapultepec. Load a Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada for all of them, and for Ecobici bikes (CDMX official tourism site). In the city, book taxis from a sitio or an app rather than hailing one in the street.

Altitude and air

Mexico City lies high in the Valley of Mexico. Many visitors feel it on the first day: walk slowly, drink plenty of water, go easy on alcohol, and ask a doctor before you travel if you have a heart or lung condition.

The seasons

Late October and early November bring Día de Muertos and the Formula 1 Grand Prix; on the official 2026 calendar the Gran Desfile is on Saturday 31 October and the race on Sunday 1 November. Book hotels early for that week.

Earthquakes

Mexico City lies in an active seismic zone. If you hear the public seismic alert, or the ground shakes, follow the instructions of staff and the signs in your building, and stay away from windows.

Customs and etiquette

The main meal is a long lunch, eaten from about two in the afternoon. Dress respectfully in churches and at the Basílica de Guadalupe. At Mixquic on the night of the dead, you are a guest at family vigils: keep your voice down and ask before taking photographs. Most museums close on Mondays.

Emergencies

Call 911 for ambulance, police and fire. See our health page for hospitals, and travel with insurance that covers medical costs. Mexico City’s official tourism site keeps a page of emergency contacts and embassies for visitors.

Questions and answers