Safety & Risk Management

Please note that this program visits the Mexican state of Michoacán, which the U.S. State Department has long designated a Travel Advisory Level 4 due to criminal activity. Mexico City is designated a Level 2. Holbrook has operated programs to view the monarch migration in these locations for many years without incident, and we have strict safety protocols in place for all our destinations. However, it is ultimately up to each traveler to make their own assessment regarding safety and risk. Travelers are advised to visit https://travel.state.gov for more information.

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Mexico. Passports must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. As this requirement is subject to change at any time without notice, we recommend at least 6 months’ validity. A passport card is not acceptable for entry to the U.S. by air.

Travelers no longer need to fill out the Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM), also known as the tourist card, if flying in and out of the following airports: Mexico City International Airport (MEX), Cancun International Airport (CUN), Cozumel International Airport (CZM), Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), or Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR).

If you are flying in and out of an airport other than those listed above, Mexico still requires submission of an immigration form (tourist card) upon arrival. There is no fee for the form, but it is recommended that you complete the form online at https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html and print it prior to your departure. While the form will also be available upon arrival, printing the tourist card prior to your trip will expedite your arrival process. For more information about the tourist card, visit https://www.mexicotouristcard.com.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Mexican Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Mexico. The CDC recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Mexico.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC does not consider travelers to Mexico City or the Mexican state of Michoacán to be at risk for malaria.

Dengue Fever & Other Insect-borne Illnesses

Locally transmitted cases of dengue fever have been reported in Mexico. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with the virus and are spreading it to people. In addition, locally transmitted cases of leishmaniasis, Zika virus, and other insect-borne illnesses have been reported in Mexico.

There are no vaccinations available to protect against dengue, leishmaniasis, or Zika. The CDC recommends that travelers to Mexico protect themselves against insect bites. Cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later). As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

Altitude Sickness

The high elevations of Michoacán might cause some travelers to experience altitude sickness during this program. Please discuss appropriate preventative measures with your personal physician prior to travel.

The most common form of the illness is acute mountain sickness (AMS). Symptoms generally include: headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and at times, vomiting. The two more serious, and less common, forms of altitude illness are high-cerebral edema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). HACE and HAPE can be potentially fatal if left untreated. Symptoms include: profound lethargy, extreme confusion, and increased breathlessness.

To alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness: stay hydrated and well-rested; eat high-carbohydrate foods; and avoid heavy, fatty foods, alcohol, sleeping pills, or narcotics during travel and in the days before arrival. Avoid heavy exercise while staying at high elevations.

Visit the CDC website for more information.

Travelers’ Diarrhea

The CDC warns that travelers’ diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness. Consumption of contaminated food and water may cause diarrhea. To avoid this, do not drink tap water, and use bottled water to brush your teeth. Avoid ice and uncooked vegetables or fruit without a peel. When in doubt, ask your guide. Restrict yourself to cooked food at restaurants, and avoid food sold on the streets. If you contract diarrhea, it is very important to drink large quantities of purified water. Consult your doctor for appropriate medication should you contract diarrhea.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.