Mexico | The Baja Peninsula: Whale Encounters and Desert Landscapes

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport book to enter Mexico by air. (A passport card, as opposed to a book, is not acceptable for entry by air.) Passports must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp, and 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.

The state of Baja California Sur has also implemented a mandatory tourist tax of USD $29.59 for international visitors, to be paid before departing BCS. This tax is not included in the cost of your flight.

It is recommended to pay the tax online in advance. You will need to provide your passport number, contact information, and dates of travel. We recommend using the official government portal at https://embraceit.bcs.gob.mx to avoid scam sites or third-party vendors with high service fees.

Once online payment is processed, you will receive a QR code as confirmation, which you may be asked to show at entry or exit points. Local reports suggest this requirement is not being consistently enforced. However, please be aware that if you choose not to pay the tax in advance, you may be asked to pay before departing Mexico, which could cause delays at the airport.

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.

Though not required for entry, 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 the Baja Peninsula to be at risk for malaria.

Dengue Fever and Other Insect-borne Illnesses

The CDC warns that dengue fever is a potential risk in Mexico. In addition, locally transmitted cases of Zika virus, Chagas disease, and other insect-borne illnesses have previously been reported. As there are currently no vaccines available for these illnesses, the CDC recommends that travelers take precautions to avoid insect bites. To protect against mosquitos and other biting insects, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.

Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, binoculars, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.

After spending time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it with tweezers as soon as possible.

As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

Travelers’ Diarrhea

The CDC warns that travelers’ diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness worldwide. 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.

Some people are extremely sensitive and may get diarrhea simply because of dietary changes. If you are prone to gastrointestinal issues, consult your physician or nutritionist for preventative measures.

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.

Sea Sickness

If you’re prone to motion/sea sickness, discuss sea sickness prevention techniques with your physician before your trip. You may consider packing over-the-counter medications like Dramamine or Bonine, or see your physician for a Scopolamine prescription.

If you experience sea sickness, try facing forward and focusing on a steady distant point, like the horizon.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Liability Waivers

Please note you may be asked locally to sign liability waivers in order to participate in certain activities. If you would like to receive a copy of any required waiver in advance, please contact Holbrook Travel.