What England fans should know about travelling to Mexico City
What England fans should know about travelling to Mexico City
Amelia NeathThu, July 2, 2026 at 11:02 AM UTC
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After England’s 2-1 win against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday evening, focus is now on the Three Lions playing Mexico on the co-host country’s home turf.
England will take on Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Sunday, 5 July at 6pm local time (Monday, 6 July at 1am BST), seeing swathes of England fans making their way to the Mexican capital as the squad makes it into the final 16.
After four matches played in cities across the co-host country, the United States, the England team will now leave the States to play a match in Mexico.
The UK government has issued a warning to travellers following an incident in Mexico City on Tuesday night when three people were crushed to death as crowds took to the streets to celebrate Mexico’s win against Ecuador.
If you are planning to travel to Mexico City to support the team as they take on Mexico’s lineup, here is what you about travelling to and within the country.
What is the UK government’s advice to England fans?
The UK’s Foreign Office (FCDO) urges travellers to sign up for email alerts on travel advice for Mexico.
It also asks fans to download the official Fifa World Cup 25 app on iOS and on Android, and check the official World Cup 2026 website to stay informed of anything that might affect travel or plans whilst in Mexico.
The FCDO has issued warnings regarding recent incidents, including the death of three people following football celebrations in crowds at the Angel of Independence in Mexico City. Officials said they died from asphyxiation.
There have also been reports of mobile phone theft and drink spiking that have increased during the tournament.
Since the beginning of June, protests have been taking place in Mexico City by workers’ unions, which have caused traffic disruption. The protests have generally been peaceful, but some have involved clashes with the police.
It is illegal for foreign nationals to participate in political activities in Mexico. If you join demonstrations, the Mexican authorities may detain and deport you. If you come across protests, move away from the area and monitor local media to understand possible disruption.
If you are venturing outside of Mexico City, there are areas of Mexico where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel. These include parts of Baja California, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Jalisco, Colima, Guerrero and Chiapas.
How busy will Mexico’s hotels and transport be?
There will be very high demand for accommodation in and around Mexico City, so plan ahead as far as you can.
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Transport around the stadiums will be very busy. Mexico City's public transport accepts both cash and contactless payment, but plan your journey ahead of time and leave plenty of time to travel.
Expect other cities and popular tourist destinations across Mexico to be busier than usual during the tournament. Before travelling between cities, check the FCDO travel advice for your route, and be aware of restricted areas and surroundings.
What are the entry requirements to Mexico?
If you’re visiting Mexico as a tourist, you do not need a visa. You will get a stamp in your passport with the number of days you are allowed to stay.
The Mexican Embassy in the UK recommends passports be valid for at least 180 days because this is the longest you can stay in Mexico as a tourist.
British nationals entering Mexico by land must fill in an immigration form online.
If you are planning to visit or transit through more than one country, including the use of land borders, check the entry requirements and FCDO page for each country. You may need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to enter the US.
If you plan to return to the USA for another match, and your passport is lost or stolen, an Emergency Travel Document provided by the British Embassy cannot be used to re-enter the USA from Mexico.
Mexican immigration officers may request to see proof of your accommodation, return flight, and visit plans. They may also conduct an interview and ask to see proof that you have enough money for your stay.
If you are travelling with a child, you may be asked for evidence of your relationship with them – for example, a birth or adoption certificate, divorce or marriage certificates, or a parental responsibility order and ask the reason you are travelling with them.
To leave Mexico, you must show your passport with the entry stamp showing how many days you were allowed to stay. If you lose your passport, you must pay a fee of about 700 Mexican pesos (£30) to replace the entry stamp.
You may need to pay a departure tax when leaving Mexico by air or land. The cost can vary, and some airports or border crossings only accept cash. Most airlines include the cost within the ticket price, but if in doubt, check with your airline or tour operator.
Do I need travel insurance?
The FCDO recommends taking out travel and health insurance before you travel.
What else should I know?
It is illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices and solutions into Mexico, or to buy and sell them.
If you need support from the FCDO, including if you are hospitalised, arrested or lose your passport, see its Getting help page.
Read more: The World Cup could revive US tourism – if America lets it
Source: “AOL Sports”
