NC to Cancun Mexico
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
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From: NC
NC to Cancun Mexico
Road from NC to Fairbanks last year. Planning to ride to Austin for the MotoGP race in March and on to Cancun. Plan to cross at Laredo. Never been to Mexico.
- Is a US passport all I need to cross?
- As long as I stay away from sketchy locations, I assume safe enough?
- Is camping generally available in Mexico?
- Other advice appreciated.
- Is a US passport all I need to cross?
- As long as I stay away from sketchy locations, I assume safe enough?
- Is camping generally available in Mexico?
- Other advice appreciated.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,759
Likes: 22,951
From: North Carolina
There are several moto vloggers on YouTube that can probably shed some light and provide advice.
One is Scotter Tramp Scotty that goes down every year. Then there was a good one from Million Dollar Bogan.
As for safety there is not enough money to get me to ride down there.
Best of luck and safe travels.
One is Scotter Tramp Scotty that goes down every year. Then there was a good one from Million Dollar Bogan.
As for safety there is not enough money to get me to ride down there.
Best of luck and safe travels.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,585
Likes: 4,019
From: San Diego, CA
Yes, you will be safe. You need a passport and get an FMM when you cross the border. It's like a tourist visa, and they may ask for it if you come across any checkpoints. I've camped in Baja California for almost 50 years, no problems. I can't say about mainland Mexico. Just use common sense, do not drive at night, keep some cash hidden somewhere just in case. Have fun, Mexico is beautiful and the people are awesome.
https://www.bajabound.com/before/per...RoCzfcQAvD_BwE
You can print an FMM before you go, but you need to have it stamped a the INM office at the border.
Also, you need Mexican insurance, especially liability. Some US insurance covers the border areas, but check your policy. Cancun is a long way from the border.
Buen Viaje!
John
https://www.bajabound.com/before/per...RoCzfcQAvD_BwE
You can print an FMM before you go, but you need to have it stamped a the INM office at the border.
Also, you need Mexican insurance, especially liability. Some US insurance covers the border areas, but check your policy. Cancun is a long way from the border.
Buen Viaje!
John
Last edited by John Harper; Feb 8, 2025 at 08:24 AM.
For over 4 decades I regularly rode down to Mexico.
Yes, passport to get back into the States.
Mexican insurance is needed. It is not very expensive. Less that $150 for an entire years coverage.
Not sure if a visa is needed going that far south.
Do NOT take any weapons or illegal (in Mexico) drugs.
There are toll roads, have change on you to pay those.
Keep copies of all your important documents hidden, in case the originals are lost, misplaced, stolen.
About 5 years ago, while riding on a road in Baja that I had ridden hundreds of times over many decades, we were robbed at gunpoint. (see video below)
We have been back since then, but in an automobile, NOT a motorcycle.
Don't know if us getting robbed was an anomaly, or if things have changed that much. But, we're not taking that chance.
Kevin
Yes, passport to get back into the States.
Mexican insurance is needed. It is not very expensive. Less that $150 for an entire years coverage.
Not sure if a visa is needed going that far south.
Do NOT take any weapons or illegal (in Mexico) drugs.
There are toll roads, have change on you to pay those.
Keep copies of all your important documents hidden, in case the originals are lost, misplaced, stolen.
About 5 years ago, while riding on a road in Baja that I had ridden hundreds of times over many decades, we were robbed at gunpoint. (see video below)
We have been back since then, but in an automobile, NOT a motorcycle.
Don't know if us getting robbed was an anomaly, or if things have changed that much. But, we're not taking that chance.
Kevin
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Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,759
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From: North Carolina
There are a lot of areas right now in Yellow, Orange and RED.
Here is probably your best resource:
https://travel.state.gov/content/tra...-advisory.html
Here is probably your best resource:
https://travel.state.gov/content/tra...-advisory.html
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 860
Likes: 262
From: CA
I have traveled around Mexico quite a bit the last 3 decades. No issues. But is crime or the cartels a concern? Yes... although I have not had any problems. I took my bike to the last EDR and most likely do so again this year. As anywhere there are areas to avoid, and being at the wrong place at the wrong time can happen. When I travel in Mx... I stay on the federal highways.. generally these are safe. Go off the unbeaten track your risk goes up. PM me if you are looking for a compadre to go to Cancun with you.
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Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
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From: NC
Really good advice gentlemen. Thank you for that. I'm will use the risk avoidance websites like Cosmic mentioned to travel in lower risk zones, lodge in larger towns, stay on well-travelled routes, no camping, and stay off the roads at night. My plan is not attached to my ego, so I'll pull the plug if it turns too risky.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,586
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From: Honah Lee
Like John said, your medical insurance is important. I now have Medicare.
It only is good near a border with US and Mexico that was worked out with Mexico. Last time I checked, it didn't exist anymore.
It does not apply in Cancun or Playa del Carmen were we spend the winter.
I don't drive anything but pedal bike during the day and only go with groups outside those two areas.
If you add up the time since the mid 80s, we have lived in Mexico quite a few years.
However, I would not do what you are planning. Get robbed or worse shot or have a vehicle accident is bad in the US but can be a lot worse in Mexico.
We carry emergency flight insurance and mostly use are charge cards. As a back up, we bring the maximum cash you can fly with.
We know it's an end of a good era for us here do to age and health issue. Emergency air is no good if your having serious unstable issues.
We have never had any travel issues but I know personally of three. Two were from robbery in there rental car. Not far from Cancun, not far off the beaten path heading to Playa del Carmen.
The other involved getting hit from behind. They were the third hit. The second was a police car.
They were taken to the police station next to Kukulcan Plaza and pretty much were shook down for all the cash on the four to help the officer while he recovered before they were let go.
Enjoy Mexico but fly. Use well know outfits for ground travel. Stay sober or enjoy the drinks at your resort.
It only is good near a border with US and Mexico that was worked out with Mexico. Last time I checked, it didn't exist anymore.
It does not apply in Cancun or Playa del Carmen were we spend the winter.
I don't drive anything but pedal bike during the day and only go with groups outside those two areas.
If you add up the time since the mid 80s, we have lived in Mexico quite a few years.
However, I would not do what you are planning. Get robbed or worse shot or have a vehicle accident is bad in the US but can be a lot worse in Mexico.
We carry emergency flight insurance and mostly use are charge cards. As a back up, we bring the maximum cash you can fly with.
We know it's an end of a good era for us here do to age and health issue. Emergency air is no good if your having serious unstable issues.
We have never had any travel issues but I know personally of three. Two were from robbery in there rental car. Not far from Cancun, not far off the beaten path heading to Playa del Carmen.
The other involved getting hit from behind. They were the third hit. The second was a police car.
They were taken to the police station next to Kukulcan Plaza and pretty much were shook down for all the cash on the four to help the officer while he recovered before they were let go.
Enjoy Mexico but fly. Use well know outfits for ground travel. Stay sober or enjoy the drinks at your resort.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Feb 9, 2025 at 07:43 AM.