We have all the information you need to know for your trip, from helping with visa queries to walking you through a placement induction on your first day in Mexico. Our hassle-free approach means you can concentrate on what really matters, making a difference at your placement.
Arrival airport and pickup in Mexico
A member of Projects Abroad staff will be waiting for you with a sign when you arrive at Miguel Hidalgo Costilla Guadalajara International Airport. Depending on where you’re travelling from, you may need to stop over within the United States or other cities in Mexico, and then transfer to another flight to get to Guadalajara.
From the airport, we’ll take you directly to your host family. The drive from the airport to your host family will be between 45 minutes and 1 hour. If the project you’re joining is the Sea Turtle Conservation Project, depending on your arrival time, you may stay with a host family in Guadalajara overnight. You’ll then travel to your final destination on the following day.
Booking your flights to Mexico
Searching for flights online is easier than ever, but it can still be a time-consuming, overwhelming, and frustrating process. If you need support, our staff have in-depth knowledge of all our destinations. We’ll let you know which airport you’ll be flying to and recommend the best way to get there.
We can advise you on booking the best return flights, ensuring you have the safest, most convenient, and most cost-effective flight options, no matter how complex your travel plans are. Find out more about the flight booking process.
Visas requirements for your project or internship in Mexico
One of the perks of joining a programme with us is the visa guidance we give you. We have a dedicated visa team who have up-to-date information on visa requirements for all of our destinations around the world. You can get in touch with us if you have any visa queries, big or small, and we will talk you through the process. Once you apply, you’ll also get a link to your own MyProjectsAbroad webpage, which will include all the necessary visa information.
Most participants will not need a visa to live and work in Mexico for a period of up to 180 days. If you are staying longer than 180 days, you may need to apply for a visa. You’ll receive a tourist card upon arrival in Mexico and must keep this card for when you leave the country. At the discretion of the immigration officer, visitors may be asked to provide proof of onward travel, as well as evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
If you’re flying via the US, even just to transit, you must hold a biometric passport and must register at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ at least 72 hours before departure. Some nationalities may require a pre-arranged visa to transit through the US. If you're unsure, your Destination Expert can assist you.
Your induction and orientation in Mexico
After your arrival at the airport, a Projects Abroad staff member will meet you and take you to your host family, where you’ll be introduced to the household and how everything works.
On your first full day in Mexico, you’ll receive a full town induction. A staff member will take you on a tour of the Historic Center of Guadalajara, help you exchange money, buy a local SIM card, and get anything else you might need for your project or accommodation. You’ll also be shown how to navigate public transport and where key places are located. Your Coordinator will share helpful tips on the city, local culture, and what to see and do during your stay.
Your first day of work at your placement in Mexico
A Projects Abroad staff member will accompany you to your placement on your first day for an induction. They will show you how to get there using public transport. All work-related travel costs are covered by Projects Abroad.
Once you arrive, you’ll be introduced to your supervisor and the local staff. You will be given a tour of the placement, and someone will explain how things are run and what your role and responsibilities will be.
Support, safety, and backup
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
Our accreditations
