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, 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 based in Cuyutlan, you will stay with a host family in Guadalajara overnight. You’ll then travel to Cuyutlan (3 hour drive) on the following day.
Our main offices are based in Guadalajara.
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 volunteer project or internship in Mexico
One of the perks of volunteering 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 volunteers will not need a visa to live and work in Mexico for a period of 90 days. If you are staying longer than 90 days, you may need to apply for a US visa.
You’ll receive a tourist card upon arrival in Mexico and must keep this card for when you leave the country. To receive this card, visitors must have proof of onward travel, as well as proof that they have adequate funds to support themselves. If you’re flying via the US, you will need to complete a ‘United States Visa Waiver’ that will be handed out during the flight.
Your induction and orientation in Mexico
On your first full day in Mexico, a Projects Abroad member will give you a tour of where you’re based. You’ll be show where several important places are, and these include the bank, post office, and internet cafes. You’ll also receive an induction pack. This contains all the information you need, like a map of the town with important places highlighted.
You’ll be shown how to navigate public transport and your Projects Abroad Coordinator can give you some advice and tips for where to go and what to see in the city. They’ll take you to the Projects Abroad office, and you’ll learn more about the way we run projects in Mexico.
Your first day at your volunteer or internship placement in Mexico
A Projects Abroad member will accompany you to your placement on your first day of work for an induction. They’ll show you how to get there using the bus. All of your work-related travel costs are covered by Projects Abroad.
Once you arrive, you’ll be introduced to your supervisor and local staff. You will be given a tour of your placement, and someone will explain to you how things are run and what your 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
