The United Mexican States

The United Mexican States

History of Relations

Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Mexico were established on 27 October 1993 and the South African Embassy in Mexico City was opened on 10 January 1994.

Bilateral relations between South Africa and Mexico are good and the two countries work closely together in multilateral fora on issues such as South-South co-operation and nuclear disarmament.

Several high ranking South African officials have visited Mexico including former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr AB Nzo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr A Pahad, Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr A Erwin, together with a trade delegation, as well as former Deputy President T M Mbeki. South African Parliamentary Portfolio Committees have also visited Mexico.

The South African Governor-designate of the Reserver Bank, Mr Tito Mboweni, visited Mexico during November 1998 on an orientation visit to the Central Bank of Mexico (Banco de Mexico).

President Ernesto Zedillo had invited former President Mandela to visit Mexico, while then Minister Nzo has extended an invitation to former Foreign Minister Rosario Green.

In 1998 the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Carmen Moreno, led the Mexican delegation to the NAM Conference in Durban, and in 1999 Dr Rosario Green, the Mexican Foreign Secretary, attended the Inauguration of the State President of the Republic of South Africa, President Thabo Mbeki. During 2001 Ministers Ronnie Kasrils and Alec Erwin visited Mexico.

The Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, Mr B Ngubane, visited Mexico on behalf of President Thabo Mbeki to attend the inauguration of President Vicente Fox on 1 December 2000. President Thabo Mbeki, accompanied by Ministers Manual and Moosa attented the International Conference on Financing for Development held in Monterrey from 18 to 22 March 2002.

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Mexico

H E Mr D T Dlomo
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

South African Embassy

Mexican Representation in South Africa

Vacant
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Embassy of the United Mexican States

Travel Info

Visa requirements for South Africans

For more information contact the Embassy of Mexico.

Travel Advisory on illegal activities abroad

South African citizens travelling abroad are strongly advised to take care not to become involved in activities which may be, or are, illegal in foreign countries. Please remember, once you leave South Africa, you are not protected by South African laws and constitutional rights. If you are arrested abroad, the South African Government cannot get you out of prison or demand your release. At most, your government can intercede with local authorities to try and ensure that your rights under the laws of the country in which you were arrested are fully observed. It can also attempt to ensure that you are treated humanely, i.e., according to those international agreements to which the country in which you have been arrested, has acceded.

Please note that the South African Government views crimes, particularly those involving illegal drugs, mercenary activities, the traffic in humans or small arms or the abuse of women and children, in a most serious light.

Health Requirements

· Malaria risk on the West Coast - only chloroquin is needed.

· Typhoid is present at times.

· Tetanus - immunisation is recommended.

For further information go to Travelers' Health.

Climate Info

Varies with the altitude from tropical to arid desert, the central highlands are temperate.

For up-to-date weather information click here

Currency Info

The monetary unit is the Mexico nuevo (new) Peso (MXN).

For current exchange rates click here.

Visa Requirements for Mexican citizens visiting South Africa

(X) Yes

For more information contact any South African Embassy. SA Embassy in Mexico City - details above

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No Information

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) at 012 351 1000.

Trade Info

South Africa is now Mexico's biggest trading partner in Africa, followed by Morocco, Algeria and Egypt.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Mexico, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.

Interest Groups and Information

No Information