The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is advising Australians not to travel to Mexico because of the swine flu threat. 

"We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Mexico at this time because of the outbreak of a severe strain of swine influenza in humans," the federal government's smarttraveller.gov.au website said. 

"If you are in Mexico and concerned for your health, you should consider leaving." 

The Australian Embassy in Mexico City will also no longer provide over-the-counter visa services, but consular and passport services are operating normally. 

The changes reflected those made by the World Health Organisation which has raised its six-phase flu pandemic alert level from three to four, signalling a "significant increase in the risk of a pandemic."

Canada and Cuba have suspended flights to and from Mexico in response to the global health crisis, while Mexico City officials have ordered all eateries, bars and other such venues closed. 

AAP bsb/it/bwl