What you need to know before you leave

Editor’s note: Coronavirus cases remain high worldwide. Health officials warn that travel increases the chances of the virus spreading and spreading, especially if you are not completely vaccinated. Staying home is the best way to slow down the transmission. Below is information on what to do if you still plan to travel, the last update was on January 30th.

If you are planning to travel to Mexico, here’s what you need to know and look forward to if you want to visit it during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The basics

Mexico is open to travelers. No negative PCR test or quarantine is required upon arrival, although most resorts require guests to complete health questionnaires. There are health checks at the airports.

As of December 6, all U.S. air travelers 2 years of age or older returning to the U.S. need a negative Covid-19 test done in one day on their departure flight, regardless of vaccination status. It is part of a general tightening of US travel regulations due to the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

The U.S. embassy says the results of the PCR and antigen tests are reliably available within 24 hours in Mexico.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has rated Mexico’s travel advice rating at level 3: “high” risk. Level 4 is a “very high” risk. The CDC advises travelers to be fully vaccinated before traveling to Mexico.

What is offered

You will find amazing food, sensational beaches, charming villages and historical remains. While beach resorts around Cancun attract most visitors, those who want more than just a flight and a fall go to the cultural end of Mexico City, the Baja California coast, and traditional cities like Oaxaca.

Who can go

Mexico has had some of the most flexible border restrictions in the world with anyone allowed to travel by plane for business or leisure.

The land border between Mexico and the United States has reopened to non-essential travel since November 8, 2021.

What are the restrictions?

Travelers to the country must fill out a health declaration form and scan the QR code it generates on arrival.

No pre-departure testing or quarantine is required. Worried people who may have symptoms should ask about the International Health Organization.

Some Mexican states or cities may have stricter restrictions.

In the state of Jalisco, home to the popular Pacific Coast resort of Puerto Vallarta, Governor Enrique Alfaro has announced a new vaccination requirement for some recreational areas.

From January 14, a certificate of vaccination or a negative result of the PCR test is required within 48 hours to enter venues in the state of Jalisco, such as casinos, bars, clubs, stadiums, concerts , spaces for events, convention centers and large events. Check the order (in Spanish) here.

Tourists may want to consult with their hotels or resorts about local guidelines before committing to plans.

What is the situation of Covid?

Mexico has had about 4.9 million cases of Covid-19 and more than 305,000 deaths as of Jan. 30 (though some believe the actual numbers are higher). President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has been criticized for taking a laissez-faire approach to the virus. The restrictions have not been far-reaching and life has returned to normal for many, which critics say has led to high death rates and infection.

As of January 30, Mexico had administered more than 165 million doses of vaccine, or about 127 doses per 100 people.

What can visitors expect?

Mexico has a traffic light system with four levels of restrictions, with red meaning maximum restrictions, orange limiting capacity to public spaces and work to 30%, yellow meaning to resume all work and get together, and green meaning that there there are no restrictions. See a color-coded map here.

As of January 30, one state was red, nine states were orange, 10 were yellow, and the other 12 were green. The status of some of the most popular tourist destinations:

– Baja California, headquarters of the border city of Tijuana: orange.
– Baja California Sur, headquarters of the tourist city of Cabo San Lucas: orange.
– Guanajuato, where is San Miguel de Allende expat favorite: yellow.
– Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta headquarters: yellow.
– Mexico City, the bustling capital: yellow.
– Quintana Roo, where Cancun and Playa del Carmen are located: orange.

Many hotels and lodging groups, such as Mexico Grand Hotels and Krystal Hotels to name just two, offer on-site Covid-19 testing for your return. Check with your hotel for on-site testing before traveling.

Visitors are likely to find different situations depending on where they are traveling, with varying local restrictions. See the local resources section of the U.S. Embassy website for specific information.

Useful links

International Health

Page of the government of the Covid-19

US Embassy in Mexico

U.S. Department of State travel notices for Mexican states

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