Editor’s note: Coronavirus cases are high around the world. Health officials caution that traveling increases your chances of contracting and spreading the virus, especially if you haven’t been fully vaccinated. Staying home is the best way to prevent transmission. If you’re still planning on traveling, below are information about the trip, which was last updated on January 20th.
If you’re planning to travel to Mexico, here’s what you need to know and expect if you want to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
the basics
Mexico is open to travelers. There is no requirement to provide a negative PCR test or quarantine upon arrival, although most resorts ask guests to fill out health questionnaires. Health checks are done at airports.
The land border between Mexico and the United States has been reopened to non-essential travel from November 8, 2021.
Beginning December 6, all US air travelers 2 and older returning to the US are required to have a negative COVID-19 test within one day for their departure flight, regardless of vaccination status. It is part of a general tightening of US travel rules due to the Omicron version of the coronavirus.
The US Embassy says results of PCR and antigen tests are reliably available within 24 hours in Mexico.
As of January 14, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains Mexico’s travel advisory rating at Level 3 – “High” risk. Level 4 is “very high” risk. The CDC advises travelers to be fully vaccinated before traveling to Mexico.
what’s on offer
You’ll find incredible food, sensational beaches, charming towns and historical relics. While the beach resorts around Cancun attract the bulk of visitors, those who want more than a fly and flop head for the cultural heritage of Mexico City, the coastline of Baja California, and traditional cities like Oaxaca.
who can go
Mexico has some of the loosest border restrictions in the world, allowing anyone to travel by air for business or leisure.
What are the restrictions?
Travelers to the country will have to fill up a health declaration form and scan the QR code that will be generated on arrival.
There is no need to take tests or do any kind of quarantine before departure. People who are concerned who may have symptoms should contact the Sanidad International Health Organization.
Some Mexican states or cities may have stricter restrictions. For example, the state of Jalisco is where the popular Pacific Coast resort town of Puerto Vallarta is located.
Jalisco government Enrique Alfaro has announced that as of January 14, citizens will be required to carry a vaccination certificate or negative PCR test result within 48 hours to enter certain recreational spaces. These include casinos, bars, clubs, stadiums, concert venues, venues, convention centers and large events. See the order (in Spanish) here.
Tourists can inquire about any local directions from their hotel or resort before making any plans.
What is the status of covid?
Mexico has about 45 million cases of COVID-19 and nearly 302,000 deaths as of January 20 (though some believe the actual number is higher). President Andres Manuel López Obrador has come under fire for taking a laissez-faire approach to the virus. Restrictions have not gone away and life has returned to normal for many, which critics say has led to high death and infection rates.
As of January 20, Mexico had given about 157.1 million doses of the vaccine, or about 121 doses per 100 people.
What can visitors expect?
Mexico has a four-level traffic light system of restrictions, with red indicating maximum restrictions, orange limiting capacity and working up to 30% in public places, yellow allowing all work to resume and public gatherings to take place. and means green. No restrictions on location. See a color-coded map here.
As of January 20, three states were orange, 10 yellow and the other 19 green. Location of some of the most popular tourist destinations:
, lower california, home of the border crossover city Tijuana: Yellow.
, Baja California SuriHome to resort, downtown Cabo San Lucas: Orange.
, Guanajuato, where expatriate fave San Miguel de Allende is located: Green.
, from Jalisco, home of Puerto Vallarta: green.
, Mexico City, bustling Capital: Green.
, Quintana Roo, where Cancun and Playa del Carmen are located: Yellow.
Many hotel and lodging groups, such as Mexico Grand Hotels and Crystal Hotels, offer on-site COVID-19 testing for your return. Check with your hotel about on-site testing before you travel.
With local restrictions varying, conditions may vary depending on the country in which visitors travel. See the Local Resources section of the US Embassy website for specific information.
Useful Links
international health
covid-19 official page
US Embassy in Mexico
US State Department Travel Advice for Mexican States
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