Does Mexico Have Any Restrictions to Visit?

Does Mexico Have Any Restrictions to Visit?

After the long delays due to the novel Covid-19, the travel industry is gradually returning to normalcy with the ease of quarantine requirements, the creation of travel bubbles, and border reopening. Now, travelers around the world are searching for possible destinations abroad.

Mexico is one of the countries easing its travel restrictions with its borders still open for travelers worldwide. However, there remain restrictions at some border points. Besides, the unpredictable national and global pandemic statistics mean that the situation could change.

Can I visit Mexico During this Pandemic Period?

Mexican authorities have maintained a comfortable environment for all visitors during the pandemic. This means that nothing restricts you from visiting the country either for business, tourism, or study.

Unlike other European countries imposing mandatory 14-day quarantine for some foreign visitors, Mexico remains open and quarantine-free.  Besides, you won't have to undergo any Covid-19 testing upon arrival, but you may have to fill in a simple health questionnaire at the immigration service desk.

The case is a bit different if you choose to make a land border crossing from the U.S. These border points, in addition to Belize and Guatemala, remain closed until November 2021.

The Mexican government has provided a link shared through all its embassies to access the health declaration form and submit it after filling-in correctly. Although Mexico has no testing requirements for foreign visitors, you are encouraged to seek the assistance of a convenient health organization if you exhibit or suspect coronavirus symptoms.

Currently, Mexico has a four-tier spotlight system to track Covid-19 infection rates across different states and impose necessary restrictions to curb the spread. Notably, the authorities use different colors to signal varying restrictions for every destination. Besides, the government has made public an interactive map showing updated color designation for the different states.

Specifically, the red color represents maximum restriction, while orange flagged areas must observe a 30% capacity limit. In addition, the yellow and green colors represent eased restrictions allowing public and work gatherings in the specified regions.

Although the green designated areas are considered safe, the rules require historical sites, beaches, restaurants, hotels, and stores to limit capacity at 80% and casinos at 60%

Currently, no Mexican state is categorized in the red zone. Below is a summary of the restrictions in the most popular Mexican states.

Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo, the home state of popular resort areas in Riviera Maya and Cancun, eased its visitor restrictions in June 2020 and is currently designated the yellow color, the second-lowest level. In addition, the northern part of the Quintana Roo, including Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, and Tulum, is designated green, indicating that the entire state is considered a relatively safe spot for tourists.

Baja California Sur

This pacific coast state encompassing the famous Los Cabos resort also reopened in June 2020. Generally, the spot is designated green, but you should expect a health screening questionnaire upon arrival and regular temperature checks when accessing buildings and businesses.

Jalisco/Nayarit

These western state towns encompassing Riviera Nayarit, Guadalajara, Tequila, and Puerto Vallarta reopened in June 2020. Here, hotels operate at 60% capacity, but spas, restaurants, and beaches are open for a higher limit. However, the restaurants are required to close at midnight and clubs at 3 a.m. Also, visitors at Jalisco/Nayarit's public places must maintain social distance.

With air travel still open to Mexico, you are free to fly into Mexico for your holiday in a public airline or a private jet. The different airport destinations, such as Cancun, have incorporated modern health and temperature monitoring processes, including thermographic cameras.

In preparation for the worst-case scenarios, you may have to present a health declaration form upon arrival. If you show severe Covid-19 symptoms, you may need to quarantine or return to your home country. Notably, some hotels have designated rooms for quarantine purposes should visitors require isolation.

What Is the Covid Situation in Mexico?

Recent statistics from the CDC classify Mexico as a "high" risk destination as an update from the previous "very high" risk classification a few months ago. In this case, the CDC advises travelers to Mexico to be fully vaccinated before the trip.

Mexico has reported around 3.5 million cases so far, although life still seems normal for many. Recently, the country improved health and safety measures, after the president's laissez-faire approach came under intense criticism.

Now, the government is leading in ensuring that Covid-prevention norms are adhered to in public places, with the Mexican secretary of tourism releasing a hygiene protocol for the hospitality industry. The safety measures have aided in curbing the virus spread and provided peace of mind for every visitor.

Since Covid-19 measures and protocols may vary by country or state, it is crucial for you to review an individual state's requirements before travel or upon arrival. The most common conditions for hotels and restaurants include;

  1. Exercising social distance and mask-wearing when in public.
  2. The use of approved sanitary products to disinfect surfaces and hand sanitizers.
  3. Keep the rooms and vehicles well ventilated.
  4. Follow the necessary guidelines if you notice or show severe Covid-19 symptoms.
  5. Avoid crowded places.

Visiting Mexico from the U.S.

The temporary land border crossing restrictions between the United States, Canada, and Mexico still holds until November 2021 for nonessential services. The only option left for you to visit Mexico is through air travel.

However, guidelines from the CDC require U.S. citizens returning from Mexico to present a negative test at the airport before boarding the return flight. For this reason, most Mexican resorts and hotels have opted to provide on-site testing services for U.S. citizens planning to return home.

Life remains unusually normal in the serene resorts in Mexico despite the accelerated Covid-19 cases. The country has already removed most of the restrictions set in 2020 but maintains capacity limits for its movie theatres, stadiums, and clubs. Generally, locals and visitors are now regaining confidence with the revved-up vaccination campaign that will ultimately curb the virus spread and make this the most enjoyable post-pandemic summer.