Editor’s note — Coronavirus cases remain high around the world. Health authorities warn that travel increases the chances of contracting and spreading the virus, especially if you are not fully vaccinated. Staying home is the best way to slow transmission. Below is information on what you should know if you are still planning to travel, last updated on February 11, 2022.
(CNN) — If you plan to travel to Mexico, here is what you should know and expect if you want to visit the country during the covid-19 pandemic.
The latest on covid-19 in Mexico
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed the Mexico travel advisory classification from Level 3 (“high” risk of covid) to Level 4 (“very high” risk). When a destination reaches Level 4, the CDC advises people to avoid traveling there.
The basics
Despite this, Mexico remains open to travelers. You do not need to present a negative PCR test or quarantine on arrival, although most resorts ask guests to fill out health questionnaires. There are health controls at airports.
From December 6, all US air travelers age 2 and older returning to the US. they need a negative covid test done within one day before their departure flight, regardless of their vaccination status. This is part of a general tightening of US travel rules due to the omicron variant of covid-19.
The US Embassy says that PCR and antigen test results are reliably available within 24 hours in Mexico.
What is offered?
You’ll find amazing food, sensational beaches, charming towns, and historic relics. While Cancun’s beach resorts attract the most visitors, those who want more than a leisure trip gravitate toward the cultural weight of Mexico City, the Baja California coastline, and traditional towns like Oaxaca.
Who can go?
Mexico has some of the loosest border restrictions in the world, and anyone can travel by plane for business or leisure.
The land border between Mexico and the United States was reopened for non-essential travel from the November 8, 2021.
What are the restrictions?
Those who travel to the country must fill out a health declaration form and scan the QR code it generates upon arrival.
It is not necessary to undergo a pre-departure test or undergo any type of quarantine. Those who are concerned about the possibility of having symptoms should ask for the health organization International Health.
Some states or cities in Mexico may have stricter restrictions.
For example, in the state of Jalisco, where the popular tourist city of Puerto Vallarta is located on the Pacific coast. There, Governor Enrique Alfaro recently announced a new vaccination requirement for some recreational spaces.
As of January 14, a vaccination certificate or a negative result of the PCR test carried out within 48 hours is required to enter spaces in the state of Jalisco such as casinos, bars, clubs, stadiums, concerts, spaces for events, convention centers and large events. See the order (in Spanish) here.
Tourists can inquire at their hotels or resorts about any local regulations before committing to their plans.
What is the covid situation?
In Mexico there have been almost 5.2 million cases of covid-19 and about 310,600 deaths as of February 11 (although some believe the real numbers are higher).
The president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has been criticized for taking a laissez-faire (“let do“) in the face of the virus. The restrictions have not been far-reaching and life has continued as normal for many, which critics say has led to high death and infection rates.
As of February 11, Mexico had managed approximately 170.7 million doses of covid vaccines, that is, 131 doses per 100 people. By comparison, the United States has administered about 164 doses per 100 people.
What can visitors expect?
Mexico has a traffic light system with four levels of restrictions: red means that there are maximum restrictions; orange, which limits the capacity in public spaces and at work to 30%; yellow, which allows work and public meetings to resume; and green, which means that there are no restrictions. See a color-coded map here.
On February 11, no states were in the red and four were in the green. The rest were yellow and orange, and those in orange were concentrated in northern and central Mexico. The status of some of the most popular tourist destinations:
- Baja California, seat of the border city Tijuana: orange.
- Baja California Sur, where the tourist city of Cabo San Lucas is located: yellow.
- Guanajuato, home to expats’ favorite city, San Miguel de Allende: yellow.
- Jalisco, where Puerto Vallarta is located: orange.
- Mexico City, the bustling capital: yellow.
- Quintana Roo, where Cancun and Playa del Carmen meet: yellow.
Many hotels and lodging groups, such as Mexico Grand Hotels Y Krystal Hotels, to name just two, offer covid-19 tests at their facilities for your return. Check with your hotel about on-site testing before you travel.
Visitors are likely to encounter different situations depending on where in the country they travel to, as local restrictions vary. Check the local resources section of the US Embassy website for specific information.
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