Like all other nations, Mexico has experienced the devastating effects of Covid, registering more than 3 million cases and 250,000 deaths. The country’s tourism industry faced severe challenges during international travel restrictions, but it has now reopened for business. Many Americans are making the most of this by taking their much-needed vacations there. However, this is only possible when they follow travel advisories and regulations. Here, we discuss what people planning on traveling to Mexico should know.
Get Covid testing before and after you go
The Mexican government does not require a negative Covid test for anyone entering its borders. This makes getting into Mexico uncomplicated, but the same cannot be said for a return journey. Anyone traveling to the United States, including US citizens, must have a negative Covid test no older than 72 hours to secure access
You can get tested at local centers, and select airports offer Covid tests at the terminal. You can also get Cabo COVID testing for groups or individuals with a private testing service at your hotel, which greatly simplifies the process and allows you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
The costs of Covid testing remain the traveler’s financial responsibility. You may be able to recoup some expenses from health or travel insurance, depending on the provider.
Mexican authorities do not insist that visitors entering the country for business or leisure go into quarantine upon their arrival. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that international travelers get tested again 3-5 days after arriving home and self-quarantine for seven days to avoid infecting others.
Movement around Mexico
Mexican authorities have taken a decentralized approach to manage Covid restrictions. The country operates on a four-phase color-coded system.
- Red status means that only essential activities are permitted.
- Orange status allows for many non-essential activities to reopen, with facilities operating at a 25% capacity.
- Yellow status allows for all work activities to continue.
- Green status requires that everyone continues taking specified precautions, although all economic and social activities continue.
In red and orange states, travel for non-essential purposes could be problematic, as visitors must prove the necessity for travel, and holiday-making does not qualify. Even in states designated yellow and green, hotels may operate at limited occupancy rates.
When booking a vacation in Mexico, travelers should monitor trends in the state they intend to visit, especially the current status. Additionally, they should know any regional restrictions, such as access to public places, curfews, and travel across state lines.
Entering Mexico
The only way for tourists to get into Mexico under current guidelines is by air travel. The land borders between America and Mexico are only open for essential travel.
Upon landing at a Mexican airport, travelers will be subjected to a Covid screening process, including temperature checks. This has caused delays at many airports, and travelers should not be alarmed if they wind up waiting in line, provided they take the necessary precautions, such as mask-wearing and social distancing.
Any person entering Mexico displaying Covid systems or not meeting other screening requirements could face deportation to America or quarantine in Mexico. The country does not have vaccine requirements for entry, but proof of immunization is advantageous.
Accommodation options
As mentioned before, most resorts and hotels are operating at a reduced capacity to ensure guest and employee safety. Therefore, arriving in Mexico and then seeking accommodation could be problematic. Booking before departing is essential, and airport staff might insist on seeing where travelers intend to spend their vacation.
Mexican authorities have strict regulations regarding Covid precautions, including social distancing, mask-wearing, and hand sanitizing or washing. Travelers should adhere to local regulations. Non-compliance may result in fines and other legal ramifications.
Some visitors might experience challenges when visiting places outside their resort, such as restaurants, clubs, bars, museums, and parks, due to limitations on how many people may use them, determined by the area’s current Covid color-coded designation. For those staying in resorts, it is advised that they remain there during their stay.
Resources in Mexico
Mexico has several state-run laboratories and hospitals where tourists can seek medical attention during their stay. However, travelers should know that the country’s healthcare resources are currently under enormous strain trying to treat Covid-positive Mexican nationals. Visitors are thus more likely to get assistance at private facilities.
Any American traveler who needs assistance related to Covid should contact their nearest US consulate for assistance. Consular staff can provide a list of places to get help and how to access them. However, the government does not take responsibility for any Covid-related costs incurred by travelers.
