Travel to Mexico during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go

If you’re planning to travel to Mexico, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mexico remains open to travelers. There is no need to provide a negative PCR test or quarantine on arrival, though most resorts ask guests to fill out health questionnaires. There are health screenings at airports.

The US Embassy says results for PCR and antigen tests are reliably available within 24 hours in Mexico.

You’ll find incredible food, sensational beaches, charming towns and historical remains.

While the beach resorts around Cancun attract the bulk of visitors, those who want more than a fly and flop go for Mexico City’s cultural heft, the coastline of Baja California and traditional towns such as Oaxaca.

Mexico has had some of the world’s loosest border restrictions with anyone allowed to travel by air for business or leisure.

The land border between Mexico and the United States has been reopened to nonessential travel since November 8, 2021.

There is no need to take a test before departure or undertake any form of quarantine. Those concerned they may have symptoms should ask for the Sanidad Internacional health organization.

Some Mexican states or cities might have tighter restrictions than the country at large. Tourists may want to inquire with their hotels or resorts about any local directives before committing to plans.

Mexico has had roughly 5.76 million cases of Covid-19 and just over 324,000 deaths as of May 20 (although some believe the actual numbers are higher). President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has come under fire for taking a laissez-faire approach to the virus. Restrictions have not been far reaching and life has gone on as normal for many, which critics say has led to high death and infection rates.

As of May 20, Mexico had administered roughly 207 million doses of vaccine, or 159 doses per 100 people. For comparison, the United States has administered about 176 doses per 100 people and Canada has given 223 doses per 100 people.

As of May 20, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had Mexico at Level 2 (moderate) for Covid-19 transmission.

Many hotels and lodging groups offer on-site Covid-19 testing for your return. Check with your hotel about on-site testing before you travel.

Visitors are likely to find situations differ depending on where in the country they travel, with local restrictions varying. See the Local Resources section of the US Embassy website for specific information.

Joe Yogerst took two recent trips to Mexico — one to sun-soaked Tulum and another to the big city of Guadalajara — exposed contrasting attitudes and approaches to Covid-19. Find out which place put safety over fun.

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.