What to Know Before Traveling to Mexico: COVID-19

If you’re considering a sunny getaway to Mexico this winter, you’re not alone. Mexico is one of the closest and easiest places to travel to during the Covid-19 pandemic. U.S. visitors can enter and leave the country with very few requirements. However, you shouldn’t head over without doing your homework first. Here at Winetraveler, we’re not telling you to travel or not to travel, we’re just sharing exactly what you need to know and consider so you can make your own informed travel choices. Here are some important things to know if you’re thinking about traveling to Mexico during the times of the coronavirus.

You don’t need to show a negative Covid-19 test to enter Mexico

Mexico doesn’t currently require U.S. visitors to show proof of a negative Covid test, but you may want to get one anyway. Remember, traveling during Covid times incurs a certain level of responsibility. Do you want to be responsible for infecting a local population that may not have the same access as you do to proper health care if you’re asymptomatic? Of course, getting tested is completely at the discretion of each visitor, so consider your situation, your exact destination, and where you’re coming from in order to make the right choice.

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You will need to fill out a health form

While you won’t need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test, you will need to fill out a health form in order to enter the country.

You won’t have to quarantine

Presently, there are no quarantine requirements for U.S. travelers entering Mexico. However, rules are consistently changing in the United States, so make sure you understand the rules of your home state and if you’ll need to quarantine upon your return home.

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Check travel advisories

Currently, the Department of State has Mexico ranked at a Level 3 Travel Advisory: Reconsider Travel. However, this is mainly due to crime and not taking Coronavirus into account. The Department of State specifically advises against travel to the following states: 

• Colima state due to crime.
• Guerrero state due to crime.
• Michoacán state due to crime.
• Sinaloa state due to crime.
• Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping.

The CDC has its own rankings based solely on Covid-19, ranking Mexico at the highest level: Level 4, Do Not Travel. The CDC suggests if you do travel to get a test before and after traveling to ensure you aren’t infected. 

Again, these advisories are just that: suggested advice. It’s up to you as a possible traveler to take each advisory into consideration and travel at your own risk.

You won’t have to show proof of health insurance to enter

Although you won’t have to show proof of any travel health insurance to enter, we highly recommend getting a policy that covers Covid-19 for obvious reasons. A good rule of thumb is to make sure there’s a hospital close by, and that you’re aware of the name and address in case of emergency. You may want to avoid visiting very small towns without proper medical care for obvious reasons. 

Plan to fly in

U.S. visitors are allowed in by plane, but land borders remain closed until December 21, 2020 at the earliest. The land border closure ruling has been extended several times, so make sure to check for updates if you’d prefer to drive across the border.

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Stock up on masks

Mask regulations vary by state in Mexico, so make sure to check your destination before traveling to see if masks are required in public places. Some resorts also have specific mask mandates, so make sure you’re informed ahead of time to know what to expect. In Mexico, masks are called “cubrebocas,” which means mouth coverings, but don’t forget, your mask should also cover your nose too. 

Expect closures

Some attractions such as ruins or cenotes may be closed. Once there, it’s best to have your hotel call and confirm to make sure anything you plan to see is actually open. You can always check online, but sometimes, things aren’t always updated with accurate hours, closures, or openings.

Don’t forget about all the regular precautions

It’s easy to get sidetracked and only think about Covid-19. But remember, when traveling to Mexico, you should be taking all the regular precautions too. Make sure you’re up-to-date on any vaccines, don’t drink tap water and make safe food choices. Be aware of your surroundings, especially while driving or outside of resort areas too.

It is possible to have a safe and enjoyable trip to Mexico. Just remember to be aware of all the rules, advisories and regulations (which may change periodically). Have insurance and a testing plan, and don’t forget about all the other stuff outside of Covid-19, too.

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