Mexico Travel Restrictions During COVID-19 [Updated for 2022]

Last Updated on February 23, 2022 by Janine

Wondering what the deal is with COVID-19 in Mexico? Looking for information on travel restrictions in Mexico? Read on!  

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico right now, be aware that the COVID-19 situation is still evolving. Mexico is doing its best, especially in popular tourist destinations, to be safe and welcoming for tourists, but there are some restrictions in place in certain areas.

I created this page as a resource to help you stay up to date on the coronavirus situation in Mexico so you can make informed travel decisions. 

We’ll discuss what’s currently open in Mexico, what types of coronavirus restrictions to expect, and then we’ll cover the logistics of traveling in and out of Mexico right now. 

I will continue to update this page as the situation evolves. 

I have worked very hard to ensure the information presented here is accurate, but things are constantly changing, and restrictions vary from region to region. If you notice any errors, let me know! 

I hope this info will help you have a great Mexico trip and keep yourself and those around you safe in the midst of this virus.

But first…

You need travel insurance.

Travel insurance is more important now than ever before. Thanks to the coronavirus, you’re more likely than ever before to get sick while traveling. And now, getting sick while abroad has even more significant consequences than ever before.

Due to travel restrictions imposed by COVID-19, testing positive could result in a lengthy quarantine in a foreign country. You may even have to change your travel plans and delay your return home.

And, even though it’s probably unlikely, should you need emergent medical care, hospitalization, or medical evacuation, insurance will help cover the cost. 

• SafetyWing insurance policies cover some of the expenses related to COVID-19 testing and quarantine.

• World Nomads also offers policies covering some of the associated costs of testing positive for COVID-19. These benefits include coverage for trip interruption, emergency medical, and medical evacuation. The exact coverage depends on your home country and the policy you choose.

Mexico Coronavirus Statistics

According to the New York Times, over 300,000 people have died from COVID-19 in Mexico; 1 in 37 residents has contracted the virus. As of January 2022, Mexico has reported over 4.1 million cases of COVID-19, with August 2021 having the highest average number of cases. 

You should take Mexico’s COVID-19 statistics with a grain of salt. Mexico has been underreporting cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

On top of that, many folks in Mexico don’t trust hospitals and refuse to go even when their condition is grave. There are likely many individuals who passed away in their homes without ever seeking medical attention.

While it’s worth keeping an eye on how the curve is trending in Mexico, it’s safe to assume that the numbers are much higher than what is actually reported.

Mexico Vaccinations

The vaccine rollout in Mexico has been slow, but efforts are being made to provide vaccines to anyone who wants one. As of January 2022, it is estimated that about 59% of the population has had at least one dose.

Mexico’s COVID-19 Response

Mexico’s president, AMLO (Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador), has downplayed the severity of the virus since the start of the pandemic. Despite contracting COVID-19 himself in January 2021, he has continued to eschew wearing a mask. He has been reluctant to put any restrictions in place in the name of keeping Mexico’s economy open (and protecting his chances at re-election, no doubt). 

On January 10, 2022, AMLO tested positive for COVID-19 again. He continues to downplay the severity of the virus, despite the fact that the Omicron strain has led to Mexico’s highest infection rates since the start of the pandemic.

Fortunately, many of Mexico’s other leaders and the majority of the general population seem to be working hard to protect against the virus. This is why there is such a disparity in coronavirus measures across the country; some states take a much more strict approach than others. Generally, people seem to be taking the virus seriously, even when the government is not.  

The semáforo (stoplight) system

Mexico uses a stoplight system (semáforo, in Spanish) to indicate the level of COVID-19 restrictions in place. Each state updates its stoplight color every second Thursday. Red indicates the highest COVID risk, while green indicates the lowest. 

Here is a breakdown of what each color of the stoplight system means:

• Green: Low risk. Activities may carry on as usual, but with some precautions in place, such as reduced capacities in restaurants, mask requirements, etc.

• Yellow: Medium risk. Businesses can remain open with safety protocols in place. Activities may be permitted in public spaces (like parks and beaches). Activities within enclosed spaces (restaurants, museums, etc.) may be allowed with restrictions such as limited capacity, social distancing, and mask requirements.

• Orange: High risk. Individuals are asked to stay home as much as possible. Activities within public spaces are permitted with limitations. Activities within enclosed spaces are suspended.

• Red: Maximum risk. Only venture out for essentials. Activities are not permitted in public spaces.

If you’re planning a trip, check this interactive map to see the current stoplight color of your desired destination. 

The stoplight colors are updated every two weeks based on the following criteria:

• Rate of community transmission
• Number of cases per 100,000 people
• Number of deaths per 100,000 people
• Amount of hospitalizations per 100,000 people
• Percentage of beds occupied in hospitals
• Percentage of beds with ventilators occupied in hospitals
• Percentage of positive tests each week
• Hospitalization trends per 100,000 people
• Infection rates per 100,000 people
• Mortality trends per 100,000 people

Are Mexico’s borders open?

While Mexico has welcomed tourists throughout the pandemic, the northern land borders of the country have been closed to non-essential travel. The border closure was part of an agreement with Canada and the US to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

The land borders may be closed, but travelers are free to enter the country by air.

Mexico entry requirements during COVID

Unlike many destinations around the world, Mexico doesn’t have any entry requirements when it comes to COVID-19.

Health Declaration

In 2021, travelers coming and going from Mexico were asked to complete a health declaration form to help with COVID-19 contact tracing. This program was called “vuelo seguro.”

As of January 2022, the vuelo seguro requirement has been discontinued.

Mexican officials decided that the form wasn’t ultimately providing any useful data and only served to make the travel process more difficult. So, it is no longer!

Do you have to quarantine when entering Mexico?

Nope! Unless you are experiencing symptoms or test positive for COVID, you will not be required to quarantine when you get to Mexico. 

Traveling to Mexico from the US

Travelers from the US will face no difficulties entering the country. However, to return to the US, you will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test. The test must be taken within 24 hours of your return flight. If you test positive, you will have to self-isolate in Mexico until you recover.

Visit this website to review the current travel guidelines for entering the United States. 

Traveling to Mexico from Canada

Canadians can enter Mexico easily, but the logistics of returning to Canada are more complex, especially if you are not fully vaccinated. 

(Travelers do not qualify as fully vaccinated unless the second dose of the vaccine was administered 14 days before the day they enter Canada).

Fully vaccinated Canadians must provide proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of their scheduled return flight.

You must update ArriveCAN with your vaccination status, flight details, and proof of your negative COVID test.  

You will be asked to monitor for COVID symptoms for 14 days once you arrive in Canada. You must report any symptoms you experience to your local health authority. 

Visit this page for more details on Canada’s re-entry requirements (and what to do if you’re not fully vaxxed). 

What to expect when visiting Mexico during COVID-19

Mexico is open and welcoming tourists, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can expect everything to be as it was pre-pandemic. The situation on the ground varies from state to state, depending on how their case numbers are. 

Generally, you should expect to wear your mask. Sanitization methods will be in place in most places. Your temperature may be taken when going into restaurants or shops. Attractions, restaurants, and even public transportation may be operating at reduced capacity. 

Let’s look at some of the steps Mexico is taking to combat COVID and see how they might affect your travels.

Mask requirements: Do you need to wear a mask in Mexico?

You will be required to wear a mask in most areas of Mexico, especially indoors or while using public transportation. In some regions, the mask mandates are much stricter than others. In some cities, individuals can be fined for not wearing masks, even outdoors. 

Plan to wear your mask indoors, when you are taking public transportation, and when you are in crowded public spaces.

At this point, you should be wearing a mask any time you are in a crowded or enclosed space, regardless of your vaccination status. Even if you’re vaccinated and healthy, wearing a mask is respectful and prevents you from unwittingly spreading the virus to anyone else.

Proof of vaccination

As a response to an uptick in case numbers due to Omicron, some Mexican states are beginning implement vaccination certificates.

Baja California implemented this practice on January 12, 2022 and the state of Jalisco will follow, on January 14. The document will be required for entry into bars, nightclubs, casinos, and convention centers.

At this time, individuals who do not have vaccine certificates may be granted entry into these establishments if they provide a negative Covid test that was taken within the past 48 hours.

The state of Tlaxcala has also implemented an even stricter vaccine certificate requirement. Individuals must provide proof of vaccination for entry into restaurants, shopping centers, supermarkets, coffee shops, hotels, and other public spaces.

Because these mandates are new, there isn’t much information about what is required of travelers. If you have proof of vaccination from home, carry it with you just in case you need it.

Alcohol restrictions

In light of the pandemic, some cities in Mexico have introduced what they call a ley seca. This translates to “dry law,” and it refers to a ban on alcohol. This law doesn’t exist everywhere, and the specifics of the law vary from place to place. 

In Xalapa, Veracruz, where I lived at the start of the pandemic, ley seca meant that liquor sales were banned from Friday through Sunday. In other cities, liquor sales may be prohibited after a certain time every day.

Sanitation at resorts

Mexico’s hospitality industry has been working hard to ensure that the country’s tourism sector can continue to operate while keeping staff and guests safe and healthy. 

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) created a designation they call the “SafeTravels Stamp.” To receive the SafeTravel Stamp, businesses must follow a set of health and sanitization protocols outlined by the WTTC. 

These protocols were developed through collaboration between health experts, governments, and travel and tourism industry members. The goal behind them is to inspire confidence in travelers who are concerned about the spread of COVID-19. 

Many of Mexico’s resorts, tour operators, and other tourism industry businesses have received the SafeTravels Stamp. As such, you can trust that sanitation is top of mind for these organizations.

Attractions & activities

It is not safe to assume your chosen attraction will be open, so do careful research ahead of your trip. 

The availability of attractions and activities differs depending on the COVID situation in the area. Some attractions have been closed temporarily, while others are operating at a reduced capacity. 

For instance, one of Mexico’s most popular tourist attractions, Chichen Itza, was closed for months during 2020 due to coronavirus concerns. It has since reopened with a reduced capacity for visitors and strict mask requirements. 

Another popular archaeological site, Teotihuacan, also has a reduced capacity, and visitors are not currently permitted to climb on the pyramids. 

In some cities, there have been periods during which restaurants are only open to provide takeout. Bars and nightclubs were closed altogether in certain areas. In the Riviera Maya, there were times when beaches were closed for a time. 

Mexico’s economy has been hit hard by the pandemic and many businesses have shuttered. Others are operating with a skeleton crew while trying to adapt to shifting guidelines and demands. Wherever your travels take you in Mexico, be patient and realize that everyone is doing their best amidst a very confusing situation.

Other measures taken against COVID-19

Many other steps are being taken to limit the spread of COVID in Mexico. Here are some other restrictions you might experience:

• Reduced capacity on public transportation
• Curfews, including vehicle curfews
• Restrictions around entering grocery stores, shops, malls (such as only allowing one person per group to enter at a time)
• Having your temperature taken any time you enter a business
• And more…

Once again, the situation is constantly changing, so do your research before your trip.

Where can I find updates about the COVID situation in Mexico?

US Embassy & Consulates in Mexico: This page outlines Mexico’s entry requirements and how the stoplight system works. It also has links to COVID-19 resources for the states most popular among travelers.

Mexico News Daily takes Spanish-language news articles and translates them into English. Their coronavirus coverage is free to access, and they post regular updates about the COVID-19 situation throughout Mexico.

CDC – Covid-19 in Mexico: The CDC’s Mexico travel page highlights the risks, restrictions, and recommendations for traveling to Mexico at this time.

Local publications: Since the Covid situation is handled slightly differently in each part of Mexico, following a local news source is one of the best ways to stay up to date. There are English language publications out there for the most popular destinations in Mexico. Otherwise, Spanish-language publications are available.

Tip: To find Spanish language publications for your destination, Google “noticias + [city/state].”

Facebook Groups: Don’t underestimate the value of Facebook groups. There are tons of expat groups for Mexico and many devoted to specific cities. These are great places to find up-to-date information. Of course, there are often many people in these groups just desperate to sound off, so try not to take them too seriously. Ask specific, focused questions, and you’ll usually receive some helpful answers.

Tip: Search “Expats in [city]” on Facebook to find local groups.

My Facebook group, Female Travelers in Mexico, is packed with over 1,200 friendly, fellow Mexico travelers and locals who are happy to answer questions. Click here to join us!

Vocabulary to know

The following are some COVID-related terms and phrases that you’re bound to see or hear throughout your travels:

• Cubreboca – Mask
• Gel (pronounced “hell”) – Gel, referring to hand-sanitizer
• Prueba de COVID-19 – Covid test
• Sana distancia – Healthy distance
• Distancia social – Social distance
• Aislamiento – Isolation
• Obligatorio – Mandatory 

• Ley seca – Dry law (this refers to a ban on liquor sales)
• Cerrada – Closed
• Síntomas – Symptoms
• Enfermo – Sick
• Riesgo – Risk
• Cuarentena – Quarantine

Where can you get a COVID-19 test in Mexico?

At this point, it’s easy to get tested for COVID-19 in Mexico. Many resorts are offering tests on-site because they know their guests must provide test results before flying home.

You can also get tested at pharmacies. Farmacia del Ahorro is a massive chain of pharmacies that you’ll see throughout Mexico. They offer COVID-19 tests at affordable rates. 

Here’s a detailed look at the COVID-19 testing process in Playa del Carmen. I’m sure the process will be similar at pharmacies elsewhere in Mexico. 

What happens if you test positive for COVID-19 in Mexico?

If you test positive for COVID-19 while in Mexico, you will need to self-isolate until you are no longer contagious. It could take up to 21 days for you to clear the virus.

Naturally, extending your stay will be costly. Your travel insurance could help cover your expenses in some cases, so don’t forget to purchase a policy before your trip.

If you test positive, speak to your hotel about how they can help you remain isolated. They may be able to coordinate food or grocery deliveries on your behalf. Depending on where you are staying, they may wish to move you to a different part of the property to reduce the risk of you exposing other guests and staff members.

Some Mexican resorts and hotels even allow guests who test positive a complimentary stay for up to 14-days. 

Before your trip, ask your hotel about their protocols for guests who test positive, so you have a backup plan in case it happens. It will be harder to sort these things out when you’re feeling overwhelmed and under the weather. 

TL;DR: Travel to Mexico During COVID-19 FAQs

Too lazy to dig through all the info I shared above? 

That’s cool. 

Here are the essential things to know about traveling to Mexico during coronavirus. 

• Do I have to quarantine if I travel to Mexico?

At this time, there is no quarantine requirement for travelers entering Mexico. You will only be required to quarantine if you test positive for COVID-19. Depending on where you’re traveling from, you may be required to quarantine when returning to your home country.

• Do I need a covid test to fly to Mexico?

You do not need a COVID-19 test to enter Mexico, however, you may need to get tested before flying back to your home country. Be sure to study the entry requirements of your home country before booking your trip to Mexico.

• Is there travel insurance that covers COVID-19?

Yes! World Nomads and SafetyWing both offer policies that cover some expenses related to COVID-19. Check both of them out to determine which option best suits your trip. 

• Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Mexico?

You can get tested for COVID-19 at many pharmacies throughout Mexico, including the national chain Farmacia del Ahorro. Some resorts and airports also have testing stations.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico during COVID?

Whether it’s safe or not to travel to Mexico during the pandemic is a personal choice you’ll have to make based on your lifestyle and risk tolerance. 

Mexico’s COVID-19 situation isn’t nearly as controlled as it is in many countries, but residents seem to be taking many precautions to stay safe and protect others.

While life may be relatively “normal” in many of Mexico’s most desirable destinations, COVID is still prolific, and being careless could cost you your health. BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE!

Remember: just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. (Yes, I’m looking at you maskless Tulum partiers). 

Be a respectful traveler

I know we’re all sick of being cooped up, and some of us have travel credits just begging to be used… whatever the situation, all any of us want after the last 18 months is a freakin’ vacation (or a time machine).

But…unless you are fully vaccinated, I do not advocate traveling to Mexico (or anywhere else) right now.

Mexico is currently contending with Omicron and case numbers are skyrocketing once again. Mexico may benefit from tourism dollars, but not as much as they benefit from not catching the virus.

Even if you are vaccinated, please be mindful that many individuals still are not. Wear your mask when you’re in crowded spaces. If you experience any COVID symptoms, get tested and self-isolate.

Have you visited Mexico since the pandemic began? Share your experience in the comments.