People are more enthusiastic about traveling outside America now that it’s possible to do so more safely with the vaccine. This cautious optimism means that citizens are booking international travel, with many opting for Mexico due to its proximity to the US, reasonable prices, and great tourist destinations.

Many travelers stick to resort vacations to limit their movement around the country while still soaking up its temperate climatic conditions, atmosphere, and culture. Whether you are just looking to sit on a beach and soak up the rays or hoping to hire a private catamaran in Cancun, you are in for a treat as Mexico is an awesome place to visit.

Here, we’ve compiled tips for Americans planning a trip to Mexico which will be useful whether you are planning to visit the gorgeous Las Ventanas al Paraiso or one of the other stunning resorts in Mexico or even somewhere far-flung and inland…

Know the current testing requirements

Visitors do not need a negative Covid test to enter Mexico. Their return to America is another story, as anyone entering the country, including citizens, must present a negative Covid test result no older than 72 hours. Fortunately, visitors do not need to rely on overloaded state facilities to get their tests. Several private local operations offer rapid COVID testing in Cabo San Lucas other locations, including Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Playa Del Carmen, Cozumel, and Mexico City. 

Standard test results can take up to 24 hours to yield results. Many people are utilizing rapid testing options that deliver an outcome within hours. Test types depend on which facility travelers choose, and results could take longer in areas where laboratories experience severe backlogs.

Familiarize yourself with entry requirements

As it currently stands, tourists can only enter Mexico via an airport. Land travel across physical international borders between Mexico and its neighbors remains available to essential travel only. Travelers require proof of the nature of their trip and its essential status to cross the border by car.

Air travelers can expect to undergo rigorous screening processes upon arrival, including temperature checks. Travelers are warned that screening procedures cause delays at airports, requiring them to remain patient.

Should authorities have any concerns about a visitor’s health status after the screening, they might insist on a quarantine period or return a traveler to America. Those tourists who do not raise red flags during the screening process can proceed out of the airport without any quarantine requirements. Depending on the state there may be tourist taxes – see more at – Visitax Web Portal.

Be aware of local restrictions

Mexico consists of 32 states, and restrictions are imposed on them individually. Therefore, what is valid in one state might not be allowed in another. However, preventive measures like mask-wearing, hand sanitizing, and social distancing remain mandatory across the country.

States impose regulations and restrictions based on the area’s current Covid status. Mexico uses a four-tier approach, designating states with a red, orange, yellow, or green status. This determination is made using current infection trends, hospital occupancy rates, and positive cases as a percentage of the state’s population. Status changes may occur at short notice and change permissible activities.

Most Mexican destination states remain at yellow status, where most non-essential economic activities are permitted. In these areas, the percentage occupancy for indoor and outdoor activities is higher than those states designated orange or red. This includes hotel and resort occupancy.

Movement restrictions

People cannot move around Mexico as freely as they could pre-pandemic. The rules vary from one state to another, with most centered around interstate travel. For example, the borders between yellow and red states may be closed to non-essential travel to avoid infection and outbreak risks. Tourists should monitor their destination’s status and whether they can get there given current movement restrictions.

Most states have imposed curfews to restrict after-hours movement that could heighten the risk of Covid infections. These curfews are not universal and could change at short notice. They apply to residents and tourists alike, and visitors should remain aware of current curfews and follow local news outlets to determine if they change.

Public transportation remains open in Mexico but might be restricted according to an area’s designated Covid status. Restrictions could include reduced permitted passenger numbers and fewer services due to curfews. It’s important to wear a mask whether or not they are required to protect yourself during your trip.

Seek consular support if needed

America runs several consulates across Mexico to assist visitors. However, most operations are running on a skeleton staff, and physical visits are not recommended. Instead, Americans can telephone a 24/7 emergency line on (55) 8526 2561 to get answers to questions and seek additional services. 

Americans needing face-to-face appointments at a consulate should consult the website to schedule one. Anyone struggling to get an appointment can phone the emergency line. However, the waiting period for assistance may be longer than usual owing to pandemic restrictions on building occupancy.