When Can I Travel To Mexico? Here’s Everything You Need To Know

If you’re wondering “When can I travel to Mexico?” then we have some good news for you. Mexico is virtually open for all travelers. Although the U.S - Mexico border is closed to nonessential by land, this doesn’t apply to air travel. 

That said, there are definitely some things travelers should know before they pack their bags. Our guide below covers everything you need to know about traveling to Mexico right now. 

No one knows a place like the people who live there. Connect with a local in Mexico to start planning your trip. Learn more.

Is It Safe To Travel To Mexico Right Now?

Throughout the pandemic, Mexico has been one of the most open destinations for travelers. But is it safe to go to Mexico right now? What are things like on the ground? 

It’s a good question. Like anywhere, travel to Mexico comes with new, elevated risks because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Here’s what you need to know. Mexico was hit hard by the coronavirus in Spring 2020. The Mexican government took a somewhat hands-off approach to the pandemic, and the country has a high death toll (which might be even higher than reported).

But after a couple of serious spikes, cases in Mexico are currently falling. The country grades the severity of COVID-19 cases using a color-coded system for its states. This system ranges from green to red. And the moment, no Mexican states are in “red,” although a number are in “yellow” or “orange.”

Plus, the CDC gives Mexico a lower rating than many other destinations. Whereas places like France and Spain have a Level 4 rating, meaning that cases are “very high”, the CDC gives Mexico a Level 3 rating. This means that cases are “high.”

However, the CDC does recommend that only vaccinated Americans travel to Mexico. They discourage any nonessential travel by unvaccinated Americans. 

Are There Any Vaccination Requirements To Visit Mexico?

There are no vaccination requirements to enter Mexico. But according to the State Department, some Mexican states are slowly (slowly) starting to require proof of vaccination to enter businesses like restaurants. A negative COVID-19 test will also be acceptable in this case. 

Remember, the CDC does recommend that travelers should get vaccinated before going to Mexico. So this shouldn’t be a problem — just remember to bring your card with you. 

Like we said, Mexico is fairly open to travelers right now. Unlike many places around the world, it doesn’t currently have a vaccination requirement. That could, of course, change in the near future. 

Are There Other Mexico Travel Restrictions That Travelers Should Know? 

Here’s what you need to know about quarantine, testing, and other rules to travel to Mexico right now:

Quarantine: Mexico has no quarantine requirement for travelers, regardless if they’re vaccinated or unvaccinated. However, any traveler presenting symptoms of the coronavirus may be subject to health screenings and/or quarantine. 

COVID-19 testing: Likewise, travelers do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test to enter Mexico, no matter their vaccination status. However, travelers will need a negative COVID-19 viral test taken three days before their return to the United States. 

What Travelers Do Need: Alongside the basics like a passport and an airplane ticket, all travelers will need to fill out Mexico’s Health Declaration Form. Travelers will need to scan the QR code that it generates. 

Otherwise, Mexico is a fairly easy destination to travel to during the pandemic. With few COVID-19 travel requirements, it’s almost like traveling in the #beforetimes. 

Of course, we aren’t in the #beforetimes. Like anywhere, Mexico has changed a lot in the last two years, and traveling there is a little bit different than before. 

There are tons and tons of guides online about what to expect when you travel to Mexico. These guides are filled with lists about the best bars and restaurants, and what to do while you’re in the country. But because of the pandemic, the vast majority of these are completely out of date. 

That’s why we recommend you connect with someone who actually lives in Mexico before booking your trip. 

Why Have A Local Plan Your Trip

At ViaHero, we’ve always believed that local insights can enrich a travel experience. After all, who knows a place better than the people who live there? Aren’t you an expert guide for your hometown? 

But local advice is more valuable than ever during the pandemic. Today, online “top ten” lists are totally obsolete. Many restaurants, bars, and other activities have sadly closed. 

And even if you know something is open, it can be hard to decide whether or not to go. Do they have good outdoor seating? Does it get really crowded? These are questions that are difficult to answer at the moment. 

That is, unless you know someone on the ground. 

When you connect with a local in Mexico, they can let you know what to expect. They can explain what their hometown looks like during the pandemic. They can tell you which bars locals are loving lately and which restaurants have amazing outdoor seating. 

As you weigh places to stay in Mexico City, for example, they can let you know if you should stay in Zona Rosa or Condesa. They can give advice about things to do in CDMX, like which part of the massive Chaputelec Park to explore. And, of course, they can give advice about food. 

Best of all, they can let you know if things change — if this or that bar closes, or if new requirements are put into place by the government. All this information can be tough to find online. But when a local plans your trip, then they’re just a message away. 

Our locals in Mexico can use their local knowledge to plan a trip that fits your travel style — and your risk tolerance. 

So, are you ready to have a local plan your trip? Connect with one today to get started. 

Where else is open for travel? Check out our articles on if Americans can go to Puerto Rico, what the rules are for Americans going to Cuba, and if Americans can travel to Portugal.