Travel To Mexico: What Are The Current Restrictions?

Mexico is currently open to foreign travellers, including those from the US and UK, for non-essential and essential reasons. There are no COVID-19-related entry requirements, regardless of vaccination status, and no mandatory quarantine period. However, travellers may be subject to random health screenings and temperature checks upon arrival. While there are no specific entry rules for children, all travellers, regardless of age, must have a completed FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) tourist card.

No COVID-19 entry requirements

Mexico has been one of the least restrictive countries in the world throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As of August 2024, there are no entry limitations, and no COVID-19 test or quarantine is required for arrivals. However, it is important to note that individual states in Mexico may impose additional measures and restrictions, and travellers are advised to check the latest information on local government websites before departure.

All travellers to Mexico, including children, must present a Mexico Tourist Card, which can be obtained online before travel or on arrival. This is a digital form that must be completed by anyone visiting or entering Mexico and is separate from a visa. Travellers eligible to enter Mexico without a visa only need to obtain the Mexico Tourist Card. It is important to note that the Tourist Card does not replace a visa, and travellers who require a visa to enter Mexico must still have the correct visa stamped in their passport.

In addition to the Tourist Card, travellers may be asked to provide proof of their departure plans from Mexico, as well as proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for their stay. It is recommended that travellers have travel insurance, as it covers overseas medical costs and protects against other inconveniences that may occur during their trip.

Mexico has implemented a "traffic light" monitoring system based on the number of cases and the risk of contagion to manage the relaxation of restrictions. The status varies from state to state, and travellers can refer to the Mexican government's website for the latest information. As of October 2022, there were no red states, indicating that the situation was improving across the country.

Passports must be valid for at least 6 months

When travelling to Mexico, it's important to ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months. This is a common requirement for many countries, and it's crucial to check the validity well before your trip to avoid any issues.

Mexico's passport validity requirements are relatively lenient compared to other countries. While some destinations in Europe, such as Spain and Greece, require UK tourists to have three months left on their passports, Mexico has different entry requirements. According to the Foreign Office, "If you are visiting Mexico, your passport should be valid for the length of your stay." However, Mexico's embassy in the UK recommends that passports be valid for at least 180 days, as this is the maximum time a tourist can remain in Mexico.

This recommendation is further supported by the fact that UK travellers do not need a visa to enter Mexico. Instead, they receive a stamp in their passport upon arrival, indicating the number of days they are allowed to stay. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your passport has enough validity to cover the duration of your trip.

When entering Mexico by air, travellers only need to have a currently valid passport, according to the U.S. Department of State's website. However, it is important to have at least one blank passport page for the entry stamp. On the other hand, if you are entering by land, a valid passport is required. For travel beyond the immediate border area, a visit to the National Migration Institute office is necessary to obtain an entry permit.

In summary, while Mexico does not have a strict six-month passport validity rule, it is always advisable to ensure that your passport is valid for at least that period. This will help prevent any potential issues and ensure a smooth entry into the country.

Random health screenings on arrival

If you are travelling to Mexico, you should be aware of the health screenings that may be required upon arrival. These screenings are random, but if you are selected, you will need to undergo a temperature check and possibly other health checks. It is important to comply with these screenings to protect your health and the health of those around you.

The Mexican government has implemented these health screenings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The screenings are designed to identify individuals who may be infected with the virus and prevent them from spreading it to others. This is particularly important in airports and other busy travel hubs, where people from all over the world are gathering in close quarters.

While the health screenings are random, it is important to be prepared for the possibility of being selected. Have your passport and other necessary documentation readily available, and be prepared to answer questions about your health and recent travel history. If you are feeling unwell, it is best to postpone your trip until you have recovered.

In addition to the random health screenings, there are other measures in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Mexico. Face masks are required in most public spaces, and social distancing is encouraged whenever possible. Many businesses and social events are operating at reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing. It is important to follow these and other local guidelines to protect yourself and others.

Some items are prohibited or restricted

When travelling to Mexico, it is important to be aware of prohibited and restricted items to avoid any legal issues. Mexico has strict laws regarding certain items, and non-compliance can result in severe consequences. Here are some key points to consider:

Firearms and Ammunition

Mexico has strict laws regarding firearms and ammunition. It is illegal to bring any firearms or ammunition into the country without a permit. Violation of these laws can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment, even if the import is unintentional.

Illegal Drugs

Attempting to bring illegal drugs into Mexico is a serious offence and can result in imprisonment, regardless of citizenship or legal status. Additionally, Mexico has strict restrictions on prescription and over-the-counter medications. It is advised to only bring medications that are essential for your trip and to carry them in their original containers, along with a valid prescription.

Prohibited Food Items

When travelling to Mexico, certain food items are prohibited from being brought into the country. This includes fresh, dried, or frozen pork, fresh, refrigerated, or frozen poultry, and fresh, refrigerated, or frozen beef. Other items, such as seeds, seedlings, and fresh plants, are allowed but may be subject to inspection. It is important to declare any food items upon arrival to avoid any issues.

Used Clothing

Used clothing that is not part of personal luggage is prohibited from being imported into Mexico. There is a high tax on bringing used clothing into the country, and failure to comply can result in fines and delays.

Electronics and Other Restricted Items

Mexico also has restrictions on certain electronic items. For instance, you cannot bring in blank CDs, DVDs, or tapes. Additionally, new items purchased within six months before your trip are considered restricted. These items must be declared and may be subject to customs duties. Other restricted items include hunting trophies, cleaning chemicals, and collectibles.

It is important to stay informed about the latest regulations and restrictions before travelling to Mexico. The Mexican Customs rules website provides detailed information on prohibited and restricted items, and it is recommended to consult official sources for the most up-to-date guidelines.

Some states are under a do not travel advisory

The U.S. Department of State has issued a "Do Not Travel" advisory for some Mexican states, including Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread in these states, and there have been incidents of kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. U.S. government employees are prohibited from travelling between cities after dark, hailing taxis on the street, and driving from the U.S.-Mexico border to the interior of Mexico, except during the day within certain specified areas.

The advisory also recommends that U.S. citizens exercise increased caution when travelling to certain other Mexican states, including Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Durango, Hidalgo, Mexico City, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz. Criminal activity and violence may occur in these states, and travellers should be vigilant, particularly in local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.

Frequently asked questions