Traveling To Mexico: What To Expect Now

how is travel to mexico now

As of August 2022, the CDC lists Mexico as Level 3, meaning that cases of COVID-19 are high. However, Mexico is one of the easiest places to travel to at the moment, especially for Americans. Travellers to Mexico need a valid passport, an immigration form, and a ticket. No negative test or proof of vaccination is required, although the CDC recommends getting vaccinated before travelling. The U.S. State Department has a Level 1 advisory for Campeche and Yucatan, a Level 2 advisory for several other states, and a Level 3 advisory for a handful of states. The highest advisory, Level 4, is in place for six Mexican states, which the State Department warns Americans not to travel to due to the risk of violent crime and kidnapping.

Characteristics Values
Tourist Safety Tourist areas are generally considered safe, but crime is a concern in Mexico.
Crime Violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery are common.
U.S. Travel Advisory Levels Vary from Level 1 to Level 3 depending on the state.
Canadian Travel Advisory Exercise a high degree of caution with regional advisories.
Australian Travel Advisory Exercise a high degree of caution.
Kidnapping Kidnapping is a serious risk in Mexico, including express kidnappings and virtual kidnappings.
Scams Common tourist scams include car rental scams, fake ATMs, fake taxis, and restaurant scams.
LGBTQ+ Safety While same-sex marriage is legal, some parts of Mexico are conservative, so LGBTQ+ travellers may want to limit public displays of affection.
Drug Cartel Violence Most crime is cartel-on-cartel violence, but tourists should still be cautious as bystanders can be injured or killed.
Safe Places Mérida, San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca City, Holbox Island, Playa del Carmen, La Paz, Valladolid, Isla Mujeres, San Cristóbal de las Casa, Todos Santos, and Laguna Bacalar are considered safe.
Places to Avoid Tamaulipas, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Durango, and Sinaloa.

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Entry requirements

As of August 2022, Americans can travel to Mexico, although there are some things travellers need to be aware of. Mexico has been fairly open for travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, but individual states are responsible for their own Covid-19 management, so requirements may differ depending on your destination.

Mexico does not require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country. However, some places in Mexico may require proof of vaccination for entry, so it is a good idea to bring your vaccination card with you.

Upon arrival, you will need to fill out a health screening questionnaire and show a QR code to the gate agent. Paper questionnaires are also given out to be filled out and handed to immigration. In some airports, temperatures may be taken, and masks are required at all times.

If you are arriving by air, you will need a valid passport book. If entering by land, a passport book or card may be used. If you are travelling outside the immediate border area, you must obtain an entry permit from a National Migration Institute office. If travelling by car, a temporary vehicle import permit is also required.

A tourist visa is required for stays longer than 180 days.

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Safety protocols

Mexico has a high threat of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. Criminal activity and violence are widespread and common in Mexico, with innocent bystanders often being injured or killed in crossfire. Criminal groups, including drug cartels, are very active across the country.

  • Avoid travelling at night, especially outside major cities.
  • Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.
  • Do not wear expensive jewellery or watches, or display signs of wealth.
  • Keep your valuables locked up and carry as little cash as possible.
  • Use only official registered taxis, ride-share services, or pre-paid taxis from official airport booths.
  • Avoid travelling on intercity buses, especially after dark.
  • Use first-class buses and toll roads ('cuotas') to reduce the risk of crime.
  • Stay in well-known and well-frequented public areas with good access to safe transport in the evenings.
  • Avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone.
  • Stay in hotels and resorts with good security.
  • Keep your passport and other travel documents in a secure place.
  • Do not resist if you are a victim of robbery or kidnapping.
  • Do not withdraw or exchange money in public areas of the airport.
  • Do not leave food and drinks unattended in bars and restaurants.
  • Do not accept offers of transportation from strangers.
  • Avoid walking alone at night.
  • Avoid drinking tap water.
  • Avoid political activities and demonstrations.
  • Research your destination thoroughly and monitor local media for safety updates.
  • Follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator.
  • Enroll in a travel safety program, such as the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), to stay informed and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

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Tourist attractions

Mexico is a large country with a diverse range of attractions for visitors. From ancient ruins to beaches, cities, and national parks, there is something for every type of traveller.

Ancient Ruins

Mexico is famous for its Pre-Columbian ruins, including the Mayan ruins of Palenque, Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Coba. These sites feature well-preserved pyramids, temples, and ball courts. The Aztec pyramids of Teotihuacan are also a major attraction, featuring towering pyramids and stone temples with intricate murals.

Beaches

Mexico's long coastlines offer countless opportunities for beach activities, including boating, parasailing, diving, snorkelling, fishing, and kayaking. The country is known for its beach resorts, with popular destinations including Los Cabos, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco. For a more relaxed atmosphere, travellers can visit Zipolite, a hippie-vibe beach in the Oaxaca region, or Playa Norte, known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters.

Cities

Mexico City, the country's sprawling capital, is a cultural hub with world-class art, historical museums, cosmopolitan dining, and nonstop nightlife. The city's top attractions include the Zocalo, the central plaza featuring the Catedral Metropolitana; Chapultepec Park, one of the largest city parks in the world; and the Frida Kahlo Museum, dedicated to the famous Mexican artist. Other notable cities include Guadalajara, the second-largest city known for its tequila and mariachi; and Guanajuato, a beautiful colonial city founded in 1554 with colourful alleyways and underground tunnels.

National Parks and Natural Attractions

Mexico boasts a diverse range of natural attractions, including the Rio Secreto Nature Reserve, a series of caves and underground rivers; the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, where millions of monarch butterflies migrate each year; and the Copper Canyon, a network of canyons larger than the Grand Canyon. For whale watching, travellers can visit San Ignacio Lagoon, home to Eastern Pacific grey whales during the winter months.

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Travel advisories

The U.S. Department of State issues different advisory levels for each Mexican state, rather than for the country as a whole.

A Level 1 advisory, meaning to exercise normal precautions, is currently in place for Campeche and Yucatan. Yucatan includes tourist areas such as Chichen Itza, Merida, Uxmal, and Valladolid.

A Level 2 advisory, meaning to exercise increased caution, is in place for several Mexican states, including popular tourist destinations such as Baja California Sur (Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz), Chiapas, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Quintana Roo (Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya). The advisory is due to crime and/or kidnapping in these states.

A Level 3 advisory, meaning to reconsider travel, is in place for several other Mexican states, including Baja California, Chihuahua, Jalisco (Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta), and Sonora (Puerto Peñasco). This advisory is also due to crime and/or kidnapping.

The State Department's highest advisory, Level 4 or "Do Not Travel," warns Americans not to travel to six Mexican states: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. These states pose a risk of violent crime and kidnapping.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico recommends that travellers avoid the "do not travel" states, be aware of their surroundings, seek shelter if needed, monitor local media for updates, and call 911 in case of emergency.

In addition to these advisories, it's important to be aware of the COVID-19 situation in Mexico. While there are no longer any quarantine requirements for travellers, some safety protocols remain in place. Most establishments will have mats to clean your feet, hand sanitizing stations, and temperature checks. In some places, you may even be sprayed down with disinfectant. It's also important to check the latest entry requirements, as these may change. Currently, travellers to Mexico need a valid passport, an immigration form, and an airline ticket. No negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination is required. However, some places in Mexico may require proof of vaccination for entry, so it's recommended to carry your vaccination card with you.

Safety in Mexico

Mexico has a reputation for being a dangerous place to visit, with concerns about violent crimes and drug cartels. However, it's important to note that where you are greatly influences your safety. States like Yucatan and Oaxaca are considered incredibly safe to visit, while states near the US border are more likely to experience violence and crime.

To stay safe in Mexico, it's recommended to take some basic precautions:

  • Avoid the "do not travel" states.
  • Don't flash your money or wear expensive jewellery.
  • Avoid walking alone at night.
  • Make copies of your passport and other important documents.
  • Stay informed about your surroundings and follow the instructions of local authorities.

By taking these precautions and staying vigilant, you can increase your chances of a safe and enjoyable trip to Mexico.

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Local experiences

Mexico is a large country with a lot to offer in terms of local experiences. Here are some ideas for local experiences to have when travelling in Mexico:

  • Visit the Monarch Butterfly reserves in Michoacán. However, note that security near the reserves has deteriorated due to cartel activity.
  • Explore the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains in southern Chihuahua State.
  • Visit the ancient ruins in Acapulco, a resort city with high levels of violent crime.
  • Experience the nightlife in Mexico City, but be aware of the risk of violent crime and take appropriate precautions.
  • Take a road trip along the Pacific Coast, but be aware of the risk of carjackings and only travel during daylight.
  • Visit the beaches in Tulum, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen, but be aware of the risk of seaweed.
  • Explore the colonial cities, such as Valladolid and Merida.
  • Discover the local cuisine, including botanas, which are snacks served between meals in many parts of Mexico.
  • Take a bus or plane to experience the country's diverse landscapes, but be prepared for the possibility of your credit card not being accepted when booking tickets online.
  • Go swimming, snorkelling, or diving in the cenotes, which are natural underground water caverns found in parts of Mexico.
  • Hike in the Copper Canyon.
  • Take a boat trip in the Bay of Campeche, but be aware of the risk of piracy.
  • Attend a festival or demonstration, but be aware that these can turn violent and it is illegal for foreigners to participate in political activity.
  • Visit the active volcanoes, Popocatepetl and Colima, but be prepared for possible evacuations and flight disruptions.
  • Experience the local culture in one of Mexico's many diverse regions, such as the Yucatan peninsula or the Chiapas state.

Frequently asked questions

No, Mexico does not require proof of vaccination to enter the country. However, some places in Mexico may require proof of vaccination, so it is a good idea to carry your vaccination card with you.

No, Mexico does not require a negative COVID-19 test for entry. However, the requirements may change, so it is important to check before travelling.

It is recommended to follow general safety precautions such as being aware of your surroundings and seeking shelter if needed. Additionally, it is important to follow local health guidelines, including wearing masks and social distancing.

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