Travel To Mexico: Closed Or Open?

Mexico is not closed for travel, but the U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories for several Mexican states, including some popular tourist destinations. These advisories are mostly related to gang-related crime, including kidnapping, carjacking, robbery, and homicide.

The U.S. State Department currently has a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning for the Mexican states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. A Level 3: Reconsider Travel To warning has been issued for the states of Baja California, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, and Sonora.

While millions of tourists visit Mexico safely each year, it is important for travelers to be mindful of their personal safety, stay updated on public health concerns, and exercise normal precautions. Visitors should also be aware of the potential for natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions, as well as health risks such as contaminated food and water, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Mexico's land borders are open to fully vaccinated travellers

The US land border with Mexico reopened on November 8, 2021, after being closed to non-essential travellers for 20 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening applied to all land borders, including the Mexico-US border at Tijuana, where long lines of cars and trucks formed as thousands of Mexicans crossed the frontier.

Mexico's decision to reopen its land borders to vaccinated travellers is part of the country's broader approach to managing the pandemic. Notably, Mexico did not close its borders during the peak of the first wave in 2020 and did not require visitors to present a negative PCR test. As a result, Mexico was the third most visited country in the world in 2020, and Cancun was the second most popular destination globally in 2021.

The reopening of Mexico's land borders provides an opportunity for travellers to explore the country's diverse attractions, from its enchanting landscapes and cultural heritage to its world-renowned cuisine and luxury resorts.

Mexico has been luring travellers during the pandemic

Mexico: A Pandemic Travel Destination

Mexico has been a popular travel destination during the pandemic, with its borders open to tourists from across the world. In fact, it was one of the few countries that the U.S. State Department broke down by states in its travel advisory, indicating its significance as a tourist hotspot. So, what has been luring travellers to Mexico during these uncertain times?

Rich History and Culture

Mexico City, the country's vibrant capital, offers a unique blend of art, architecture, cuisine, and cultural experiences. Travellers can explore the historic centre, visiting sites like Zócalo, the Cathedral, and Templo Mayor. They can also discover neighbourhoods like Condesa and Roma Norte, known for their hip boutiques, cafes, and clubs. Mexico City is also a foodie's paradise, with authentic Puebla cuisine, upscale traditional cooking, and trendy cocktail bars.

Natural Wonders

Mexico boasts a diverse range of natural attractions, from the Caribbean hot spot of Yucatan, where travellers can explore Chichen Itza and Merida, to the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco and the lush Castillo de Chapultepec. The country's diverse landscapes and ecosystems provide a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking and nature walks.

Safe and Accessible Tourism

Despite crime being a concern in some areas, Mexico's premier tourist destinations are generally considered safe. Many travellers stay at tourist-friendly hotels and all-inclusive resorts, which are well-protected. The U.S. State Department advises travellers to practice common sense and take certain precautions, such as avoiding travelling at night and displaying signs of wealth.

Relaxed Entry Requirements

Mexico has been luring travellers with its relatively relaxed entry requirements during the pandemic. While the country has implemented some restrictions and advisories, it has largely kept its borders open to vaccinated travellers. This accessibility, combined with Mexico's rich cultural offerings and diverse natural attractions, has made it an appealing destination for those seeking a change of scenery during the pandemic.

Mexico's vaccination requirements for tourists

Mexico is not closed for travel, but there are some vaccination requirements for tourists. As of May 12, 2023, nonimmigrant travellers to the United States are no longer required to be fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccination before entering the country by air, land, or ferry. This change was brought about by Presidential Proclamation 10575, which revoked the previous vaccination requirement.

However, it is important to note that the U.S.-Mexico land border was reopened on the same date, allowing vaccinated individuals to cross by land for the first time since the pandemic began. This change is expected to boost tourism and reunite families and friends who have been separated during the pandemic.

In addition to vaccination requirements, travellers to Mexico should also be aware of other health and safety considerations. For example, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 1 advisory for the Yucatan state, which includes popular tourist destinations such as Chichen Itza and Merida. Most other Mexican states are under a Level 2 advisory due to the potential for crime.

When travelling to Mexico, it is recommended to practice common sense and take necessary precautions. Visitors should keep family back home aware of their plans, avoid travelling at night, and exercise caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos. It is also advisable to avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches.

Mexico's travel restrictions impact on the economy

Mexico is not closed for travel, but there are some restrictions in place. The US State Department has issued a Level 1 advisory for the Yucatan, and a Level 2 advisory for most other Mexican states, including Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Mexico City, and Quintana Roo. Jalisco has received a Level 3 advisory due to the potential threat of crime and kidnapping. However, there are no restrictions on travel for US government employees in tourist areas within the state.

The impact of these travel advisories and restrictions on Mexico's economy is difficult to measure directly. However, we can look at the impact on specific industries and border towns. For example, federal travel restrictions imposed after the pandemic began have taken a toll on the economy of Laredo, Texas, and its sister city Nuevo Laredo in Mexico. Mexican shoppers who fall under the government's non-essential category are essential to Laredo's economy, contributing to 40% of the city's retail sales. The restrictions, combined with the rise of COVID-19 cases and Mexico's faltering economy, have dealt a triple blow to local businesses.

Additionally, the US travel restrictions imposed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic are estimated to have resulted in a loss of nearly $300 billion in export income for the US. This includes losses for border communities that rely heavily on Mexican tourists and visitors. For instance, the city of Laredo, Texas, usually sees an increase in retail sales during the holiday season due to Mexican tourists and visitors. However, the travel restrictions have reduced cross-border travel and impacted the local economy.

It is important to note that the impact of travel restrictions on the economy is complex and multifaceted. While some industries and border towns may suffer negative consequences, others may benefit from an increase in domestic tourism or a shift in consumer behavior. Overall, Mexico continues to be a popular tourist destination, and the impact of travel advisories and restrictions on the country's economy is likely to be a combination of positive and negative effects.

Mexico's travel restrictions impact on border towns

Mexico's travel restrictions have had a significant impact on border towns, affecting local economies and communities on both sides of the border. The restrictions, which were implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19, have been in place since March 2020, with some extensions, and have only recently been lifted.

American border towns, which are among the poorest in the nation, have suffered economically due to the decrease in Mexican travellers. Sales tax generated from purchases made by Mexican visitors is a major source of revenue for these towns. For example, in Texas, counties along the border lost nearly $4.9 billion in economic activity between March and November 2020 due to travel restrictions. The impact was particularly devastating for small businesses, with many being forced to close due to a lack of customers.

The restrictions also had a negative effect on communities, preventing family gatherings and social events, and disrupting the sense of unity between border towns and their Mexican counterparts.

Mexican towns that serve as economic anchors for their American counterparts have also been affected. While the Mexican government allowed unrestricted entry for American travellers, American ports of entry remained closed to Mexican tourists and shoppers, creating an imbalance in cross-border trade and travel.

The extension of the travel ban to allow Mexico to increase its vaccination rate further harmed border communities, as they struggled to cope with the loss of revenue and the inability to fully participate in cross-border trade.

The lifting of the travel ban in November 2021 brought relief to border residents, with business owners and families separated by the restrictions finally able to reunite. The reopening of the border is expected to boost local economies, especially during the holiday shopping season.

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