Traveling In New Mexico: What You Need To Know

Travel to New Mexico is allowed, but there are some restrictions and guidelines in place. The U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory for Mexico due to increased violence and crime, recommending that U.S. citizens avoid all non-essential travel to the country. However, this advisory is not a restriction on travel, and the decision to travel is a personal choice.

It's important to note that COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines may also be in place, and these can change frequently. As of February 17, 2023, New Mexico no longer requires face masks to be worn in indoor public spaces. It's still recommended to review the latest travel advisories and guidelines from both the U.S. and Mexican governments before planning any travel to New Mexico.

COVID-19 guidelines for travel to New Mexico

As of July 1, 2021, capacity restrictions on businesses and mass gatherings in New Mexico are no longer in place. However, hotels, restaurants, attractions, and other tourism-related businesses may have implemented additional safety guidelines for guests, so it is important to review any additional guidelines before your visit.

Testing and Travel

The New Mexico Department of Health asks all persons traveling into New Mexico from outside the state to self-isolate for 14 days and monitor themselves for any symptoms. If you have or develop any respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) or fever, call 855-600-3453 and press option 2.

It is critical that those without symptoms of COVID-19 infection – fever, cough, shortness of breath, and/or muscle cramping – do not seek testing for COVID-19. As of March 18, 2020, testing needs to be prioritized for those with symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Workplaces should not mandate that employees get tested for COVID-19 unless they are displaying symptoms.

Entering Medical Facilities

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, do not enter medical facilities, especially emergency departments, without first contacting them. There is no specific treatment for COVID-19, and most cases will resolve on their own. Unless you have serious, emergent symptoms, do not enter emergency departments as this puts others at risk.

Face Masks and Social Distancing

As of February 17, 2024, New Mexico no longer requires face masks to be worn in all public indoor spaces. However, it is important to be mindful of social distancing practices and to follow recommended personal hygiene practices, such as frequent hand-washing.

NM Safe Promise

Show your commitment to safe travel by making the NM Safe Promise. By doing so, you are demonstrating your commitment to mask usage while in public, sensible social distancing practices, frequent hand-washing and other recommended personal hygiene practices, and awareness of COVID-safe practices and safety guidelines that may be in place.

Travel advisories for New Mexico

As of July 1, 2021, there are no longer any capacity restrictions on businesses and mass gatherings in New Mexico. However, it is important to be mindful that hotels, restaurants, attractions, and other tourism-related businesses may have implemented additional safety guidelines for guests, and some may require reservations or the purchase of tickets before your visit. It is recommended that you review any additional guidelines from businesses before your trip.

Please note that effective February 17, 2023, New Mexico no longer requires face masks to be worn in all public indoor spaces. However, it is still important to be mindful of safe travel practices, such as social distancing, frequent hand-washing, and following COVID-safe practices and safety guidelines that may be in place.

When travelling to New Mexico, it is important to be aware of any travel advisories and restrictions that may be in place. For example, there have been reports of increased violence and crime in certain areas, and travellers are advised to exercise caution, particularly when visiting at night or walking outside of popular tourist areas.

In addition, there are restrictions on certain items that can be brought into New Mexico. For example, there is a limit of two cameras or video cameras, one portable computing device, one video game console and up to five video games, and two musical instruments per traveller. Exceeding these limits may result in fines.

It is also important to be aware of any taxes or fees that may be required upon entry, such as the visitor tax in the state of Quintana Roo. It is recommended that you research and stay up to date on the latest travel advisories and restrictions to ensure a smooth journey.

Items prohibited or restricted from entry to New Mexico

New Mexico is a state in the US and follows federal laws regarding prohibited and restricted items. Here is a list of items that are prohibited or restricted from entry into the US and New Mexico:

• Absinthe, unless it is "thujone-free" and meets other requirements.
• Automobiles that do not meet US safety and environmental standards.
• Biological materials such as bacterial cultures, fungi, and viruses may require permits from relevant authorities.
• Certain fruits and vegetables, especially those that are not properly packaged or sealed.
• Meat and meat products from most foreign countries are prohibited.
• Narcotics and controlled substances like Rohypnol, GHB, and Fen-Phen are prohibited. Prescription medications should be in their original containers and accompanied by a valid prescription.
• Merchandise from embargoed countries like Cuba, Iran, Myanmar, and Sudan is generally prohibited.
• Gold coins, medals, and bullion from Cuba, Iran, Myanmar, and Sudan are prohibited.
• Haitian animal hide drums that have not been processed to render them non-infectious.
• Dogs and cats must meet specific health and vaccination requirements.
• Certain plants, seeds, and unprocessed plant products are restricted and require import permits and documents.
• Soil is prohibited unless accompanied by an import permit.
• Counterfeit goods and products infringing trademarks or copyrights are prohibited.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and there may be additional prohibited or restricted items under federal or state laws. It is always best to check with the relevant authorities before travelling to New Mexico or any other state in the US.

Tourist attractions in New Mexico

New Mexico is a state known for its vibrant scenery, towns, culture, and attractions. The state is filled with ethereal high desert landscapes that have served as inspiration for numerous artists over the years. The state's art museums feature everything from folk art to glass, sculpture, and paintings.

• Carlsbad Caverns National Park: One of the country's most underrated national parks, Carlsbad is comprised of nearly 120 known limestone caves created by an ancient sea thousands of years ago.
• White Sands National Park: Located in the Tularosa Basin, a northern offshoot of the Chihuahua Desert, White Sands is surrounded by rugged mountains. Here, gleaming white gypsum sand has built up into an extraordinary landscape of dunes up to 60 feet high, which are constantly displaced by the wind.
• Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: Each autumn, Albuquerque hosts the world's largest hot air balloon festival, drawing crowds of more than 80,000 people.
• Bandelier National Monument: A 33,677-acre preserve encompassing some of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes and archaeological ruins in the state. Former home of ancestral Pueblo people, the area was likely occupied from AD 1150 to 1600.
• Petroglyph National Monument: Managed jointly by the city of Albuquerque and the National Park Service, this site preserves ancient Native American rock art while educating visitors. The park encompasses 7,244 acres, including a basalt escarpment, five dormant volcanoes, and an expansive mesa.
• Taos Pueblo: Just outside the city of Taos, the Taos Pueblo has the oldest continuously inhabited dwellings in the United States. These adobe structures have stood for over 1,000 years and are a designated National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railway: A narrow-gauge heritage railroad running between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
• Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument: North of the old mining town of Silver City, the Gila cliff dwellings were built into the cliff face by the Mogollon Native Americans around the year 1300.
• Indian Pueblo Cultural Center: Collectively run by New Mexico's 19 Pueblos, this cultural center is an essential stop for anyone visiting Albuquerque.
• Georgia O'Keeffe Museum: Located in Santa Fe, this museum is dedicated to the iconic artist Georgia O'Keeffe, showcasing her incredible works and offering special exhibits and events.
• Rio Grande Gorge Bridge: Constructed in 1965, this steel bridge carries Highway 64 across the Rio Grande, northwest of Taos. It is the seventh-highest bridge in the United States.
• Santa Fe Plaza: With a history dating back over 400 years, Santa Fe's Plaza is the heart of the city, featuring shops, restaurants, and a vibrant, unique energy.
• Roswell: A quirky town famed for its alleged UFO crash in 1947, attracting devoted believers and curious tourists each year to its International UFO Museum and Research Center.

Crime and safety in New Mexico

Crime and safety are serious concerns in New Mexico, with the state's overall violent crime rate being 781 per 100,000 people, more than double the national rate. The state also has the highest rate of burglary and the fourth-highest rate of auto theft in the nation. New Mexico's violent crime rate of 9.0 incidents per 1,000 people is 127% higher than the nationwide rate of 4.0, earning it the highest violent crime rate in the country. The state's property crime rate is 32.2 incidents per 1,000 people, with larceny being the most common type of property crime.

Gallup, a popular filming location for Western movies, has the highest violent crime rate in the state. Other larger cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe also experience high crime rates. The chances of being a victim of crime in New Mexico vary depending on the region, with the east part of the state being considered safer than the west. The crime rate in the west neighbourhoods can be as high as 1 in 9, while in the east, it is as low as 1 in 17.

Despite the high crime rates, there are some safe cities in New Mexico. Los Alamos, Corrales, and Anthony are notable for reporting no murders, while Grant is the only city to report no rapes. Sunland Park, despite having increased crime rates, is still considered one of the safest cities in the state.

To enhance safety, many New Mexicans have implemented security measures. 36% use security cameras, 42% rely on guard dogs, and 29% use verified delivery to protect their packages. Additionally, 40% of respondents carry a concealed firearm for personal protection.

Frequently asked questions