There are so many reasons that U.S. citizens flock to Mexico each year, including during the COVID-19 pandemic! Between delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches, and historically significant cultural remains, there is certainly something for everyone. Across the entire country, visitors find such a variety of climates, landscapes, and unique cultural offerings. Add to these reasons that Mexico is easy for Americans to travel to. Like travel to anywhere and back to the U.S., the COVID-19 pandemic has created significant change for travelers.
Traveling During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The protocols surrounding COVID-19 change frequently, as they have been for more than two years. Travel, especially internationally, can be very confusing, even as many countries have reopened their borders to foreign travelers. Because travel between Mexico and the United States is much easier than travel to just about any other country, many visitors want to know the protocols for traveling between the two countries - leaving many Americans wondering, “will I be quarantined if I travel to Mexico?”
COVID-19 Protocols for Land Ports of Entry and Air Travel to Mexico
Mexico has very few restrictions for travelers. Travelers to Mexico via land ports may have to undergo health screenings, such as temperature checks and a declaration of health. It is important to note that specific hotels and resorts may have additional screening requirements, including a health questionnaire. If travelers display any symptoms, they may be required to quarantine at that time. Travelers should also be aware that specific cities and states may have their own mask mandates and curfews. Travelers should call ahead to their hotel to inquire about mandates and curfews.
COVID-19 Protocols for Air Travel to the United States
All travelers, aged 2 years or older, wishing to enter the United States via air travel must provide a negative COVID-19 test result before even boarding the flight to the U.S. The test must have been taken no more than 1 day prior to traveling to the United States - this does not mean it has to be within 24 hours. Some resorts actually offer onsite COVID-19 testing for their guests to make traveling easier. Any travelers that have had COVID-19 recently, within 90 days, will instead need to show proof of recovery before boarding. The proof requirement includes the positive test result and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider. Additionally, everyone is required to wear a mask in the airport and on the airplane. The mask must cover the mouth and nose.
COVID-19 Protocols for Land Ports of Entry to the United States
Returning to the U.S. via land ports of entry is much easier than via air travel. There are no vaccination or testing requirements for U.S. citizens to return to the United States.
General CDC Recommendations for All Travelers
For Americans that are returning from travel to Mexico, the CDC recommends that citizens should be up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations before leaving the United States. The CDC also recommends that people shouldn’t travel if they are sick, have tested positive within 10 days, or have been recommended to quarantine after close contact with another person that has tested positive for COVID-19.
Wrapping Up
As outlined above, there is a reason that so many Americans travel to and from Mexico. Even with the ongoing pandemic, travel between the two countries is still relatively simple. Land and ferry travel is the easiest to return to the United States, but air travel is fairly easy as well. Obviously, traveling during these times can be confusing and at times a bit scary, but hopefully, these guidelines can help you figure out what works best for you!