Last Updated
The hotspots of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen have officially reopened for tourism. Surrounding vacation hotspots like Tulum, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel have also reopened.
The Governor of Quintana Roo has announced that the entire state has a reduced risk of COVID-19 transmission as the epidemiological light was dropped from ‘orange' to ‘yellow'.
This allows Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and the Riviera Maya to begin the next stage of tourism reopening which includes increased hotel capacities and the opening of archaeological tourist attractions.
Mexico implemented a traffic light system based on the amount of Covid-19 infections in a given municipality which guides states to when they could reopen for tourism.
As of September 25th 2020, the entire state of Quintana Roo has now moved to yellow on Mexico’s traffic light system, which increases hotel capacity and opens all beaches from when Cancun first reopened.
Cancun has seen a strong recovery since it's record low arrivals in May of this year.
According to ASUR who manages 11 airports in Southeast Mexico, Cancun saw over 44,000 international passengers in June when the city first reopened.
By August, that number ballooned to 297,389 international passengers arriving and departing through the Cancun International airport. An additional 522,000 domestic passengers were registered at the airport in August bringing the grand total of passengers to 819,365 for the month.
Quintana Roo Moves to Yellow Light
Being upgraded to the yellow traffic light will enable hotels, hotel beaches, restaurants, historic sites, theme parks, golf courses, nautical activities, and tourist-based businesses to operate, but at 60% of normal capacity.
Other businesses that are now open in the north of Quintana Roo (at 60%):
- religious services
- theatres
- shopping malls
- department stores
- barbers
- salons
- spas
The government of Quintana Roo is still asking tourist and locals to frequently wash hands, use face masks, practice social distancing, and to report any symptoms if they arise.
What is NOT open under the yellow light:
- schools
- bars
- night clubs
According to Expedia, Cancun and Playa Del Carmen are the two most searched international destinations for hotels by Americans.
*Mexico's reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. Be sure to check with local officials before booking travel.
Read our complete guide on Mexico reopening to tourism
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This article was originally published on June 6th, 2020 but has been updated to reflect the new ‘orange light' and reduced risk of transmissi0n.
Harry Miler
Thursday 28th of January 2021
The situation we are currently experiencing is very complicated because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is tricky to see how some restaurants and hotels are closing, and others have had to lay off employees. Let's hope that the situation improves and the economy stabilizes in this beautiful city where I have lived for more than 25 years. .
Bruno Tremblay
Tuesday 15th of December 2020
Can someone do an update about the public beaches in Playa del Carmen please? I will be there from Dec. 21 through Dec. 31 2020 and I don't know what to expect....Thank you in advance! BT Montreal
Nick
Monday 9th of November 2020
Are the casinos in Cancun open?
Steven
Thursday 29th of October 2020
Are public beaches open in Cancun?
Kashlee Kucheran
Thursday 29th of October 2020
yes
Herbert Harster
Tuesday 27th of October 2020
Are bars in Isla Mujeres open ?