Skip to Content

Mexico Travel Restrictions: What Travelers Need To Know in 2021

Share The Article

Last Updated


Mexico is one of the most visited countries in the world and was one of the only countries that never shut down. Tourism continues to thrive as millions of tourists still flocking to Mexico's sunny beaches and discovering its Latin American culture. Here is everything travelers need to know about the latest travel restrictions in Mexico for 2021 and how to prepare for your trip.

Resorts in Cancun on Beach

Latest Mexico Travel Restrictions For 2021

Is Mexico Open For Tourism?

Mexico is fully open for tourism by air under its regular visa requirements. There are no country restrictions in place due to the pandemic. While there may be some capacity limits at hotels, restaurants and beaches, all tourism related businesses are currently operating.

Land Borders

Mexico and the United States have an agreement in place to limit all non-essential traffic across land borders. Some Mexican states have made tourism an ‘essential' activity and travelers have reported crossing the border for vacation.

Travel Off Path recommends flying into Mexico at this time.

Tourist in Tulum

Are There Entry Requirements Due To The Pandemic?

There are currently no testing or quarantine requirements when arriving in Mexico. Travelers must complete a mandatory online health form and present the QR code to airlines when boarding and to border officials upon arrival. See the latest Covid-19 entry requirements for Mexico and complete the Health Declaration Form.

Tourists on Beach in Playa Del Carmen

U.S. State Department Travel Warning For Mexico

The U.S. State Department currently has a level 3 ‘Reconsider Travel’ advisory in place for Mexico due to Covid-19.

Recently the U.S. Embassy in Mexico released an updated health alert that pandemic related conditions are improving citing that the number of Covid-19 cases have decreased slightly after peaking in the first week of January, 2021

There is still has a level 4 ‘Do Not Travel' advisory in place for some states in Mexico including: 

  • Colima state due to crime
  • Guerrero state due to crime
  • Michoacán state due to crime
  • Sinaloa state due to crime
  • Tamaulipas state due to crime
Mexico Traveler at ancient ruins

CDC Travel Warning For Mexico

The CDC has issued a Level 4 ‘Very High Level of COVID-19 in Mexico' advisory and currently recommends that travelers should ‘avoid all travel‘ to Mexico.

The level 4 warning is the highest level of warning the CDC is issuing for countries at this time. It should be noted that this level 4 warning has also been issued to 165 additional countries including the United States and Canada.

ik-Kil Cenote near Chichen Itza, Mexico

Are Masks Required In Mexico?

Each state in Mexico has its own regulations on masks but all top tourist destinations including Cancun, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta require the use of masks in all public areas including outdoors.

Beautiful Tulum beach at Caribbean sea, Mexico

Curfews In Mexico

There are currently no curfews in Mexico. Tourists can be out as late as they choose in all areas of Mexico. Some states in Mexico including Quintana Roo have closed night clubs and discos that do not serve food.

Cancun beach with tourists

Beach Restrictions In Mexico

All beaches in Mexico are currently open for tourists and hours are not limited. In some areas including Cancun, alcohol is banned from all beaches and maximum capacity can be limited to 50% of normal if crowds do occur.

Returning Home From Mexico

Travelers returning home from Mexico are most likely required to present proof of a negative Covid-19 test.

Type of Test Required:

USA – PCR-type test – OR – Rapid antigen-type test, performed no longer than 72 hours before departing on the flight back to the U.S.

Canada – PCR-type test, performed no longer than 72 hours before departing on the flight back to Canada. Antigen not accepted.

UK – PCR-type test – OR – Rapid antigen-type test, performed no longer than 72 hours before departing on the flight back to the UK. 

Mexico-City-Flag

Where To Get A Test In Mexico

Mexico has made it very easy to get a Covid-19 test for travelers in all tourism destinations.

See the complete guide on where to get a test in Mexico.

Travelers Tip: Many resorts are offering guests free onsite Covid-19 Antigen testing for Americans and as well will perform PCR tests for a fee. Check with the concierge at your resort. Some resorts are also providing 14 day free stays for guests who test positive.

Mexico doctor face mask

Travelers Who Have Been Vaccinated

Mexico does not currently offer any preferential treatment for travelers who have been vaccinated.

Vaccine Tourism In Mexico

Mexico is currently not offering Covid-19 vaccines to travelers. Temporary residents, permanent residents and citizens are eligible for the vaccine.

See the list of countries offering the Covid-19 vaccine for travelers.

Puerto-Vallarta-Cathedral-and-coast-line

Does Mexico Have Prevention Measures In Place To Protect Tourists?

Mexico takes Covid-19 prevention seriously. Travelers can expect enhanced sanitation measures at all points in their journey from the airport to the hotel. Here are some of the prevention methods around tourist areas in Mexico:

  • Mandatory use of masks
  • Social distancing markers
  • Sanitation tunnels
  • Constant temperature checks
  • Shoe sanitation
  • Mandatory hand sanitizer at shopping malls/restaurants
  • Digital menus
  • Luggage sanitation
Aeromexico plane at Mexico City Airport

Has Mexico Received The WTTC Safe Travels Stamp?

Most popular tourist destinations in Mexico have received the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) ‘Safe Travel Stamp‘. Some of the tourist destinations in Mexico that have received the safe travels stamp include Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Mazatlán, Mexico City and the Mexican Caribbean.

tourists on beach in masks

Read More:

Is it safe to visit Mexico right now?

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19

Top 10 Destination Right Now That Are Open

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!


SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.


John Bali

Thursday 4th of March 2021

Your post states that the UK requires a PCR test to enter, but in the Government guidelines today they say that an antigen test is ok. Could you comment on this please. Thanks again for all the hard work you guys put into your website, I really appreciate it 👍

Kashlee Kucheran

Thursday 4th of March 2021

At first, the UK was only accepting PCR, but now they also accept LAMP or Antigen type tests. The post has been updated to reflect this.