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Despite a new warning from the CDC Americans are still headed south to Mexico this winter.
According to RoutesOnline, one-way ticket sales between the United States to Mexico during the week of November 23rd were only down 12% from this time last year.
One way tickets are usually purchased by travelers (snowbirds) that head south to Mexico each year for the winter for longer stays usually between 1 to 6 months.
Mexico isn’t only seeing just long stay travelers. According to CEIC, Mexico has already recovered 61% of all U.S. tourist traffic in comparison to the same period in 2019.
Mexico by far is still the most popular country for U.S. tourists. Major airlines have scrambled to add more connectivity including Delta and Aeromexico which will operate next month at 95% of capacity on Mexico routes when compared to December of last year.
The top destinations for Americans include Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City and Guadalajara.
The COVID Situation in Mexico
Both the United States and Mexico have widespread transmission of COVID-19 and are rated ‘Very High Risk’ by the CDC. ‘Travelers should avoid all travel to Mexico’.
If Americans still decide to travel the CDC recommends to get tested 3 days before traveling to ensure you are not infecting others.
While in transit, all travelers should use COVID-19 prevention methods including wearing a face mask, staying 6 feet away from others, not touching your face, frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer when hand washing facilities are not available.
U.S. Department of State Reduces Travel Warning For Mexico
Although the CDC remains at the highest health risk level for Mexico, the U.S. State Department recently dropped its Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ to a Level 3 ‘Reconsider Travel’ for its southern neighbor.
The advisory states “Reconsider travel to Mexico due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Mexico due to crime and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk.”
See other factors impacting travel safety in Mexico during COVID-19.
Mexico’s COVID-19 Trend
On Friday November 27th, Mexico’s Health Ministry reported over 12,000 new cases of COVID-19 which set a new daily record since the pandemic began.
631 more deaths were also reported bringing the number of infections to 1,090,675 and the death toll to 104,873.
With Mexico recently completing a national holiday and U.S. travelers headed south in droves, numbers are expected to climb over the coming weeks.
Recently Puerto Vallarta enacted new measures to help control the spread of infection and the Governor of Quintana Roo, Carlos Joaquin expressed his concern about the rise in cases.
“I am concerned about the number of cases in Cancun. Although the number of deaths is not growing, hospital occupancy today is 20% compared to 17% previously”.
Mexico’s Relaxed Entry Requirements
Travelers from the U.S. and all over the world have flocked to Mexico without the worry of strict testing or quarantine requirements.
The only additional entry requirement for Americans traveling to Mexico is a health declaration form stating that they are free from symptoms of COVID-19.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Fred Tse
Tuesday 1st of December 2020
Being in Mexico during all of this has been a blessing. Can't imagine not living a normal life!
Whitney
Monday 30th of November 2020
I highly agree Vinny..I have agreed with all your comments thus far. Keep going :)
Vinny the Adventurer
Sunday 29th of November 2020
Good for Mexico and people who want to live their lives.