Omicron update: When will international travel return? A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery

Omicron update: When will international travel return? A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery

 

Mexico began a slow regional reopening on June 29, 2020, and most coronavirus restrictions have been lifted. However, widespread community transmission remains a current concern and there is a federal “stoplight” system that limits activities in some regions.

Mexico eagerly flung open its doors to Americans — and has never required testing for entry. At first, it was just beach destinations such as Cancun, but now even Mexico City is open for tourism.

Related: Mexico reopening its beaches

All Mexican airports are open to Americans. Tourists are advised that enhanced screening and cleaning procedures are in effect. There are health checks at all airports, but no testing requirements.

Note: U.S. entry testing requirements changed on Dec. 6 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents returning from Mexico. In response to the emergence of the omicron variant, President Biden announced on Dec. 2 that all international arrivals to the U.S., even American citizens who are fully vaccinated, will need to present the result of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of boarding their flight. This is a change for fully vaccinated travelers, both U.S. citizens and international visitors, who had been given a three-day window since testing was mandated on Jan. 26 and the U.S. reopened to fully vaccinated international travelers on Nov. 8; since the latter date, unvaccinated U.S. citizens had already been required to test within one day of travel.

Many Mexican resorts are offering on-property rapid antigen and PCR tests for guests returning to the U.S.

Mexico saw a major surge in cases in late December 2020 and early January 2021 following an influx of tourists. The U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory for Mexico is Level 3: Reconsider Travel and the CDC’s advisory is Level 3: High Level of COVID-19.

Related: Everything you need to know before visiting Mexico

According to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, community transmission remains widespread. No states have been deemed “red” under Mexico’s stoplight system for the period ending Dec. 27.

The U.S.-Mexico land border reopened on Nov. 8, and fully vaccinated travelers are once again allowed to enter the U.S. from Mexico by land. Proof of vaccination is required, but a negative COVID-19 test is not required for a land-border crossing.

Related: What it’s like traveling to the Cancun area during a COVID-19 spike