The short answer to what is traveling in Mexico like during covid is almost like before. Mexico is one of the countries with the least restrictions, if not with the least restrictions. I’ve spent nearly a year in Mexico during the Covid pandemic and had absolutely no trouble traveling around. Rules and restrictions are based on a ‘traffic light system‘ that Mexico has put in place, so do differ per state. Generally speaking, things are pretty much business as usual though. Below the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What do I need to enter Mexico during Covid
Covid related
Currently, you don’t need a vaccine or negative COVID test to enter Mexico. They just ask you to fill out a questionnaire on your phone which will generate a QR-code, which they will scan. Do always double-check the current status though, as things may change.
Other documents
Proof of onward travel – Note that most airlines do require that you show a ticket out of Mexico. If you’re not sure yet how long you want to stay for, or where you want to fly out from, either buy a refundable ticket via Expedia (note that not all flights are eligible) or ‘rent’ a ticket via sites like bestonwardticket. Make sure to book it for your estimated departure date, or a little later, to avoid getting fewer days than you’re planning on staying.
Hotel reservations – Lately a lot of worried travelers have reported not having received the full 180 days visa that Mexico used to give. The days they give seem to vary from anywhere between 7(!) to 180. It seems like having hotel reservations for at least 3 months or, better, your full trip might make them more inclined to give you the full 180 days, or the time you want to stay. So I would just book hotels for your full trip on Agoda or Booking as they usually offer free cancellation and cancel everything once in the country. We ourselves had no problem with this, we got 180 days when we entered in February and again when after a short trip to Guatemala in June. They seem to have become stingier with the days since October though.
Are there other backpackers in Mexico?
Yes! Mexico is full of backpackers, digital nomads, and everyone else who wants to escape the COVID-restrictions of their country, or just go somewhere warm without too much hassle during winter. You’ll have no problems meeting other travelers and making new friends.
Is transport working as normal in Mexico during Covid?
Mostly yes, it’s working as normal. Just wear your mask and at most terminals they’ll take your temperature and ask you to apply alcohol in gel. Some local colectivos between not so touristic places may have reduced services, but there will be transport available.
Does the bus schedule not suit your plans? Check out the carpool platform blablacar. It’s generally cheaper than busses.
Are stores, bars and restaurants open in Mexico during the pandemic?
Yes, everything is open. Some states may have reduced hours depending on the current color of their traffic light system, so you might have to go for an earlier dinner, but things are open. Quintana Roo is Mexico’s most touristic state and here everything is business as usual. Just wear your mask in stores, shopping centers and big supermarkets will take your temperature and ask you to apply alcohol in gel. Restaurant and bars mostly require you to enter with a mask, but you can take it off as soon as you’re inside.
Are musea and archeological sites open in Mexico?
Yes, all open. I told you it was pretty much like before Covid. 😉
Just some musea might have restricted expositions. Belles artes in Mexico City doesn’t have any exhibitions in the rooms for example. They just have the murals. Archeological sites are generally open, check the link for details. You’re not allowed to go up ruins anymore though, to prevent having too many people grouped together. At some sites, like Chitzen Itza, this wasn’t allowed anyway, but at sites like Coba and Palenque, this used to be allowed before COVID.
Are Mexico's landborders open during the pandemic
Generally yes, but things can always change. So do make sure to check beforehand and stay up to date. If you want to know more about crossing the land border between Mexico and Guatemala, check out my articles How to get from San Cristóbal to Laguna Atitlán and Crossing the El Carmen/Talismán border.
This was Traveling to Mexico during Covid - What is it like
Convinced that Mexico is super easy to travel during Covid, but not sure where to go? Check out my guides to the Yucatan Peninsula and Central Mexico for some ideas.
