From the turquoise waters and tropical jungles of the Mexican Caribbean to the scenic beauty and warm weather of the Mexican Riviera, your destiny awaits, if you must. Pay no attention to that pesky border closure between the U.S. and Mexico. Airlines that serve Mexican tourist hotspots from Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles and other airports that traditionally carry passengers to Mexico, are anxious to earn your business.

The question is should you go? Is it COVID-19 safe? Hopefully, this post will help you make up your mind.

Below is a short, but non-inclusive list of Mexican vacation destinations open for business as of September 4, 2020.

Mexican Caribbean:

• Cancun
• Cozumel
• Playa del Carmen
• Tulum
• Puerto Morelos
• Isla Mujeres
• Costa Mujeres

Mexican Riviera

• Cabo San Lucas
• San Jose del Cabo
• Puerto Vallarta
• Riviera Nayarit
• Punta Mita
• Nuevo Vallarta

COVID-19 Test Requirements

The good, or bad, depending upon ones perspective—no COVID-19 tests required in Mexico. Both Cancun and Cozumel were actually awarded the “Safe Travels” seal by the World Travel and Tourism Council for hygiene and health. Mexico also has no quarantine requirement period upon entry.

Minimum Airport Requirements

Masks are required at most Mexican airports. Social distancing is enforced both in the terminal and ground transportation to your in country destination. Temperature sensors are placed throughout the airport arrival and departure areas. All travelers must fill out a questionnaire to identify risk factors upon arrival.

The Traffic Light System for Hotels/Resorts, Beaches, Restaurants & Off Property Activities

Mexico has adopted a Traffic Light System (see chart at bottom of link)—red, orange, yellow and green. Red being the most severe in terms of COVID-19 outbreaks. For those traveling to red zones, hotels are still open. The major restrictions appear to be in terms of hotel capacity, amenities and off property offerings. Red zone designated areas are allowed to operate at 15 percent capacity with some amenities temporarily closed until COVID-19 is under control. The orange zone operates at 30 percent capacity, yellow at 60 percent and green at full capacity.

As of August 27, 2020 the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City issued a Health Alert breaking down each state by color based on the Traffic Light System.

Masks are required in most areas with reports of people being fined for non-compliance.

Pandemic In Mexico

The New York Times, in mid-August reported that Mexico has one of the worst Coronavirus outbreaks in the world. But after absorbing the article it appears those cases are in densely populated areas like Mexico City. Refer back to the Health Alert above.

Insurance & Healthcare in Mexico

It’s no secret Mexico does not have the most robust healthcare system in the world. Even with travel health insurance you could still be lacking, but having it rather than not is probably a good option.

Now it’s up to you to decide. To go, or not to go. Drop us a line and let us know what you decide.