Like many people from Canada and the United States of America, you’re probably ready to visit Mexico after such a tough year. Well, you’ve come to the right place for the latest COVID-19 travel restriction information. But of course, this is quite a complicated topic, as you’ll see. Fortunately, it’s all laid out below, and it’s pretty easy to understand.
From the latest updates from the Canadian, American, and Mexican government websites, to the reality on the ground, we’ll sort it all out. Read more to get the facts and to educate yourself about travel restrictions to Mexico.
When you enter Mexico from the United States of America
Like with Canada, there’s a ban on non-essential travel across the border through January 21. But of course, the border into Mexico is always open. In fact, Mexico has never closed its borders despite COVID-19. And more, it is one of the few countries in the world that welcomed international travelers without mandatory quarantine once you arrive.
Starting on June 1st, each of the states within Mexico had a different phased reopening timeline and policy. Which type of reopening really depended on the number of cases and hospital capacity, among other things. The government introduced a national “stoplight” system to phase in the return of nonessential activities. Those activities included hotels, beaches, and restaurants. In addition, American travelers have been allowed to arrive by plane, for non-essential travel, to places like Los Cabos and the Mexican state of Quintana Roo (Cancún & Riviera Maya).
The safety measures and protocols all throughout Los Cabos
Safety really does come first, according to the state’s tourism secretary, Luis Humberto Araiza. For example, the hotels and restaurants in Los Cabos were limited to 50% capacity, visitors’ temperatures are taken before entering and masks are mandatory everywhere.
Officials in Los Cabos tout that stringent safety measures and protocols are in place and working well. They broadcast facts about them in ads that run on quite a few travel websites. In one example, the announcer clearly states that “before you visit, get to know the rules in Cabo,” with one frame depicting mask-wearing while snorkeling, and another highlighting social distancing with a lone surfer in the vast blue ocean. For ideas on where to go, see our guide to safe beaches in Los Cabos and our overview of Medano Beach.
Safety reinforcement
To reinforce these safety policies, local police and inspectors are constantly monitoring the situation, very closely. In addition, those officials are helping pay for the widespread testing of tourist-industry employees. Baja California Sur is second only to Mexico City for coronavirus testing, as Araiza reveals.
Several hotels and at least eight restaurants exceeding capacity limits have been sanctioned for their missteps. Recently in December, one event hall was punished and hit with a hefty fine totaling about $4k. Of course, with just six inspectors per shift, it’s really difficult to patrol all of Los Cabos’ restaurants, resorts, and other venues.
Los Cabos has been reopened for a while now
Like in the United States, Mexico experienced a surge in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. But despite all of that, Mexico didn’t require travelers to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or to quarantine visitors when they arrive at that time. That being said, Cabo and all of Baja California Sur has been a shining example of resilience and recovery. Therefore, local companies in Cabo, like Cabo Sailing, are back in action now that Cabo reopened! In fact, they are offering a 30% discount to all Ronival customers.
Finally, Los Cabos reopened back on June 20th of 2020, officially. But of course, that didn’t last too long. A warning came in late November from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The warning advised Americans against travelling to Mexico during COVID-19. But since then, travel to Los Cabos has been strong, until new COVID-19 testing restrictions started. We’re still in the thick of COVID-19, indeed.
The COVID-19 testing performed in Los Cabos
When you’re in Los Cabos, Mexico, you may wish to get tested before returning home. Fortunately, there are some good options available, though they’re a bit expensive. And keep in mind—for each location, you must make an appointment first. Tests are usually performed during the morning hours, Monday through Friday. Then, they will send the results to you via email. Below, see an example table showing some locations and the prices you can expect to see:
| PCR COVID TEST | ||||
| BLUE NET HOSPITAL | HOSPITEN C.S.L. / S.J. |
H+ HOSPITAL | HEALTHY CABO | |
| PRICE PESOS | $6,500.00 | $6,680.00 | $5,500.00 | $4,250.00 |
| USD APPROX | $325.00 | $335.00 | $275.00 | $214.00 |
| RESULTS DELIVERY | 24 – 48 hrs | 36 – 72 hrs | 48 – 72 hrs | 48 – 72 hrs |
Traveling to Mexico from Canada
In Canada, travel restrictions were in place ever since March of 2020, the early days of COVID-19. And, they have been followed fairly strictly. Fortunately, they are only for non-essential travel. So, anyone needing to travel to Mexico from Canada absolutely can, without hassle. That being said, travel from Canada to Mexico has been low. That means that Canadian officials are being strict about what they consider “non-essential travel.”
On March 13th, the Canadian Government Travel website showed the following statement:
“Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice. This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel.”
Now in 2021, that travel advisory was restated, and with the addition of the following:
“Avoid all cruise ship travel outside Canada until further notice.”
The new COVID-19 testing requirements in Canada
Now, there’s a new restriction in place. It’s something you must know about before you travel to Mexico. There are now mandatory COVID-19 testing requirements that must be presented before you can travel to Mexico from Canada. This is what was posted on the Canadian Government Travel website:
“Mandatory COVID-19 testing…Starting 11:59 pm (EST) January 6, 2021, all air passengers five years of age or older, including Canadians, will be required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours (96 hours for select destinations) prior to boarding their scheduled departure to Canada, unless they are travelling from a destination temporarily exempted from this measure.
Information on in-country testing facilities can be found in the Health tab of certain destinations. Contact local health authorities, or the nearest Government of Canada office abroad to find out where you can get a COVID-19 test. If you require emergency assistance, contact the Emergency Watch and Response Center in Ottawa.”
Because of the possibility that other countries can change their border policy very quickly if COVID-19 cases rise suddenly, the Canadian travel website states this:
“Should you decide to travel despite our advisories, know that you might have to remain abroad longer than you expected.”
Work With Ronival Real Estate
Ronival Real Estate has helped thousands of buyers and sellers across Los Cabos since 2010. If you’re interested in Cabo Real Estate, our team can assist with everything from showings and negotiations to closing and property management. Have questions? Contact us here or call +52 (624) 227 5766.
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I loved this guide, it was the first I read and helped me get over all the negative news about mexico. I kept coming back to your great advice throughout my visit to this amazing country, so a huge thank you for inspiration!