In light of recent reports on COVID-19’s effect on travel, we would like to update you on the current situation in Mexico.
Originally posted: March 2, 2020 | Updated: Oct 18, 2021
The latest on COVID-19 in Mexico
There are no travel restrictions to or within Mexico.
As is normal for Journey Mexico, we will continually monitor the situation within the country and inform you of any changes before or during your travels.
Get up-to-date COVID-19-related Travel Updates for Mexico with information on destinations, hotels, beaches, tours, and more. Latest Covid-19-Related Travel Updates For Mexico’s Main Destinations
CURRENT UPDATE: Oct 18, 2021 COVID-19 by Mexican State
There are 3,757,056 positive cases of the new coronavirus in Mexico currently. We will continue to carefully monitor the situation. Find a state-by-state breakdown here:
| State | Number of positive cases |
| AGUASCALIENTES | 35,115 |
| BAJA CALIFORNIA | 64,666 |
| BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR | 55,728 |
| CAMPECHE | 23,585 |
| CHIAPAS | 22,881 |
| CHIHUAHUA | 66,977 |
| MEXICO CITY | 962,766 |
| COAHUILA | 91,494 |
| COLIMA | 32,734 |
| DURANGO | 48,196 |
| GUANAJUATO | 183,285 |
| GUERRERO | 75,716 |
| HIDALGO | 61,382 |
| JALISCO | 158,732 |
| STATE OF MEXICO | 370,598 |
| MICHOACAN | 72,358 |
| MORELOS | 49,572 |
| NAYARIT | 33,577 |
| NUEVO LEON | 201,601 |
| OAXACA | 80,062 |
| PUEBLA | 122,606 |
| QUERETARO | 95,790 |
| QUINTANA ROO | 58,937 |
| SAN LUIS POTOSI | 101,836 |
| SINALOA | 72,809 |
| SONORA | 110,220 |
| TABASCO | 140,131 |
| TAMAULIPAS | 100,140 |
| TLAXCALA | 28,988 |
| VERACRUZ | 121,019 |
| YUCATAN | 72,323 |
| ZACATECAS | 41,232 |
These figures are correct as of time of writing, according to information provided by the Mexican health secretary.
Mexico’s COVID-19 Traffic Light Monitoring System
In an effort to control the spread of COVID-19, the Mexican federal government implemented a four-color “traffic light” monitoring system to alert residents and foreign visitors to the epidemiological risks in each of the country’s 32 states and provide guidance on restrictions on certain activities.
The traffic-light system is based on four colors:
RED Core economic activities are allowed, including strolling in the area surrounding of your home during the day.
ORANGE In addition to core economic activities, non-essential businesses can run with only 30% of their staff. Maximum precautionary measures must be taken, mainly with people that may be at a higher risk of a severe COVID-19 illness. Outdoor activity centers will be open, allowing only a limited capacity (number of people).
YELLOW All working activities are allowed, with care being taken of people that may be at a higher risk of a severe COVID-19 illness. Outdoor activity centers will be open allowing only a limited capacity (number of people). As is true with other traffic-light colors, these activities should be carried out using basic precautionary measures and care being taken of people that may be at a higher risk of a severe COVID-19 illness.
GREEN All activities, including schooling, are allowed.
How we’re helping to ease travel concerns
We understand that some travelers are concerned about COVID-19 affecting their up-coming travel plans to Mexico. To make things as easy as possible, we are doing the following.
New Bookings Terms & Conditions*: https://www.journeymexico.com/booking-conditions
*There are no absolutes, especially amidst this pandemic. Please note that there are exceptions, and our travel planners will inform you of the actual terms prior to booking – as we always do. Most notably, villa bookings and late December travel typically have more stringent policies.
Read more: Time to Escape the Crowds? Here´s Why Mexico Makes the Perfect Hideout
Journey Mexico Tips for Minimizing COVID-19 Infection Risk
TAKE PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION
Taking private transportation could minimize the risk of catching an illness in a crowded transportation hub, such as an airport. Journey Mexico can help to organize privately chartered planes and helicopters throughout Mexico.
STAY IN PRIVATE VILLAS
If you’re worried about transmission in hotels or resorts, private villas are an alternative. Many of the luxury villas in our elite portfolio offer resort-style amenities, including staff. Journey Mexico can also help to arrange additional staff if desired.
ENJOY OFF-HOURS ACCESS
Should you wish to visit major landmarks but without the crowds, Journey Mexico enjoys privileged, off-hours access to some of Mexico’s most beloved landmarks. This includes trips to Chichen Itza, the National Anthropology Museum, and Tulum’s archeological ruins.
More on COVID-19
What is it?
The new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, was initially discovered in Wuhan City in the Hubei Province of China.
It is a newly discovered member of the coronavirus family, which also includes the common cold, SARS, and MERS. According to the World Health Organization, symptoms include fever and difficulty breathing.
Guidelines and preventative measures
The World Health Organization has released standard practices for reducing the chance of catching COVID-19 while traveling. Their advice includes:
- Cleaning hands regularly using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
- Coughing into a flexed elbow or tissue (immediately throwing the tissue away) and washing hands after
- Distancing yourself from anyone with a fever or cough
- Avoiding direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces with contact to live animals in areas affected by COVID-19
- Avoiding eating raw or undercooked animal products.
- Handling raw meat, milk, and animal organs with care by avoiding cross-contamination and following good food safety practices
MYTHS SURROUNDING COVID-19
There has been a lot of information on the internet regarding COVID-19. All travelers must be provided with the facts, rather than speculation and rumor. Below are some myths about COVID-19 the WHO would like to quash.
MYTH: PETS CAN SPREAD COVID-19
Currently, there is no proof that pets, including cats and dogs, can spread COVID-19. However, the WHO recommends washing your hands after contact with pets to prevent common bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella from passing between pets and humans.
MYTH: COVID-19 ONLY AFFECTS OLDER PEOPLE
Everyone can be infected with COVID-19, no matter what age you are. Older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions do appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill.
MYTH: ANTIBIOTICS CAN TREAT THE VIRUS
Antibiotics do not treat any virus, they only work against bacteria. Therefore, antibiotics will not prove effective.
MYTH: MEDICINES CAN PREVENT OR TREAT COVID-19
Currently, there are no medicines that prevent or treat COVID-19. However, researchers are trying to develop specific treatments.
Helpful websites on the new coronavirus
It´s important to stay up-to-date on the latest health and safety warnings no matter which country you travel to. Here is a list of helpful and trusted web pages that contain the latest advice on the new coronavirus in Mexico.
The post was first published on March 2, 2020. We will continue to update the post as more information, research, and confirmed cases are reported.
Going to Hideaway at Royalton in Mayan Riviera on the 13th of March. We appreciate these updates as they keep us informed and less anxious….thank you
We hope you have a lovely time and thanks for your kind words. We will continue to update as and when more information comes in to us.
Thank you for the updates and information.
Thanks for your kind words Joseph. We will continue to update as and when more information comes in.
Hello
We are a little worried about going to Mazatlan March 18 for 10 day’s from Abbotsford BC.
Can we get 100% back on our hotel?
Kari
Hi Kari, thanks for your message. The best we can recommend is to get in touch with your hotel. Policies are different from accommodation to accommodation. Hope that helps, best Sam
Sorry to ask again but you have not yet replied. Do you happen to know if all the 53 cases are from travelers/close contact or have you got any community spread cases yet. Thank you for these updates
Hi Christina, apologies. The information I have doesn’t specify that I’m afraid. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. Best, Sam
We are scheduled for a holiday in Puerto Vallarta for April and are keeping a close eye on global developments. The last thing we want to do is cancel our vacation. Thanks for this information.
Hi Kim, we’re happy to update everyone on the situation. Do check back here as and when you need. We’ll be keeping a close eye on it too.
We are scheduled for a vacation in Los Cabos March 18 and have an elderly person coming with us. So we really appreciate the updates
Hi Maureen, thanks very much for your message. We will keep on updating this page so do come back whenever you need an update. We hope you have a lovely time in Los Cabos!
Hi Sam
Our elderly person decided to postpone till December. No money lost everything was transferred to December. I’m wondering if you live in Mexico yourself or how do you get this information???
Hi Maureen, I’m glad to hear that you were able to postpone without losing any money. Yes, I do live in Mexico. Do let me know which section of the article you’re referring and I’ll let you know where the information is from. Best, Sam
Hi Sam,,,
We are worried about the number of cases reported. If we come on March 18 the number of cases could be quite larger by then and we are worried Mexico could close incoming or outgoing air travel and we could get stuck in Mexico for an indefinite amount of time. What then?
Hi Maureen, thanks for getting in contact with us. Unfortunately, we couldn’t speculate on what might happen at that time. The situation is ever-changing, but we will look to provide the latest information we receive from the Mexican government. All the best, Sam
We have a trip planned to Mazatlan and I am more worried about the air travel in the aircraft due to confined air space.
Hi Richard, have you checked in with your airline to find out their preventative measures?
Heading to tulum in a couple days! Appreciate the updates!
Thanks Deryk, it’s a beautiful part of the world and I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time!
I can see you’ve got an 8th case now, can you tell me if all 8 are people that have travelled or are any community spread cases? I’m not worried about coming to Cancun at all! And can’t wait! Preying for no travel restrictions to be imposed on us by UK, but last week we only had 3 cases and no deaths, yet today was 463 and 8 deaths 😓
11 now 🙁 this is how it was in UK, last week we had under 10. Preying for Mexico.
We have foreseen 15 days of holidays from Mexico to Tulum by a road trip from the 3rf of April to the 18th, and we are very anxious by the situation progress.. We don’t want to cancel our flights and our travel ! However we are not fully comfortable due to the Europe situation up to now and the risk to not enter to your country… We are following the updated information and we cross the fingers!
Hi Sophie, thanks very much for your message. We’ll keep on updating as and when we know more. We hope you have an incredible road trip in April!
We are going to Puerto Vallarta on Saturday, March 14, 2020 (this Saturday). We will spend four nights in a private apartment in Sayulita and then three nights at a large resort IN PV proper. Do you have input? Thank you.
Hi Julie, thanks for your message. At the time of writing this, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Puerto Vallarta. I hope this helps and you have a wonderful vacation.
Can you provide information regarding Baja? We are to fly to Cabo, then travel to Loreto, Pescadero and Cabo Pulmo.
Hi Sharen, according to the last official government press release (yesterday, March 9) there have been no confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in Baja. Have a fantastic time!
Thank you for this update page for Mexico! We are due to come to Cancun in May, Rui Palace Peninsula and are very grateful. We are from the UK and I’m really worried if there’ll be any sort of travel restrictions by May! Really hoping not as been so looking forward to this beautiful holiday!
Dear Christina, thanks very much for your kind words. We’re working hard to keep on top of the latest information so do return whenever you need more information! We hope you have a fantastic holiday. Best, Sam
WE are trying to get info re our trip to PV on the 27th. Any updates regarding airline cancellations, specifically American Airlines?
Dear David, thanks very much for your message. At the moment, there are no travel restrictions imposed by the Mexican authorities. Although I’m not aware of any restrictions from American Airlines to Vallarta, it is definitely worth contacting them directly to check. They also have a dedicated page on their website with their latest info on COVID-19 found here: http://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2020/American-Airlines-Update-on-China-Flights-OPS-DIS/default.aspx
I hope that helps. Have a fantastic time in Vallarta.
We are going to Huatulco on March 14th. Could you please give me any updates on the virus. I know there was some cases in the neighbouring state of chiapas. Thank you.
Hi Jody, thanks for your message. As of our last official update, the number of confirmed cases in all Mexico remains at 7, including one in Chiapas. There are no confirmed cases in the other surrounding states, nor in Oaxaca itself. We’ll keep a close eye on it and update when more information comes through. Best, Sam
Thanks for this information. My family and I are traveling to Cancun on the 15th. We’re looking forward to a wonderful vacation.
Hi Jen, we’re more than happy to help. We hope you have a wonderful vacation too!
Hi Sam, Nice to have those information, we will be in Playa Del Carmen in two weeks and we will stay 3 weeks there. I will come back to see the evolution but it is sure that we will go in vacation.
Thanks,
Hi Francois, we’ll be updating this page regularly so do return whenever you need more information. We hope you have a fantastic time in Mexico! Best, Sam
Hello, we are going to Punta Mita. I’m trying to determine the steps if someone in my party happened to get the virus while there. Can you advice? Also, it says Mexico is offering to allow a change for another date of travel if we don’t come on 3/21/20. I rented a condo from a Mexican owner. Do they have to offer that? Thank you.
Hi Bill, thanks very much for your message. Has all of your group contacted their insurance company to make sure they are covered for all eventualities?
I’m traveling to Los Mochis and Copper Canyon in late March, flying from San Francisco to Guadalajara first. Would you have any particular concerns about these destinations?
Dear Millie, at the moment there are no confirmed cases in either Chihuahua or Jalisco. There was a man a positive case in Sinaloa but the victim has now recovered. I hope that helps. Best wishes, Sam
Hey Sam
We are travelling next week to Playa Del Carman. I am packing hand sanitizer and Lysol wipes. Hoping that I get my OnGaurd essential oil sanitizer in the bag too!!
I am cautious but NOT scared. We are soooo looking forward to this vaca!!!!!!
Hi Janice, that’s fantastic! Definitely a great attitude towards this. We’ll keep on updating as and when we know more. Have a fantastic time, Playa del Carmen is a beautiful place to be!
If I rented from a private owner in Punta Mita and I want to move my rental to another week does he have to offer that? Your website says they do. Thanks
Supposed to be leaving for Playa del Carmen on Saturday morning. Really hoping everything is still a go then and no restrictions in place. Thanks for the updates
Hi Jordan, thanks for your kind words. We hope you have a wonderful time!
We have a trip planned from Southern California to Cabo San Lucas starting April 9th for a week. We do not intend to cancel. Hopefully the US government will not interfere.
Hi Lisa, we hope you have a lovely time. Do keep on checking back here to see the latest – we’re keeping an eye on the situation.
To what extent are residents in Puerto Vallarta tested for Covid-19? Do you have test kits available?
Hi Cindy, at the moment that’s not something we have exact information and wouldn’t want to speculate. Sorry I couldn’t be more help there. Best, Sam
Hi
We are travelling to Puerto Vallarta with kids on March 21 from Toronto. Is it safe to travel during this period as everyone is worried about COVID-19. I do not want to cancel our vacation, please guid us. My hotel will not refund any money.
Hi Nasir, unfortunately it is impossible for us to speculate on that. Have you checked with your hotel about the option of postponing?
Hi Sam, I am flying, Delta, to San Miguel with my daughter in law and her mother on March 17. Thank you for these updates. I am not worried about getting the Caronavirus there, however, I am concerned with not being able to get back to the States. Any updates are greatly appreciated. We are staying in an private villa. Thank you, Maria
Hi Maria, thanks very much for getting in touch with us. Unfortunately, as the situation is ever-changing, we can’t provide that type of information. Apologies I couldn’t be of more help. Best, Sam
Deciding if we should fly out tomorrow night or not! I understand from friends that flew out today that the airport and plane were relatively empty so I am feeling better about that. What is arrivals customs looking like in Cancun?
We are heading to Tulum, have a private transport from the airport scheduled and staying in a private condo. We’ve been assured by the owner that Tulum has not been affected and that bars, restaurants and local attractions like the ruins and cinotes are open. Sort of worried that the US might stop air travel in the week that we are away. Not a bad place to get stuck I suppose.
Hi Lisa, thanks very much for your message. All the best, Sam
I’ve heard that Cabo is taking people’s temperature as they arrive. I am wondering if anyone has been through this. What are the guidelines? What is a normal temperature vs. abnormal? What do they do with you if your temperature is 99.1, say and the threshold is 99? Any input on personal experiences would be appreciated. Thank you.
The hotels are quite safe and there is Covid protocol for a better care of the visitors.