Each year, millions of people travel to Mexico for a variety of reasons - work, medical, pleasure, and more. Mexico boasts beautiful beaches, temperate climates, and bountiful cultural experiences. Really, there’s a little bit of everything in this large, diverse country. From coast to coast, travelers can certainly find something to suit their fancy. Travel over the past two years has proved difficult for most people, especially those wishing to travel for non-essential purposes. Now that countries across the globe are beginning to reopen their borders, travelers will notice some changes to prior entry requirements before Covid-19 caused much of the world to come to a screeching halt.
Mexico Entry Requirements
Like many countries, tourism is a significant industry in Mexico, especially along the coasts and the border. Currently,
Mexico does not have a Covid-19 vaccine or negative test requirement for entry. This could be subject to change as Covid-19 is an evolving issue. Mexico does require a health screening at both airports and land border crossing ports of entry and may include a temperature check. If travelers are exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms, they may be required to undergo further screening or quarantine.
Some hotels, individual states and cities, and airlines have different restrictions so it is necessary to check ahead with them as much as possible. You can check Mexico’s four-tier traffic light system to have a better idea of where restrictions might be in place. Green means there are no restrictions at all, yellow means few restrictions, orange means limited capacity in public spaces, and red is near total lockdown. Keeping tabs on this will help you know where more requirements may appear.
Outside of Covid-19 specific requirements, Mexico has other entry requirements as well.
Travelers from the United States and Canada are not required to obtain a visa. Instead,
you will need a Forma Migratoria Multiple, or FMM. It is a form that is filled out before you can gain entry into Mexico. It is a simple form that can be obtained online prior to arrival, on the plane during travel, or at the land crossings or seaports of entry. The form also includes a $25. When you fill out your form and the immigration official approves it, they will also grant a number of days up to 180 that the permit is valid.
You will also need a valid passport or passport card. Although only valid for land border crossing, passport cards are easier to carry and allow you to move more quickly through checkpoints as well as being less expensive than a passport book.
Returning to the United States from Mexico
Although November 8, 2021, marked a significant reopening of the land border between Mexico and the United States, it is important to note that proof of vaccination will be required to enter the U.S. at any land border crossing. Americans traveling by air will need a negative Covid-19 test within 1 to 3 days of their return to the U.S.- depending on their vaccination status. There are readily available testing sites in Mexico for U.S. citizens to go to.
For non-citizens of the U.S. wishing to cross the land border into the United States, travelers will need to provide not only proof of Covid-19 vaccination but will also need to state their reason for travel. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will accept a picture on a mobile device. Approved vaccines are any that are approved by the World Health Organization.
Travelers can enjoy fairly simple travel between the United States and Mexico. To ensure the simplest crossing possible, ensure you have all of your documentation ready and in hand to present to immigration officials. Enjoy!
