Travel Advice Mexico 2020 as at 13th August 2020
On 12th March 2020 the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. This led to travel restrictions and border closures around the world and now, in June, we are starting to see these restrictions easing and people looking again to book holidays. Travel restrictions in each country vary and here, at Travala.com, we want to ensure that you, our customers, are provided with the latest travel advice for the key destinations favoured by you.
The first cases of Coronavirus19 (COVID-19) were confirmed in the city of Wuhan, China on 31st December 2019 and since then, it has proceeded to spread to 215 countries and territories with over 20,162,47 people so far testing positive for the virus.
Mexico confirmed its first internally transmitted cases of COVID-19 on 28th February 2020 and by 13th August 2020, Mexico had registered 498,380 cases and 54,666 deaths.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. This virus is a type of coronavirus which can cause illness in animals and humans. Coronavirus infections in humans can result in coryzal symptoms as seen in a common cold and more severe respiratory symptoms such as pneumonia. In recent years, we have seen outbreaks of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
SARS-CoV-2 is the most recently discovered type of coronavirus and it is spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth. The method of transmission is often via cough, sneeze or exhalation. People breathing in these droplets or touching the surfaces these droplets land on and who touch their eyes, nose or mouth are at risk of developing COVID-19.
The World Health Organisation continues to assess ongoing research on the means of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 but general advice is to maintain distance from others, regularly wash hands and avoid touching your face.
Many countries have implemented temporary travel restrictions and COVID-19 has impacted on events and activities. In the Travala.com travel advice newsletter, we will endeavour to provide you with the latest travel advice on key destinations.
Current Travel Advice for Mexico, as at 13th August 2020
Is it safe to travel to Mexico in 2020?
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) CEO Gloria Guevara announced that a gradual reopening will be done in stages – domestic, US and Canada followed by international travellers respectively from July.
On 20th March 2020, Mexico and the US agreed to restrict non-essential travel over one of the world’s busiest borders.
On 3 April 2020, the Mexican Ministry of Health and Ministry of Tourism announced that hotels would no longer receive reservations with limited accommodation only available to those assisting humanitarian missions. The Mexican Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Health also decreed that non-resident foreign nationals in Mexico should return to their home countries immediately.
This page will have updates for the latest travel advice for Mexico.
Flight changes to and from Mexico
On 20 March 2020, Mexico and the US agreed to restrict non-essential travel over one of the world’s busiest borders although American Airlines, Delta and United Airlines continue to serve select routes to Mexico with a limited service. This will continue until at least the 22nd June.
On 24 March 2020, Mexican airline Interjet suspended all international flights due to restrictions imposed by various countries aimed at halting the spread of coronavirus and the subsequent decline in demand. Domestic flights were unaffected.
Cancelled events in Mexico
While Mexico has yet to implement a lockdown, it has restricted, following the declaration of a national health emergency on 30th March 2020, of non-essential activities and and urged its citizens to stay at home, especially those aged over 60 years old and those classed as vulnerable, including those with diabetes and hypertension and those pregnant. Mexico’s Liga MX football season has also been suspended and on 24th March 2020 it was announced that all public and private gatherings for the next month would be suspended.
Coronavirus19 (COVID-19) FAQs – Travel to Mexico
Question: Should I cancel my vacation to Mexico?
Answer: In many countries, non-essential travel is being discouraged with the pandemic being a constantly evolving and changing situation. You should check for latest updates on travel advice for both your country of departure and your destination via respected Government websites and the Travala.com travel advice newsletter. With refundable bookings on Travala.com you can be assured that if you do need to cancel your vacation that you will be refunded.
Question: If I decide to travel to Mexico, are there any precautions that can be taken to minimise the risk of infection?
Answer:
- Avoid contact with people displaying symptoms.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with hands, especially if unwashed.
- Make sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol.
- While the focus is on COVID-19 please ensure that you are up to date with your routine vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Question: Is there an increased risk of infection whilst travelling by air?
Answer: Due to how air is filtered and circulated on airplanes, many viruses and germs do not spread easily. Many countries now also operate immigration medical checks to identify any passengers who may pose a risk.
Question: Should travellers wear masks in Mexico?
Answer: Anyone who displays symptoms of COVID-19 is encouraged to wear a mask as it restricts the spread of the virus. For the uninfected, the wearing of masks is not deemed to significantly reduce the risk of infection, but you may wish to consider the customs of your destination. For instance, all passengers travelling on trains in Mexico must wear a face mask while they are encouraged on all other modes of transport.
Question: What can I expect on arriving and departing at airports?
Answer: In some countries screening for all passengers entering and leaving their country is being conducted. Before being allowed to board a flight, you may be questioned about your health and your travel history and have your temperature taken.
Travel advice pages
- Travel advice China
- Travel advice United States
- Travel advice Indonesia
- Travel advice United Kingdom
- Travel advice Thailand
- Travel advice Australia
- Travel advice Vietnam
- Travel advice India
- Travel advice Dominican Republic
