Updated on March 2nd, 2021
After it was announced that the USA and Mexico would restrict non-essential travel between the two countries, many people were left wondering what exactly that meant. With the news changing by the hour, it can be hard to keep up with the most current information. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding crossing the USA - Mexico border.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, essential travel through land ports of entry and ferry terminals includes, but is not limited to:
The Department of Homeland Security defines non-essential travel as individuals traveling for tourism purposes (e.g., sightseeing, recreation, gambling, or attending cultural events).
The restrictions are currently in place until March 21st, 2021.
Yes, American citizens returning to the US would be considered essential travel according to the Department of Homeland Security.
According to the Instituto Nacional de Migración, people entering Mexico may be subject to:
What's going on in Baja?
As of June 1, 2020 Mexico has begun its phase “Nueva Normalidad” or the New Normal, allowing for a gradual, orderly and cautious reopening of the country. Every week, each region in Mexico will be assigned a color which will determine the level of permissible activity.
The colors are as follows:
To check out Mexico's interactive map, click here.
Below you can find some of the latest info on what measures select cities in the Baja California Peninsula are taking.
Baja California is currently in orange zone, meaning the following activities are suspended:
The following activities are permitted with the following capacities:
Tijuana
Tijuana restaurants have received national recognition for their effective implementation of the "Mesa Segura" protocol - food safety and sanitization measures set forth by Mexican authorities.
Rosarito
Masks are strongly encouraged in public.Ensenada
Ensenada has begun setting us random sanitary checkpoints throughout the city to ensure people are wearing masks. They encourage no more than two passengers per vehicle.
Check out the restaurants and hotels that are certified by the Clean & Safe protocol.
If you plan to visit Isla de Cedros, you will need to provide a COVID 19 test demonstrating you do not have the virus.
Guadalupe Wine Valley
Many wineries are back open with limited capacity indoors. Check out the wineries, hotels, and restaurants that are certified by the Clean & Safe protocol.
Mexicali Municipality
Mexicali has checkpoints at the border to ensure travellers are entering for essential reasons (proof of essential travel is required). The following additional restrictions are in place:
San Felipe
Travelers may encounter checkpoints upon entering town where proof of residence and/or nationality may be requested.
Did your FMM expire while you were waiting things out in Baja California Sur? If so, you can get a new one at the Mexican Immigration offices. Just bring your passport and your expired FMM. Many offices have limited hours from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm; it is recommended to arrive as early as possible.
Loreto
The following restrictions are in place:
La Paz Municipality
Restaurants, hotels,movie theaters, museums, gyms, theaters, ecotourism are open at 40% capacity.
The boardwalk is open for physical activities during the week but will close at 6:00 pm on Thursdays and remain closed until Monday.
Los Cabos
Los Cabos is following the guidelines set forth by the Baja California Sur State Government.
Puerto Peñasco aka Rocky Point
Puerto Peñasco aka Rocky Point is allowing visitors, although there are restrictions. For more detailed information, check out the Entry Protocol for Tourists.
Sources:
Federal Register
Department of Homeland Security
Gobierno de México