The COVID-19 pandemic shut down travel to much of the world. Some nations are wide open to foreign travelers, some are partially reopening for direct travel, and other accessible via travel corridors.

This series focused on destinations that business aviation operators can currently access and what they’ll experience during their visit.

Accessing Mexico during COVID

Throughout the COVID pandemic, Mexico has remained one of the least restrictive countries in the world. As a result, the country has continued to receive a steady stream of business aviation traffic, as operators take advantage of the country’s light restrictions and open resorts and vacation destinations.

Here is everything you need to know about the “new normal” in Mexico during COVID.

Who is restricted from entering Mexico?

Nationals of any country are allowed entry into Mexico with no restrictions. There is a no-touch Covid-19 health assessment form, which is required on arrival/departure. After completing the form, print or screencap the QR code that is generated for easy access. You’ll need to present this to the health inspectors or Immigration officer upon arrival into Mexico. Here is the link: https://afac.hostingerapp.com – Note that you need to actually copy/paste it into your browser; just clicking it will throw an error.

Quarantine requirements for Mexico

Quarantines are not required for regular travelers entering Mexico. Temperature checks and a visual health inspection of the crew and passengers will be conducted. The officer on duty will look for COVID19 symptoms: shortness of breath, sneezes, cough with phlegm, flu, fever. If someone has symptoms, is at 38 degrees C or above, has been exposed or in contact with a confirmed case, the Health authority will ask them to remain in quarantine by themselves for a minimum of 14 days and must complete the passenger’s locator form: Here is the links:

• http://www.icao.int/safety/aviation-medicine/Pages/guidelines.aspx
• or  http://www.capsca.org/CAPSCARefs.html#EvalForms.

The rest of the Pax and Crew can enter the country but should be registered in the locator form.

Mexico’s COVID testing requirements

COVID-19 tests are not required before or on arrival in Mexico. Once the crew and passengers deplane, a Sanity agent will ask them for their form (questionnaire).

Types of flights operating to Mexico

Mexico continues to receive flight volume for both business and leisure. The volume is higher for leisure at Cancun (MMUN), Los Cabos (MMSD), and Puerto Vallarta (MMPR). Business traffic remains higher at Toluca (MMTO) and Monterrey (MMMY).

Universal Aviation Mexico is our primary ground handler for Mexico, based at Toluca

Mask requirements

Masks are required when in public areas and when entering any store, supermarket, etc. It is highly recommended for crew and passengers to wear safety masks during all the time they are in the airport during customs and immigration clearances.

What’s life like in Mexico currently?

The Mexican government has established a “traffic light” monitoring system based on the number of cases and risk of contagion to manage the relaxing of restrictions. The status of it varies from state to state.

Mexico’s list of state status for COVID-19 as of 12 Oct through 26 OCT 

• Green States: Campeche
• Yellow States: , Baja California, Baja California Sur, Chiapas, , , , Guanajuato, Michoacán, Morelos, , Puebla, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, , , Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, and Tlaxcala
• Orange States: Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, , Coahuila, Durango,Colima, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico City, Mexico State,, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Querétaro, Sinaloa, , Yucatan, and Zacatecas
• Red States: None at this time.

Restaurants and hotels

Restaurants are open, but capacity depends on the current traffic list status (see above). Some restaurants have also implemented drive-through, delivery, and pick up services.

• Red: closed
• Orange: open at 30% of normal capacity
• Yellow: open at 60% of normal capacity
• Green: open at full capacity

Shopping

Stores are open, but be prepared to possibly wait to enter, as capacity caps may create lines.

Major upcoming events

All large events such as Formula 1 races, NFL, and NBA games have been canceled through the end of 2020.

Intercity travel

Intercity travel is currently allowed.

More info on operating to Mexico

• More details on operating to Mexico can be read in our Mexico article series.
• More info on Mexico’s current stoplight status and other COVID info: https://coronavirus.gob.mx/datos/

Thinking about flying to Mexico?

Our Trip Support Teams are ready to help you plan and manage all the details of your trip – from requirements and feasibility to planning and coordination. Contact us online, and we’ll provide an estimate for support.