Updated on January 25th, 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 February 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 red 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.Due to contamination, beaches are currently closed until 1/27/21.
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
On October 28th, 2020, Mexicali began setting up sanitary filters at the border and throughout the city to verify travelers are there for essential reasons.
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
All commercial activity is allowed to resume in La Paz.
Beaches and the boardwalk are back open at 40% capacity! Masks are required.
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