COVID-19 Information for U.S. Citizens in Mexico

The number of confirmed and suspected cases is still increasing daily in several regions of Mexico.
Health Alert – June 11, 2020

The number of confirmed and suspected cases is still increasing daily in several regions of Mexico. Mexico City, Tabasco, Sinaloa, Aguascalientes, and Yucatan currently report the highest incidence rates of active cases (incidence rate is the number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last 14 days). Hospital occupancy rates are also increasing, with the highest levels in Mexico City, Mexico State, Guerrero, Morelos, and Chiapas. Mexican health authorities have reiterated calls for people to stay home during this time.

The annual 2020 Memorial Day Ceremony held at Mexico City’s National Cemetery was canceled. In its place, there was a private wreath-laying ceremony on May 25 with Ambassador Landau and the embassy’s senior Department of Defense official. Please listen to the Ambassador’s remarks on the occasion of Memorial Day, including footage of the ceremony.

Country-Specific Information:

Mexico confirmed 142,690 positive cases of COVID-19 within its borders as of June 13. Authorities continue to investigate additional suspected cases. The Mexican Ministry of Health (Spanish) publishes daily updates on the number of cases.

On April 21, the Mexican government announced the start of Phase 3 of the pandemic, meaning widespread community transmission, thousands of cases of infection, and increased numbers of patients requiring hospitalization.

Please see the latest information about the status of consular operations including routine appointments and emergency services.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

The United States and Mexico entered a joint initiative March 21 restricting non-essential travel along the U.S.-Mexico land border to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Non-essential travel includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature. The restrictions are in place until at least June 22.

Travelers entering Mexico by land from the United States may be denied admission if the purpose of their visit is considered non-essential. Travelers should carry evidence of the essential nature of their visit and evidence of their resident status in Mexico, if applicable.

Passengers and aircrew members arriving at Mexican airports may be subject to health screenings including temperature checks. Those exhibiting symptoms may be subject to additional health screening and/or quarantine.

Travelers entering Mexico via land may be subject to health screen including temperature checks. Travelers may experience significant delays and face the possibility of being returned to the United States or quarantined in Mexico.

Mexican Immigration (INM) continues to provide law enforcement and public counter services across Mexico. However, due to reduced staffing, members of the public might experience long wait times for routine services. INM recommends monitoring its website and Twitter account for information about its current operating status.

Schools, Business, Transportation, and Government Closures:

The Mexican government is implementing the following measures and recommendations until May 30 in most municipalities.

1. Schools are closed until May 30 in most municipalities.
2. Non-essential activities have been suspended. Essential activities include medical services and supplies, public safety, fundamental economic functions, government social programs, and critical infrastructure.
3. Meetings of 100 participants or greater have been suspended.
Individuals should practice good hygiene such as frequent hand washing and social distancing.
4. Those not involved in essential activities should self-isolate at home.
5. People over age 60 or with high risk medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, compromised immune system, pregnant, or post-partum should self-isolate at home.
6. All electoral processes, censuses, and surveys are postponed until further notice.

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On March 26, the Mexican government suspended all but its essential activities. Individual agency heads designated the activities and personnel deemed essential.

On April 3, Mexican Tourism and Health officials instructed hotels to cancel new and existing reservations and close for non-essential business.Guests that require accommodation due to essential business activities are permitted to stay in hotels with a maximum occupancy of 15 percent and may be asked to provide an employer letter certifying the nature of their business. Non-resident foreign citizens currently in hotel accommodation must begin the process of returning home immediately. Individuals showing respiratory symptoms will be referred to health authorities. As a reminder, the U.S. government does not pay for lodging or other expenses incurred due to travel disruptions abroad.

States and municipalities may implement additional closings and restrictions on public gatherings, transportation, business operations, and government operations. Several states and municipalities have imposed curfews and movement restrictions on non-essential activities and have required citizens to wear masks when outside the home. Please see additional information on these restrictions and links to state COVID-19 websites in the “Local Resources” section below. This information is not comprehensive and is subject to change without notice. Please confirm directly with government and other trusted sources for more information on closures and restrictions in different Mexican states and municipalities.

Quarantine and Healthcare Information:
  • The Mexican government encourages people to continue respecting social distancing measures, washing their hands, and coughing or sneezing in the inner part of the elbow to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  A variety of prevention measures can be found at https://coronavirus.gob.mx
  • The symptoms of COVID-19 (such as fever, cough, headaches, throat pain, or constant sneezing) are very similar to other respiratory diseases.  If you have mild symptoms call your usual health care provider or call the Mexican government’s hotline at 800-0044-800 or 55-5658-1111 in order to receive advice to determine whether to stay home or seek medical attention.  If you or someone in your family has difficulty breathing, please go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately.
  • Individuals who were in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 and present symptoms of respiratory illness should follow the instructions above.  It is advisable to remain in quarantine for 14 days to prevent spreading the disease to other people.
  • If you are experiencing fear, anxiety, or emotional isolation, please call the Mexican government’s hotline at 800-911-2000 for advice and support.
  • For U.S. citizens returning to the United States from Mexico and all other foreign locations, the CDC recommends you self-quarantine for 14 days.
Local Resources:
  • Call the Mexican Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 hotline at 800 0044 800 for information or medical attention.  English language operators are sometimes, but not always, available.
  • Local telephone numbers for COVID-19 assistance in each state are available here: https://coronavirus.gob.mx/contacto/
  • U.S. citizens in Mexico with questions about Mexican immigration policies should contact local immigration authorities for information.
  • Refer to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19MX app that provides Spanish-language information about COVID-19 and local health care resources.  It includes contact information for health care providers, an interactive diagnostic tool that analyzes reported symptoms and advises whether or not to seek medical care, the location of the nearest health care facility, the latest news related to COVID-19, and advice on how to prevent the spread of the disease.  The app is available via the Mexican iOS and Android stores.
  • Information about state and municipal level responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, and links to the official state COVID-19 websites are below.  Please note that the situation is rapidly changing and that the information provided here about local and state restrictions is subject to change without notice and may not be comprehensive.
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