10 Must Have Items for Travel to Mexico During COVID

COVID restrictions have made travel to and from Mexico more difficult for the average traveler, and after a recent trip I thought it would be worth noting some of things you’ll need to make the trip easier. I had a great trip, but there were significantly more hoops to jump through than my normal international travel. I compiled a list of the 10 most important items you need to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.

1. Boarding Pass

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While this might seem obvious, the US/Mexico border is actually shut down for all non-essential travel through at least the end of September. The only way to travel to and from any part of Mexico from the US is to take a flight.

2. Passport

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Another no-brainer, but also not as straightforward as you might think. Your passport cannot expire within 6 months of your return flight from Mexico back to the US or you could be denied boarding. Mexico does actually have an agreement with the US to extend the expiration on the passport by 6 months, but it’s better to be safe than sorry and renew your passport prior to your trip if needed. More information can be found on the Customs and Border Patrol website here: https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-905

3. Mexico Immigration Form

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Most airlines used to provide these forms on the plane so you could fill it out prior to landing, but unfortunately most of them no longer provide this service. You will receive a form when you deplane, but you can also fill it out online (https://www.mexicotouristcard.com/) before your flight and jump ahead of everyone in the immigrations line. Depending on how long the line is, filling it out online beforehand could save you over an hour of waiting.

4. Mask

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Most mask mandates have been removed in the US, but Mexico is still requiring masks in all indoor spaces. All US airlines also require masks to be worn on the plane, so be sure to bring one that's comfortable.

5. A Normal Temperature

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While this isn’t something you can control, all hotels, bars, restaurants, airports, and other establishments are required to check your temperature upon entry. I lost count of how many times I had my temperature checked over an 8 day trip.

6. COVID Vaccine Card

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Many states within Mexico are now requiring a proof of vaccine for foreign visitors to enter restaurants, bars, and other establishments. Mine was actually never checked even though the rule was put in place at the time, but a lack of a vaccine card could make your dining and entertainment more difficult.

7. Negative COVID Test

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The US requires a negative COVID test taken within 3 days of your departure date from Mexico. Most resorts and hotel chains provide testing to guests to encourage travel, but if yours doesn’t you will need to arrange a test from a local testing center. I did mine at a lab in Mexico City for 350 pesos (~$15) and it took 30 minutes. The airport in Mexico City offers testing as well for those that forget or need to do it last minute, but they charge 800 pesos (~$40). As a tip, be sure to have your passport number handy when you get your test as lab/testing center will need it. Keep a local copy of the result on your phone or print it off, as public health officials may check it upon your return in the US.

8. Mexico COVID Form

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Mexico requires all passengers to fill out a COVID questionnaire within 12 hours of your flight. You can print off the final form or just do it all on your phone and screenshot it, but proof of completion will be required to go through security in Mexico. I passed dozens of people trying to fill this out on their phone when they got to the airport, so save yourself some time and do it beforehand! This is required for all plane travel throughout Mexico but does not require a COVID test. The form can be found here: https://www.vuelaseguro.com/login

9. US COVID Test Attestation

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This form is only required to be completed after you receive a negative COVID test within 72 hours of your flight back to the US. Your airline should email you a link to complete the form so be on the lookout. You can print it off after completion or save the QR codes to your phone, which is what I did. While my form never actually got checked, public health officials were on the ground in the US as we de-planed and spot checked people as they went through to ensure they had all of the required documentation.

10. TSA Pre Check/Global Entry

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This is purely optional and is more of a bonus than anything else, but having TSA Pre Check and Global Entry can save a ton of time in US airport security and customs. TSA Pre Check passengers have an expedited security line and aren’t required to remove shoes, liquids, or laptops. Global Entry passengers have a separate (much shorter) line than normal passengers for customs, making that process much faster. Global Entry is only $100 for 5 years and includes TSA Pre Check ($85/5 years), making it an easy recommendation.
About author
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Adam Ewing has worked as an Engineer for aerospace and steel manufacturers as well as a Consultant for an R&D tax credit firm. He currently works as an Implementation Consultant for a financial software company. Adam has a B.S. and an M.B.A. from the University of Alabama. His interests include traveling, cars, cooking, and triathlons. You can also find Adam on LinkedIn.

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