Los Cabos Travel Restrictions: Latest Tourism Advice and Entry Requirements

Los Cabos was one of the first destinations to welcome back travelers in the wake of last year's worldwide shutdown amid the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic and the destination continues to host visitors safely, receiving high praise for its management of the pandemic and earning recognition from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and other organizations for implementing enhanced health and safety measures designed to protect visitors and locals alike. While some things have changed over the past year, Los Cabos remains open for business and can still be experienced safely in 2021. Here are some important things to know before you go.

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Mexico as of April 2021, recommending that Americans avoid travel due to COVID-19 and exercise increased caution in the country due to crime and kidnapping. The State Department advises travelers exercise increased caution in Baja California Sur, reporting that there are currently no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in the state, including tourist areas such as Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Like most countries around the world, Mexico has received a Level 4 Travel Health Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with experts advising against travel due to the pandemic. If traveling to Los Cabos, the CDC recommends getting fully vaccinated or tested before and after your trip and taking safety measures for the duration of your journey, including wearing a face mask in public spaces, practicing social distancing and washing or sanitizing your hands often.

The U.S.-Mexico land border continues to be closed to non-essential travel through at least April 21. However, leisure travelers can still fly to Los Cabos. Currently, Mexico is not requiring a negative COVID-19 test result for entry but visitors will have to complete an online health questionnaire prior to their departure. Travelers can also expect health screening procedures to be in place at the airport, including temperature checks. Per the CDC order signed in January, travelers age 2 and older will need a negative COVID-19 test result taken within three calendar days of departure in order to gain re-entry into the U.S. following their trip. Los Cabos has been quick to respond to the new requirement, however, offering a plethora of affordable and convenient testing options, including complimentary on-site testing for guests at select properties.

As previously mentioned, Los Cabos has received plenty of praise from around the industry for its quick and effective response to the pandemic, implementing elevated health and safety protocols and maintaining and improving on them under the Los Cabos with Care - A Safer Way to Get Away program. The destination adopted the WTTC's standardized health and hygiene protocols early on, earning the WTTC's coveted Safe Travels stamp of approval. Los Cabos has developed a layered approach to cleaning and hygiene, partnered with travel providers to obtain a "Clean Point" certification from the Mexican government and continues to enforce flexible reservation policies for travelers. Visitors will notice face masks, enhanced cleaning, social distancing markers, hand sanitizing stations, QR codes and other safety features from the moment they step off of the plane.

Los Cabos' remarkable progress on the road to recovery means that travelers have plenty of flight options this spring. "Starting this season, we will be welcoming New York travelers direct to Los Cabos via John F. Kennedy International Airport with American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, and via Newark International Airport with United Airlines," Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, told TravelPulse in December. "American Airlines is also launching flights from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Sacramento International Airport." Travelers even have budget-friendly options when flying to Los Cabos with Southwest Airlines and others also offering affordable fares this spring.

Visitors to Los Cabos can take advantage of some fantastic travel deals this spring, including the Spring Reset Sale from the family-friendly Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos featuring savings of up to 70 percent and a handful of benefits, including up to $200 in resort perks, free 24-hour cancellation, buy one get one free dolphin encounter and free excursions for kids. The offer is available through May 6, 2021, for stays through March 31, 2022.

It's common to have concerns and questions about traveling amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and a qualified travel advisor can address those and a whole lot more. The right advisor can not only save you time and stress but share expert advice and save you money with early booking discounts, special fares and much more. Visit TravelSense.org to begin your search for an American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) verified travel advisor based on your destination and trip type.