Mexico Travel: What You Need To Know About Traveling To Cancun This Summer

Cancun is a perennial favorite when it comes to international summer travel, drawing visitors from all over the globe to its phenomenal all-inclusive hotels and resorts and inviting sun-kissed beaches. More than one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, Cancun continues to be among the most sought-after locales on the planet. However, those hoping to experience this idyllic Caribbean destination in 2021 will want to catch up on the latest happenings, travel advice and requirements ahead of their trip. Here are some important things to know.

The U.S. State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage Americans to avoid travel to Mexico amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic but it should be pointed out that the advice is the same for most countries around the world. In its state-by-state breakdown, the State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution in Quintana Roo due to crime and points out that there are currently no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in the state, including in Cancun and other tourist hotspots such as Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and the Riviera Maya. If traveling to Mexico this summer, the CDC recommends getting fully vaccinated in advance.

While the U.S.-Mexico land border continues to be closed to non-essential travel until at least June 20, Americans can continue to fly to Cancun with relative ease. Travelers will need a passport, of course, and also must complete a health declaration form but otherwise, there are no testing or quarantine requirements for entry. Visitors should anticipate health screening protocols upon arrival, including temperature checks and may be asked to complete additional health questionnaires by their hotel or resort. Visitors to Cancun who are returning to the United States will require a negative COVID-19 test taken within the three calendar days of departure or proof of recovery from a COVID-19 infection within the last 90 days in order to gain re-entry into the U.S. However, many properties are offering convenient on-site COVID-19 testing that guests can schedule at or shortly after check-in to ensure a smooth return.

Although the CDC states that "fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19," the agency still recommends that these individuals wear a mask, practice social distancing and wash or sanitize their hands often when traveling internationally. Fully vaccinated individuals are also encouraged to get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel to Mexico and to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. If symptoms develop, they should isolate and get tested. Unvaccinated individuals visiting Cancun this summer are encouraged to take a viral test 1-3 days before travel and to delay or postpone plans if the test comes back positive. These travelers should also wear a mask, practice social distancing and frequent hand washing and sanitizing during travel and get tested 3-5 days after their trip, isolating for at least seven full days with a negative result or 10 days if they choose not to get tested.

Visitors to Cancun should expect to adhere to elevated health and safety measures amid the pandemic, including mask requirements in public spaces and when and where social distancing isn't possible as well as capacity limits in some cases. Currently, Quintana Roo is at the third-highest level (orange) on Mexico's four-tier traffic light system of restrictions as it experiences a third wave of COVID-19 infections. However, Alejandra Aguirre Crespo, head of the State Secretariat of Health, has stressed that the state will not close and that tourism protocols are being strengthened. "We hope that we will have stabilization as soon as possible and, I am talking a couple of weeks maximum, where we can have stabilization in the contagion that we are experiencing in Quintana Roo," she recently told W. Radio. "Quintana Roo is not going to close. What Quintana Roo is doing is strengthening health and safety protocols so that both national and international visitors can continue their vacations, their stay in the state in a safe way." Most hotel and resort properties in Cancun have reopened since last year so travelers shouldn't anticipate too many roadblocks to a satisfying experience.

Booking your summer getaway to Cancun will be easier and less stressful with the help of an experienced travel advisor. The right travel professional will put their experience, knowledge and connections to work for you to save you money on your ideal vacation. Travel advisors take the guesswork and uncertainty out of traveling amid a pandemic and will keep your safety and satisfaction top of mind. If you've yet to work with an advisor, check out TravelSense.org, where you can search a database of travel advisors verified by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) based on your destination and trip type.