Mexico-US Land Border Opening to Vaccinated Visitors
A two-stage reopening program of the Mexico-US land border will require all visitors to the United States to be fully vaccinated
by Mexperience
The land border restrictions imposed by the US on visitors by land from Mexico, introduced in March 2020 due to Covid-19, will begin to be lifted from November 2021—but only for visitors who can show an approved vaccination certificate.
US land border to open to vaccinated visitors only
The new rules require visitors who wish to enter the United States by land from Mexico to present evidence showing that they are ‘fully vaccinated’ with an approved vaccine brand.
The new policies were announced by the US Department of Homeland Security on October 12, and Mexico’s foreign secretary gave a press conference about them on October 13.
Visitors from Mexico to the US traveling on rail and sea ferries will also need to demonstrate proof of vaccination to enter the US.
Two-stage opening plan: November 2021
According to the rules outlined by the DHS, from November 2021 visitors to the US wanting to enter for ‘non essential’ reasons —that include visiting friends and family, tourism, and shopping— will need to demonstrate proof of being ‘fully vaccinated’ at the border.
January 2022: all visitors to USA must be fully vaccinated
As of January 2022, all visitors wishing to enter the United States, regardless of whether they are traveling for ‘essential’ reasons or not, will need to demonstrate proof of being ‘fully vaccinated’ at the border.
Traveling to Mexico from the United States
Mexico has not imposed any legal restrictions on passengers or vehicles entering Mexico by land from the United States. You do not need to show proof of vaccination to enter Mexico. We are hearing that American citizens are driving and walking into Mexico without hindrance.
Mexico tourist/visitor permits (FMMs) and temporary import permits (TIPs) for vehicles are being issued as normal.
If you have a legal residency card for Mexico, —or residency visa sticker to exchange for a Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente card— you can cross the border by land to Mexico using that permit or visa.
Flights between the USA and Mexico
The land border restrictions did not affect flights, but policies are now being aligned to make it necessary for all visitors to the United States to be vaccinated to whether they arrive by air, land, ferry, or rail.
Flights to the US from Mexico
The USA has announced separate policies for visitors to the United States entering by air that also require visitors to the US to be fully vaccinated to enter the country.
Flights to Mexico from the US
Mexico does not require air passengers flying to the country to be vaccinated; however, visitors flying from or through Mexico to the US will be required to show proof of vaccination.
We strongly recommend that you check current rules, restrictions and requirements with the airline you intend to travel with before you fly.
If you have a foreign-plated vehicle in Mexico
If you are driving into Mexico (or currently in Mexico) with a foreign-plated vehicle with a TIP (Temporary Import Permit) we understand that Banjercito —the Agency that administers the permits— is not giving any extensions to TIP expiry dates due to Covid.
If you fail to drive your vehicle out of Mexico before the TIP expires, the vehicle will become illegal in Mexico (this affects the validity of you your auto insurance) and you will lose your deposit. A TIP’s validity is usually tied to a Visitor Permit (FMM) or a Residente Temporal permit.