Merida Mexico travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Merida Mexico travel in 2024 with official Yucatan travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

The Covid situation in Merida, Mexico is relatively consistent so we won’t be continuing to update this post. 

At the end of the post, we share on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to Merida, Mexico so you can get a sense of what things are really like.

As restrictions can vary based on the traveler’s citizenship, we will focus primarily on those affecting U.S. citizens.

Last update: September 4, 2023. Originally published: March 2021.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Is Mexico open for travel? Can I travel to Merida, Mexico right now?

Yes, Mexico is open for tourists from the U.S and other countries without any restrictions. Land travel has resumed.

There is currently no COVID testing or quarantine requirement in Mexico. A questionnaire about COVID-19 exposure and symptoms is no longer required.

Merida, Mexico travel restrictions and mask mandates have all been lifted.

Quarantine rules in Mexico: What happens if I get Covid?

Tourists from any country can visit Mexico without quarantine as long as they don’t exhibit symptoms of COVID-19.

Quarantine for those who test positive for Covid while in Mexico is no longer being enforced.

Previously, foreign tourists who tested positive were asked to self-isolate at their hotel or vacation rental, at their own expense, avoiding contact with anyone else. Quarantine would last 5 to 10 days and end when the traveler tested negative.

Some hotels in Mexico have offered quarantine accommodation at a reduced cost. Check your hotel’s policies and protocols regarding isolation.

Can I travel to Merida, Mexico in November 2024? Can I travel to Mexico this Winter?

Travel to Merida, Mexico in November is open. Please read on for details and check back for updates.

What is it like to fly to MID Merida International Airport or CUN Cancun International Airport right now? Air travel has returned to normal. Crowds may be difficult to avoid. Check with your airline about current mask requirements on board.

Do I have to quarantine when traveling to Merida, Mexico? No. Only those exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 have been asked to self isolate.

Does Merida, Mexico check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? Health screenings including temperature checks have been conducted at the airports for arriving passengers, though this seems to no longer be the case.

Does Mexico require a negative Covid 19 test for travelers? No

Does Mexico require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for travelers? At this time, a proof of vaccination is not required to enter Mexico.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? At this time, Covid testing and quarantining are not required. There is no special allowance for vaccinated travelers.

Is a booster shot required for travel to Merida, Mexico? At this time, booster shots are not required in Merida, Mexico. There is currently no expiration period set for the validity of vaccinations.

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Merida, Mexico who get the virus? Hospitals and clinics are open in Mexico. Anyone with symptoms can call the Mexican government’s hotline at 800 0044 800 to determine whether to stay at home or seek medical attention.

Travelers can also call the local telephone numbers of each state for COVID-19 assistance.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What Covid testing options are available for travelers in Merida, Mexico? Many local hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and testing centers in Mexico offer private testing for travel purposes.

U.S. citizens and other travelers in Merida can get tested at Biomédicos de Mérida and Clinica de Merida at their own expense.

PCR tests in Mexico range from approximately 950 MXN to 4500 MXN, while antigen tests range from 200 MXN to 1000 MXN. The cost will depend on the location and speed of results. Rapid results tests are also available.

Some airport testing centers may have closed. In Cancun Airport, testing was located at each departure terminal for passengers needing a rapid Covid-19 test with results in 30 minutes, costing about 290 pesos ($14) per antigen test.

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Merida, Mexico? Hotels and resorts are open throughout the Yucatan peninsula.

For businesses to operate, they must have received the “Good Sanitary Practices” certification by the Ministry of Tourism of the state of Yucatán and undergo on-site review of their facilities by the Yucatán Health Secretariat.

Yucatan state, where Merida is located, is currently designated as “green”. Businesses and social activities are allowed to operate while taking appropriate precautions.

The curfew in Merida was lifted in October 2021.

Are face masks required in Merida, Mexico? Face masks in indoor public places and public transit is no longer required. 

Are buses running in Merida, Mexico? Local transportation is available as usual for tourists in Mexico.

How has the Coronavirus impacted Merida, Mexico?

Mexico confirmed its first cases of the virus in February 2020. Mexico began easing nationwide restrictions in June 2020 and has been one of the most lax countries in terms of entry rules.

Vaccination began in Spring 2021. At least half of the population have been fully vaccinated.

In December 2021, Mexico detected the first case of Omicron variant.

For the current situation in Merida, Mexico including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in Merida, Mexico; and COVID-19 testing in Merida, Mexico, please see the Mexico Department of Health site.

What should you pack for safely traveling in Merida, Mexico?

What do Merida, Mexico locals and recent travelers say about visiting Merida, Mexico now?

What is it like to visit Merida, Mexico right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect. The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

September 2023 – Shelley of Tulum Travel Secrets, American Expat in Merida: “As of September 2023, there are no restriction in Merida at all. Everything is open, and masks are not required anywhere (indoors or outdoors). Some people do choose to wear them, and if you do, no one will heckle you for it. 

You can still get a Covid test at all hospitals and most farmacías (pharmacies), but you won’t really find mobile clinics anymore. I was in Merida Airport in August 2023, and did not see any testing sites set up in the airport.”

February 2023 – Kristin of Growing Global Citizens: “I flew to Mérida, Mexico for a long weekend in February 2023. Things seem very much back to normal in Mérida, and visitors shouldn’t hesitate to go there. 

I did not notice any specific covid restrictions during my trip. I did not need to wear a mask anywhere, although many of the servers at restaurants wore masks. There were many signs at businesses about masks being required or social distancing, but they were not enforced.”

June 2022 – Shelley, American Expat in Merida: “I have lived in Merida since 2019. Since lockdown in March 2020, we had pretty strict rules, but they have eased up over time. On May 12, 2022, the governor of Yucatan state (of which Merida is the capital) declared we no longer have to wear masks while walking outdoors!

When the outdoor mask mandate* lifted, Merida became a much more hospitable place for visitors. Everywhere from beaches and parks, to the Mayan Ruins in Yucatan, are now easier and more comfortable to visit. Of course, if you choose to wear a mask, that’s fine and no one will heckle you.

Besides this, the Merida Airport is still offering on-site Covid testing, which you can do right before your flight for about $25 USD.
*Note: You must still wear masks indoors, unless eating and drinking.”

February 2022 – Brodi of Our Offbeat Life, Digital Nomad Family: “I visited Merida with my family for a week in February 2022 while driving the Pan American Highway and exploring Mexico for 6 months. Locals in the Merida area take the required COVID precautions very seriously.

While Mexico does not seem to follow any contact tracing protocols, masking is universally practiced by Merida residents. Visitors are expected to do the same. Mask wearing requirements are followed everywhere, including outdoors. When a tourist isn’t wearing a mask, locals remind them to put it on.

Merida is a very friendly town to visit. Some local attractions are still closed but most have reopened. Attractions, accommodations, and restaurants are all still operating with limited occupancy requirements. One restaurant we visited in Merida even had locked doors, so patrons had to request entry of the host before entering.”

January 2022 Shelley, American Expat in Merida: “As of mid-January 2022, all the best things to do in Merida Mexico are open, though most are still at limited capacity. There is no curfew in Merida right now! You will have your temperature taken before entering any establishment, and masks are required at all times. Everyone must have a mask on, both indoors and even outdoors while walking around, except when eating. People are complying, as not doing so can result in a hefty fine.”

October 9, 2021 – J., American expat in Merida: “We have made Merida our base for now… It feels safe here. Everybody follows protocols, wears masks with lots of outdoor venues and easy shopping. It actually feels safer and much less hostile than the time we spent back in [the States] this summer.”

September 2021 – S., resident in Merida: “Yucatan and Merida are still in condition ‘orange’ – the Governor makes an announcement every week. We are just getting over a surge with the highest levels of COVID infections since the beginning of the pandemic.

Pretty much everything that survived the lockdown from last year is open except bars and cantinas. Restaurants are open at reduced capacity but I’ve never had a problem getting a table when going out to eat. If you are in a restaurant, drinking alcohol you must order some food. Markets are all open but I think the street food vendors are currently prohibited.

Uxmal is open but people have said that they are currently not allowing climbing or walking on the structures. Mayapan, Xcambo and Dzibilchaltun are open and you can climb the structures.

Masks still need to be worn at all times when outside your home/hotel, the Progreso malecon is closed on weekends, and curfew from 11:30pm – 5am.

In addition to the many testing places around town, there is COVID testing available at the Merida airport for people flying to the US – the testing center is upstairs to the right before security at gate B. I believe they open at 6am and you will need your negative result before you are allowed to check in so it would be good to get there pretty early.“

July 2021 – Katia, Canadian, recently moved to Merida: “Amazing how people here are willing to help! They heard us speaking English /French, they ask if we need some help. Not once we got a weird look because we were foreigners. 
90% of the people, tourists and locals, are wearing masks outside, but again no weird look if you don’t wear it (outside of course). Bars and restaurants are open (temp checks, gel, but no contact info asked). Some attractions (museums, cenotes, etc.) are still closed.”

June 2021 – Shelley of Travel To Merida, American: “Merida restrictions can change from one week to the next. I live in Centro Historico (Historic Downtown, main tourist area) and I feel like everyone is in compliance with wearing masks at all times — even when walking on the streets, which is the law. You can easily get a Covid-19 test at a number of clinics all over Merida for about $20USD, and also at the Merida Airport.”

May 2021 – Natalie, Blissmersion Family Travel, Expat in Queretaro: “Merida does seem to be open for business in most cases. In the Centro (downtown), you will find vendors and shops open and selling their wares. However, at the time of our visit (May, 2021), the dinosaur museum was closed.
Within Merida, every one was following the local rules. Most restaurant service has been restored to near normal levels. In general, finding a place to get tested is pretty easy and it’s much cheaper if you have it done before going to the airport. You can also get a quick test in the airport.”

Disclaimer:
Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.