U.S. Issues Level 4 “Do Not Travel” Advisory For Mexico Including Cancun

New Advisory and COVID Related Warning Does Not Prevent Travelers Entering The Country

The US added Mexico to its ever-growing list of Level 4 “Do Not Travel” labeled countries. The announcement included 14 other countries based on their current COVID rates.

It is important to understand that the advisory does not prevent tourists from traveling to Mexico, it is only a warning that the general risk of being infected by COVID is currently higher. Other factors often impact Level 4 advisories, such as political instability, crime rates, or natural disasters.

Mexico’s infection rate skyrocketed after the winter holidays when millions of tourists flooded into Cancun and other major hotspots across the country. Although the rate appears to be leveling out and in some areas decreasing, it is still fairly high and could potentially present a risk for some. The Omicron strain continues to be the major factor in the spread, due to its high transmission rate.

For most, there will be very little difference in the experience, as Cancun, Tulum and other popular areas are still functioning despite the most recent wave of restrictions. Quintana Roo is currently under an Orange level on Mexico’s epidemiological traffic light system, meaning the current restrictions are at the second-highest level of severity. It is possible the region could move into a red level, the worst designation.

The restrictions are not as severe as they were in 2021, and even in the event of a red level, hotels will still be open and many have special permission to have more than the originally specified capacity.
Many hotels and resorts in Cancun (mainly the higher-end ones) are actually offering COVID packages for visitors staying longer than a predetermined amount of time. The idea is that if you are infected with COVID mid-trip, you will be placed in a super comfortable isolation suite. You’ll still have your all-inclusive food and drink brought to your door, and even though you’re in quarantine, it won’t feel like a complete write-off.

For those that aren’t staying in a hotel that offers such luxury, travel insurance that covers COVID-related issues should be at the top of your list. Having an insurance plan that takes COVID into account could be a huge benefit when it comes to dealing with the financial ramifications. Things like COVID tests can be pricey, and many plans will cover them when medically necessary. Not to mention the usual hospital stays in a worst-case scenario, travel delays, evacuations, and a host of other benefits.

This article on Travel Off Path checks out a few of the best options for travel insurance that covers COVID. We strongly recommended having insurance regardless of the country you’re heading to, but at such an unprecedented time for travel, it should be your top priority before getting on the plane. Many of the plans are nowhere near as expensive as you would assume.

Choosing to travel to Cancun at this time is a personal choice. There are no entry rules in place, so if you’re not comfortable being around potential people who are unvaccinated, it may be best for you to hold off on your trip, or head somewhere that has stricter rules for those entering.

If you’re comfortable with the risk, and there is always a risk, Cancun may offer some of the best tourism experiences in the world right now. Just keep on top of the new restrictions as they could change very quickly. Have contingency plans if you do get COVID while traveling, and do your best to be careful while traveling around this wonderful part of the world. 

 Read More

Tulum’s New International Airport Is Set To Open In 2023

Cancun Remains The Number One Destination In Mexico For International Travelers

Wyndham Opens Mexico’s First Esplendor Hotel in Tulum

Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:

Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties

---

Subscribe to our Latest Posts

Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.

---