U.S. Embassy & Consulates
in Mexico

Date: March 30, 2020

Location:  Mexico

Event:  Mexico COVID-19 Update (March 30, 2020)

As of March 29, the Mexican Ministry of Health confirmed 993 cases of COVID-19 within its borders.

The Department of State issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19 on March 19.  U.S. citizens who normally reside in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.

Commercial carriers have significantly reduced the number of flights between Mexico and the United States.  If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.

The government of Mexico has implemented nationwide measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.  On March 26, the Mexican government suspended all but essential activities.  Schools and universities are closed until April 19.  Gatherings larger than 100 people have been banned.  High-risk persons, including the elderly and those with relevant medical conditions, are directed to avoid workplaces, public spaces, or any other location with crowds.  Public sector, private sector, and social activities and events involving physical gathering, transit, or trips are suspended unless essential to address the crisis.

Closings and restrictions on public gatherings, transportation, business operations, and government operations may vary by state and municipality.  Authorities in the state of Nuevo Leon, for example, are conducting mandatory health screening of travelers arriving from the United States.  At the moment, this affects primarily passenger buses, but could be expanded to other modes of transport.  Travelers should expect significant delays and face the possibility of being forced to return to the United States or being kept in quarantine in Mexico

Mexican Immigration (INM) continues to provide law enforcement and public counter services across Mexico.  However, due to reduced staffing, members of the public might experience long wait times for routine services.  INM recommends monitoring their website and twitter account for information about their current operating status.  U.S. citizens in Mexico with specific questions about their immigration status should contact local immigration authorities for information.

Effective March 18, 2020, the U.S. Embassy, nine Consulates General, and nine Consular Agencies in Mexico have suspended routine consular services.  For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information.

On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of U.S. personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice.

Visit the local government COVID-19 websites with advice for the general public and the most recent Ministry of Health notices for updated information.

Actions to Take: 

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
• For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
• Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
• Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
• Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Mexico.
• Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
• Check Port of Entry wait times at the U.S. border and visit Customs and Border Protection’s latest updates.
• Learn about the latest status of consular operations at the Embassy, Consulates, and Consular Agencies.
• Call the Mexican Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 information hotline at 800 0044 800 for local information while in Mexico.  English-speaking operators are often, but not always, available.

Assistance:

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED

• For Emergency Assistance for U.S. citizens in Mexico, call 81-4160-5512 from Mexico or 1-844-528-6611 from the United States.
• The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City is located at:
• Paseo de la Reforma 305
• Colonia Cuauhtémoc
• 06500, Ciudad de México
• Phone: +52-55-5080-2000
• Fax: +52-55-5080-2005
• E-Mail: ACSMexicoCity@state.gov
• State Department – Consular Affairs: 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Mexico on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Mexico.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.