After two years of the pandemic, Mexico has finally introduced several COVID-19 restrictions.

Mexico has maintained some of the most lenient COVID-19 entry requirements globally. Unlike its northern neighbor and certain Central American countries, travelers were not required to undergo a coronavirus test or present proof of a COVID-19 vaccination for entry or travel within the country.

This resulted in a surge in tourism: Mexico attracted over 20 million international visitors from January to August 2021, a 28% increase compared to 2020, which saw only 16 million arrivals.

According to the data from the Mexican Secretary of Tourism, Cancun alone welcomed more than 3.8 million international passengers during the first eight months of the year. Additionally, the popular beach destination of Los Cabos experienced a 97% rise in international arrivals between 2020 and 2021.

However, the relaxed restrictions came at a tremendous human cost. Since the onset of the pandemic, nearly 4.4 million individuals have tested positive for the virus in Mexico, and over 300,000 have succumbed to it.

Currently, Mexico seems to be adjusting its course by implementing new restrictions in response to the spread of the omicron variant.

In Jalisco, where Puerto Vallarta is located, Governor Enrique Alfaro announced on January 10 that proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours will be mandatory for entry to sporting events, casinos, bars, clubs, concerts, event halls, and convention centers.

As per the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, proof of vaccination is now necessary to access local businesses in Tlaxcala and Baja California, which includes the border cities of Tijuana and Mexicali.

Residents of Sinaloa will need to show proof of vaccination to enter businesses, entertainment venues, restaurants, and sporting events. While this requirement does not apply to foreigners, the embassy cautions that tourists might still be asked for proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

Since June 2020, the Mexican government has employed a frequently updated stoplight system to determine which businesses can operate and which must stay closed in various states. While some states may permit bars and clubs to operate, those activities might be entirely banned in others, affecting both Mexican citizens and tourists alike.

The four key metrics for evaluating the color codes (green, yellow, orange, and red) include the trends in new case numbers, hospital occupancy trends, current occupancy rates, and the percentage of positive cases.

With the "green" designation, all activities are permitted without any restrictions. In the "yellow" category, certain public areas are open, but indoor public spaces function at a limited capacity.

In the "orange" designation, nonessential businesses can operate with 30% of their workforce. Outdoor public areas will have a reduced capacity, while indoor spaces must remain closed. Hotels and restaurants are allowed to operate at 50% capacity, and theaters and shopping malls are restricted to 25%. Large gatherings, nightclubs, and bars are required to close.

Under the "red" designation, which is the most stringent, hotels may operate at only 25% capacity, and gatherings in shared spaces are prohibited. Only room service or delivery options are available.