So tell us about what the requirements were. Let's turn now to the U.K.Īnd, Frank, I know you just flew to the U.S. SHAPIRO: All right, so that's the picture in Mexico. And next week is Easter vacation here in Mexico when national tourists are on the move, and workers and authorities are really concerned about them also spreading the virus. Some of the tourists coming here are vaccinated, but a lot of Mexicans aren't - only about 4% of the population. And he does the best he can to protect himself from maskless tourists, but he's just so grateful to be working again. But it was brutal being out of work for so long. KAHN: He says he gets why he was laid off, and luckily, the hotel chain hired him back. He works in an international hotel chain in Cancun, and he was out of work for eight months during Mexico's brief lockdown and then the dearth of international tourists.ĬANDALERIO NOH NOAHAUT: (Speaking in Spanish). And I heard that sentiment from workers over and over again - that they just don't want to be out of work again. That's especially since the second wave here is just tailing off. KAHN: Yes, there is concern about a third wave. SHAPIRO: Does that worry Mexican officials that there might be another wave brought in by all these crowds of vacationers? But the party is definitely raging in clubs and on the beach - not a lot of masks, big crowds and little enforcement. Social distancing stickers and signs are everywhere, and temperature checks abound. It's just not normal, so it just sucks (laughter). JAIME ARRATIA: It's just - you can't do anything in life. He's a respiratory therapist from Kansas, and he says it's just been such a difficult year, and he just wanted to get out of the U.S. Like Jaime Arratia - he was at this curbside van where you can get a quick COVID test for U.S. It was interesting - I did meet all these - a lot of U.S. The CDC has warned strongly against travel to Mexico, but neither that or the COVID test requirement seems to have deterred Americans from traveling here. No such test is required crossing land borders into the U.S. What is new is that all travelers need to show a negative COVID test taken 72 hours or less to get back into the U.S. But no one took mine or even looked at it when I checked my bag at security or boarding, so it really isn't that crucial. It's like this half-sheet of paper and basic questions. You have this questionnaire that you can fill out on your phone or by hand.

Mexican officials do not ask for much about COVID. Airlines have less flights going to Mexico, and there were all sorts of travel deals and package discounts. KAHN: I did, and the plane was packed, Ari. So tell us what it was like getting there. You got the tough assignment of Mexico's Riviera Maya, where it is spring break. Well, we're going to hear now from three of NPR's international correspondents who have recently embarked on international travel to give us their impressions. But if you must travel, what do you need to know ahead of time? What's it like? And is it worth the hassle? We should note that the CDC still recommends people forego travel if they can, even those who are fully vaccinated. Around the world, air travel is opening up again in fits and starts with a lot more restrictions and often confusing regulations.

Cancun lockdown 2021