Mexico Borders Closed

Key Points

• It seems likely that Mexico's borders are not closed for general travel as of March 6, 2025, based on available information.

• The US-Mexico border is open for legal travel, such as tourism and business, but has tightened restrictions on asylum seekers and undocumented immigration.

• Research suggests that recent policies under the Trump administration have significantly reduced illegal crossings, but legal entry remains unaffected.

Border Status

As of March 6, 2025, Mexico's borders appear to be open for general travel, allowing entry and exit for tourists, business travelers, and others with proper documentation. The US has not closed its border with Mexico for legal travel, but there are strict measures in place for asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants, effectively limiting their entry.

Recent Policy Changes

The Trump administration, starting in January 2025, has implemented policies that have led to a sharp decline in migrant encounters at the US-Mexico border, with February 2025 seeing the lowest illegal crossing apprehensions in 25 years (around 8,300). These policies include shutting down the CBP One app and focusing on mass deportations, which have impacted asylum processes but not general travel.

Unexpected Detail

While the border remains open for legal travel, the significant drop in migrant activity has led to empty shelters and reduced activity at border crossings, which might be unexpected for those anticipating high migration levels.

Background and Context

Mexico's borders, particularly with the United States, have been a focal point of international attention due to migration and security concerns. Historically, border policies have fluctuated based on political administrations and global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to temporary closures for non-essential travel in 2020 and 2021. However, as of May 12, 2023, these COVID-related restrictions were lifted, as announced in a Federal Register notification (Notification of Termination of Temporary Travel Restrictions).

Current Border Status for General Travel

Research suggests that Mexico's borders are not closed for general travel. This includes entry and exit for tourists, business travelers, and other legal visitors with valid documentation, such as passports and visas. The US State Department's travel advisory for Mexico, updated recently, does not indicate a closure but advises caution in certain regions due to safety concerns (Mexico Travel Advisory). For instance, states like Colima and Guerrero are under a "Do Not Travel To" advisory, but this is due to security risks, not border closure.

The US-Mexico border, specifically, remains open for legal travel. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to process entries at ports of entry, with no evidence of a general closure. This is supported by recent reports, such as a WOLA update from February 22, 2025, which discusses operational statistics but does not mention a border closure (Weekly U.S.-Mexico Border Update).

Impact of Recent Policy Changes

Since Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2025, the US has implemented significant policy changes affecting the US-Mexico border, particularly targeting illegal immigration and asylum processes. On January 20, 2025, an executive order was issued to secure the borders, focusing on deploying physical barriers, increasing personnel, and resuming Migrant Protection Protocols (Securing Our Borders). This has led to a dramatic reduction in migrant encounters, with February 2025 seeing approximately 8,300 apprehensions, the lowest since 2000, as reported by Axios on March 5, 2025 (Illegal border crossing numbers plummeted).

A key policy change was the shutdown of the CBP One app, which previously allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments at ports of entry. This, combined with mass deportation efforts, has effectively "closed off" the border for asylum seekers, as noted in a CNN article from January 22, 2025 (Trump shuts down US-Mexico border for asylum seekers). However, this restriction does not apply to general travel, such as tourism or business, which continues unimpeded for those with proper documentation.

Detailed Policy Measures

The following table summarizes key policy measures implemented by the US , based on White House and DHS announcements:

These measures have contributed to a significant drop in illegal crossings, with The New York Times reporting on March 3, 2025, that migrant shelters along the border are nearly empty, reflecting the impact of these policies (On Mexico’s Once-Packed Border, Few Migrants Remain).

Safety and Security Considerations

While the border is open for general travel, safety concerns remain, particularly in certain Mexican states. The US State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution in areas like Baja California and Chihuahua due to violent crime, including homicide and kidnapping. Travelers are recommended to use toll roads, avoid travel at night, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for emergency alerts (Mexico Travel Advisory).

Unexpected Observations

An unexpected detail is the near-empty state of border areas previously bustling with migrants, such as Ciudad Juárez and Tijuana. This shift, driven by policy changes, has led to reduced activity at shelters and crossing points, which might surprise those expecting high migration levels based on historical trends.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as of March 6, 2025, Mexico's borders are not closed for general travel. The US-Mexico border remains open for legal entry, with no evidence of a general closure. However, recent policies under the Trump administration have significantly restricted asylum processes and illegal immigration, leading to a sharp decline in migrant activity. Travelers should remain aware of safety advisories and ensure compliance with entry requirements, such as valid passports and visas.