The National Institute of Migration (INM) building in Mexico City on Polanco has reintroduced the mandatory wearing of protective masks for visitors. The requirement actually repeats the sanitary measures applied during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, it is now related to the epidemiological situation regarding measles in the country.
According to the Mexican Ministry of Health, the increase in measles cases recorded in 2025-2026 comes amid a global resurgence of the disease, which has forced authorities to strengthen preventive measures and sanitary controls in public places. The outbreak is nationwide. From January 1, 2025 to February 13, 2026, the country confirmed 9,478 cases of measles and at least 27 deaths, with young children remaining the most vulnerable group.
Mexico City is seen as one of the key hotspots for the spread of infection due to its high population density and the constant influx of people, including foreign citizens, processing paperwork at migration offices. It is therefore that other precautionary measures in administrative buildings, such as the INM office, are aimed at reducing the risks of transmission of the virus in queues and waiting areas.
At the same time, federal and local health authorities are conducting free measles vaccinations throughout the country. The campaign covers both children and adults without proven vaccination.
Visitors to the immigration office are advised to bring their own mask, although disposable masks can be purchased from street vendors near the building. At the same time, there are no other changes in the work of the migration service office in Mexico City; the innovation concerns exclusively the sanitary measure of admission to the premises.