I've been driving from Dallas to San Miguel de Allende since 1981. The usual police stops, etc and we are used to the 'bite'. Now, with Covid and Cartel ---1) Do we need Covid proof of inoculation to enter, & 2) what's the latest on the drive from Laredo
to SMA- while trying not to get mugged, etc on the trip.
Thanks for the update, I am planning a trip in July.

You do not need proof of negative covid test. Last I read, was that 'officially' borders are still closed (wink, wink) to non-essential travel. That may have changed with some border states now being green. But not enforced. If you have residency, that is permanent or temporary, you are exempt. There have been some issues with robberies in Nuevo Laredo, with reports of tránsitos being complicit. As a result, there have been police escorts/caravans from Aduana where people get their TIP's, to km 21. Lately I've avoided crossing at Laredo/Nuevo and opted for Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras for that reason. A bit longer but safer, IMO. And I've been crossing for over 10 years. Recently here in San Miguel, 'filtros sanitarios' have been set up at the entrances to the city from Queretaro, Celaya & Dolores. Supposedly you're supposed to have a QR code proving either a hotel or restaurant reservation unless you can prove residency before you're allowed to enter. The reality is they rarely ask for the code, just a temp & mask check. There is a filter just before where we live and I've never been asked for anything. Although I do have gto plates. There is no filter on the Rodriguez road.

Welcome to Fodors PopHargon. We edited your post to remove the e-mail address.

Hey Pop, fwiw, restrictions on non-essential travel will lifted tonight at midnight for all border states except Chihuahua. Not that they were really ever enforced anyway. Hopefully it'll be that way still in July.
https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/cor...rthern-border/

Do you see that it is relatively safe to drive, or are there some special things to be considered before planning such a trip?

Is it recommended to buy car insurance for rentals in Mexico. Credit cards cover this but I've read some stories that they won't let you leave the country until you post a bond if you've been in an accident. Don't know what to believe.

devops, if you're driving your own car, you need 4 basic things. 1) Mexico insurance. Your US insurance is not valid in Mexico. 2) FMM, or what's known as a "tourist visa" or tourist card. Available online. 3) Passport, which is needed for the FMM. 4)TIP, Temporary Import Permit for your car. Deposit depends on the year of your car, it can be up to $400 US. Also available online.
Baja California, the border zone, and part of Sonora, you do not need the TIP. But everything else applies.
zzmac, for rentals you for sure need liability. No US liability is valid. And each state has its own limits, and some agencies only provid the federal minimum in their quotes. So you could have liability, but lack adequate coverage. Which could land you in jail. As far as using your credit card for coverage, that can be done, but in case of an accident you'll need to pay for damages out of pocket and then hash it out with you card company once back in the US. And the rental agency will put a large hold on your credit card. Maybe a few K. So, it's not really a bond so to speak.