Meagan Drillinger
As of Jan. 26, the CDC has mandated that all people flying to the U.S. on a commercial flight must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test prior to boarding. In response, destinations and resort brands across Mexico have raced to offer on-site testing as well as no-cost or discounted quarantine programs.
It is important to note the distinction in what test results the U.S. will accept. The U.S. will accept either the PCR or antigen test results, while Canada accepts negative results from PCR tests only. Travelers must also receive the test in a period that does not exceed 72 hours prior to their departure.
Resorts across Mexico are working at the brand-level to offer testing options, but in many cases destinations are taking it a step further.
Riviera Nayarit
The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau is preparing to help travelers by offering testing at three hospitals as well as at local laboratories and clinics. The hospitals include Hospital Joya, Hospital CMQ and Punta Mita Hospital.
Hospital Joya
Tests: PCR and antigen
Test results are returned in 24 hours
Cost: Special pricing using the code CANADA-02-P2 is: $154 for the PCR test and $49.28 for antigen
Hospital CMQ
Test: PCR and antigen
Test results are returned in 24 hours for PCR and six hours for Antigen
Cost: Special pricing using the codes CANADAPRUEBAS-PCR or USATESTS-PCR is: $149 for the PCR test and $55.39 for antigen
Hospital Punta Mita
Test: PCR and antigen
Test results are returned in 16 hours for PCR and four hours for antigen
Cost: $183.31 for the PCR test and $62.10 for antigen
Los Cabos
As of Jan. 26, Los Cabos will implement a Covid-19 testing program that includes on-site antigen testing at all hotels, villas and timeshares. The PCR test will be available at hospitals and lab facilities.
In addition, Los Cabos Airport will have a testing station for the antigen test for emergency situations.
For all passengers who test negative, a medical certification will be issued on behalf of the health authorities of the state of Baja California Sur and will be presented prior to boarding.
Tests will be offered at low- to no-cost, as well, starting at $60. Many properties will be offering free on-site testing. For those who test positive, there will be designated Covid-19 areas at properties with discounted rates.
Puerto Vallarta
PCR and antigen tests are available at low cost in medical facilities across the Puerto Vallarta. A directory can be found here. Most Puerto Vallarta hotels have plans in place to service guests who are diagnosed with Covid-19 while on location. A number of hotels are equipped to host guests who test positive for a 14-day quarantine on a designated floors or in designated rooms, providing three meals a day, laundry and linen service, WiFi and medical support if needed. These rooms will be offered either on a complimentary basis or at a significantly reduced rate depending on the property.
The city has several hotels that will be offering on-site testing, many of which will be on a complimentary basis.
These hotels are providing free testing: Casa Velas; Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa; Garza Blanca Resort & Spa; Grand Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive Adults Only; the Hacienda at Hilton; Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort; Hotel Mousai; Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta; Krystal Puerto Vallarta; Melia Puerto Vallarta; Now Amber Puerto Vallarta; Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta; Sunscape Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa; Velas Vallarta.
These hotels are providing PCR tests and antigen tests for a fee: Barcelo Puerto Vallarta; Buenaventura Grand Hotel & Great Moments; Casa Dona Susana; Casa Velas; Costa Sur Resort & Spa; Crown Paradise Club; Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta; Friendly Vallarta; Grand Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta; Golden Crown Paradise; Hacienda Buenaventura & Mexican Charm; Hilton Puerto Vallarta; Hotel Mio; Hotel Posada de Roger; Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta; Kristal Puerto Vallarta; Los Arcos Suites; Melia Puerto Vallarta; Now Amber Puerto Vallarta; Playa Los Arcos Beach Hotel Hotel Resort & Spa; San Marino; Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center; Secrets Vallarta Bay Resort; Sunscape Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa; the Hacienda at Hilton Puerto Vallarta; Villa del Palmar Puerto Vallarta; Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway
State of Yucatan
The state of Yucatan has been working with its hotels and hospitals to ensure the availability of testing to travelers. Testing will also be available at Merida Airport.
Marquis Los Cabos
Marquis Los Cabos is offering an antigen test on-site for $50, with results expected within two hours.
Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel
Puerto Vallarta's Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway began offering on-site Covid-19 testing on Jan. 5. Tests are available to all guests who are required to take the PCR test. Appointments can be made through the hotel's concierge and will be done on-site for a cost of $149.03.
AIC Hotel Group
AIC's Unico 2087 - Riviera Maya is offering free antigen testing and discounted PCR testing in addition to complimentary onsite medical assistance insurance.
In addition to Unico, AIC's other properties, including Hard Rock Hotels and Nobu Los Cabos, will be offering the following for all existing and new reservations of three nights or more booked by Feb. 28, until the mandate is lifted:
• Two complimentary on-site antigen tests per room
• Additional on-site antigen tests may be purchased at a cost of $50
• Tests must be taken within three calendar days before departure
• Complimentary on-site medical assistance insurance will apply to all existing and new reservations from countries with this mandate checking out between Jan. 26 and Dec. 31 (or until the mandate is lifted)
If a guest tests positive while at the hotel, the on-site medical assistance insurance will cover up to $150 per night for a maximum of 10 nights.
Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen
Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen has partnered with Hospital Playa del Carmen to facilitate test appointments at discounted rates.
Palladium Hotel Group
Palladium Hotel Group will have the PCR test available (at a cost) at its properties in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, including the Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts and TRS Hotels brands. Antigen tests are free for all guests through April 4. PCR tests are available for a fee.
Karisma Hotels & Resorts
Karisma Hotels & Resorts has similarly updated its Covid-19 protocols, rolling out free on-site antigen testing at its Riviera Maya properties. If a guest's predeparture test results are positive, Karisma will cover quarantine accommodations for up to 14 nights.
Melia Hotels International
Select Melia Hotels International properties throughout Mexico are launching free on-site antigen tests. Participating properties include the Paradisus Playa Del Carmen, Paradisus Cancun, Paradisus Los Cabos, ME Cabo, Melia Cozumel and Melia Puerto Vallarta.
Additionally, Melia Hotels International is providing free travel insurance with all reservations. The Travel Safe with Melia insurance policy includes medical coverage as well as complimentary extension of a guest's hotel stay for up to 15 days, among other benefits.
Playa Hotels & Resorts
Playa Hotels & Resorts has followed suit, unveiling complimentary Covid-19 antigen testing at all of its 17 resorts across the Caribbean and Mexico through April 30.
Under Playa's program, the free testing will be available to guests who stay at least three nights at its Mexico properties. Discounted PCR testing will also be available upon request.
If a guest does not receive test results in time for departure, Playa properties will provide complimentary room accommodation until test results are delivered and a departure can be rescheduled.
Should a guest test positive for Covid-19, Playa will offer as much as a 50% discount on accommodations for a quarantine of up to 14 days.
Playa's portfolio includes resorts flagged under the Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Panama Jack, Hilton, Jewel Resorts, Jewel Grande and Sanctuary brands.
Check our updated list of hotels and resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean that are offering PCR or antigen testing assistance.