COVID - 19 NEWS: PUERTO VALLARTA

Q: Do I need a COVID-19 test before leaving my country?

A: There is no requirement by Mexico for testing prior to arrival. However, you will need to check with your home country to see if they have any requirements prior to travel. The U.S. has no requirement for covid testing prior to travel. However the CDC does recommend it now that testing is widely available, typically for free, near your home, with results emailed to you. It takes a few minutes out of your day to get the test, and it's better to have the peace of mind ahead of time. If you don't take the test, we recommend that you at least self-screen for symptoms.

Q: Do I need to quarantine on my return?

A: There is no quarantine requirement for U.S. residents. However the CDC does recommend that you stay at home and social distance for a week or so when you return home just in case, as they always have. Unvaccinated Canadians must quarantine for 14 days upon returning to Canada, however there is no requirement for fully vaccinated travelers.

Q: Do I need to take a Covid test to enter Puerto Vallarta?

A: No, Mexico and Puerto Vallarta do not require a Covid test for entering the country. However, you might want to check if you need a Covid test to return to your country.

Q: Do I need to take a Covid test to return to my country?

A: This will depend on your home country. Mexico has no requirement for departure testing, but your home country may. For U.S. residents, you'll need an antigen test before returning home, which is readily available at most hotels and usually free, very easy. Testing is also available at the airport. You get your results in about 10 minutes by email, and you can show it on your phone at check-in for your flight home. Canada no longer requires a PCR test, can be an antigen test just like the U.S with the same 1-day requirement.

Q: How much time before I depart do I need to take the Covid test?

A: You must take the Covid test within 3 days before your departure flight.

Q: What if I'm not on a direct flight to the United States? When do I need to take the Covid test?

A: You need to take the test within the 3 days prior to your first departure flight. Just make sure each connection isn't longer than 24 hours.

Q: I already had Covid-19. Do I still need to get tested to enter the US?

A: If you already recovered from Covid-19, you can show documentation of your recovery. You will need to show your previous positive test and a letter of a licensed health provider, stating you already recovered. Otherwise, you can take a test to show you are not currently ill.

Q: Where do I need to show my negative Covid-19 test when returning to the US?

A: The airline staff will ask for your negative covid test before boarding. You might also want to keep a physical or electronic copy of your test if any US Government official requests it when entering the country.

Q: What does my Covid test need to say so that I can board the plane?

A: Your test needs to show any of the following results: "Negative", "Sars-CoV-2 RNA Not Detected", "Sars-CoV-2 Antigen Not Detected", or "Covid-19 not Detected". If your test comes out as "invalid", it will not be accepted. We encourage you to consult with your Airline's customer service.

Q: Where can I take a Covid test in Puerto Vallarta?

A: Covid testing is readily available at most hotels, usually for free, or a very low cost. You can typically schedule your test at check-in for your convenience. You can also get tested at the airport prior to departure. It is low-cost, and you can get your results in as little as 10 minutes. Just allow yourself a little extra time at check-in to get the results. If you are staying at an Air BnB, your host will have all the information for you how to get the test. Typically an English-speaking doctor can come to you and take the test and email you the results, or you can do it at the airport.

Q: Can I get tested at my hotel?

A: Most hotels are prepared to take your Antigen test with lab personnel that will comply with the CDC requirements. For more information, we suggest you call your hotel and verify.

Q: How much is a Covid test in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico?

A: Most hotels are offering up to two complimentary antigen tests to their guests, which is all you need for return to the United States. Those that don't typically offer them at very low cost (approx. $12.00 to $25.00). At the airport, prices are usually $25.00 to $45.00 depending on the facility. PCR tests normally run from $60.00 to $100 depending on the facility. Check with your hotel and they'll give you all the information about their services.

Q: How long before I get the results for my Covid test?

A: Usually, if you take an antigen test, such as those required for return to the United States, the results are delivered by email in as little as 10 minutes. It may be up to 30 minutes or so, depends on your facility. PCR tests are typically returned in 24 hours. Your hotel will give you all the details.

Q: Do children need to get tested for Covid?

A: Yes. The CDC requires children of 2 or more years of age must get tested prior to departure.

Q: What happens if I test positive?

A: Although it is rare for tourists to test positive prior to their return flight, if that did happen, the Mexican tourism industry has set up everything to be as easy and inexpensive as possible for you. In these rare cases, you'd need to stay in Puerto Vallarta until you tested negative, and your hotel will set you up with accommodations, often for free, others at discounted rates, until you test negative. You will not need to quarantine at any facility, just at your hotel. There are doctors available at all the hotels to observe and assist you, and give you another test to see when you are able to return home. Contact your hotel directly to see what services and pricing they are offering in this rare case.

For more information regarding COVID Testing in Puerto Vallarta, visit here.

The United States is working with Mexico to make this process easy and painless for you.

Q: Is there Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Puerto Vallarta?

A: No place in the world is completely free of COVID-19. However, infection rates are low compared to most areas in the US. There are 250,000 people living in Puerto Vallarta, from which we have 36 active cases, 11,840 recovered. Official Goverment Stats.

Q: Is it safe to visit Puerto Vallarta right now with the Coronavirus?

A: Our city is taking your health seriously and all businesses must get certified by the health authorities and implement strict health protocols to operate. At this time, Puerto Vallarta has low rates compared to most places in US and we intend to keep it like that.

Q: Will I need to wear a mask while I'm in Puerto Vallarta? Or on the airplane?

A: Masks are not required in Puerto Vallarta for guests on beaches, tours or hotels. Masks and gloves will be worn by some workers, including tour guides and people handling food, for example, to keep you as safe and healthy as possible. They will be provided, and their use for guests is discretional. However you won't need to wear a mask if you are in a private area where social distancing is available, such as at your hotel, at the beach, on a guided tour or excursion, or while dining at a restaurant. But overall, masks are optional on all our activities except transportation.

You may be asked to wear a mask on the airplane due to individual airline regulations. As in other countries right now including the U.S. and Canada, masks should be worn at times where social distancing is not available, for example in public areas where you will be walking or standing near other people than your family, such as airports, grocery stores, public transportation, or on airplanes. However you won't need to wear a mask if you are in a private area where social distancing is available, such as at your hotel, at the beach, on a guided tour or excursion, or while dining at a restaurant.

The staff will wear masks and gloves, including cleaners and restaurant workers, to keep you as safe and healthy as possible. You will want to Buy Masks and Hand Sanitizer to bring with you on your trip, but these will also be provided for you at your hotel or other locations if you forget them in your hotel room. The idea is to keep everyone as safe as possible, while at the same time not detracting from your vacation experience and making sure you have a great time.

Q: Will there be hand sanitizer available?

A: Yes, all businesses are required to provide hand sanitizer and you will have it in your hotel room. However, we still recommend you bring your own to use along the way, which you can buy online from shops like Sustainable Travel Store, ZSkin or Germproof.

Q: Are there other things I should think to bring with me?

A: Other than the usual things like a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, Biodegradable Sunscreen or After-Sun Lotion, you may want to consider boosting your immune system with a product like Airborne or Germ-Proof or with Vitamins, but as long as you bring hand sanitizer you should have all the precautions you need.

If you will be doing water activities we always recommend to bring a Rash Guard or Wet-Shirt to protect you from the sun and protect the environment, and you may wish to bring your own Snorkeling Gear, though it will be provided for you fully sanitized on our tours if you don't.

Q: Is Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) Open?

A: Yes. It is open to international and domestic flights following strict health protocols for your safety.

Q: Are your Airport Transfers running?

A: Yes. You can book your book here your Private Aiport Transfer or Private Bus Transfer.

Q: Does the US have travel restrictions for international travel?

A: Not to Mexico. Airlines have been flying between the US and Mexico continuously. However, due to low demand, many routes have been temporarily dropped by the airlines. There is a restriction on land border crossings through September 28th, but this does not affect air travel.