Travel to Mexico during the pandemic
Earlier this year I went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for a family vacation mixed with some business {checking out a variety of resorts}. It was my first trip out of the country since the pandemic started and I couldn’t wait to check it out!
Though I’m sitting down to write this later than I planned, I’m happy to report that it was smooth sailing. Travel restrictions and requirements are changing frequently, as I’m sure you know, but Mexico’s guidelines for international travelers have not changed much throughout all of this.
That, however, didn’t stop me from checking the travel requirements to Mexico multiple times before we departed on our international adventure. {TIP: This is one reason why you want to work with a travel professional- someone to double and triple check those regulations with you!}
Remember, it is every traveler’s responsibility to make sure they have the necessary documentation and have met the requirements to enter their destination country.
At the time of our trip, no COVID-19 tests or proof of vaccination were required.
All we had to do was fill out a short online health questionnaire within 12 hours of arrival to Mexico and scan the QR code at the airport. We chose to do it during our layover, though we could have done it when we arrived at the airport in Puerto Vallarta. But I wouldn't recommend waiting until you land! There were many groups of people standing right outside the line for customs filling out their questionnaires… we blew right by them and shortened our wait time.
Don’t they look thrilled by the pic?! 😆
In addition to wearing masks on the planes and in the airports {still a requirement}, we did have to wear them in the common areas at the resort and at the restaurant check-in desks. We could go mask-free when we were walking outside or on the pool deck. When we left the resort, we were required to wear them in the taxis and at the marinas. Most people were not wearing them at the outdoor boardwalk and some guests chose to wear them on our shared boat excursion. It was pretty much what we expected and did not feel like a burden.
While we didn't need to get tested to visit Mexico we did need to get tested to return to the United States. On January 12, 2021, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) announced that international travelers need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test done no more than 3 days before they travel by air into the U.S. or show documentation of recovery.
This means we needed to be tested while in Mexico. Thankfully, many {or mostly all} resorts are arranging this for their guests. {TIP: Another reason to work with a travel professional- someone to check out resort procedures for you!}
Within two days of our arrival to the resort we visited the concierge who scheduled our COVID tests within the appropriate time frame. On the day of our tests, we brought our passports and appointment confirmation {provided by the resort} to the designated location. We were in and out of there under 30 minutes. Now, this may not be the exact procedure at every resort, but you can expect the experience to be similar.
Ironically for us, not one airline representative on our journey home ever looked at our test results. But that doesn't mean they won't. And that doesn't mean you can skip it.
Overall, our experience travelling to Mexico was very positive! It does take some up front work but it was totally worth it. Here are a few tips if you’re interested in visiting Mexico {or another country} during the pandemic…
1. Find out if COVID-19 testing is provided & how much it costs {it might be free}
2. Ask about the resort’s quarantine plan if, in the rare instance, your test is positive
3. Check travel.state.gov for international travel regulations and requirements
I’d love to help you plan your own dream vacation, wherever your heart desires!
Happy Travels!
~ Heather
INTERESTED IN MORE?
If you find these tips helpful and want to know more about how you can prepare for an international vacation, make sure to check out my Checklist for International Travelers!