PUERTO VALLARTA COVID-19

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. For other countries, you will want to check with your country about their regulations, they may vary. Some countries may also vary the requirements between vaccinated and unvaccinated 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: For re-entry to the U.S. you need to take a Covid test the day before your departure. For other countries, you'll want to check their regulations, as they may vary.

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

A: For re-entry to the U.S., you'll need to take your test the day prior to arriving in the U.S. If you have a longer layover, you'll need to retest before entry. Nowadays most major airports have testing facilities.

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.

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, all our transfers including Private Transfers or Private Bus Transfer are running as normal, and are in compliance with all safety protocols.

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

A: Not to Mexico. Airlines have been flying between the US and Mexico continuously. There is a restriction on land border crossings, but this does not apply to air or sea travel. The US does require a negative antigen or PCR test to return to the US, which is easy and usually free at your hotel. See the testing section for full details.

Q: Are you open?

A: Yes. We are open and ready to serve you 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (EST) with any questions you have. We are accepting bookings for all our activities

Q: Will all your tours and activities be running when I arrive?

A: Yes. All our tours and activities are open and running as normal, including watersports, adventure tours, and many more. However, due to reduced volume, we strongly recommend to book well in advance of your tour date to make sure the adventure you want isn't sold out before you book.
If everyone waits until the last minute, then it may be difficult for the tour operators to run some tours just because they didn't prepare staff and equipment since they thought they didn't have bookings that day.

Some tours that normally operate on a shared basis may be offered only on a private basis if demand isn't there, but most likely everything will be available, we just ask that you be flexible and patient in consideration of the situation.

Q: Will I be able to go snorkeling or go on a boat tour while I'm in Puerto Vallarta?

A: Yes, just with less people on the tours than in other times, which is actually pretty nice.

Q: Are golf courses in Puerto Vallarta open?

A: Yes. All the golf courses are currently open and operating as normal.

Q: Can I cancel and get a refund if I can't visit due to Coronavirus?

A: Yes. We hope you will be able to change your date, in which case this is always free of charge. If not, then yes if COVID-19 disrupts your vacation plans you can cancel and receive a refund.

Q: Will I be able to bring a group or plan an event in Puerto Vallarta this summer?

A: Yes. Puerto Vallarta has special protocols in place to be able to accommodate groups and events such as weddings, including group tours and activities. Our Groups Team is here 7 days a week to advise you and help you set up your event. Even if you're not visiting this summer, you can still start planning to have that dream destination event in Puerto Vallarta that you've been wishing for.

Q: Are restaurants and bars open in Puerto Vallarta?

A: Yes, all the restaurants, and shops are open for your enjoyment, in full compliance with the new safety and hygiene protocols including social distancing.

Bars and clubs are still closed until authorities give the green light.