Visiting Cancun? Find out how and where to get your COVID-19 test.
Effective January 26th, 2021, all air travelers flying to the United States are required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test administered within three days prior to their international departure. At Cancun Adventures, the safety and wellbeing of all our guests is our number one priority. Getting your COVID-19 test in Cancun is safe and easily accessible for all travelers. Cancun has implemented many prevention, detection and care protocols for COVID-19 as well as setup a network of hospitals and laboratories that perform PCR diagnostic tests.
Travelers from the USA
The Antigen test is recommended for US travelers as these tests are available at competitive prices, they provide the medical certification that is acceptable by the CDC, as well as provide the results in as quick as 40 minutes.
Travelers from Canada
Travelers from Canada must present PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test results, which can take between 2-3 days. The PCR test is currently being administered at hospitals and laboratories across Cancun.
Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Testing in Cancun
Before departing Cancun, who is required to show proof of a negative test?
Travelers returning to Canada (effective January 7th, 2021) or the United States (effective January 26th, 2021) are required to show proof of a negative test prior to their departure from Cancun.
What type of test/proof do I need to show to the CDC upon my return?
All air passengers returning to the United States will be required to get a viral test within the 3 days (72 hours) before their flight to the USA departs, as well as provide written documentation of their laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) to the airline or provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19. Options for this test include a PCR or Antigen test – valid with a medical certificate from the doctor.
What happens if I test positive for COVID-19?
Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 are required to maintain a 14-day quarantine until proof of a negative test result. However, if you are tested positive for COVID-19, you will be allowed to quarantine in Cancun at a hotel. It is recommended to stay at any of the hotels in downtown Cancun for ease of transportation to and from the airport as well as the medical laboratories.
It is recommended to stay at a hotel that has a Caribbean Clean & Safe Check Certification as it ensures compliance with proper sanitary practices. These certified hotels also have specific protocols for the attention of tourists in isolation.
Hotels and resorts will offer special accommodations and discounted rates to facilitate this process. It is recommended to contact your hotel for any specific information as well as health and safety protocols.
Can the airline deny boarding a plane if a COVID-19 negative test is not presented before boarding?
Yes. For flights departing to destinations (like Canada or the USA) that require a negative test, airlines must confirm the negative test result for all passengers (or documentation of recovery) before they board. If a passenger fails to provide documentation or chooses not to take a COVID-19 test, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger.
What types of COVID-19 tests are offered in Cancun?
Both the PCR and Antigen tests are available in Cancun for travelers.
What is the cost of the COVID-19 test in Cancun?
The cost of the COVID-19 test depends on the testing facility and the type of test. For example, the cost of the Antigen test can start as low as $60 USD. To confirm the cost of the COVID-19 tests, it is recommended to call directly to the verified facilities.
Do children need to get the COVID-19 test as well?
Yes. According to the CDC, children above the age of 2 must get tested before departure.
How are test results given to the traveler?
COVID-19 test results may be given in paper or electronic format as required by the CDC.
Are there enough tests available in Cancun?
Yes. Cancuns’ tourism authorities are working in partnership with the hospitals, local, and state authorities to ensure testing is widely available and offered to all travelers visiting the Cancun.
If I have had a COVID-19 vaccine do I still need a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before departure?
Yes. Regardless of a vaccination status, travelers are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery.
The health and safety of our guests and employees continue to be our primary focus at Cancun Adventures. We have adopted the necessary international safety guidelines and protocols in order to ensure the well-being of our guests and staff. Please contact us for any additional information regarding our COVID-19 safety protocols and guidelines.
For all travelers visiting the state of Quintana Roo, it is recommended to download the Guest Assist App (from the Ministry of Tourism) which contains more information regarding COVID-19 as well as access to a call centre that is available 24/7.
