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 or for re-entry after travel. If you want to take a Covid test as a preventive measure, you can still do it. Testing is widely available, typically for free, near your hotel or at the ariport. Results are delivered to your email within a couple of hours, maximum.

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 don't need a Covid test before returning home. Canada no longer requires a PCR test. Testing is 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.

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

A: For re-entry to the U.S. you DO NOT need to take a Covid test. For other countries, you'll want to check their regulations, as they may vary.

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

A: Typically, you'll need to take your test the day prior to arriving to your final destination. 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. However, testing is no longer a requirement to enter the U.S. If you have already recovered, and are showing no symptoms, you can enter the US without any testing.

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: To enter the U.S., no. However, if your country requires a Covid test for re-entry, then yes. The CDC requires children of 2 or more years of age must get tested prior to departure, if your country is asking for a Covid test to enter.

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 travel to 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 could be worn by 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.

You may be asked to wear a mask while using public transportation or maybe 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 could 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 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, or Biodegradable Sunscreen, you may want to consider boosting your immune system with a product like Airborne or Germ-Proof, 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 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 hotels in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta open right now?

A: Yes, all area hotels are open and have been operating as normal since June 2020, following over 150 strict health protocols to provide you with a safe and relaxing environment.

Q: Will all the facilities at my hotel be available like normal? Will the bars and restaurants and spa be open?

A: Generally, yes. Most services and facilities will be available at all hotels. Make sure to check with your chosen hotel to be sure. Expanded health protocols will be in place for the safety and health of both you and the hotel employees, but you will be able to enjoy your hotel in the way you would expect.

Q: Won't it be crowded at my hotel? I'm worried about social distancing.

A: No. Hotels will be opening only to partial capacity in order to preserve social distancing.

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: If your trip to Mexico is cancelled due to travel restrictions imposed by your area due to COVID-19, or you are otherwise unable to attend your tour due to any COVID-19 related health emergency or quarantine requirement, you have the opportunity to reschedule for free, or if not possible then you will receive a full refund. You will need to provide proof of the reason such as a doctor's note, trip cancellation, or medical evaluation. If no proof is available, then our normal cancellation policy applies.

For private charters, private tours or groups of 6 people or more, the affected group member and their immediate family would qualify for a refund on per person tours, however on fixed price tours such as private boats, all adult group members must provide proof of trip cancellation to qualify for refund under this policy. Otherwise the normal cancellation policy will apply.

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.