COVID-19 UPDATE – COZUMEL, MEXICO

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. Canadians do need to quarantine upon returning home. Check with your country about their regulations since it varies from country to country.

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

A: No, Mexico and Cozumel 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. Canadians will need a PCR test which is also readily available at hotels and the airport, though usually not for free. We recommend to contact your hotel for details of pricing or services available.

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 Cozumel?

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 Cozumel, 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: The Mexico Tourism Industry is setting everything up to be as easy as possible so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Travelers who test positive will have to remain in Cozumel, in quarantine for 14 days. Hotels and resorts will offer special accommodations (Several for FREE) and discounted rates for guests who need to quarantine. If you want more information, we suggest you contact your hotel directly.

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

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

A: While infection rates are low compared to most areas in the US, nowhere in the world is completely free of COVID-19. In an area with a population of over 100,000 Cozumel currently has 116 active cases of COVID-19 that are in quarantine or being treated, and 1,782 people have recovered since the COVID-19 pandemic began, according to the health department statistics. Visit Official Source Here.

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

A: While nowhere is completely free of coronavirus in this day and age, infection rates are low compared to the US, and all businesses must be certified by the health authorities as having met strict health protocols before being allowed to reopen. Cozumel is taking your health and safety very seriously.

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

A: 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 the Cozumel International Airport Open?

A: Yes. It is open to international and domestic flights, following all sanitary protocols to ensure your safety.

Q: Are your Airport Transfers running?

A: Yes, our Airport Transfers are available for you. Make sure to Contact Us if you have any further questions.

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 through September 28th, but this does not affect air travel.

Q: Will I need to wear a mask at the airport?

A: You should plan to wear a mask at the airport, and on the flight, since these are public places where limited social distancing is available. You will want to [buy a mask] and a travel-size bottle of [hand sanitizer] to bring with you on your trip.

Q: Will they be testing at the airport?

A: When you arrive you will be quickly screened for symptoms. If you don't show symptoms, you will continue on to your [airport transfer] as normal. If you do show symptoms, you may be asked to undergo an extra screening which may include a rapid test just to make sure you are not contagious. If it is positive, you will receive guidance from a medical professional as to how to proceed.

Q: Will I need to quarantine?

A: Mexico has no requirements for quarantine on arrival or departure. If the unlikely event that you are symptomatic and test positive, you may be asked to self-quarantine at home or at your hotel. You can check with your airline to see if your home country has any requirements.

Q: What should I do to make sure I don't have any issues on my trip?

A: To make your travel go as smoothly as possible, we recommend you do a self-check for symptoms a day or two before you go to the airport, and also before you leave for your flight. If you have symptoms, go to the doctor and get tested. That way if you're positive, you can reschedule your trip and stay safe at home, and if you're negative you can bring your certificate with you on your trip.

You will be screened for symptoms upon arrival, but it is very unlikely that you would develop symptoms in a few hours while on the flight, so this will make sure you don't have any issues and can go on about enjoying your vacation.