In this post, you will find some essential things travelers should know about traveling to Cancun during COVID-19.

When you are ready to travel, Cancun is ready to welcome you! 

In 2021, Cancun remains one of the most attractive international travel destinations, not only because of its beautiful beaches and fantastic hotels but also because of its commitment to providing a great and safe travel experience.

Thanks to all the tourism workers’ great effort, from hotels and attractions to transportation companies, Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean became the first destinations on the American Continent to receive the “Safe Travels” Global Security Stamp issued by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). This certification recognizes the implementation of global protocols to assure travelers’ health and safety. 

¿What are the safety protocols when traveling to Cancun during COVID-19?

Although the Mexican Caribbean remains among the most exciting and accessible destinations, traveling to Cancun during COVID-19 will require travelers to take some additional precautions:

• Cancun Airport has asked arriving and departing travelers to complete a mandatory health questionnaire no more than 12 hours in advance. You can find the questionnaire on this link: https://www.vuelaseguro.com/land, or you can download the app VUELA SEGURO, available for Android or iOS.

• When arriving at any establishment, you need to disinfect your shoes on a special carpet, and staff will check your temperature and give you hand sanitizer. In some cases, they have disinfection tunnels.

• Hotels have facemasks available for guests. In some hotels, they will give you a hygiene kit when you arrive. In other cases, you will receive the facemask upon request. Each hotel has its own guidelines on the use of facemasks for guests. In some resorts, face masks are for optional use. Others require facemasks in ALL public areas (you can take it out if you are swimming in the pool or seated in a restaurant). Some others require them only in INDOOR public areas. (We recommend you check with your hotel the guidelines about this). 

• IMPORTANT: Police can fine and jail persons not wearing a face mask when OUTSIDE their homes or hotels. The use of face masks is MANDATORY outside in public areas, streets, and public transportation.

• Social distance from people outside of your group. Floor markers have been installed, and furnishings have been spaced according to social distancing requirements. 

•  In some hotels and restaurants, buffets have been removed. And, there are assisted buffets in some others.

• Hotels are following strict quality and sanitation controls. Guestrooms are thoroughly disinfected after the guests’ departure. Also, public areas are carefully sanitized daily.

¿Are the attractions and restaurants open in Cancun?

Cancun & Riviera Maya are gradually reopening. However, most of the popular tourist attractions and restaurants have already opened but at a lower capacity (60% – 70%) and in some cases with a different schedule. So, we recommend you check directly with each attraction their opening days and hours. 

Here are some of the activities that are available as of today:

• Hotels and restaurants. 
• Public beaches.
• Theaters and cinemas 
• Malls and markets like La Isla Shopping Village, Puerto Cancun, Malecón las Américas, Market 28, and more.
• Theme parks such as Xcaret, Xplor, Xel-Há, Xoximilco, Ventura Park, Río Secreto (ask our agents for more available tours and activities options by live chat or check the tours section on our website by clicking here.) 
• Golf courses.
• Pirate ships and other shows.
• Some snorkeling tours and other aquatic and nautic activities. 
• Spas, gyms, barbershops, and beauty salons but with an appointment.
• Archaeological sites in Quintana Roo like Tulum and Cobá.
• Chichen Itzá (and other 6 Archaeological sites in Yucatan state) 
• Some night clubs such as Mandala, La Vaquita, Abolengo, and Coco Bongo are open, but they close earlier, and some of them are not available daily.

*Please contact the establishments directly to verify the information and check their guidelines.

¿Are there any specific requirements when traveling to Cancun during COVID-19?

There are no country-specific Covid-19 related restrictions for visitors arriving to Mexico, and self-quarantine is not required. However, some countries have implemented the requirement for their citizens to present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR AND ANTIGEN), taken within three calendar days of departure, or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days, to authorize their return to their country of origin.  

The good news is that the destination is making it as easy as possible for visitors. Many hotels and tourist attractions in and around Cancun have implemented convenient on-site COVID-19 testing programs, many of which will be free for guests.

Please refer to these links for more OFFICIAL information and updates:

USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html 

CANADA:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html#a1.5

UK:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors

¿Where can I get a COVID-19 Test in Cancun?

• Hotels and parks are supporting travelers to come to the Riviera Maya without worrying about COVID tests. Hotels like AM Resorts, Palace Resorts, Xcaret Group, Hard Rock Hotel, and many others are installing labs in their facilities to provide covid tests FOR FREE. (Check directly with your hotel for more information.)

• For people staying through digital platforms like Airbnb, they can get COVID tests for $19 USD in parks like Xcaret, Xoximilco, and Xel-Ha, and also some drug stores like “Farmacias del Ahorro” (which you can easily find all over Cancun) are giving them for $299 MXN. 

• The Mexican Caribbean has prevention, detection, and care protocols for Covid-19 and a network of hospitals and clinical analysis laboratories that perform such diagnostic tests. On the following link, you will find a list of companies, the tests’ costs, and contact info. https://sedeturqroo.gob.mx/ARCHIVOS/TABLA-1-C19-ING.pdf 

• You can also get a COVID-19 test at the Cancun International Airport. However, we STRONGLY RECOMMEND you get your test results before your departure date, especially if you need a PCR Test. The mobile units at the airport are the LAST RESORT in case you were not able to get a test in advance. It takes approximately 30-60 minutes for the ANTIGEN results, and the cost is about 290 pesos. PCR Test takes approximately 24-48 hours, and it costs around 2000 pesos. Tests at the airport are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What if my test result is positive?

Some hotels offer free quarantine stays or great discounted rates for those tourists who have a positive PCR diagnostic test for Covid-19 and have to comply with mandatory isolation in the Mexican Caribbean. 

In case that your hotel is not offering any deal, there are several hotels in downtown Cancun with highly trained personnel in protocols for the attention of tourists in isolation. Some of them are Wyndham Garden Cancun Downtown, City Express Cancún Hotel, and City Express Suites Cancún Aeropuerto.

We suggest you verify with your hotel all their policies and guidelines before traveling.

Stay safe!

Dear visitor, please don’t let your guard down and keep taking care of yourself. The pandemic is still far from over; however, following all the security measures and established protocols, you will soon be able to enjoy the Mexican Caribbean as before. 

We recommend you to visit the “Guest Assist” website or download the app if you are traveling to Cancun or Riviera Maya. You will find helpful information there. https://guestassist.mx/portal/en/Index.php

Need a reliable and safe transportation company?

If you need transportation from the airport to your hotel, we can help you! Private transportation is the safest option. USA Transfers has earned the SAFE TRAVELS STAMP issued by the WTTC and the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice award 2020.