COVID 19 - Playa del Carmen

Q: Do I need a COVID-19 test before leaving my country?

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 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 Mexico?

A: No, Mexico and Playa del Carmen 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: 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: 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 Playa del Carmen?

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 AirBnB, 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 Playa del Carmen?

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 Playa del Carmen 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.

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

Q: Is there Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Playa del Carmen?

A: While infection rates are low compared to most areas within the US, nowhere in the world is completely free of Covid-19. In an area with a population of over 800,000, Cancun typically has less than 100 active cases of Covid-19 that are being treated. Since the less severe Omnicron variant has taken over, the case counts have gone up but most cases are mild, as in the US and Canada. Visit Official Statistics Here. Visit Official Source Here.

Q: Is it safe to visit Playa del Carmen 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. Playa del Carmen is taking your health and safety very seriously.

Q: Will I need to wear a mask while I'm in Playa del Carmen? 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 Cancun International Airport Open?

A: Yes. It is open to international and domestic flights, airlines are gradually reopening and already accepting reservations. After you arrive to the airport, you can book an Airport Shuttle or a Private Airport Transfer to get to your Playa del Carmen Hotel.

Q: Are your Airport Transfers running?

A: Yes, all our transfers including Private Transfers and Shared Shuttles 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: 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 can 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.

Q: Are hotels in Playa del Carmen 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: Are villas and vacation rentals in open in Playa del Carmen?

A: Villas, Air B&B, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts are operating normally under the same protocols as hotels.

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 as normal.

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 theme parks, 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 Playa del Carmen?

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

Q: Are golf courses in Playa del Carmen open?

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

Q: Will I be able to bring a group or plan an event in Playa del Carmen this summer?

A: Yes. Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen that you've been wishing for.

Q: Are restaurants and bars open in Playa del Carmen ?

A: Yes, all restaurants and bars are already certified and operating normally. Some Bars, night clubs and casinos may be closed or operating differently than normal except for those at your hotel, depending on the protocols in place at that moment, but most are running normally. Hand sanitizer will be available at the door.

Bars, night clubs and casinos are still closed except for those at your hotel that meet the current social distancing protocols. They will reopen at a future date depending on health protocols.

Q: Will I need to wear a mask while eating at a restaurant?

A: No. The restaurants are set up for social distancing, so you can relax and enjoy your meal with your family as normal. However as at home, you should put on Your Mask when walking by other people, such as when entering or leaving the restaurant or getting up to go to the bathroom, just in case.