Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Travelers are getting a taste of a big change right now, with the CDC announcing new Covid-19 testing requirements to enter the United States either as a visitor or as a resident returning home. That’s yet one more obstacle to international travel, but not necessarily reason to cancel your plans.
Mexico has been one of the most popular vacation destinations throughout the pandemic due to its proximity to the United States and lack of restrictions for incoming travelers. Travelers still don’t need a test to enter Mexico – one of the few destinations without that criteria – but you will need one to re-enter the U.S. afterward.
Many resorts in Puerto Vallarta and the Banderas Bay area have made traveling to Mexico more convenient by offering their guests free on-site antigen testing.
Participating brands include:
• Palace Resorts
• The AMResorts family (such as Secrets, Dreams, Sunscape and Now)
• La Colección Resorts (includes Grand Fiesta, Fiesta Americana)
• Playa Hotels & Resorts (including Hyatt Ziva)
• Velas Resorts* (Velas Vallarta & Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit)
• Meliá Hotels** International (including Meliá Puerto Vallarta)
* For guest comfort and convenience, certified medical workers from the local affiliated hospital come to the Velas Resort to perform the test. The COVID-19 antigen test is included in the nightly rate and results are sent by email within 24 hours. If a traveler tests positive for COVID-19 and requests to extend a reservation at one of the hotels, Velas Resorts offers a 75% discount on its listed web rates. An extra suite is also offered for the person who received a positive result to safely and securely quarantine separate from their family or other traveling companions if they choose. Designated suites are reserved away from other guests with strict Covid protocols in place.
** Offered on reservations of a minimum of three nights, Meliá Hotels International will coordinate and schedule a COVID-19 test for guests upon check-in to the hotel. All tests are required to be taken 72 hours prior to departure and same-day results are available. Meliá also offers a free insurance policy with all reservations. The Travel Safe with Meliá insurance policy includes extensive medical coverage and assistance for any unexpected health event, including COVID-19. Coverage includes a complimentary extension of the guest’s hotel stay for up to 15 days and assistance for travel companions.
The Palladium Hotel Group and Viva Wyndham Resorts will organize testing but at an additional charge.
Other independent hotels in the Banderas Bay area, including the following, also offer on-site testing (prices vary) with more expected in the future:
• Casa Kimberly
• Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel
• Conrad Punta de Mita
Bottom Line
There’s no doubt that testing requirements are one more thing to think about while planning your trip. However, with some advance planning and a little help from the tourism industry, it might not be as much of a challenge as you expect.
Sources: Forbes • Velas Resorts • Meliá Hotels International