COVID Test Requirements for Travel
Most countries now require a negative COVID testing result within 48 – 72 hours of your return flight. They also require specific tests. PCR is the most widely accepted, but the Antigen test will be accepted for the USA requirements by the CDC.
- Must have your name on the test results as it appears on your passport.
- Must be taken within 3 days of departure.
- Nose swab (PCR) or antigen (quick test) are acceptable for the USA. Canada only accepts PCR tests.
- Results must say ‘negative’ or ‘virus not detected’. They must be presented on an electronic device or official paper document to present to the airline prior to travel.
- Requirements still apply even if you have been vaccinated.
- If you have tested positive in the past, you can simply present your positive test result AND and a Doctor’s letter.
Puerto Vallarta COVID Testing Locations & Pricing
Learn all about the Puerto Vallarta COVID testing locations (including the PVR airport test) and prices for the PCR and Antigen tests. Most countries require a PCR test. However, Antigen tests are acceptable to meet the new US requirement going into effect on January 26, 2021.
The antigen test is now being widely used due to its speed. This makes it easier since you can get the results in minutes! Hopefully, more countries follow suit and start accepting the Antigen test.
If you will be returning to the US, most recommend getting the antigen test first, 72 hours prior to your flight. If you end up with a negative test with the antigen, you just saved yourself time & money. On the other hand, if you get a false positive you still have time to get the PCR test.
Before making any appointments or taking any tests, please triple-check with the country you’re returning to in order to know exactly which test you will require. As the information changes very quickly, it is hard for us to keep up with it all.
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- COVID Test Requirements for Travel
- COVID Testing Locations in Puerto Vallarta
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CMQ Hospital
CMQ, another Puerto Vallarta COVID testing location, has 3 different locations: Riviera Nayarit (in Bucerias), Premiere (by Costco), and City Center (downtown Puerto Vallarta). They are world-class hospitals, and their prices range from $3000 – $4000 MXN.
CDC Labs
For COVID testing in Bucerias or Nuevo Vallarta, CDC Labs Bucerias comes to your house and can have results within 24hrs: $3200 MXN.
- The Antigen test is $450 MXN.
- PCR is $1450 MXN.
This special pricing is only available to people with international flight tickets and is not available to the general public.
If you are planning on doing the rapid Antigen test, we have heard that you need to arrive at least 2 hours earlier than usual for PVR airport testing. In other words, if your airline usually requires you to be there 2 hours before an international flight, you should arrive 4 hrs early in total. Although Antigen testing may seem much more convenient, consider that they are known to be much less accurate than the PCR, and false positives do occur.
Due to the lower price and convenience of Puerto Vallarta airport COVID testing, there will probably be high demand for testing at the airport. Plan accordingly and double-check with your airline what the procedure may be before your flight.