If you’re thinking of visiting Cancun this year, you’re probably wondering whether it’s safe to travel to Cancun due to COVID-19. The short answer is yes, it’s as safe as traveling anywhere at this time, possibly safer. Read on to learn more in this safe travel to Cancun COVID update.
Cancun COVID Update
Mexico is open for air travel, and a COVID-19 test is not required to enter Mexico.
Cancun remains one of the safest travel destinations in Mexico, due to massive efforts made by the local government and the private sector to create and implement COVID safety protocols.
The Mexican Caribbean Clean & Safe Certification program certifies tourism service providers who implement and adhere to strict cleanliness and safety standards.
According to Dario Flota, Director of Quintana Roo’s Board of Tourism, the program “aims to maintain the highest sanitary measures for the prevention and containment of COVID-19 and generate confidence among guests, partners, and the community.”
Over 6,000 companies have applied for this certification, which shows the community’s eagerness to comply with safety measures in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep the economy open at the same time.
Thanks in part to this local cleanliness and safety certification effort, Cancun was one of the first cities in the world to receive the “Safe Travels” stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The WTTC’s stamp is awarded to governments and companies around the world which have adopted and implemented globally standardized health and hygiene protocols.
Cancun remains a top destination due to its incredible scenery, tourist friendly infrastructure, and proximity to historic sites. Its strict adherence to safety protocols is just another reason to consider visiting Cancun when you travel.
Tourism accounts for 90% of the state of Quintana Roo’s revenue, so it’s important to keep the economy open, as this is how most local people earn a living. Local companies know that they must follow the regulations and exercise increased caution, or they will be subject to more statewide shutdowns. For this reason, you will see staff of all companies wearing masks, and signs all over the city reminding locals and tourists alike to wear masks and observe the sana distancia or social distance.
Government Updates from Mexico and the United States
The Mexican Caribbean continues to receive tourists and remains vigilant with rigorous prevention measures against COVID-19.
Mexico’s federal government uses a biweekly traffic light monitoring system to provide guidance on restrictions on certain activities depending on the level of COVID cases in each state. The Epidemiological Risk Assessment tool uses a color-coded scale indicating different levels of risk for COVID-19 contagion. The 4 colors are: red, orange, yellow and green, with red indicating the most severe risk, orange and yellow indicating reopening of the economy with various levels of restrictions, and green indicating no restrictions in place and back to normal. As of December 13, 2021, 27 out of 32 Mexican states are listed as green, which means risk of contagion is low, and economic activities have resumed.
The state of Quintana Roo has been divided into two regions under the stoplight system – Northern Quintana Roo and Southern Quintana Roo. Both regions are listed as being in green status for the period December 13 to December 26, 2021. This means that economic activity has resumed to near normal levels throughout the state.
According to the Mexican government, there are currently no restrictions on movement throughout the state, social activities are resuming as normal, schools are open under the “new normal” model, and the use of face masks is recommended in closed public spaces and mandatory on public transportation.
As of December 13, 2021, the state of Quintana Roo has had a total of approximately 59,936 total COVID cases and approximately 4,085 deaths. Currently 89% of the adult population has received at least the first dose of the vaccine.
Every day Cancun continues to demonstrate its commitment to the health and safety of locals and tourists alike, and to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
The U.S. State Department Travel Advisory for Quintana Roo states that there are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state, which include tourist areas in Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya.
Air Travel is Safe
Like all industries, the airline industry has adapted to the new normal with COVID protocols. Masks must be worn while in airports and while on planes. Most airplanes have surgical grade air filters on the planes which clean the air to prevent the virus from spreading through the air inside the plane.
Travelers to Mexico do not have to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country, however, they must complete a health declaration form and scan the QR code it generates upon their arrival. International travelers arriving at Cancun International Airport (CUN) must go through a thermal scanner to measure their body temperature and check for fever. Mexico is not requiring quarantine upon arrival.
For travelers bound for the United States, effective as of December 6, 2021, all air passengers two years of age or older boarding a flight from a foreign country to the United States must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours of their scheduled flight, or proof of recovery from COVID-19 from a licensed healthcare provider in the 90 days preceding travel in order to reenter the United States. This regulation applies to everyone, even to those who have been fully vaccinated. Those who have recovered from COVID in the last 90 days can show their positive COVID test result and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or public official clearing them for air travel.
International travelers to Canada aged 5 and up are required to show proof of a negative molecular COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of flying, or proof of a previous positive result from 14 to 180 ago. Canada is only accepting PCR, NAT/NAAT and RT-LAMP tests. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted. It’s also required that you keep your test result with you for 14 days after entering Canada.
As of November 2021, fully vaccinated travelers may be exempt from the previously required 14-day quarantine after entering Canada, as well as the previously required Day-8 testing if they meet certain conditions. These include having had both doses of the vaccine and entering their information using the ArriveCAN mobile app 72 hours before arrival to Canada.
Travelers who are not fully vaccinated must still quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival to Canada, and must still get a COVID test on Day 8 of their stay.
Quarantining in government approved hotels is no longer required, but those who are not fully vaccinated must make their own quarantine plan and enter it into the ArriveCAN app before traveling.
Border agents will check your plan when you arrive in Canada, and if they determine your plan is not acceptable, you could be denied access to Canada.
Restrictions Are Being Eased
In November of 2021, the land border between the U.S. and Mexico reopened for non-essential travel as part of a 2-phase reopening plan. The first phase allows fully vaccinated non-essential travelers to cross the border with proof of vaccination. The second phase, starting in January, will require all travelers (essential and non-essential) to show proof of vaccination.
COVID Tests
In continued efforts to keep up with regulations, Cancun’s tourism industry has responded to the United States’ testing requirement. Hotels and timeshares throughout Cancun are providing on-site COVID testing, administered by third party healthcare professionals. There are also numerous labs and hospitals that provide testing. PCR tests and antigen tests are available. Ask the front desk of your hotel if testing is available and what the cost will be.
Villa Del Palmar Cancun offers COVID tests at the resort. You can schedule your test when you check in. Results will be ready before you check out.
Hotels are Open
Hotels are open and operating with safety measures in place, per government regulations. These include social distancing of two meters, increased cleaning and sanitizing of the hotel common areas, rooms and suites, increased hand-washing required for staff, and hand sanitizer stations throughout the property.
Most hotels have applied for and received local, state, and international certifications for cleanliness.
Most resorts have on-site physicians who are available to check on guests if they feel any symptoms, and recommend if transfer to a local hospital is necessary.
Resorts are going above and beyond to stay safe, and help guests enjoy their vacations without worry. Many resorts are also offering special deal packages to remote workers who want to stay for extended stays. If you are working from home now, it’s definitely worth it to call the front desk of the hotel you’d like to stay at, or check their website for special offers for remote workers. Why not take advantage of the ability to work from anywhere?!
Tours are Operating
Most tours in Cancun are operational with reduced capacity. Major theme parks like Xel-Ha and Xcaret Park are already open, as well as boat tours, dolphin swims, and most other adventure tours. Tulum and Chichen Itza have also reopened and are operating at 80% capacity. Of course, the tour operators have adopted COVID protocols to keep both staff and tourists safe. Reduced capacity restrictions can present a nice opportunity to have a tour to yourself, or with your own small group. It’s a good idea to call the tour company and ask about the group size, and ask if you can book a tour for just your group. Private tours for you and your group are highly recommended to keep you as safe as possible, and many tour operators will accommodate your group.
Weddings are Still Magical
You can still have the wedding of your dreams in Mexico. As destination weddings are a huge part of Cancun’s economy, most resorts and wedding planners are now well versed in safety protocols for weddings, and fully capable of conducting a safe and special wedding day.
Villa del Palmar is Ready to Welcome You
Villa del Palmar Resort Luxury Beach Resort & Spa in Cancun is part of the TAFER Hotels & Resorts family of high-quality resorts throughout Mexico. At TAFER Hotels & Resorts, we are taking extra measures in order to offer all guests a safe and healthy environment in which to enjoy a well-deserved vacation.
Each department, from the Rooms Division and Food & Beverage to our Dining Room staff and Activities Team, has its own set of standard operating procedures. At Villa del Palmar Cancun, it is our commitment to continue to adjust, refine and update the plan as we adapt to a New Normal aligning with the industry standards for resort operations.
We are offering on-site PCR and antigen testing for a discounted rate. For any guests who test positive while staying at the resort, we are also offering the lowest possible rates for them to spend their 14 day quarantine period.
If you are in need of a holiday and wish to explore all the joys of our marvelous resort, we have some incredible deals on offer.
You can read more about our health and sanitation guidelines on this page, or download our PDF here.
We hope you have found our safe travel to Cancun COVID update useful and if you decide to travel, we wish you a safe and enjoyable vacation!
