You may already know that the Mexico does not require negative PCR for Brazilians traveling to the country. But upon return, there are those who need to present the document. AND where to take a COVID-19 test in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum or other cities in the Riviera Maya?
In this post you will learn about the main rules for a smooth return trip, the requirements made by the Brazilian government and, mainly, the laboratories and prices to carry out the RT-PCR or antigen in this region of the Mexican Caribbean.
Anyway, if you don’t already know about the documents required for immigration in Mexico It’s worth reading this article.
Requirements to enter Brazil
Since April 1, 2022, a new published ordinance no longer requires antigen or RT-PCR tests for Brazilians or foreigners who are vaccinated to enter Brazil. However, to do so, it is necessary to present a printed or electronic document proving the complete vaccination schedule.
According to the Civil House, the Traveler’s Health Declaration (DSV) will also no longer be requested when disembarking in the country.
Therefore, you no longer need to present a negative test when arriving at Brazilian airports as long as you have taken at least two doses of the vaccine. On the other hand, anyone who is not fully vaccinated must still present a negative antigen or RT-PCR test carried out at least one day before the trip.
Read too
What is immigration like in Mexico?
Traveling to Cancún during the pandemic
How much does the COVID-19 test cost in Cancún and the region?
The average value researched at the time this post was published is around $2000 Mexican pesos the RT-PCR test(US$95 at current prices). But the first laboratory on the list below offers PCR for just $950 and only operates in Cancún.
Nos hotels and resortsas we will talk about below, the average price rotates between US$120 and US$150 per person. It’s more expensive, but you have the convenience of not having to go to a laboratory.
Laboratories recognized by the government of Mexico
When it was required by the Brazilian government, information that caused fear among many travelers abroad: “the test must be carried out in a laboratory recognized by the health authority of the country of embarkation”.
According to this list from the Mexican government, the only recognized laboratory in Cancún is the one below:
Laclicsa Laboratories
Where: Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel
Prices: $1945 (PCR) and $1299 (antigen)
Result within 8 hours after collection
Collection from your hotel is possible
More information on the website
But now that it is no longer required for those who have a complete vaccination schedule, we have listed below several units where to take a Covid-19 test in Cancún, regardless of whether recognized by the Mexican government or not.
Other laboratories where to take a COVID-19 test in Cancún
Below we will list the main laboratories that carry out tests in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel and other cities. Prices were checked in March 2021 and are in Mexican pesos.
It is worth remembering that the values below refer to the RT-PCR test, but the antigen is usually cheaper.
Decent Health
Where: Cancun
Price: $950
Result in up to 72 hours
More information on the website
Costamed
Where: Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel and Puerto Morelos
Price: $2499
Result from 36h to 48h
Pick up at hotels
More information on the website
Chemical Center
Where: Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Isla Mujeres
Price: $2700
Result the next day
Pick up at the hotel
More information on the website
Secretly
Where: Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Isla Mujeres
Price: $2600
Result the next day
Pick up at the hotel
More information on the website
Cedeme
Where: Cancun
Price: $3093
Results in 12h
Information on the website
Poplar
Where: Cancun
Price: $2699
Result from 24h to 72h
Information on the website
Abiatar Laboratory
Where: Playa del Carmen
Price: $2200
Result in 24h
Information on the website
Hospiten
Where: Cancún and Riviera Maya
Price: $5300
Result in 24h
Information on the website
playlab
Where: Playa del Carmen
Price: $2100
Result in 24h
Information on the website
Hospital Galenia
Where: Cancun
Price: $2900
Result on the same day
Information on the website
Hospital Amerimed
Where: Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel
Price: $2000
Result in up to 36h
Information on the website
Quantum
Where: Playa del Carmen
Price: $3500
Result on the same day
Information on the website
Where to take a COVID-19 test in Cancún: At hotels and resorts
In addition to these laboratories reporting that they do in-home testing, many hotels and resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya are offering these services to guests in their own facilities.
The prices of PCR tests in hotels cost an average of US$100 to US$150. So, if you find it more convenient not to need to go to a laboratory and have the material collected at your place of stay, it could be a good option, despite the prices being a little higher.
In fact, you can even check if the hotel does antigen testing, which is usually much cheaper.
The suggestion is to speak to your hotel before your trip or as soon as you check in, so you have time to confirm whether the tests are available there or whether it is better to look for a laboratory or hospital.
What if my COVID-19 test is positive?
This is where the most controversial point of the previous ordinance published by the Federal Government came into play. If your test was positive, you would be denied boarding by the airline.
Therefore, the only solution would be to quarantine in the country of departure and wait to return to Brazil with a new negative test. This still applies to those who are not fully vaccinated.
It is worth noting that international travel insurance coveragealthough many are already dealing with cases of COVID-19, it is difficult to cover the costs of hotels and airfare.
Speaking of which, it’s It is very important to travel with insurance, even more so during the pandemic. It is cheap and helps you avoid unforeseen events, especially in health cases. We suggest that you simulate plans on the Seguros Promo website, which compares prices from the best insurance companies. Don’t forget to opt for one that has coverage in case of coronavirus.
On the other hand, some large hotels have run promotions saying they will pay for your quarantine if your result is positive.
Quarantine for the USA: Is the COVID-19 test worth it in Cancún?
Although not everyone knows, it is not Brazilians who are preventeds to travel through the United States, but any nationality that has passed through Brazil in the last 14 days.
So we have seen many travelers in Facebook groups saying they will do quarantine in Mexico and then continue on to the USA. Yes, this is possible, as long as boarding requirements are followed. Among them is a “negative” or “undetected” COVID-19 test result.
But the good news is that the American government not only requires RT-PCR and even accepts viral or antigen tests, which are much cheaper. If this is your case, I suggest you confirm all the information on the American embassy website and also the airline’s website.
See too
How many days to stay in Cancún
Is Xcaret Park worth it?
All tips for the region
Do you know of any other places or are unsure where to get a COVID-19 test in Cancún, Playa del Carmen or other cities? Leave your comment!
Rafael Carvalho
A native of Minas Gerais, a fan of chicken with okra and good beer, he currently lives in São Paulo. He has a degree in Radio and TV, a postgraduate degree in Journalism and has worked with Digital Content for over 16 years. He has worked for companies such as SBT and Jovem Pan FM. Passionate about traveling, he founded Esse Mundo É Nosso and travels around Brazil and the world all year round, always looking for tips to share.
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