Getting A Covid Test In Mexico

As of January 26, 2021, you are required to provide a negative Covid test result obtained within 72 hours of departure to the US.  My wife and I recently went on a short mattress run to Mexico after this rule went into effect.  This gave us an opportunity to experience a Covid test in Mexico. Here are our thoughts to give you an idea of what to expect, but as always YMMV.

The 72 Hour Gap

Since our weekend trip would be quick, we decided to get tested here in the US prior to leaving to Mexico.  At the time of this writing, you’re not required to provide a Covid test to enter Mexico. However we wanted to make sure we were negative prior to traveling.  Also, we wanted to see if our US Covid test result would be valid on our return flight. Our test was taken on Thursday evening, the departing flight to Mexico was Friday afternoon and our return flight to the US was on Sunday morning. The US test was accepted without issues when checking in for our return flight.  Keep in mind that this won’t work if your trip is over 72 hours.

The Verifly App

Prior to our trip, we received an email from American Airlines. It directed us to download the Verifly app. This was supposed to help make the check in process smoother for our return flight.  On Verifly, you’ll be required to take a selfie for your profile picture and upload your negative Covid test results. You’ll also answer a few questions and go through a checklist and you’re set.  Once I uploaded my results, it took about 5 minutes to be verified and my pass was approved.

Throughout our entire journey home, we were never asked to show our pass from Verifly to anyone.  I was expecting to show it to an American Airlines agent at some point.  I voluntarily showed it to them at check in and they didn’t seem to know what it was for. They insisted on seeing the paper copy of my Covid test results.  Things may change as time goes on.  I chalked it up to the requirements being so new. They also wanted to see my confirmation on Vuela Seguro.

Enter Vuela Seguro

A curveball was thrown our way as we arrived at the airport for our return flight. An agent at the entrance directed us to download the “Vuela Seguro” app. Once downloaded, we answered a few Covid related questions. Once verified, then you show the agent and you’re allowed to enter the airport. Luckily, we arrived to the airport early to allow for some hiccups.

At check in, we were asked to show verification from this app. Again we were asked to show it before entering through security. This may change in the future, but as of now Vuela Seguro is used to fly out of Mexico.

Covid Test Locations In Mexico

My wife and I got a second Covid test while in Mexico.  It’s not because we like having our noses poked, but I wanted to avoid any issues at the airport. I wasn’t sure if they’d accept our US test.  Plus, it provides more data points regarding the testing process in Mexico.

Prior to our trip, I reached out to American Express Concierge for help finding rapid testing locations in Aguascalientes.  They provided a list of locations throughout the city, ranging from hospitals, clinics and pharmacies.  The best option for us was to go through a pharmacy.  This is the option I would suggest to most, especially because it’s fairly cheap.

The Process Of Getting A Covid Test At A Pharmacy In Mexico

The pharmacy recommended was Farmacias Del Ahorro.  They’re everywhere throughout the city, and country for that matter, much like CVS/Walgreens here in the US.  Not all locations provided Covid testing though, so make sure to look for a location where testing is provided.  Another thing to note is that you must schedule a time to take your test.  From our experience, they had a morning slot and an afternoon slot and each slot held around 15-20 people.  When we went, the morning slot was already full so they signed us up for the afternoon slot.  They told us to show up around 3:15pm and not to be late or we would lose our spot.

We showed up around 3pm just to play it safe and there were a couple of others waiting before us.  We waited and waited and waited….. It wasn’t until around 4pm when the doctor arrived. His hours posted on the door showed 9am-2pm, then 4pm-9pm.  

Anyway, at 4pm a pharmacy clerk showed up to hand out ticket numbers and they were in the order in which you signed up for your slot.  My wife and I were 12 and 13.  We weren’t seen until 6:10pm!  My wife and I went in together.  We were given the same test as in the US and our results were back in about 15 minutes.  While we waited for the test results, the doctor filled out the forms with our information.  Make sure to take your passport with you so that the name on the test results match to your passport.  We got a paper copy of our test results and they were also emailed to us in PDF format.  We were out of there by 6:30pm.

My Suggestions

If you plan on staying over 72 hours in Mexico and need to get tested in Mexico, here are my suggestions.

• Prior to your trip, find a location to get a rapid test.  You can get assistance through your hotel concierge or if you have the Amex Platinum, through American Express concierge
• Show up early at your desired location to set up a preferred time for your test.  Try to be the first in your time slot to avoid further waiting.  Your hotel may be able to arrange this appointment for you.  The actual test and consultation are quick!
• Take a copy of your passport with you for identification purposes.  This also helps to make sure that the name on the Covid test result matches your passport.
• In Mexico, the major pharmacies (Farmacias Benavides, Farmacias Similares, Farmacias Del Ahorro, etc) offer rapid Covid tests and the price ranges from $15-$25.  The lowest price we saw was $15 per test at Farmacias Del Ahorro.  
• As a bonus, if you’re not fluent in Spanish, either take a translator with you or have Google translate with you.  The conversation with the doctor is minimal, but you will have to answer a few questions.

Conclusion

This may be the norm going forward as far as international travel is concerned, so it doesn’t hurt to learn how to handle testing.  While it is a minor inconvenience to go get tested, if it allows for international travel, then I’m all for it.  Have you travelled to Mexico and back after this new requirement was imposed?  What was your experience?