Testing requirements for travel to the US

Traveling to the US is safe and easy

The COVID-19 antigen test is the easiest, fastest*, and most accessible testing option. You can get it at the airport on the day of your flight for $25 USD or less.

You may also get tested at authorized labs and pharmacies throughout Mexico no more than 3 days before your flight departures. 

Children under 2 years old do not have to take the test to travel.

*Plan and arrive at the airport between 2 and 4 hours before the departure of your flight.

The testing requirement also applies to passengers that have received the vaccine.

Plan ahead and get tested before arriving at the airport

Affordable and rapid tests are also available in healthcare centers, pharmacies, and laboratories. Remember that only PCR and antigen tests are accepted.

Learn more about the authorized labs and healthcare centers in Mexico here. 

See the table to make sure your test is valid depending on the flight departure date.

 

 

Remember to fill out the health attestation form

You must also present an attestation indicating that you have received a negative COVID-19 test or that you have recovered from the disease and are cleared for travel. It's easy, fill out the online attestation form and keep the confirmation page to show it at the airport.

 

 

If you have tested positive in the past 3 months

You may travel instead with documentation of your positive viral test results and a letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official that states you have been cleared for travel.

Costa Rica

You can be tested at any laboratory that has been authorized by the Ministry of Health:

• Laboratorios Echandi
• Hospital La Catolica
• Hospital Cima
• Laboratorio Labin
• Hospital Clinica Bíblica
• Laboratorio Paez
• Laboratorio San Jose
• Hospital Metropolitano

El Salvador

RT-PCR Test:

This is available at the following San Salvador laboratories:

• Laboratorio Analiza
• Laboratorio Max Bloch
• Laboratorio Centro de Diagnóstico
• Laboratorio Centro de Especialidades Diagnósticas Sucursal 1 (Centrolab)

Guatemala

You can get tested at La Aurora International Airport on the day of your flight. 

Tests are also available at state health centers and clinics, national hospitals, municipal dispensaries and clinics, private hospitals and laboratories, and at the Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS).

FAQs

Do the COVID-19 testing requirements apply to US citizens and residents?

Yes, the testing requirements apply to all passengers 2 years and older, including US citizens and residents.

What information should the test result include?

The proof of the negative test must include:

• The passenger's name, last name, and date of birth (must match the passport)
• The date the sample was taken
• Type of test
• Evidence that the test was done no more than 3 days before your flight departs
• The laboratory or authorized pharmacy contact information

If you had COVID-19 in the last 3 months, the positive test result* must include:

• The passenger's name, last name, and date of birth (must match the passport)
• Evidence that the test was done 3 months prior to the flight

*Remember that this type of test must be accompanied by a letter from a certified doctor or public health official stating that you have recovered and are cleared for travel.

What can I do if I tested positive within three days of my flight?

To help you in this case, submit a ticket through our help page, select COVID-19 positive test in the category and attach your positive result. We will reply within 24 hours.

Do children and babies have to present a COVID-19 test?

The test applies to all passengers 2 years of age and older. Babies under 2 years old are exempt from this requirement.

Are there any quarantine requirements upon arrival to the US?

No, there are not any quarantine requirements, according to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico.

If I’ve already received a COVID-19 vaccine, do I need to present a negative test?

Yes, all passengers 2 years and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result, even if they have received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Can people 60 years of age or older travel to the United States?

Yes, the same requirements apply to all passengers 2 years and older without distinction.

Do these new requirements also apply to trips from Central America to the United States?

Yes, regardless of the origin of your flight, all passengers 2 years and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation demonstrating their recovery from the illness in the last 3 months.

If I don't have a test, will I be able to travel and remain in quarantine upon arrival in the United States?

The United States Government requires that all passengers 2 years or older present a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation stating that they have recovered from the illness in the last 3 months. Therefore, passengers will not be permitted to board the plane if they do not comply with this requirement.

Does the COVID-19 test apply to CBX crossing?

Since it is a pedestrian crossing, it is not necessary to present a COVID-19 test result to use CBX.

For more information, visit the CBX site.

Are serology or antibody tests valid?

No, only antigen and PCR tests are accepted. Remember that the antigen test is the easiest, fastest, and most accessible testing option.