The Mexican tourism industry is highly dependent on American tourists, and it has taken another step towards making those travelers more apt to spend time and money in its country. A number of its resorts are offering free COVID-19 tests to Americans staying there.
This was prompted by the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requiring everybody entering the U.S. to present a negative COVID-19 test result that had been taken within the previous three days or proof of having recovered from the disease.
An antigen, otherwise known as rapid, test result meets these requirements. The cost of this is less than the PCR test that those visiting many European countries must take. As a result, Europeans traveling to Mexican resorts will generally need to pay for their PCR tests although they may receive a resort-sponsored discount on the cost.
One resort offering complimentary antigen tests is Hard Rock Hotel Cancun. Specifically, all reservations for at least three nights that are booked by Feb. 28 and have a check-out date prior to or on Dec. 31 will include two antigen tests with additional ones available for $50 apiece. This deal will end sooner, however, if the U.S. removes these testing restrictions prior to the end of the year.
All Palace Resorts that are located in Mexico are providing a pair of tests per room as well. Also offered for those staying at least four nights is a free additional stay of up to two weeks if one or both test results are positive.
Meanwhile, AMResorts is offering free antigen tests to its guests who have booked at least a three-night stay and will provide an additional stay of up to 14 days if the test result is positive. This policy will be in place through at least March 31.