New COVID-19 Protocols are Enacted in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta continues to welcome travelers from the United States as local vaccination efforts steadily increase. Approximately two-thirds of residents have received at least one dose of the vaccination to-date, including approximately 90 percent of hotel workers.

To ensure students in Puerto Vallarta return to school on time, the following health and safety protocols were announced, effective last Friday, July 30th, 2021:

• Hotels remain open at 80 percent capacity, with 50 percent capacity in common areas.
• Restaurants will operate at 50 percent capacity and must close by midnight.
• Tours, theaters and cinemas remain at 75 percent capacity.
• Indoor events may have no more than 150 attendees, and outdoor events may have no more than 300 attendees.
• Masks are mandatory in public spaces.

As of August 1st, 2021, bars and nightclubs will be closed for the month.

Cleaning, sanitizing, and disease prevention measures remain in place at Puerto Vallarta International Airport, the cruise port, on public transportation, in supermarkets and in government offices. Local authorities are working closely with the travel sector to keep and implement updated protocols.

As of January 26, 2021, all passengers on international flights bound for the United States, including those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine, are required by the Centers for Disease Control to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or rapid antigen) prior to boarding. These tests must be conducted no more than 72 hours prior to departure. To facilitate this process, Public Trust for the Promotion and Tourism Advertising of Puerto Vallarta is offering North American passengers COVID-19 tests at affordable prices in convenient locations across the destination including the airport, medical facilities and select hotels. It is recommended to schedule an appointment in advance. Any additional requirements, costs and the status of same day results should also be confirmed directly with the testing provider.

Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 but exhibit no major symptoms will be required to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine which can be completed in their hotel on a designated floor (if available) or room. Each hotel applies different policies, with some offering steeply discounted rates. Specifics should be confirmed with individual hotels directly. More information and a real-time list of all testing options in Puerto Vallarta can be accessed at visitpuertovallarta.com/covid-19.

To help facilitate stress-free travel to and from Puerto Vallarta, travelers from the United States should complete the new health questionnaire upon arrival/departure, as well as the individual airline requirements and procedures. For more information click here.