As you may have heard, starting Jan. 26, all travelers flying into the U.S. will need to present proof of a negative PCR, NAT or antigen COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of your flight’s departure. Or, if you have tested positive for COVID in the previous three months, you can submit a note from a health provider or public health official authorizing you to travel. You can read about the requirements in detail here: CDC to Require Negative COVID Test from All Inbound Passengers
Naturally, your first question might be, “How am I going to get results back in time to board my flight?” Fortunately, airlines and many of our preferred resort and tour partners are making strides to ensure travelers are able to comply with the CDC order.
American Airlines is making its VeriFLY app available to all passengers starting Jan. 23. Passengers can upload the documentation they need, including proof of a negative test, in the app. Where will you be able to get tested so you can get those results promptly?
Several Caribbean destinations and resorts are already putting testing sites in place to make things easy and convenient for their guests. Aruba has expanded testing centers near resort areas that offer appointments so visitors can meet the requirements without spending too much of their vacation working. Average turnaround time for test results is 24 hours.
The Bahamas already requires visitors to take a test on the fifth day of their stay, so guests staying between five and eight days will already meet the CDC’s requirements, and testing centers are already set up if you don’t fit in that category.
Most resorts on St. Lucia already have testing facilities, and others are setting them up to make sure their guests can get test results within the 72-hour time frame. Jamaica is working to expand its testing infrastructure to meet the rising demand, as are Belize and Costa Rica.
Sandals Resorts will make on-site complimentary tests available to guests through March 31. Karisma Hotels & Resorts will do the same for guests at its Riviera Maya, Dominican and Jamaica properties. AMResorts has the same offer at most locations. Palace Resorts in Mexico and Jamaica will have complimentary tests for up to two guests per room, with a charge of $19 per test for additional guests.
We spoke to our contacts at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. Our clients are heading there in March! The property will offer appointments for RT-PCR tests ($134.40 per person, results within 6 hours) or rapid antigen tests ($16.80 per person, result within an hour). And Playa Resorts will offer complimentary on-site testing through April 30 in Mexico and the Dominican Republic ($49 per person in Jamaica).
Grace Bay Resorts in Turks & Caicos will make RT-PCR testing available to guests for $150 per person. Testing will be at Grace Bay Club, with complimentary transportation for guests at West Bay Club, Point Grace and the private villa collection. Appointments will be scheduled based on departure date. Case de Campo in the Dominican will offer PCR testing on-site for $150 per person with same-day results and a VIP testing lounge.
And we just spoke to our friends at Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana. They will be providing complimentary testing on-site for clients. This will be so convenient for our clients who will be visiting at the end of March.
We will keep you updated on further developments as travel rules continue to change by the week and even day. It's important for you to know the actual requirements for travel. We always consult with our clients so that they're well-informed and can make the best decisions for themselves.
If you need help with your trip planning, contact us at 5713380408 or travel@pineapple7.com.