Vaccination Rates Rise in Puerto Vallarta as New COVID-19 Protocols Are Enacted

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

—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 1, bars and nightclubs will be closed for the month.

Visitors will still be able to enjoy the beautiful and iconic Malecon boardwalk which is completely open to the public, as are plazas, more than 50 outdoor activities, shopping malls, and museums, galleries, theaters, cinemas and gyms – which all follow designated health protocols.

“We are committed to creating conditions to be able to guarantee the return to school at the end of August,” said Governor Enrique Alfaro Ramírez. “All the agenda that we are designing, evaluations and adjustments in health measures are focused on creating conditions so that our young people can return to the classrooms.”

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 which are providing limited services. Local authorities are working closely with the travel sector to progressively implement updated protocols.

Puerto Vallarta has made consistent efforts to provide a safe and healthy experience for visitors and residents alike. It is due to the continued joint effort of the destination’s government and service providers that in June 2020 Puerto Vallarta earned the Travel Safety Stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council. Furthermore, the Puerto Vallarta Airport was granted the ACI Airport Health Accreditation from the Aviation Health & Hospitality for their impeccable alignment with ACI’s aviation Business Restart and Recovery guidelines along with industry best practices.

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) or written documentation of recovery following a COVID-19 infection prior to boarding. This follows similar regulations issued by the Canadian government requiring a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or LAMP) for all inbound international passengers as of January 7, 2021. Tests for entry into the United States must be conducted no more than 72 hours prior to departure, and 96 hours prior to departure for Canada.

To facilitate this process, Puerto Vallarta Tourism 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 a COVID-19 test as far in advance as possible. Any additional requirements, costs, and the current 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 for mandatory quarantines, 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, seamless 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.