Puerto Vallarta COVID Testing Locations & Pricing

Learn all about the Puerto Vallarta COVID testing locations (including the PVR airport test) and prices for the PCR and Antigen tests. Most countries require a PCR test. However, Antigen tests are acceptable to meet the new US requirement going into effect on January 26, 2021.

The antigen test is now being widely used due to its speed. This makes it easier since you can get the results in minutes! Hopefully, more countries follow suit and start accepting the Antigen test.

If you will be returning to the US, most recommend getting the antigen test first, 72 hours prior to your flight. If you end up with a negative test with the antigen, you just saved yourself time & money. On the other hand, if you get a false positive you still have time to get the PCR test.

Before making any appointments or taking any tests, please triple-check with the country you’re returning to in order to know exactly which test you will require. As the information changes very quickly, it is hard for us to keep up with it all.

Types of COVID Tests

The two major types of tests used to diagnose COVID-19 are molecular tests (PCR tests) and antigen tests. Each detects a different part of the virus, and how it works influences the test’s speed and relative accuracy. Make sure to double-check what your country requires before your return flight.

COVID Test Requirements for Travel

Most countries now require a negative COVID testing result within 48 – 72 hours of your return flight. They also require specific tests. PCR is the most widely accepted, but the Antigen test will be accepted for the USA requirements by the CDC.

• Must have your name on the test results as it appears on your passport.
• Must be taken within 3 days of departure.
• Molecular test (PCR) or antigen (quick test) are acceptable for USA. Canada only accepts PCR tests.
• Results must say ‘negative’ or ‘virus not detected’. They must be presented on an electronic device or official paper document to present to the airline prior to travel.
• Requirements still apply even if you have been vaccinated.
• If you have tested positive in the past, you can simply present your positive test result AND and a Doctor’s letter.

Travel Insurance Options

Travel insurance is great for covering things like:

• Medical emergency insurance: Your health plan back home may provide zero or very little coverage in Mexico. This type of insurance may reimburse you for medical expenses you incur because of an illness or accident that occurs during your trip.
• Trip cancellation insurance: This covers non-refundable expenses such as tours, excursions, hotels, etc. For example, if a storm hits your vacation destination and forces you to cancel the trip, this insurance can cover 100% of the non-refundable trip expenses that you prepaid. It also covers cancellation due to diagnosed illness before traveling.
• Quarantine accommodations: Get coverage for accomodations if you have to quarantine at your destination.
• Trip interruption coverage: This is in case you need to cut your trip short and return home sooner than expected. These benefits apply if you or a traveling companion become ill or injured during a trip, for example.

We personally use InsureMyTrip since they are the largest unbiased travel insurance site that allows you to compare prices across dozens of providers and filter for only the specific coverage options you want. Every program is different and it’s important to review the terms of the insurance policy to determine if the plan is right for your needs. To get a quick estimate, click the button below:

COVID Testing Locations in Puerto Vallarta

It is recommended to schedule a COVID-19 test as far in advance as possible, as many locations are very busy and will not have any available appointments if you wait until the last minute to make an appointment.

Puerto Vallarta (PVR) Airport Testing

PVR airport will now be offering COVID-19 PCR and antigen testing. The cost for the Puerto Vallarta Airport COVID tests are the following:

• The Antigen test is $450 MXN.
• PCR is $1450 MXN.

This special pricing is only available to people with international flight tickets and is not available to the general public.

If you are planning on doing the rapid Antigen test, we have heard that you need to arrive at least 2 hours earlier than usual for PVR airport testing. In other words, if your airline usually requires you to be there 2 hours before an international flight, you should arrive 4 hrs early in total. Although Antigen testing may seem much more convenient, consider that they are known to be much less accurate than the PCR, and false positives do occur.

Due to the lower price and convenience of Puerto Vallarta airport COVID testing, there will probably be high demand for testing at the airport. Plan accordingly and double-check with your airline what the procedure may be before your flight.

CMQ Hospital

CMQ is a world-class hospital and a great option for a Puerto Vallarta COVID testing location. Their prices are:

• Antigen Test: $650 pesos (results within 4-5 hrs)
• PCR Test: $2500 pesos (results within 24-36 hrs)

They have 3 different locations. Below is the contact information for each one to make an appointment:

1. Riviera Nayarit (in Bucerias): +52 329 298 0717, then press 5 to get to the lab
2. City Center (downtown Puerto Vallarta, in the Romantic Zone): +52 322 223 1919
3. Premiere (by Costco): +52 322 226 6500

Salud Digna

Salud Digna is in Puerto Vallarta and has the most affordable price at $900 MXN. This is a large chain of diagnostics labs from Guadalajara. It is best to go before 2 pm, and the results will get to you within 48 – 72 hours later. Everyone has to make an appointment before going to this COVID testing location in Vallarta!

CDC Labs

For COVID testing in Bucerias or Nuevo Vallarta, CDC Labs Bucerias comes to your house and can have results within 24hrs: $3200 MXN.

Other Testing Locations

Here are a few more COVID test locations in Puerto Vallarta (information from WestJet):

Latest News & Testing Information

In the Puerto Vallarta area, PCR tests are in the $1500 – $2500 peso range, and quick tests are relatively inexpensive. Testing is readily available at most of the local clinics, hospitals, and now even at the airport!

For the most updated local information from a local hospital (CMQ), you can always check here:

WestJet also has a great article listing all the latest Puerto Vallarta COVID testing sites & requirements: