Just Back from… Cancun!

Mexico is one of the few places open to American tourists looking for a socially distanced beach vacation, without a mandatory quarantine upon arrival home. So how exactly do you take a safe vacation to Mexico during a global pandemic? Royal Travel & Tours recently sent two of our most-trusted advisors to Cancun, Mexico to report back on the new COVID-19 health protocols and get a feel for the vacation experience at some of the most desirable luxury resorts in the area.

While the U.S. and Mexican governments have extended the temporary closure of the land border through October 21^st, air travel between the U.S. and Mexico is permitted, and many commercial airlines have reinstated non-stop service from most major U.S. cities. Cancun International Airport is currently hosting around 60 arriving flights daily. Anti-COVID sanitary protocols are in place at the airport, and health officials are conducting passenger screenings. Mexico has made it a requirement that each traveler must present a completed health questionnaire upon arrival AND departure (Identification of Risk Factors in Travelers). It is strongly suggested that the questionnaire be filled out online, prior to arrival/departure. You should also have a printed copy handy, in the event that Mexican health officials ask to see it. If you’re unable to complete the questionnaire electronically, you will be asked to do so once you arrive at the airport. Additionally, International passengers are encouraged to fill out the necessary immigration forms online, prior to their flight, and bring a printed a copy to present to customs officials.

Before exiting the airport, when you retrieve your luggage, make sure each bag has a sticker on it confirming that your bag has been disinfected. All luggage must be disinfected before handing it over to each passenger.

Unlike other airports, Cancun Airport Taxi Services MUST be pre-arranged, and you must reserve transportation services with a company that is in compliance with the New Health and Safety Regulations and Protocols. The best option during this time is to book private transportation from Cancun Airport to your hotel.

Hotels that have reopened are operating at 60% capacity with new safety protocols and global sanitation standards. While the procedures are different depending on your location and hotel/resort, common areas, restaurants and beaches are open and set-up with adequate spacing between chairs and people to maintain recommended social distance. While you can use the beach at your resort or at a beach club, the public beaches aren’t open yet, though they will reopen with the next phase.

It was very clear that Cancun’s post-lockdown operation was a very smooth and well-oiled machine. All of the staff our advisors dealt with appeared very confident in the new safety standards that have been implemented. The procedures were balanced perfectly between guests being able to relax, their comfort and, most importantly, safety. Additionally, all tourism staff in Quintana Roo have undergone an e-learning program and exam in relation to COVID-19 best practices.

We look forward to returning here very soon and have no hesitation in recommending Mexico as a destination to all of our valued clients.

The website for the U.S. embassy and consulates in Mexico is regularly updated with entry and exit information.

NIZUC Cancun ~ The luxurious new resort is located at the gateway of the Riviera Maya in beautiful Punta Nizucwith with two exclusive beaches, a lavish spa, six gourmet restaurants, deluxe conference and events center, a kid’s club and sumptuous accommodations throughout its 274 private suites and villas.

Rosewood Mayakoba ~ Rosewood Mayakoba sits in the heart of a 1600-acre resort enclave in the Riviera Maya. Built along winding lagoons and a mile-long arc of pristine beach, this oasis of indulgence offers 130 suites with private plunge pools, rooftop sundecks, garden showers, individual docks and the finest in-room design and details.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya ~ Escape to the beauty of the Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, where the turquoise Caribbean Sea meets the white sand beach. Hugging the Caribbean coast and jungle, Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an all-inclusive luxury resort in beautiful Playa del Carmen, Mexico, where you can relax, renew, and embrace new adventures. Enjoy three unique experiences – the tranquility of Zen Grand suites edging the Mayan jungle, Ambassador suites for families, and romantic Grand Class suites with stunning views of the Caribbean.