Cancun, Q.R. — In response to the Covid-19 testing needs of travelers, the Cancun International Airport will have a mobile laboratory on site. The mobile lab will be able to provide US travelers with antigen test results in about 30 minutes.
The lab-on-wheels is being made available by the airport’s managing company ASUR (Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste), who recognizes the new requirement for US travelers to return to their country as of January 26.
The German Equiver-Limed Laboratory was selected to provide passengers who may have setbacks in boarding. Passengers who do not arrive with their negative test results can get antigen testing done at the mobile lab at the airport.
ASUR says there will be 10 points between terminals 2, 3 and 4 where US travelers can go to request testing. They say results can be delivered in about 30 minutes for 250 peso.
As of January 7, Canadian passengers, however, are required to provide a negative PCR or LAMP test, since the Canadian government does not accept antigen test results. According to the Government of Canada, “Tests must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular test, such as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) test. Other types of tests, such as antigen tests, will not be accepted.”
Travelers who test positive in Cancun will be quarantined at one of four hotels located near the airport. Earlier this month, Roberto Cintrón said in the event of a positive tourist test, there are four hotels near the airport that would charge preferential prices to the families of the infected.
As of January 26, all air travelers into the US will be required to provide a negative PCR or antigen test, no more than three days old, before being allowed to enter the country.