Information for US travelers and antigen testing: new rule comes into in effect on December 6

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel rules for entry to the United States change on December 6, 2021.

A COVID-19 viral test is required before you travel by air into the United States. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight. In a change from previous rulings, the viral test must now be taken within one day of departure, regardless of nationality or vaccination status.

If you recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, visit the CDC website for information on how to proceed.

This new testing rule applies to all travelers entering the United States, including US citizens and permanent residents returning home. Children from the ages 2 to 17 also need to take a test before departure. A test is not required for children under the age of two.

Non-U.S. citizens, non-U.S. immigrants (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa), must be fully vaccinated to travel to the United States by plane and are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result.

Vaccines accepted are those on the FDA list of approved and authorized vaccines and those with an Emergency Use Listing from the WHO.

These rules apply for international travelers even if their final destination is another country but they are on a connecting flight, which first enters the United States.

To help you comply with this new travel ruling and for your convenience, Royal Resorts made COVID Antigen tests available onsite, through certified independent laboratories, at no cost at The Royal Cancun, The Royal Islander, The Royal Sands, The Royal Haciendas, and Grand Residences. This policy has been extended to April 30, 2022 (Subject to change depending on changes in travel rules for entry to the United States).

It is important to note that free testing is for all members and guests staying at Royal Resorts, is one-time only, and available to those who have no symptoms. COVID-19 Antigen test results are available in five to eight hours after the sample is taken. Royal Resorts is not responsible for the results.

Testing at the resorts

Free onsite COVID Antigen testing is being carried out in the Gran Salon at Hacienda Sisal at The Royal Sands for guests of The Royal Sands and in Villa B623 for guests at The Royal Cancun, in Villa 4430 at The Royal Islander, at the former Real Estate Sales Location right below the Tennis Courts at The Royal Haciendas and in one of the business centers in the lobby of Grand Residences.

Expanded testing hours

To help members and guests comply with this new ruling, the laboratory has extended its testing hours as follows:

  • The Royal Sands, The Royal Cancun and The Royal Islander in Cancun – Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., by appointment only
  • The Royal Haciendas in the Riviera Maya – Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., by appointment only
  • Grand Residences – Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Making an appointment for your test

If you need to make an appointment, please click on the link below for the resort you are staying at and fill out the form.

  • The Royal Sands, click here to make reservations for COVID-19 tests.
  • The Royal Haciendas, click here to make reservations for COVID-19 tests. You will receive an email from the laboratory, as soon as possible, confirming the day and time of your appointment. We appreciate your patience as the lab is experiencing a high volume of requests and is prioritizing by date of departure.
  • The Royal Islander, click here to make a reservation for your COVID-19 test at the resort.
  • The Royal Cancun, click here to make a reservation for your COVID-19 test at the resort.
  • If you are staying at Grand Residences, please contact the Front Desk or Concierge upon arrival to make arrangements for testing.

* Onsite testing is only available for guests who have no symptoms. If you have symptoms, you must contact the Front Desk or the Medical Service to make arrangements for in-room testing.

For more details on the CDC order visit:

Countries requiring PCR testing

If your country requires a PCR test, this is also available onsite through certified independent laboratories, for a fee of US$100 in Cancun, 2000 Mexican Pesos in The Royal Haciendas (results in 24 to 48 hours), or $110 at Grand Residences (results in 52 hours).

If you test positive and must quarantine

If you test positive, Royal Resorts will cover the cost of accommodations and meals from the COVID Recovery Menu for up to 14 days, subject to restrictions below. Accommodations and meals are covered only for the guest/s who have tested positive and on an availability basis.

If you are staying at Grand Residences, this policy also applies.

We will do everything we can to make you feel comfortable and safe while following our Royal Care Standard policy and the instructions issued by the health authorities.

RESTRICTIONS

  • Accommodations for quarantine are subject to availability. This policy is valid until April 30, 2022.
  • A minimum three-night stay is required.
  • This policy is not valid for last-minute reservations made within 24 hours of check-in.
  • The date that the COVID-19 test is taken cannot be before check-in occurs.
  • If you test positive and do not qualify for complimentary accommodations, a special accommodation rate is available for the quarantine period.

All information is subject to change at short notice.