COVID-19 testing now available at resorts in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean islands
Several resorts in Mexico, Costa Rica and the Caribbean islands have stepped forward to announce they will now offer on-site testing to provide convenience and support safe travel that is aligned with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) latest requirements. Our own AAA Travel partners, Pleasant Holidays and Journese, have published green tags on their products that provide COVID-19 testing on-premises.
Starting on January 26, inbound travelers to the United States from international locations will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. This order will apply to all flights to assist in preventing the spread of the virus as passengers arrive from foreign countries. To learn more, visit our recent article.
Properties across these tropical destinations are hustling to create, organize and execute COVID-19 testing paired with no-cost or discounted quarantine programs. These efforts are notable enhancements to both welcome and protect visitors as they make informed travel decisions.
Here are a few examples of brands partaking in this initiative:
Sandals Resorts International and AMResorts:
Sandals and AMResorts was one of the first to unveil on-property testing, along with quarantine-stay coverage policies because of the CDC announcement. Now through March 31, they will offer free testing across all locations while competitors promise testing on most of their properties. Additionally, AMResorts aims to provide free, extended quarantine-stay coverage up to 14 days for guests who test positive at their facility.
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts
On-site, antigen COVID-19 testing will be available at all Iberostar properties in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Brazil. If requested, guests can purchase a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to detect COVID-19. The PCR test is considered the most accurate and reliable for diagnosing the virus, however it is not a standard required by the CDC.
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
Renaissance Aruba launched a program to provide free antigen testing for up to two guests, on stays of four nights or longer.
Couples Resorts
For guests of Couples Resorts, there will be free, on-site rapid antigen testing available at Couples Tower Isle, Couples Sans Souci, Couples Swept Away and Couples Negril properties in Jamaica. The resort assures all tests will be administered within three days of a guest’s departure date. All test results will be provided to the individual in a 48-hour turnaround time.
Is Hawaii on your mind?
In lieu of the warm-weather retreats mentioned above, Hawaii may also be on your vacation bucket list. The state is not part of the contiguous United States land mass, and therefore the destination is not subject to the new CDC order regarding international travel and testing requirements. If you are looking to visit, keep in mind Hawaii requires a pre-travel COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to a flight departure to bypass a quarantine period upon arrival. Currently, to board eastbound when flying home, a test is not required. 
Click here to learn more about Pleasant Holidays, and a sample of properties that provide on-site testing. Contact a AAA Travel advisor to learn about other brands offering convenient testing policies and start planning your escape.
Note: All photos courtesy of Pleasant Holidays, LLC.