Mexico Travel: Quintana Roo Secretary of Tourism Working to Change COVID-19 Testing Policy

Image: Woman poses at Cancun sign in Mexico (photo via MediaProduction / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: Woman poses at Cancun sign in Mexico (photo via MediaProduction / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Lacey Pfalz
by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 4:08 PM ET, Tue July 20, 2021

The Secretary of Tourism in Quintana Roo is working to update certification protocols and aiming to provide COVID-19 tests in hotels, especially ones that receive large numbers of travelers.

According to Riviera Maya News, a group of students from Puebla celebrating their graduation recently vacationed in Cancun, with 30 of the 500 students contracting the virus, testing positive upon their return home. Later that week, health authorities clarified that only three of the students had tested positive.

Having a more uniform testing program in the state would resolve issues like these and prevent further spread of COVID-19, the Delta variant of which is increasingly dominant and transmissible.

"In the case of agencies and groups, we are suggesting that it be a measure that is formally adopted so that employers can help us detect cases before the stay begins," said Marisol Vanegas Pérez, head of the Secretary of Tourism in the state.

While Mexico as a country does not require a negative COVID-19 test result to enter, some companies are requiring negative test results 48 hours prior to reaching the given destination. These new protocols could make it mandatory for some people to test prior to arrival.

According to Our World in Data, Quintana Roo had 118 individuals test positive yesterday, July 19. In the past two weeks, the state has had 4,477 positive cases.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Lacey Pfalz

Lacey Pfalz

Senior Editor, News & Features

Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse. She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary. Lacey currently lives in rural Wisconsin. She can be reached at [email protected].

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Building an Ethical Social Proof System for Your AgencyWednesday, September 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
 A 55-minute webinar built for travel advisors ready to turn happy clients into their most...
Upcoming Webinar
ALG Vacations® is Powering Up Fall with PartnershipTuesday, September 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
At ALG Vacations®, partnership means deliver smarter tools, stronger resources, and more opportunities...
Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ship: Maximizing Pre and Post Cruise ExperiencesThursday, September 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover how to enhance the cruise experience with strategic pre and post cruise planning. Learn how...
Upcoming Webinar
Building an Ethical Social Proof System for Your AgencyWednesday, September 2, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
 A 55-minute webinar built for travel advisors ready to turn happy clients into their most...
Upcoming Webinar
ALG Vacations® is Powering Up Fall with PartnershipTuesday, September 8, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
At ALG Vacations®, partnership means deliver smarter tools, stronger resources, and more opportunities...
Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ship: Maximizing Pre and Post Cruise ExperiencesThursday, September 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover how to enhance the cruise experience with strategic pre and post cruise planning. Learn how...