Gdl Airport: Covid Testing Availability And Accessibility

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the way we travel, with testing requirements and mandatory quarantines becoming commonplace. Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) has responded to these changing demands by installing testing labs to help travellers comply with the necessary requirements for their destination. As of February 2021, GDL airport offers both antigen and PCR testing for travellers, with results available in under an hour for antigen tests and within 36 to 48 hours for PCR tests. This facility ensures that travellers can obtain the necessary tests conveniently before their flight, reducing potential disruptions caused by mandatory quarantines at their destination.

Testing facilities and process at GDL airport

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP), the operators of Guadalajara International Airport and 13 other airports in western Mexico, have swiftly reacted to the recent travel requirements for everyone flying to the United States and Canada.

As per the new rules, all passengers must show a negative Covid-19 test (antigen or PCR for the US, and PCR only for Canada) before boarding their flights. In response, GAP has installed testing labs at most of its airports, including Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Manzanillo.

The laboratory at Guadalajara Airport is located on the second floor of the parking lot. It is open 24 hours a day and offers both antigen and PCR tests. The antigen test costs 450 Mexican pesos ($US25), and the results are available in 30 to 45 minutes. However, it is recommended to allow a minimum of 1.5 hours, in addition to the normal flight check-in time, in case of long lines at the testing facility. The PCR test costs 1,450 pesos ($US80) and the results are delivered within 36 to 48 hours, so it must be done well in advance.

The test does not require fasting, and the results are printed in both English and Spanish. The laboratory's antigen tests have an accuracy rate of 94-97%, while the PCR tests are 98-99% accurate.

Testing costs at GDL airport

Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) offers on-site COVID-19 testing for passengers. The testing lab is located on the second floor of the parking lot and is open 24 hours a day. The antigen test costs 450 Mexican pesos (around $25) and results are available in 30 to 45 minutes. The PCR test costs 1,450 Mexican pesos (around $80) and results are available in 36 to 48 hours. It is recommended that travellers arrive at the airport at least 1.5 hours earlier than the normal check-in time to accommodate potential lines at the testing facility.

For those who wish to get tested elsewhere, there are various testing sites in Guadalajara. One recommended location is SALUD DIGNA AMÉRICAS, where tests cost around $12. Another testing site suggested by travellers is located on Parking Level Two of the GDL airport, with test results available in 20 to 30 minutes.

Testing accuracy at GDL airport

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP), the operators of Guadalajara International Airport, has installed testing labs at most of its airports, including GDL Airport, to meet the recent travel requirements for everyone flying to the US and Canada.

The testing lab at GDL Airport is located on the second floor of the parking lot. The lab is open 24 hours a day and offers both antigen and PCR tests. The antigen test can be done before one's flight, with results taking between 30 to 45 minutes, although some passengers have reported receiving them sooner. The PCR test must be done ahead of time, as results are delivered within 36 to 48 hours.

The antigen test costs 450 pesos ($US25) for international travellers, while the PCR test costs 1,450 pesos ($US80). The test does not require fasting, and the results are printed in English and Spanish.

GAP states that the laboratory's antigen tests have an accuracy rate of between 94 and 97 per cent, and the PCR tests between 98 and 99 per cent.

In addition to the testing lab at GDL Airport, the airport recommends Salud Digna, Farmacias del Ahorro, and Farmacias Benavides for COVID-19 testing. These locations offer tests at a lower price, with Salud Digna offering antigen tests for 260 pesos and Farmacias del Ahorro offering antigen tests for 299 pesos.

Testing requirements for travel to the US

Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) offers COVID-19 testing facilities for passengers. The testing lab is located on the second floor of the parking lot and is open 24 hours a day. The antigen test costs 450 Mexican pesos ($US25) and results are available in 30 to 45 minutes. PCR tests cost 1,450 pesos ($US80) and results are available in 36 to 48 hours.

As of May 12, 2023, non-immigrant travellers to the United States are no longer required to be fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine before boarding a flight to the country. However, there are still testing requirements for travel to the US:

• All air passengers aged two and above, regardless of citizenship and vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken no more than one day before travel.
• Children under two are exempt from testing requirements.
• Passengers who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past three months may travel with documentation of their positive viral test results and a letter from a healthcare provider or public health official stating that they have been cleared for travel.

The CDC recommends that travellers get tested 1-3 days before their flight and ensure they have the actual results before travelling. If the result is positive, do not travel. Get tested 3-5 days after your flight and stay home for seven days after travelling, even with a negative test result.

Some states and cities within the US have their own testing and quarantine requirements for travellers. For example, as of December 15, 2020:

• Alaska required proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival or testing on arrival and self-quarantining until the results were available.
• Chicago required a 14-day quarantine for travellers from red (hotspot) states and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival or a 14-day quarantine for travellers from orange states.
• Hawaii required proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure to avoid a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
• Maine required travellers to sign a Certificate of Compliance stating they had received a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of arrival.

Testing requirements for travel to Canada

As of January 2025, there are no COVID-19 pre-entry or arrival testing requirements for travellers entering Canada by air, land, or marine mode. However, it is strongly recommended that you wear a high-quality and well-fitted mask or respirator while travelling.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should not travel to Canada. If you feel sick or experience any symptoms during your travel to Canada or upon arrival, you should inform the flight attendant, cruise staff, or a border services officer upon arrival. You may be referred to a Quarantine Officer for a health assessment and further direction.

Previously, in February 2021, a negative COVID-19 PCR test was required for all passengers flying to Canada.

Identification Requirements for Entering Canada

All international travellers must carry acceptable identification when entering Canada. A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document when abroad. In addition to your passport, you may need a travel authorization such as a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport. American-Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or U.S. passport. Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document.

Frequently asked questions