Oaxaca Airport: Covid Testing Availability And Accessibility

As of November 1, 2022, the Oaxaca international airport in Mexico confirmed the availability of on-site COVID-19 testing for some passengers. However, some sources suggest that the airport does not have a testing center, and travelers have had to get tested in the city of Oaxaca or at their departure airport. It is recommended to get tested at a proper lab to obtain official medical certification to avoid any challenges when traveling. In the state of Oaxaca, rapid testing is available, and the government has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, such as closing non-essential businesses and imposing fines for not wearing masks.

Covid testing is available in Oaxaca City

In March 2020, the government of Oaxaca announced that they had obtained 10,000 Covid-19 rapid tests, and that a range of businesses must close across the state to limit the spread of the virus. The government shut down a private lab in Oaxaca City that was charging as much as 18,000 pesos (US $750) for unlicensed Covid-19 tests. The state-run laboratory can carry out up to 40 tests in five hours.

If you are flying out of Oaxaca, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport a few hours early to ensure you can get your test results in time for your flight. For those traveling to the United States, a negative Covid-19 test is required within three days of travel. This test can be taken at the Mexico City airport for a small fee.

Testing is not available at the Oaxaca airport

As of 2024, there is no confirmation of COVID-19 testing at the Oaxaca airport. While there were reports of rapid testing being available at some international airports in Mexico in 2022, including in Oaxaca, it is unclear if this service is still available. It is always best to check the airport's official website or contact them directly to confirm the current availability of testing.

If you require a COVID-19 test before your departure from Oaxaca, it is recommended to visit a proper laboratory or clinic in the city to obtain officially certified documentation. This will help you avoid any challenges upon arrival at your destination, especially if you are travelling to the United States, as they require a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel.

There are several options for testing in Oaxaca, including state-run and private laboratories, as well as pharmacies. For example, Laboratorios San Francisco operates labs across the city and offers testing with no appointment needed. Another option is Galindo, which offers on-site testing with a quick turnaround time for results, although it is the most expensive option in the city.

Additionally, if you are visiting Zipolite, Mexico, there are testing options available there as well. There is a PCR clinic in Mazunte, a nearby town, and a mobile testing centre in San Agustinillo, associated with the Farmacia in Mazunte. The General Hospital in Pochutla may also provide testing or information on testing centres in the area.

Covid tests are required for travel to the US

As of 12 June 2022, Covid tests are no longer required for air passengers travelling to the US. However, travellers to the US are still required to show proof of full Covid-19 vaccination coverage. This rule applies to all travellers, including US citizens, and there are no exceptions for those with convalescent status. Travellers also need a current visa or ESTA authorisation for visa-free entry.

While Covid tests are not required for entry into the US, they may be required for connecting flights to the US. For example, travellers flying from Oaxaca to the US via Mexico City may need to take a Covid test at the Mexico City airport. It is important to check the testing requirements for any locations you will be travelling through on your way to the US.

Oaxaca Airport does not have a Covid testing centre. If you need to take a Covid test before travelling to the US, you will need to do so in the city of Oaxaca. There are several options for Covid testing in Oaxaca, including a state-run laboratory and private labs. However, be aware that private labs may charge high fees for unlicensed tests.

In the past, some travellers have reported receiving notices from their airlines that a negative Covid test was required for travel to the US. For example, in November 2021, travellers flying from Oaxaca to Houston reported receiving notices that a negative Covid test, dated a maximum of 72 hours before departure, was required. Therefore, it is important to check with your airline for any specific testing requirements they may have.

Rapid tests are available in Zipolite, Oaxaca

The Oaxaca airport does not have a COVID-19 testing center. Testing is available in the city of Oaxaca, and there are several options for testing in Zipolite, Oaxaca.

In Zipolite, a COVID-19 testing center on Playa Zipolite offers rapid, PCR, antigen, and blood testing. The staff are trained medical professionals who are fluent in Spanish, English, French, and some Portuguese. The cost of a rapid test at this location is 550 pesos, and no appointment is needed, although a passport is required. PCR tests at this location cost 1990 pesos, and results are available in about 10 hours.

In addition, a pharmacy on Av. Roca Blanca in Zipolite offers COVID-19 testing. A nurse will come to your room to administer the test for $150 US each, and results are emailed within 24 hours.

There is also a laboratory in Zipolite on Manglar Street that offers PCR testing from 9 am to 6 pm every day. An appointment for a PCR test costs 2000 pesos, including home delivery of the results.

Finally, a mobile COVID-19 testing unit in Zipolite offers PCR tests for 1990 pesos, with results available in about 10 hours.

Galindo lab in Oaxaca City offers fast results

The Oaxaca airport does not have a Covid testing center. However, Galindo Lab in Oaxaca City, also known as Laboratorios Galindo, offers fast results. The lab has several locations, and you can set an appointment online.

One location is north of the cathedral, a few blocks on Humboldt. Another is on Av. Juárez 501-A Esquina con Constitución, Centro. Oaxaca, Oax. Their telephone numbers are (951) 516 1303 and 501 0788, and their hours of service are Monday to Friday, 7 am to 7:30 pm.

When you arrive, you will need to show your ID, preferably your passport, as the name on it has to match exactly. The registrar will go over the details, mostly in Spanish, and then someone in full PPE will administer the test. The test takes about 10-15 minutes, and you will receive your results by email in a few hours, at most by 4 hours. The test costs under 1000 pesos.

You can also get tested at Farmacias de Ahorro, where they do the test while you wait, in 5-10 minutes, for 299 pesos plus tax.

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