Tijuana Airport: Covid Testing Requirements And Travel Protocols

Tijuana International Airport is a unique airport with terminals in two countries—the Main Terminal in Mexico and the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal in the US. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted travel plans for many, and countries and airports have introduced safety protocols to protect travellers. While Mexico does not require COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry, travellers to the US may be required to take a PCR test before entering the country. Tijuana Airport has implemented certain restrictions, including mandatory mask-wearing, social distancing, and a health questionnaire. Additionally, travellers entering Mexico through CBX must present a valid passport. This article will discuss the current COVID-19 testing requirements and safety protocols at Tijuana Airport and provide essential information for travellers.

No negative COVID-19 test required to enter Mexico

As of May 12, 2023, no negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination is required to enter Mexico. This applies to all travellers, regardless of their country of origin. However, it is important to note that travellers exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms may still be subject to health screenings, such as temperature checks, upon arrival at Mexican airports.

If you are travelling to Mexico, it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the local COVID-19 regulations and guidelines. While a negative COVID-19 test may not be required for entry, it is always a good idea to be prepared and have a general understanding of the COVID-19 situation in your destination country. Additionally, keep in mind that COVID-19 cases are still prevalent in Mexico, so taking necessary precautions, such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, is essential.

When entering Mexico, you must have a valid passport. For those travelling through the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal between San Diego and Tijuana International Airport, additional documentation may be required. A Mexican passport is necessary for entry into Mexico via CBX, and all US citizens, regardless of age, must present a valid passport. It is also recommended to have all necessary documents, both old and new, readily available to ensure a smooth entry process.

It is worth noting that COVID-19 testing facilities are readily available in Mexico, especially in major tourist areas. Local labs, hotels, and clinics offer testing services, with some hotels even arranging for doctors to administer tests in guests' rooms. Testing options include PCR, antigen, and lateral flow tests, with prices varying depending on the location and speed of the results. While testing is not mandatory for entry into Mexico, it may still be a useful precaution to take, especially if you plan to return to your country of origin afterward.

Lastly, while Mexico does not require COVID-19 vaccination or testing for entry, individual states within Mexico may have their own assistance programs for travellers affected by COVID-19. These programs can provide valuable information and support, so it is beneficial to contact the local telephone numbers of each state for COVID-19-related inquiries. By staying informed and following local guidelines, travellers can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience during their time in Mexico.

COVID-19 test for travellers entering Mexico

As of May 12, 2023, non-US travellers entering Mexico are not required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. However, travellers entering Mexico are required to fill out the Vuela Seguro health declaration form and present the generated QR code upon entry. At the airport, passengers and flight crew members may be subject to health screenings, including temperature checks, and those who show possible symptoms of the virus may be further examined or placed in quarantine.

If you are travelling to the United States through the Tijuana International Airport, you are no longer required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. However, citizens of other countries must carry a valid passport with a valid I-94 or multiple-entry visa or visa waiver to re-enter the United States. It is recommended that travellers download the free CBP One app to streamline the I-94 application process.

When entering the United States, US citizens are required to show a passport, US passport card, Trusted Traveller Program card, or an Enhanced Driver's License. Resident aliens must possess a green card. The type of identification required depends on the method of travel (air, land, or sea).

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, lack of energy, loss of taste, loss of smell, problems breathing, sore throat, drippy nose, headaches, chest pains, or diarrhoea, you should schedule a COVID test at a certified testing centre in Tijuana, Mexico. Remember to ask for a certificate of the COVID test results in English, ensuring that the name on the certificate matches your passport.

Health screenings and temperature checks

Tijuana International Airport has implemented health screenings and temperature checks for all passengers and aircrew members arriving at the airport. The airport, which serves as a gateway to Mexico and the United States, has taken stringent safety measures to protect travellers and reduce the risk of COVID-19 contagion.

Passengers travelling to Mexico through the airport are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) for entry. However, they must possess a valid passport, and US citizens, regardless of age, are subject to this policy. Additionally, all travellers to the United States are required to complete a CDC health form and adhere to travel restrictions related to the ongoing pandemic. It is worth noting that the requirement for travellers to submit a negative COVID-19 test before boarding US-bound flights has been removed.

Travellers entering the United States through land ports of entry, ferry terminals, or air travel are no longer mandated to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide related proof of vaccination. However, specific countries, including the US, may require a negative Antigen test result for entry, and travellers are advised to check the latest guidelines for their destination.

Tijuana Airport conducts a free rapid antigen test for travellers entering Mexico, with results available in 15 minutes. Travellers are recommended to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled flight to complete the test. The airport enforces mask mandates and social distancing protocols, with additional sanitization protocols implemented throughout the facility. Before boarding, travellers must complete a health questionnaire and present proof of a negative COVID-19 test for check-in.

The airport, located in Mexico, has a unique layout, with its Main Terminal, taxiways, runway, control tower, bus terminal, and other facilities situated in the country. However, the CBX terminal, which provides access to San Diego, is located just across the border on US soil. This terminal can be accessed via a 390-foot covered pedestrian bridge, requiring travel documents such as a boarding pass, CBX ticket, and passport for crossing.

Face masks and social distancing

As of May 12, 2023, non-US travellers entering the United States are no longer required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide proof of vaccination. However, all travellers to the US are required to complete a CDC health form and follow travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. US citizens are required to show their passports when entering the US.

When travelling through Tijuana Airport, it is important to follow the safety protocols in place to protect travellers and reduce the risk of contagion. All travellers must wear face masks and practice social distancing while in the airport. The airport has implemented additional sanitization protocols and health screenings to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. It is recommended that travellers arrive at least 2 hours before their scheduled flight to complete any necessary health questionnaires and COVID-19 tests.

Temperature checks may be conducted on passengers and aircrew members arriving at Mexican airports. While Mexico does not require a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry, travellers should be prepared for health screenings. Rapid antigen tests are available at certified testing centres in Tijuana, and some countries, such as the US, require a negative antigen test for entry. It is important to ensure that the name on the test certificate matches the name on your passport, including your middle name.

When crossing the border between Tijuana and San Diego, travellers should carry a valid passport or other acceptable identification. The Cross Border Xpress (CBX) pedestrian bridge connects the Tijuana International Airport to San Diego, allowing easy access between the two countries. Travel documents, including a boarding pass, CBX ticket, and passport, are required when crossing the bridge. US citizens should ensure they have all necessary documents, both old and new, when entering Tijuana from Mexico.

Health questionnaire and proof of negative COVID-19 test before check-in

As of June 12, 2022, the CDC no longer requires passengers arriving in the US to show a COVID recovery certificate or take a COVID test before travelling. However, non-US citizens, with a few exceptions, must show proof of vaccination. It is recommended that you take a COVID test before boarding a flight to the US, even though it is no longer required. Knowing your COVID status can help you decide whether it is safe to travel or whether to postpone your flight.

Tijuana International Airport has implemented certain restrictions to ensure the safety of its passengers. All travellers must wear face masks and practice social distancing within the airport. Before boarding their flight, travellers must complete a health questionnaire and present proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to check-in. The test is conducted at the airport free of charge, but it is recommended that travellers arrive at least 2 hours before their scheduled flight to have enough time to complete the test.

If you are travelling to Mexico through CBX, you must present a valid passport, including for infants. All US citizens, regardless of age, are subject to this policy. Mexico does not require a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry into the country.

If you are planning to travel to the US from a foreign country, you may be required to take a PCR test before entering the country. The PCR test detects the presence of COVID-19 and is an important step in slowing the spread of the virus.

Frequently asked questions