With increased international travel as a consequence of growing COVID-19 immunization rates, Guanajuato, Mexico’s centrally-located state, continues to welcome visitors from the United States while implementing different sanitary standards and steps to ensure safety of its residents and visitors.
Guanajuato is famed for its cultural and historical attractions and is frequently referred to as the “land of legends” due to the residents’ interest in ghostly tales and the landmarks connected with them. San Miguel de Allende, Dolores Hidalgo, Leon, and Guanajuato’s capital city are among the state’s most popular tourist destinations.
As is the case throughout Mexico, travel restrictions to the region are low; there are no immunization or testing requirements, and no quarantine is required upon arrival. Guanajuato state has been particularly aggressive in its immunization programs, with over half of people being completely vaccinated.
Additionally, the state’s ‘Distintivo Guanajuato Sano’ cleanliness certification has been awarded the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) ‘Safe Travels’ seal. This worldwide accreditation is consistent with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria, and it is backed by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). So far, the certificate has been awarded to over 3,000 companies throughout Guanajuato.
International travelers seeking air travel alternatives into Guanajuato will now discover that the state’s connection has been restored to a large extent. Guanajuato International Airport (BJX), located just outside Leon and near Guanajuato City, has restored 87 percent of its regular air operations, according to the state tourism secretary. By the way, Guanajuato’s hotel industry is presently 78 percent full.
Daily nonstop flights from major US cities such as Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are accessible on airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus.
BJX is the country’s sixth-most-frequented airport, according to Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP), which administers Guanajuato’s airport. Between January and July 2021, the firm registered 1.1 million arrivals, with 329,400 foreign travelers, primarily from the United States.
Temporary COVID-19 testing units were erected at BJX in late January to administer both PCR and antigen tests for the convenience of returning travelers. According to GAP, quick antigen testing will cost 450 pesos (about $22) and PCR tests will cost 1,450 pesos (approximately $72) at the airport, and both will be accessible solely to travelers booked on foreign flights.
To complement the airport testing program, the state’s tourism agency (SECTUR) has partnered with hoteliers in popular tourist locations such as Guanajuato City, San Miguel de Allende, and Leon to offer COVID-19 testing services.