Tips to Easily Navigate Cancun’s International Airport

CANCUN, Mexico — Navigating a new airport can be intimidating. Add in changing COVID-19 restrictions and the trip through the airport hits another level.

ARRIVAL

Arriving at Cancun’s International Airport is like arriving at any other international airport. Follow the crowd to  immigration.

You’ll need to show a passport and a customs form before being allowed through the checkpoint. After the agent stamps your passport, he or she will also rip off the bottom part of your immigration form. YOU NEED TO KEEP THIS FORM. When you return to the airport, you’ll need to provide it and it will be attached to your boarding pass. 

Once you’re through immigration you’ll head into a noisy, packed hall.

There are all kinds of people lining both sides of the hall. They will ask if you have a shuttle booked, and what company you’re using. Keep walking. These people aren’t there to help you find your ride. They are companies trying to sell you deals at resorts. Most are from time shares. They’ll offer a day at a resort in return for your time sitting through a sales pitch.

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Keep walking and head outside. That’s where you’ll find the shuttles, ride share, taxis and other transportation. These are the people that will help you. Ask anyone with a sign and they will point you in the right direction.

DEPARTURE

Leaving Cancun is an entirely different situation. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone needs a negative COVID-19 test before arriving at the security checkpoint. Make sure you get your test no more than 3 days before you are scheduled to leave, and have access to the results before you arrive at the airport.

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We flew Southwest Airlines, and were required to fill out 2 questionnaires. The first is for the airline. You’ll be asked to scan a QR code and complete a health assessment. You will also be required to show your negative COVID-19 test results at check-in and get the red “Docs OK” stamp on your boarding pass.

After check-in, you’ll head to security. Before reaching the checkpoint, you’ll need to scan a second QR code and fill out a second assessment. You will not be allowed into the security queue without doing this. Security is standing by to make sure you have the code to scan as you move toward the screening area.

TERMINALS

At this point, precautions are still being taken at the Cancun Airport. Seats are blocked off to enforce social distancing and everything seems to be cleaned pretty regularly.

Make sure you have a mask handy, because you will be required to wear it on the flight, if you’re heading back to the US. If you don’t have a mask, ask at the gate and the airline will provide one for you to wear on the flight.