For anyone visiting from the USA or flying to the USA: this location (Las Casas & Mier y Terán)…read moredoes Covid tests (currently required to enter the USA). The test must be done within 3 days of flying.
Here are a few tips:
-You probably won't be able to get an immediate walk-in test and appointments are required.
-You can't make the appointment more than 2 days out. We were told that the reason is that they won't know the doctor's schedule that far out.
-You can't make the appointment by phone apparently. At least that's what the central office told us.
-If you come in the morning, you should probably be able to schedule it for the same day. For instance, I came in at 10am and got an appointment for 1pm. Conversely, my boyfriend came in at around 5pm on a Thursday and was only able to get an appointment for 9am on Saturday (that was the earliest available). Go in the early morning and try not to wait until the last minute as no one is going to bend over backwards to help you in case the doctor is unavailable for any reason.
-It's about $17 USD (after tax) and they accept credit cards. This is much less than the fancy laboratories will charge you (the cheapest I saw was $50).
-Like a lot of businesses in Oaxaca City, they don't speak English. Learn a few basic phrases that pertain to the test and appointment making.
-The doctor is very nice and works quickly (he is right next door to the pharmacy). You'll have your results in less than 15 minutes.
-The Covid tests were requested at the Mexican airports only (my initial flight in Oaxaca as well as my connecting flight in Mexico City). They didn't ask for proof in the US. I'm also an American citizen so it may have been different for visitors. I mention this so you use your best judgment in scheduling your test. I don't know how fastidious they are when calculating the 3 days.
While the system is a bit complex (having to make the appointment in person, being unable to make it further in advance, etc.), the value and speed are unbeatable.