As I traveled to Finland from Mexico this weekend (to get the jab tomorrow), I had to look into various flight options from Mexico City to Helsinki and what test requirements are required by airlines or transit countries.
Finland currently cannot require a negative test from citizens or permanent residents that arrive in the country, as it is against the law. Still, they have convinced Finnair, majority-owned by the government, and the boat companies to require one. You can arrive using other airlines, such as Lufthansa, but you may need to do a complimentary test at the airport.
You can access MedLife’s website here.
I wrote a piece earlier about award options on United and Aegean (read more here). I ended up redeeming MileagePlus miles for a one-way from Mexico City to Helsinki through Frankfurt.
United MileagePlus Mileage Requirements Getting Out Of Touch
Germany requires everyone arriving in the country, even those in transit, to have a negative Covid-19 test administered not more than 48 hours of ARRIVAL to the country. They do, however, accept several tests, including fast antigen ones (no PCR-RT required).
I, however, decided to do a PCR-RT in Mexico City, as I was not too keen to have my nose massaged around midnight in Helsinki (last time I felt like they were pushing it through my brain) and was looking for fast turnaround options that would fulfill both the Frankfurt and Helsinki requirements.
A friend of mine had used this Mexican company called MedLife earlier in April. They’ll send someone to take the sample at your residence or hotel and deliver the results in less than 24 hours.
I arranged the test through chat on their website, and they promised to have the results by 8 AM on Saturday when the test is administered on Friday afternoon. They also confirmed all the details through WhatsApp.
We decided that they would come to take the nose and throat samples between 2 PM – 3 PM on Friday afternoon. The representative came at 2:40 PM.
Hilton Reforma had a special room on the first floor that could be used to take samples.
He took the samples.
The test price was 2,500 MXN in cash or 2,900 MXN with a receipt and a credit card charge.
Sprayed every single note that I gave him.
And also left a note how I could get the results, if I did not get them by email or WhatsApp (both arrived just fine).
The results came through at 7:37 AM on Saturday morning. The test result was in Spanish, but with an additional page with English translation.
The leaflet that they give you has an image that looks like someone is merely massaging the smiling lady’s nose. If they do it properly, it feels rather uncomfortable.
The tests were good enough for Lufthansa (checked twice in Mexico City), but the automated passport gates in Frankfurt didn’t care about the results at all (connecting flight).
Here are my previous experiences of having Covid-19 in Brazil and various tests I have done:
My Coronavirus Experience In Brazil
Conclusion
This test in Mexico City was the most painless and reasonably priced so far that I have paid for, and the results came fast (Helsinki and Paris were both free).
Also, I like when you can make the reservation using a chat and/or WhatsApp, and they were very responsive. I’ll probably use them again in early June (when I need one to enter Brazil).
The Hilton concierge with whom I chatted told me they suggest some cheaper options to their guests, but their turnaround time is 24 to 48 hours. I needed one that was less than 48 hours old when arriving to Frankfurt.
I need to do two tests in May to travel to Barcelona through Amsterdam from Tallinn and another when flying from Barcelona to Mexico City, transiting via Amsterdam (again). Spain requires a PCR-RT test that will take care of the whatever Netherlands requires for the first transit.
I need to check later what Netherlands requires from transit passengers when I am flying to Mexico in mid-May from Spain because the destination country doesn’t require one (if a fast antigen test is enough or if they require PCR-RT).
These test requirements, what is required if any, change frequently, so you cannot plan too much in advance.
Hope your trip to Suomi is calm and peaceful. I am _really_ looking forward to travelling back there as soon as it’s feasible for “leisure” purposes.
Suomi has been mostly closed for all other than essential travel for non-citizens/residents. If you think, Finland is almost like an island and hence it has been easy to control the border unlike in Central Europe. EU is opening up for vaccinated tourists this summer.
Finland has vaccinated, as of today, 31% of the entire population with at least with the first shot.
You worry me. I hope the CDC, WHO and VAERS are all wrong.
I guess the mexican tax authority will not like this and may pay them a visit, if the company is offering cash discount in exchange of skipping a sales receipt.
I had one friend take the test in Leon, MX and another friend take the test in Cancun, MX and the results were recieved in less than 6 hours the day before the flight. Paid about 300 mxn pesos each test but it took a lot of searching to find and a some waiting around.
Are you sure that these were PCR-RT and not antigen tests?
I think transiting via AMS is quite tricky, I believe certain departure cities through Netherlands require 24 hours rapid test addition to your destination country test! Bizarre rules and I agree with earlier comments very stressful!
I went to a Pharmacy just off Reforma and down the street from the Angel. It was 349 mxn and my results were ready in 30 minutes….A little research would have done some good here.
Not all tests are accepted by airlines. A little research would have done some good on your part also.
I did my research and got my test that was accepted by my airline. Obviously you did not and had to pay again at the airport. Don’t be bitter at me because of your stupidity.
Totally classless reply. Obviously I typed too fast for your comprehension. Exactly where did I say I had to pay again at the airport? Why do you feel the need to manufacture lies? Is it a character weakness or just a flaw? I was fully aware which airports in Mexico were to make tests available for departing passengers a day prior to the need for them to enter the US.
I would imagine that it would have been a fast antigen and not a PCR-RT test.
Do you remember what pharmacy it was?
That price is reasonable as you are paying for convenience. Many of us simply choose to get tested at the airport. As you know about 10 airports in the country offer both tests with results available quickly. At SJD,it’s easy to access and the cost for either test is very reasonable. I believe it was 450 and 1450 MXN for the tests offered.
Yeah. I just wanted to make sure that I receive the result on time and decided to use this provider that friend earlier in the month had been satisfied with.
Good choice. Many hotels in Los Cabos are offering tests for guest convenience also.
The report had English section too right? Asking because I want to be double sure that English translation is fully available for the entire report. My destination country requires the negative report in English only, thats why.