Traveling to Puerto Vallarta: My Experience

I wanted to share my recent experience traveling to Puerto Vallarta because it was confusing and frustrating to a point. I hope that perhaps this story might provide you with a hearty laugh at my silliness or some insight that might just provide you or your client a heads up!

My husband and I traveled together from Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to Puerto Vallarta’s Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) through Denver, CO with Southwest Airlines. When we were in Denver waiting for our flight there were several announcements advising that there was a sign at the counter with a website to complete a required form before boarding our flight to Mexico. Now you know me, I work in the travel industry and I knew of no such requirement to get into Mexico, so I disregarded the message several times. Finally, curiosity got the best of me and I walked up to see what was required and I found this sign.

I am guilty of being one to peruse especially in a situation like this where people are around and I feel the need to get out of the way. I didn’t read the bottom paragraph stating it was required to leave, I already knew that, but I thought perhaps there was something new that I was unaware of.

Both my husband and I entered the URL pictured above (www.vueleseguro.com) and followed the first option to start filling out the form. When we got to the point where we were about to submit, it asked for our CC information to pay $75! We of course halted! I walked back up to talk to the gate agent and she said that she had heard that from so many people but there was nothing to pay. In fact, she stated that she did it when she was in Mexico and there was no problem. We even stepped out of line for customs to get this filled out and the result was that no one asked to see it at all! Not needed for arrival.

I am sending this cautionary message to you to be VERY careful and advise your clients to be very careful as well when using this URL. VUELAS as opposed to VUELES makes a difference in the correct site. Be aware that this is the same as scanning the QR codes all over the airport, as shown below, for the health questionnaire on the day you leave, not for arrival. I do recommend you and your clients scan it when you arrive to make your departure smoother and less stressful.

As I go back and read the first sign, I am still confused about the wording but perhaps that is just me. I cannot reiterate enough that this is all my experience, not my expertise.