Cozumel

As of April 1 2021, international travellers that are 15 years or older visiting the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, where Cancún, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel are situated, are required to pay a tourist tax known as Visitax. This payment can be made before, during, or after your trip, but it must be paid before boarding your departure flight. At the time of writing, the Visitax costs $224 Mexican pesos (USD $11) per visitor. Once the payment is made, you will receive a QR Code that must be shown at the airport before leaving Mexico. Below is the official government website of Quintan Roo:

The fastest way to reach Cozumel from the mainland is by ferry from downtown Playa del Carmen. Ferries leave nearly every hour, and the ride lasts approximately 45 minutes. The company Ultramar has introduced a luxury ferry that takes you to Cozumel in only 20 minutes. The slightly higher prices reflect the service provided on board.

Visa exemption applies to citizens of all EU countries, most countries in the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and more. Both tourists and business visitors from these countries may stay in Mexico for up to 180 days. For Russian, Turkish, and Ukrainian passport holders, electronic authorisation (SAE) is required, which then grants travellers from these countries the right of a single entry followed by a stay of up to 30 days. Please consult an official source/consulate in your home country for the latest information on visa requirements. When travelling to Mexico, you will need to fill out a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM), which is essentially a visitor’s permit for Mexico. All travellers are encouraged to do so online prior to travel and present the printed out document upon entering the country.

March to June represents the best period to visit the island of Cozumel and enjoy its pleasant temperatures. Cozumel is also a hit spot during the winter. Being a snow-free island, it is the perfect place to soak up the sun. The low season runs from July to November. During this time, the island is quieter, and accommodation rates are lower, but keep an eye out for hurricane warnings as they are rather frequent during this time of the year. Every season is characterized by a particular event or festivity. Here are some highlights: - Fiesta of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December) - Carnaval (February-March) - El Cedral Festival (April-May) - Boat Rodeo and Fishing Tournament (May) - Cozumel Independence Day (September) - Ironman Cozumel (November)

The most reputable hospital in Cozumel is the Cozumel Medical Center (CMC) ready to offer the best service to patients in need of help. Other clinics to be found throughout the area are Amerimed Cozumel Islamed, International Hospital, Cozumel General Hospital. All visits will require a fee to be paid by cash (US dollars also accepted) or credit cards. As for pharmacies, check the list below for the nearest one to the centre. - Farmacias del Ahorro (Mon–Sat 8 am–10 pm, Sun 8 am–9 pm) - Farmacias YZA (24/7 service) Please note that travel insurance is highly recommended while travelling to Cozumel.

In Mexico, the standard voltage is 127V, and the standard frequency is 60Hz. If you are travelling from the US, all US appliances and devices should work without a power converter. Power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins - used in North and Central America as well as in Japan. Plug type B is the one that has two flat parallel pins and a round grounding pin.

+52 is Mexico's country code that allows calls from abroad; 987 is Cozumel's area code; +52 987 is then followed by a 7-digit number (e.g. +52 987 xxx xxxx). Note that when calling via cell phone an extra 1 is required (e.g. +52 1 987 xxx xxxx).