Travel to Cancún
Passport Information
A valid passport is required to board your flight to Cancún. Please note, the name on your passport must match the name on your airline ticket. It is recommended that your passport be valid for six months beyond your return travel date. Please check your passport's expiration date. Depending on your country of origin, the required validity may differ.
For more information on passports (applications, renewals, or adding pages), U.S. citizens may contact their local post office, visit the U.S. Department of State website, or visit the following sites to learn more about applying for a new passport or renewing a passport. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please refer to your country's passport application and renewal requirements. The process may take up to twelve weeks, so please do this as soon as possible.
Visa Information
Nationals of certain countries may also require an entry visa. Please visit the U.S. Department of State website to determine the requirements of your specific country. Even if Cancún does not require a visa for entry, please check to be sure you do not need a transit visa for any connecting flights through countries you might enter en route to Cancún. You will need to visit the government websites of those specific countries for information on how to apply for a transit visa. We also recommend checking the sherpa° website. This process may take several weeks, so please check immediately upon registering.
Air Travel
When you register, you will have the opportunity to enter your preferred flight details. We will do everything possible to accommodate your requests. Once you have submitted your registration, and any extensions or deviations have been confirmed, the air team will book flights for you and your guest. You will be contacted via email within three business days with a flight itinerary for your review and approval. Please double-check the spelling of your name and your guest's name on your air itineraries to ensure they match your passports.
An email response is required within 24 hours of receipt, acknowledging that you have received the airline schedule. Upon your approval, the airline ticket will be issued.
New Castle is pleased to provide you and your guest with economy round-trip airfare to Cancún. Upgrades are available at your expense and can be purchased via credit card or frequent flyer miles through your airline.
Arriving in Cancún
Upon arrival at Cancún International Airport (CUN), you will proceed to immigration to present your passport for clearance. After clearing immigration, you will claim your luggage and proceed to customs. Please note, porters are not allowed inside the terminal; however, luggage carts will be available. You may be asked to stop for a routine random luggage search.
Note: If your luggage is lost, stay in the airport terminal near the baggage claim carousels. Do NOT pass through customs. Fill out a lost luggage report with your airline. You must receive a printout with a phone number and report/claim number. Once at the resort, the New Castle Events Team will assist you in calling to check on the status of your luggage.
Ground Transportation
New Castle will provide transportation to the Fairmont Mayakoba for you and your guest. Once you retrieve your luggage and make your way through customs at Cancún International Airport (CUN), exit the sliding glass doors and make your way outside. A representative wearing a red polo, tan slacks, and holding New Castle-branded signage will meet you outside and escort you to your complimentary transportation to the Fairmont Mayakoba. Travel time to the resort is approximately 45 minutes.
When returning home, your arranged transportation will depart from the main resort lobby. More information regarding your pickup time will be included on your Departure Notice in your Welcome Packet.
If you are pre- or post-extending, you will be responsible for your own ground transportation.
Currency
The national currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso, but U.S. dollars are welcome in most places. Please note that the exchange rate fluctuates daily. For current exchange rates, please click here.
When making major purchases, charging items to your credit card is always recommended. The exchange rate on your credit card will be more favorable than the rate available locally. This is due to the large volume of foreign exchange generated by credit card companies at the more favorable "inter-banking" exchange rate. The better rate is then passed along to the customer.
Most major credit cards are accepted in Mexico. It is a best practice to call your bank before leaving the country to advise of international travel dates on any card you plan to use while out of the country.
Electricity
The electricity standard in Mexico is 120 volt AC, the same as in the United States. A voltage converter is not needed if you are traveling from the United States.
Time Zone
Cancún will observe Eastern Standard Time (EST) during our program dates. In January, when it is 12:00pm (noon) in Cancún, it will be:
12:00pm – New York (Eastern)
11:00am – Dallas (Central)
10:00am – Denver (Mountain)
9:00am – Los Angeles (Pacific)