POST COVID REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. AND UK CITIZENS ENTERING LATIN AMERICA

The rules for each destination in Latin America continue to evolve, so they will likely change when you decide to travel.  We will constantly update the changes as they occur when mandatory mask use has been dropped in the U.S. In the U.K, specific Latin American destinations still have obligatory protocols for entrance into and transit around the country. The restrictions in many countries, while still in place, are less likely to be enforced. However, to avoid any issues while traveling, these are the laws in each destination.

 

South America

 

Covid 19 South America

 

It is always best to travel with printed proof of your complete vaccination against Covid-19. This will make life much easier on the road, even in countries where this is not a specific entrance requirement. You may be asked at touristic sites, internal travel by bus or air, accommodation and restaurants and in-country restrictions could significantly affect your trip and getting around.  It is also a good idea to carry a copy of your travel insurance, which is sometimes obligatory for entering a country. Regulations continue to evolve, particularly for the non-vaccinated, and changes are likely between booking and travel. Here is a list of requirements in the Latin American countries where we operate.

 

Travel  in South America

ARGENTINA

Entry requirements

Argentina dropped the last remaining Covid-related entry requirements at the end of Aug 2022. We still strongly recommend your travel insurance includes suitable coverage for Covid-related claims.
A negative PCR test is no longer required to enter the country. You must show a Travel Insurance policy that covers for Covid related illnesses, and travelers who are not fully vaccinated are ‘recommended’ to take a covid test within 24 hours of arrival in Argentina. Proof of vaccination could still be asked for to enter public venues.
The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travelers from all countries.

Local restrictions

Rules on face coverings have been relaxed. However, they are required on internal flights and indoor settings, especially in Buenos Aires.
A hydrofoil service from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, Uruguay, has been reinstated.
Argentina has reopened to visitors arriving via Buenos Aires and most other international airports within Argentina. The land border with Brazil at Iguazu Falls is open, but many others are still closed or subject to restrictions. 

 

BELIZE

Entry requirements

Vaccination is not  required 
A negative PCR test is not required.  Arrivals by land must test at the border, which costs approx. $50 + $19 border fee, payable locally.
 An immigration form will be provided on your flight or arrival at land borders.
Travel Insurance with Covid cover is a requirement for all travelers. The Belize Travel Insurance is no longer mandatory for foreign tourists, though it is encouraged by the Belize Tourism Board. 
Entry requirements for Belize are the same for all travelers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

Belize will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. A digital or hard copy of an up-to-date NHS COVID pass showing two doses of an approved vaccine (or one for Johnson and Johnson) is accepted as proof of immunization / full vaccination.

 

Local restrictions

Face masks are generally no longer required indoors; private establishments may still request that you wear one. 
Arrivals must show proof of a minimum of a 3-night stay in a certified Belize hotel.
From the outset, Belize has taken a proactive approach to ensure safe travels for visitors.  Travelers must use ‘Gold Standard’ (Belize government covid-secure approved) hotels, excursions and services within a designated ‘travel corridor.’

 

 

Starfish, Belize

BOLIVIA

Entry requirements

Full vaccination:  No longer required (though testing required for non-vaccinated

Pre-arrival covid test:  If not vaccinated, PCR within 72 hours of departure for Bolivia

You need to complete a pre-arrival form and present it on arrival. A Bolivian accommodation form must also be completed before and during travel. 

Travel Insurance with Covid cover is an entrance requirement.
 

Bolivia will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. Your final vaccine dose must have been administered 14 days before travel. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centers is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.
When entering the country, you should ensure the UK COVID Pass is accessible to you in digital and paper formats.
If you are flying via another country, additional requirements are likely for your outbound and return flights.  The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for travelers arriving from all countries.

Local restrictions

Visitors must register and update their hotel addresses using the Bolivia accommodation reporting online form as they travel within the country. Otherwise, you risk a fine on departure.
Non-vaccinated travelers must take a further PCR test within 72 hours of arrival and isolate until results are given.
The use of face masks is expected in public areas and on transport.
Vaccination passes are required to enter public buildings and venues and for internal travel.
Land-locked and with limited airlift, Bolivia has always been one of the more difficult countries to access directly. The country combines well with Peru, Argentina and Chile.

BRAZIL

Entry requirements

A full vaccination card is required over the age of 12 if you enter by air and five if entering Brazil by land.
You do not need to produce a negative PCR if vaccinated. 
A pre-arrival form is not required
Travel Insurance with Covid cover is required
You can travel to Brazil without a visa as a tourist for up to 90 days. If you wish to extend your tourist visa, you should contact Policia Federal.

If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to take a COVID-19 test to enter Brazil. Most people aged 12 or older traveling to Brazil must present a vaccination certificate to the airline before and during travel.

Brazilian authorities have confirmed that vaccines recommended and approved for use by the World Health Organisation are accepted to enter Brazil. This includes the Moderna, Oxford/AstraZeneca, and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines used in the UK vaccine program.

To qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler to Brazil, your final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days before travel. You cannot use the NHS COVID-19 vaccination appointment card as proof of vaccination when entering Brazil.

UK’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies are accepted as these are in line with the Brazilian government guidelines for certification.

The Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) website (in Portuguese) lists the forms of acceptable proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The website also includes the following information about proof of immunization:

English, Spanish or Portuguese are the only languages accepted;
It must be in printed or digital form to show the airline. Proof of vaccination exclusively in QR code format will not be accepted;
It must have the traveler’s full name, matching the name on the passport.
It must include the name of the official body which issued the record, the vaccine manufacturer, date(s) of vaccination and batch number.
If you’re not fully vaccinated
If you’re not fully vaccinated and traveling to Brazil by air, you’ll need to show proof of a negative PCR or negative antigen test, taken no more than 24 hours before boarding.

All forms of proof should be in English, Spanish or Portuguese and shown to airline staff at check-in. Details of exemptions for unvaccinated travelers – including for some children traveling with an adult providing the above documentation – can be found on the Brazilian government’s website.

If you are flying via another country, additional requirements are likely for your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ below).  The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for travelers arriving from all countries.

Local restrictions

Proof of vaccination (from age 12) is becoming a condition of entry to venues and visitor attractions across Brazil.
Proof of a booster is also required to enter venues across Brazil for those over 40.
You may also be asked for a photo ID and proof of vaccination. Face masks are officially required in public areas and mandatory on public transport, including flights.
Face masks ideally should be a surgical mask or N95/PFF2 type or use double masks.
Visitors (age 7+) to Fernando de Noronha must also present a negative antigen test made within 24hrs of boarding the flight to the island.
Brazil’s coastlines are again open to tourists, and thanks to a boom in domestic tourism, it’s as popular as ever. Being a federal republic, rules and regulations often vary from state to state, even between cities and change without notice.

 

Lencois Maranhenses

CHILE

Entry requirements

Full vaccination card is not mandatory for entry but required for internal travel.
PCR test is not required if fully vaccinated. If unvaccinated, a PCR test within 48 hours of boarding flight to Chile is required.
Random PCR or antigen tests are carried out upon arrival at Santiago airport. If the result is posiandentry will be denied, and quarantine is required.
As of Sept 2022 visitors carrying proof of full vaccination do not need a Mobility Pass to access local services on mainland Chile. Unvaccinated travellers can enter Chile (subject to PCR test) but proof of full vaccination will still be needed for internal travel and access to many services including hotels, restaurants and transport. 
Chile will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centers is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status. The UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record will not suffice to show your vaccination status when entering Chile.
A Chile arrival form must also be completed 48 hours before arriving in Chile.
Travel Insurance with Covid cover is required.
If you are flying via another country, additional requirements are likely for your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ below).  The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for travelers arriving from all countries.

Local restrictions

The use of face masks is expected in public areas and on transport.
Mobility Passes are widely asked for at local venues.
Easter Island requires a negative Covid test within 24 hours of boarding the flight to the island. For travellers age 6 and over this must be a PCR test. Children under 6 may have an antigen test (must be performed in a lab).

A Mobility Pass is mandatory for Easter Island (age 6 and over). See Chile Mobility Pass application and note this can take up to one month to process.
Visitors to Easter Island must also complete the FUI (single entry form)
Visitors to Easter Island are subject to an antigen test upon arrival and health monitoring by telephone during their visit.

As approval for travel can take some time, we recommend planning your trip at least six weeks in advance.Restrictions in Chile are expected to relax in September 2022; we will keep you informed.

 

COLOMBIA

Entry requirements

Complete vaccination:  No (but recommended as local restrictions may apply from age 12)
Vaccine expiry period: None stated
Pre-arrival covid test:  None required if vaccinated; otherwise, PCR test within 72 hours, or antigen within 48 hours, of departure.
Pre-arrival forms:  Yes, within 24 hours of departure.  This must also be completed within 24 hours of departure.
Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes
Between 24 hours and 1 hour before departure, you must fill out the ‘Check-Mig’ form, available on the Migración Colombia website. You will receive a confirmation email that you will need to present upon arrival in Colombia.
Surgical masks must be used by all passengers above two years of age throughout the journey, from entering the air terminal, during the flight and at the port of arrival. N95 masks (and their equivalents) are recommended for passengers above 60 years of age and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Colombia will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. Your final vaccine dose must have been administered 14 days before travel. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centers is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.
Foreign nationals who have started but have not completed their vaccination scheme, have had their final dose less than 14 days before travel or are unvaccinated will be able to enter Colombia showing proof of a negative PCR or Antigen test issued no later than 72 hours before boarding.
Colombia has reopened all land, sea and river borders. Neighboring countries may still implement their border closures. Over 18-year-olds require a full vaccination card.
No negative PCR test is required for entrance if you are vaccinated.
A pre-arrival form is required within 24 hours of departure from the US.  This must also be completed within 24 hours of leaving Colombia.
Travel Insurance with Covid cover is required. 
If you are flying via another country, additional requirements are likely for your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ below).  The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for travelers arriving from all countries.

Local restrictions

Proof of being fully vaccinated is required to enter most restaurants, bars, museums and National Parks throughout Colombia for over 12 years.
Social distancing and face masks are required in public areas and on transport.
Colombia has remained relatively open throughout the pandemic, with limited visitor regulations. Proof of full vaccination status is currently needed to experience the country entirely.  

 

Tayona National Park

 

COSTA RICA

Entry requirements

Pre-arrival covid test:  None required
Pre-arrival forms:  The Costa Rica Health Pass Form is no longer required (from 1 April 2022).
Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes
You do not require a full vaccination card to enter Costa Rica until 1 April 2022.
A negative PCR test is not required.
Beginning April 1, 2022, the Health Pass and travel insurance policy requirements will be eliminated for all individuals, meaning there will be no COVID-19-related entry requirements for Costa Rica after this date. However, the authorities in Costa Rica may restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example, due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company, airline and the Costa Rica tourism board website for any changes at short notice. A travel insurance policy is recommended to cover medical expenses and lodging in the event of COVID-19 infection.
If you are flying via another country, additional requirements are likely for your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ below).  The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for travelers arriving from all countries.

Local restrictions

Since 1 April 2022, proof of being fully vaccinated is no longer required to access hotels, restaurants and activities throughout Costa Rica.
The use of face masks is expected in public areas and on transport.
Costa Rica opened its borders to international arrivals at a relatively early stage and has received plenty of visitors, mainly from the U.S. and Spain.  Availability is limited, so we recommend booking early to get your preferred itinerary and hotels.

 

ECUADOR AND GALÁPAGOS

Entry requirements

A complete vaccination card is required due to local restrictions 
A negative PCR test is not necessary for vaccinated travelers.  Unvaccinated visitors must take a PCR test within 72 hours before departure for Ecuador.
A printed pre-arrival form is required and must be presented on arrival (one per family or a digital Ecuador Health Declaration can be completed online for each person. 
 Travel Insurance is required with covid cover.

Travelers over three can prove they have been fully vaccinated to enter Ecuador. Alternatively, they can show a negative laboratory PCR test result taken up to 72 hours before boarding the flight.

Airline crew members and children under three years old are exempt from these requirements.

Ecuador will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centers is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

If you are not fully vaccinated, you must present a laboratory PCR test, taken up to 72 hours before boarding your flight, to enter Ecuador.

Airline crew members and children under three years old are exempt from these requirements.

If you’ve had COVID-19 in the past year
If you are not fully vaccinated but have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last year, you can enter Ecuador. You will need to show evidence of a positive laboratory PCR test (taken more than 14 days and less than a year ago).

When entering Ecuador, you can use the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccinationevidencerd to demonstrate evidence of COVID-19 recovery in Ecuador.

Visitors previously diagnosed with COVID-19 and who continue to test positive with a laboratory PCR test after a month should present a medical certificate issued in the country of origin, which indicates that they are non-infectious. This will be accepted as long as they are no longer showing symptoms.
If you are flying via another country, additional requirements are likely for your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ below).  The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for travelers arriving from all countries.

Local restrictions

Galapagos: Proof of complete vaccination or a negative PCR took within 72 hours of departure for the Galapagos. Testing is available locally if needed.
The use of face masks may be recommended but are no longer mandatory in most settings.
Proof of vaccination status is required for restaurants, shops, banks, local transport and airports.
Throughout the pandemic, Ecuador has been extremely proactive with its Covid requirements.  The entire adult population of Galapagos and everyone on the mainland working in tourism, as well as everyone on the continent working in tourism, were vaccinated as an initial priority. 

 

Ecuador Hummingbirds

 

GUATEMALA

Entry requirements

You must keep to the social distancing rules. From 18 July 2022, the Government of Guatemala has declared that using masks throughout Guatemala is optional, except in hospitals, medical clinics, vaccination centers, medical laboratories, nursing homes, prisons, and public transportation, where it remains mandatory to wear masks.

The Government of Guatemala announced that from 13 August 2022, to enter Guatemala:

You do not need to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter Guatemala

There are no quarantine requirements.

Local authorities have advised against travel if suffering from respiratory disease or presenting COVID-19 symptoms.

Testing on departure

There is currently no testing upon departure from Guatemala. They will take your temperature upon arrival at the airport.

Face masks are mandatory on public transport and in medical facilities.
Land borders to Belize, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico are open
Guatemala closed its borders early in the pandemic and has since cautiously reopened them.  Travel around the country has become possible again, and flights have resumed, with regular connections via Madrid and the US.

MEXICO

Entry requirements

No vaccination card is required.
No PCR test is required.
Since March 2022, registration on the Mexico pre-flight security platform has been no longer required.

Travel Insurance with Covid cover is required.
If you are flying via another country, The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for travelers arriving from all countries.

Local restrictions

Face masks are required in some public areas and on public transport.
Land borders are reopening, though they may be subject to restrictions.
Mexico has not had the strict lockdowns and closures seen elsewhere. Indeed many of the more popular tourist destinations along the Riviera Maya have remained busy throughout the pandemic.  Throughout this period, Mexico has been one of the least restrictive countries for travelers, although local rules are occasionally enforced.

 

 

Baja California

PANAMA

Entry requirements

Panama classifies travelers as fully vaccinated or not fully vaccinated. If you’re fully vaccinated, you can enter Panama without needing to test or quarantine. To be considered ‘fully vaccinated,’ you must have proof of a completed vaccination program (see an explanation of vaccination status) and complete the traveler affidavit form before entering the country. If you are a seaman, you should physically present your vaccination card with the required doses at your port of entry.

Complete vaccination:  No (although non-vaccinated travelers require a pre-arrival test).
Pre-arrival covid test:  None if vaccinated, otherwise a PCR or antigen test within 72 hours of arrival in Panama (from age 12)
Pre-arrival forms:  Yes, within 72 hours of departure (see Panama Health Form and links below).
Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes
Proof of vaccination status

Panama will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. Your final vaccine dose must have been administered 14 days before travel. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centers is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

If you are flying via another country, additional requirements are likely for your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ below).  The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for travelers arriving from all countries.

Local restrictions

Face masks are required in some public areas and on public transport.
Land borders with Costa Rica have reopened, with some limitations and may be subject to restrictions.
Panama’s previously strict arrival measures are slowly being relaxed, making it much easier for visitors to return and discover Panama's biodiverse and beautiful country Panama.

PERU

Entry requirements

Complete vaccination:  Yes (from age 12). See local restrictions below.
Vaccine expiry period: None stated
Pre-arrival covid test:  No test is needed if fully vaccinated as stipulated above.  Otherwise, a PCR test is required within 48 hours of departure for Peru (from age 12), and local travel will be restricted.
Pre-arrival forms:  Yes, the Peruvian Immigration form should be completed within 72 hours of departure (also see links below)
Evidence of Travel Insurance:  Yes
All passengers must wear two face masks on flights bound for Peru
If you’re fully vaccinated, you can enter Peru without needing to test or quarantine.

Passengers aged 12 and over whose final destination is Peru must show evidence of complete vaccination received either in Peru or abroad. Those under 12 years old must be without COVID-19 symptoms but do not require a test or proof of immunization. Adults residing in Peru must have received the booster (third) dose. These rules are subject to change at short notice.

Anyone who shows COVID-19 symptoms on arrival in Peru must isolate by law.

Peru will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination, issued in the Crown Dependencies. Although digital proof is accepted, you should also take a hard copy. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centers is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

If you are flying via another country, additional requirements are likely for your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ below).  The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for all travelers.

Local restrictions

Two face masks are required in all indoor public areas (or one KN95) and on local transport.
Facemasks are no longer required in well ventilated or outdoor areas
A complete vaccination card is required to access indoor venues, board transport between provinces, travel by train and for entry to Lima airport when leaving Peru.
Due to its covid-safety concrete measures throughout the county, Peru is once more open. Due to its covid-safety dedicated efforts throughout the county, it is once more relaxed. Machu Picchu and other areas of interest have welcomed guests at a reduced capacity.  These numbers are likely to return to their normal levels again soon.

 

Peruvian Alpacas

 

Our Flexible Booking Policy allows you to make long-term plans with complete confidence; while our Safe Journey guidelines ensure we will not operate your holiday unless we are confident, we can do so with your safety and enjoyment at the heart of our planning.

TRANSIT

If you are flying via another country, such as changing planes in Europe, Latin America, or the US, additional requirements are likely for your outbound and return flights.

See the IATA Travel Centre for details of current transit rules.
For full details of current entry requirements, check the IATA Travel Centre, which provides comprehensive information for travelers worldwide 

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/travelinformation.php

Travel restrictions to any of the countries mentioned above before travel as travel restrictions are always subject to change.

 

Airport Travel

 

Safe and happy travels!