Written by:undefined undefined
Published: 28-02-2022
The world is now a somewhat confusing place to e travelling, especially here in Central and south America. Entrance requirements, border controls, or questions about testing and quarantine are abundant around these parts and regulations change on a daily basis.
We are closely monitoring developments in all of our destinations and here at Va Expeditions, we have compiled an overview of the latest information.
Here is a summary of the current situation in Latin America as they stand. Circumstances continue to evolve, so could well change by the time you visit. We strongly recommend you that you check the travel requisites of the country you plan to visit and ask for advice at the embassy or consulate before you travel. each country you plan to visit or transit to ensure you have the most up to date official guidelines.
It is a good idea when travelling to carry with you a printed of your full vaccination against Covid-19. Even where this is not a requirement for entry it may be needed to access places of interest, accommodation and restaurants. If you are not fully vaccinated, local restrictions may significantly impact your holiday. It is also advisable to carry printed details of your travel insurance cover, especially on arrival.
* Vaccination status is generally based on the most recent dose being received at least 14-days prior.
Peruvian vegetable seller
Here is an overview per country:
ARGENTINA
Direct flights operate from the UK with British Airways, or via Europe.
Entry requisites
Full vaccination: Yes (except children under 6 years)
Vaccine expiry period: None stated
Pre-arrival covid test: Yes, PCR within 72 hours of departure for Argentina (from age 6) or antigen test within 48 hours of boarding.
Pre-arrival forms: Yes
Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover: Yes
For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Argentina FCDO Travel Advice. The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.
In country restrictions:
Proof of vaccination may be asked for to enter public venues (age 13+)
The use of face masks is expected in indoor public areas and on transport.
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 withing Argentina. The land border with Brazil at Iguazú Falls is open, but many others remain closed or subject to restrictions. British Airways is resuming direct flights.
BELIZE
Flights operate from the UK via the USA and Central America
Entry requisites:
Full vaccination: No
Vaccine expiry period: N/A
Pre-arrival test: Required for all travellers within 96 hours (PCR) or 48 hours (antigen) of departure (from age 5). Arrivals by land must test at the border (approx $50 + $19 border fee, payable locally).
Pre-arrival forms: No. An immigration form will be provided on your flight or on arrival at land borders.
Travel Insurance with Covid cover: From 15 Feb 2022 mandatory Belize Travel Insurance must be purchased ($18) prior to arrival.
For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Belize FCDO Travel Advice. The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.
In country restrictions:
The use of face masks is expected in public areas and on transport.
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 ensuring safe travels for visitors. Travellers must use ‘Gold Standard’ (Belize government covid-secure approved) hotels, excursions and services, within a designated ‘travel corridor’.
Masked street musicians
BOLIVIA
Flights from the UK via Europe or South America
Entry requisites:
Full vaccination: Yes (due to local restrictions and to avoid further testing/isolation on arrival)
Vaccine expiry period: None stated
Pre-arrival covid test: Yes, PCR within 72 hours of departure for Bolivia (from age 5)
Pre-arrival forms: Yes. To print and present on arrival. A Bolivian accommodation form must also be completed prior and during travel (see local restrictions below).
Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover: Yes
For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Bolivia FCDO Travel Advice. The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.
In country restrictions:
Visitors must register and update their hotel addresses using the Bolivia accommodation report online form as they travel within the country. Failure to do so may result in a fine on departure.
Non-vaccinated travellers must take a further PCR test within 72 hours of arrival and isolate until results are received
The use of face masks is expected in public areas and on transport.
Vaccination passes are required to enter public buildings and venues, as well as for internal travel.
We recommend taking printed copies of all vaccination and testing certificates
Land-locked and with limited airlift, Bolivia has always been one of the more difficult countries to access directly.
BRAZIL
Direct flights operate from the UK with British Airways, or via Europe
Entry requisites:
Full vaccination: Yes (from age 12 entering by air, 5 if entering by land)
Vaccine expiry period: None stated
Pre-arrival covid test: Required for all travellers entering within 72 hours (PCR) or 24 hours (antigen) of departure (from age 12).
Pre-arrival forms: Yes within 24 hours of departure .
Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover: Yes
For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Brazil FCDO Travel Advice. The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.
In country restrictions:
Proof of a booster is also being required of older age groups for entry to venues across Brazil.
You may also be asked for photo ID along with your proof of vaccination.
The use of face masks is officially required in public areas. It is mandatory on public transport, including flights, for passengers aged over 3.
Face masks ideally should be a surgical mask or N95/PFF2 type. Fabric masks must be double layered.
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 sunny shores are once again open to British 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.
Brazilian street
CHILE
Direct flights operate from the UK with British Airways, or via Europe
Entry requisites:
Full vaccination: Yes (except children – under 6 years).
Vaccine expiry period: Your final vaccine dose must have been administered within 6 months prior to travel.
Pre-arrival covid test: Yes, PCR within 72 hours of boarding the final flight for Chile (from age 2) with a further test on arrival at Santiago airport (from age 6). Visitors will need to self-isolate until the results arrive (expected to take 12-24hrs).
Pre-arrival forms: Yes. Visitors must register their vaccination details with the Chilean authorities prior to travel, which can take up to one month to process. You can apply at any time before departure.
A Chile arrival form must also be completed 48 hours before starting trip.
Additionally, travellers are requested to complete a daily ‘self-report’ for 10 days via an online form or ‘C19 Reporte’. Details will be provided following a health screening on arrival in Chile.
Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover: Yes
For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Chile FCDO Travel Advice. The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.
In country restrictions:
The use of face masks is expected in public areas and on transport.
Easter Island is expected to reopen in March 2022. A PCR test must be taken between 8 and 48 hours before arriving on the island.
Chile has reopened to visitors arriving via Santiago airport and British Airways is resuming direct flights. Several land borders are expected to reopen by early 2022, although not all have been confirmed. As approval for travel can take some time, we recommend planning your trip at least 6 weeks in advance.
COLOMBIA
Direct flights from the UK with Avianca, or via Europe
Entry requisites:
Full vaccination: Yes (from 18 years old, though local restrictions may apply from age 12).
Vaccine expiry period: None stated
Pre-arrival covid test: None required
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
For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Colombia FCDO Travel Advice. The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.
In country restrictions:
Proof of being fully vaccinated is currently required to enter most restaurants, bars, museums and National Parks throughout Colombia (from 12 years of age).
Social distancing and the use of face masks and is required in public areas and on transport.
Colombia has remained relatively open throughout the pandemic, with limited regulations for visitors. Proof of full vaccination status is currently needed to fully experience of the country. Direct flights from the UK resume in March 2022.
Colombian mask seller
COSTA RICA
Direct flights from the UK with British Airways, or via the US or Europe
Entry requisites:
Full vaccination: Yes
Vaccine expiry period: None stated
Pre-arrival covid test: None required
Pre-arrival forms: Yes, the Costa Rica Health Pass Form must be completed within 72 hours of departure.
Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover: Yes
For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Costa Rica FCDO Travel Advice. The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.
In country restrictions:
Proof of being fully vaccinated is required to access many hotels, restaurants and activities throughout Costa Rica (excluding children under 12). Children 12-17 are currently able to show evidence of just one vaccination dose.
Having completed the Costa Rica Health Pass form prior to arrival (as above) visitors will receive a Health Pass QR code that can be presented where needed throughout their trip.
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 been receiving plenty of visitors, mainly from North America and Spain. Availability is limited, so we recommend booking early to get your preferred itinerary and hotels.
ECUADOR AND GALÁPAGOS
Flights from the UK via Europe or South America
Entry requisites:
Full vaccination: Yes (from age 12) due to local restrictions
Vaccine expiry period: None stated
Pre-arrival covid test: Not required for vaccinated travellers. Unvaccinated visitors (from age 3) must take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure for Ecuador.
Pre-arrival forms: Yes, a printed Ecuador Health Declaration Form must be presented on arrival (one per family); or a digital Ecuador Health Declaration may be completed on line (one per person).
Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover: Yes
For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Ecuador FCDO Travel Advice. The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.
In country restrictions:
Galapagos: Proof of full vaccination or a negative PCR taken within 72 hours of departure for the Galapagos (from age 3). Testing is available locally, if needed.
The use of face masks is required in all public areas and on transport.
Proof of vaccination status is required to use restaurants, shops, banks, local transport and airports (from age 12).
Throughout the pandemic, Ecuador has been extremely proactive in preparing to offer enjoyable and safe covid-conscious holidays. The entire adult population of Galapagos, as well as everyone on the mainland working in tourism, were vaccinated as an initial priority, and the overall vaccination take-up is good.
Young Ecuadorian in the park
GUATEMALA
Flights from the UK via Europe and the US
Entry requisites:
Full vaccination: Yes
Vaccine expiry period: None stated
Pre-arrival covid test: Yes, PCR or Antigen within 72 hours of departure for Guatemala (from age 10)
Pre-arrival forms: No
Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover: Yes
For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Guatemala FCDO Travel Advice. The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.
In country restrictions:
The use of face masks is expected in public areas and on transport
Land borders to Belize, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico are open
Guatemala sealed 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
Direct flights from the UK
Entry requisites:
Full vaccination: No
Vaccine expiry period: N/A
Pre-arrival covid test: No
Pre-arrival forms: Yes – registration on the Mexico pre-flight security platform should be completed shortly before departure.
Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover: Yes
For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Mexico FCDO Travel Advice. The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.
In country restrictions:
The use of face masks may be required in some public areas and transport
Land borders are reopening, though may be subject to restrictions.
Mexico has not had the strict lockdowns and closures seen elsewhere in the world, 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 travellers, although local rules are occasionally put into place that vary by region.
Mexican schoolgirl
PANAMA
Flights from the UK via Europe and the US
Entry requisites:
Full vaccination: Officially no, but in practice it is recommended for travellers over 12 (non-vaccinated travellers require a pre-arrival PCR test, plus two further tests & quarantine on arrival).
Vaccine expiry period: None stated
Pre-arrival covid test: None if vaccinated. If not a PCR within 72 hours of departure for Panama, plus a test on arrival followed by quarantine for 72 hours and a further test (from age 12)
Pre-arrival forms: Yes within 72 hours of departure.
Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover: Yes
For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Panama FCDO Travel Advice. The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.
In country restrictions:
The use of face masks may be required in some public areas and transport
Land borders with Costa Rica have reopened, with some limitations, and may be subject to restrictions.
Panama is maintaining a different approach for ‘low-’ and ‘high-risk’ countries, which are subject to change. We strongly recommend reviewing your own specific circumstances on the IATA website above prior to travel.
PERU
Flights operate from the UK via Europe, Colombia and the USA
Entry requisites:
Full vaccination: Yes (from 12 years old) due to local restrictions below. Additionally, all visitors over the age of 40 must provide proof of a booster jab.
Vaccine expiry period: None stated
Pre-arrival covid test: No test needed if fully vaccinated as stipulated above. Otherwise, a is 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
Evidence of Travel Insurance: Yes
All passengers must wear two face masks on flights bound for Peru
For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Peru FCDO Travel Advice. The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for all travellers.
In country restrictions:
The use of two face masks is required in all public areas (or one KN95) and on transport
Proof of being fully vaccinated (with booster if over 40) is required from age 12 to access indoor venues, to board transport between provinces, to travel by train and for entry to Lima airport when leaving Peru.
Peru, closed to travellers for much of the pandemic, has now reopened and visitors are returning. With strong covid-safety measures in place throughout the county, Machu Picchu and other places of interest have been welcoming guests at reduced capacity. These numbers are likely to return to their normal levels again soon.
