Planning a trip to Latin America requires staying informed about the evolving health and entry protocols for U.S. and U.K. citizens. While many restrictions have been relaxed, specific requirements regarding vaccination proof, travel insurance, and local mask mandates remain in effect across different countries.
This guide provides a comprehensive, country-by-country breakdown of the current entry requirements and local restrictions to ensure your journey through South and Central America is safe, compliant, and stress-free. Always verify the latest updates before your departure to avoid any travel disruptions.
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.
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.
BOLIVIA
Entry requirements
Full vaccination is no longer required, though testing is required for non-vaccinated travelers. If not vaccinated, a PCR test within 72 hours of departure for Bolivia is necessary. 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.
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.
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. 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 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. 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.
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. Face masks are officially required in public areas and mandatory on public transport, including flights. Visitors (age 7+) to Fernando de Noronha must also present a negative antigen test made within 24hrs of boarding the flight to the island.
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. As of Sept 2022, visitors carrying proof of full vaccination do not need a Mobility Pass to access local services on mainland Chile. Chile will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record. A Chile arrival form must also be completed 48 hours before arriving in Chile. Travel Insurance with Covid cover is required.
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. A Mobility Pass is mandatory for Easter Island (age 6 and over). Visitors to Easter Island must also complete the FUI (single entry form) and are subject to an antigen test upon arrival.
COLOMBIA
Entry requirements
Complete vaccination is not required, but recommended. Pre-arrival covid test is not required if vaccinated; otherwise, PCR test within 72 hours, or antigen within 48 hours, of departure. Between 24 hours and 1 hour before departure, you must fill out the ‘Check-Mig’ form. Surgical masks must be used by all passengers above two years of age throughout the journey. Colombia will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record. Foreign nationals who 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.
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.
COSTA RICA
Entry requirements
Beginning April 1, 2022, the Health Pass and travel insurance policy requirements were eliminated for all individuals, meaning there are no COVID-19-related entry requirements for Costa Rica. However, authorities may restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice. A travel insurance policy is recommended to cover medical expenses and lodging in the event of COVID-19 infection.
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.
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. Travel Insurance is required with covid cover. Ecuador will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record.
Local restrictions
Galapagos: Proof of complete vaccination or a negative PCR taken within 72 hours of departure for the Galapagos. 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.
GUATEMALA
Entry requirements
From 13 August 2022, 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. They will take your temperature upon arrival at the airport.
Local restrictions
Face masks are mandatory on public transport and in medical facilities. Land borders to Belize, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico are open.
MEXICO
Entry requirements
No vaccination card or PCR test is required. Travel Insurance with Covid cover is required.
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.
PANAMA
Entry requirements
If you’re fully vaccinated, you can enter Panama without needing to test or quarantine. If you are not fully vaccinated, you require a PCR or antigen test within 72 hours of arrival in Panama (from age 12). Travel Insurance with Covid cover is required.
Local restrictions
Face masks are required in some public areas and on public transport. Land borders with Costa Rica have reopened, with some limitations.
PERU
Entry requirements
If you’re fully vaccinated, you can enter Peru without needing to test or quarantine. Passengers aged 12 and over must show evidence of complete vaccination. Those under 12 years old must be without COVID-19 symptoms but do not require a test or proof of immunization. Peru will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Anyone who shows COVID-19 symptoms on arrival in Peru must isolate by law.
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.
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
