Planning a trip to Central and South America in the current climate requires careful preparation and up-to-date information. As travel regulations and entry requirements across Latin American countries continue to evolve, staying informed is essential for a smooth and safe journey.
This guide provides a comprehensive summary of the latest Covid-19 travel protocols, including vaccination mandates, testing requirements, and local restrictions for key destinations. We recommend reviewing official embassy guidelines and travel insurance policies to ensure you are fully prepared for your upcoming adventure.
The world is now a somewhat confusing place to be 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. 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.
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.
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.
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’.
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.
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.
In country restrictions
Visitors must register and update their hotel addresses using the Bolivia accommodation report online form as they travel within the country. 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.
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.
In country restrictions
Proof of vaccination (from age 12) is generally being asked for to enter hospitality venues and visitor attractions across the country. Proof of a booster is also being required of older age groups for entry to venues across Brazil. The use of face masks is officially required in public areas and mandatory on public transport. 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
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).
Pre-arrival forms: Yes. Visitors must register their vaccination details with the Chilean authorities prior to travel. A Chile arrival form must also be completed 48 hours before starting trip.
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.
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. Chile has reopened to visitors arriving via Santiago airport. Several land borders are expected to reopen by early 2022.
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.
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.
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 is required in public areas and on transport.
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.
In country restrictions
Proof of being fully vaccinated is required to access many hotels, restaurants and activities throughout Costa Rica (excluding children under 12). 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.
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.
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.
In country restrictions
Galapagos: Proof of full vaccination or a negative PCR taken within 72 hours of departure for the Galapagos (from age 3). 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).
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.
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.
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.
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 been one of the least restrictive countries for travellers, although local rules are occasionally put into place that vary by region.
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.
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.
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. Panama is maintaining a different approach for ‘low-’ and ‘high-risk’ countries.
PERU
Flights operate from the UK via Europe, Colombia and the USA
Entry requisites
Full vaccination: Yes (from 12 years old). 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. Otherwise, a PCR test is required within 48 hours of departure for Peru (from age 12).
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.
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. Machu Picchu and other places of interest have been welcoming guests at reduced capacity.
