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Published: 22-06-2022
The rules for each destination in Latin America continue to evolve, so will have more than likely changed by the time you decide to travel. We will be constantly updating the changes as they occur. At a time when mandatory mask use has been dropped in the U.S and in the U.K, certain Latin American destinations still have obligatory protocols for entrance into and transit round the country. The restrictions in a lot of countries while still in place are less likely to be enforced, however to avoid any issues while traveling, thes are the laws in each destination.
Covid 19 South America
Alpacas in Bolivia
ARGENTINA
Entry requirements
All travellers must fill in an electronic ‘sworn statement’ form within 48 hours of travelling informing about their vaccination status and declaring that they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms. If you are an Argentine national or a resident of Argentina, and you are entering the country by land for less than 24 hours, you are exempt from this requirement.
Vaccination is no longer required (as of 7th of April 2022).
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 travellers 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 travellers arriving from all countries.
Local restrictions
Rules on face coverings have been relaxed. However they are required on internal flights as well as some 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 required for all non-vaccinated travellers within 72 hours. 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 on arrival at land borders.
Travel Insurance with Covid cover is a requirement for all travellers and a mandatory Belize Travel Insurance must be purchased for $18 US, prior to arrival.
Fully vaccinated visitors no longer require a negative COVID test but must show proof of immunisation for entry at Belize’s airport, land borders or sea ports.
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 immunisation / full vaccination.
Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres 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 both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ below). The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.
Local restrictions
Whilst face masks are generally no longer required indoors, private establishments may still request 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 ensuring safe travels for visitors. Travellers must use ‘Gold Standard’ (Belize government covid-secure approved) hotels, excursions and services, within a designated ‘travel corridor’.
The Blue Hole, Belize
BOLIVIA
Entry requirements
A full vaccination card is required due to local restrictions and to avoid further testing/quarantine on arrival.
A Pre-arrival negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure for Bolivia is also required.
You need to complete a pre-arrival form and present it on arrival. A Bolivian accommodation form must also be completed prior 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 at least 14 days prior to travel. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.
You should make sure the UK COVID Pass is accessible to you in both digital and paper formats when entering the country.
If you are flying via another country, additional requirements are likely for both your outbound and return flights. The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for travellers 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 travellers 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, as well as 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
Full vaccination card is required over the age of 12, if you enter by air, 5 if entering Brazil by land.
You do not need to produce a negative PCR if vaccinated.
A pre-arrival form is required within 24 hours of departure
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 the 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 travelling to Brazil, will need to present a vaccination certificate to the airline before boarding 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 programme.
To qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller to Brazil, your final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to 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 vaccination:
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 traveller’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 travelling to Brazil by air, you’ll need to show proof of a negative PCR test or a 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 travellers – including for some children travelling 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 both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ below). The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for travellers 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 being required for entrance to venues across Brazil, for those over 40.
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 and is 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 once 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.
Rio de Janeiro Beach
CHILE
Entry requirements
A full vaccination card is required from over the age of 6.
A negative PCR within 72 hours of boarding the final flight for Chile is also required.
Random PCR or antigen tests are carried out upon on arrival at Santiago airport. Entry will be denied and/or quarantine required, if the result is positive.
A Pre-arrival form is required and visitors must register their vaccination details with the Chilean authorities prior to travel to obtain a ‘mobility pass’ which can take up to one month to process. We advise you to get a mobility pass regardless of Chile’s alert level.
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 centres 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 demonstrate 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 both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ below). The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for travellers 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 as well as being required to enter the country.
Easter Island will re-open on22nd Of August with 3 flights per week.
Chile has reopened to visitors arriving via Santiago airport. All land borders are expected to re-open in May 2022. As approval for travel can take some time, we recommend planning your trip at least 6 weeks in advance.
COLOMBIA
Entry requirements
Full 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 2 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 at least 14 days prior to travel. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres 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 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 prior to boarding.
Colombia has reopened all land, sea and river borders. Neighbouring countries may still implement their own 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 both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ below). The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.
Local restrictions
Proof of being fully vaccinated is currently required to enter most restaurants, bars, museums and National Parks throughout Colombia for over 12-year-olds.
Social distancing and the use of face masks 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.
Colombia
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, as of 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 both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ below). The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.
Local restrictions
Since 1 April 2022, proof of being fully 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 been receiving 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 full vaccination card is required, due to local restrictions
A negative PCR test is not required for vaccinated travellers. Unvaccinated visitors must take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to 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 on line for each person.
Travel Insurance is required with covid cover.
Travellers over 3 can present proof that they have been fully vaccinated to enter Ecuador. Alternatively, they can show a negative laboratory PCR test result, taken up to 72 hours prior to boarding the flight.
Airline crew members and children under 3 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 centres 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 prior to boarding your flight, in order to enter Ecuador.
Airline crew members and children under 3 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).
You can use the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record to demonstrate proof of COVID-19 recovery when entering 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 both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ below). The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.
Local restrictions
Galapagos: Proof of full vaccination or a negative PCR taken within 72 hours of departure for the Galapagos. 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 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, as well as everyone on the mainland working in tourism, were vaccinated as an initial priority.
Downtown Quito
GUATEMALA
Entry requirements
A full vaccination card is required to avoid testing on arrival
Non-vaccinated travellers must take a PCR within 72 hours of departure for Guatemala, over 10 years old.
Travel Insurance with Covid cover is required
You must keep to the social distancing rules and wear a mask at all times in all public spaces, including at the airport.
Guatemala 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 at least 14 days prior to travel. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.
Testing/screening on arrival
You should comply with any additional screening or testing measures put in place by the authorities.
If you are flying via another country, additional requirements are likely for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ below). The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.
Local 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 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 is 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 travellers arriving from all countries.
Local restrictions
The use of face masks is required in some public areas and on public 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 enforced.
Mexico City Market
PANAMA
Entry requirements
Panama classifies travellers 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 programme (see proof of vaccination status) and must complete the traveller 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.
Full vaccination: No (although non-vaccinated travellers 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 at least 14 days prior to travel. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres 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 both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ below). The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.
Local restrictions
The use of face masks is 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 the biodiverse and beautiful country of Panama.
PERU
Entry requirements
A Full vaccination card is required due to local restrictions.
A negative PCR test is not required if fully vaccinated. Otherwise, a PCR test is required within 48 hours of departure for Peru or local travel will be restricted.
A pre-arrival form from the Peruvian Immigration should be completed within 72 hours of departure.
Travel Insurance with covid cover is required.
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 full 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 vaccination. Adults who reside 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 and that issued in the Crown Dependencies. Although digital proof is accepted, you should also take a hard copy. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres 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 both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ below). The IATA Travel Centre provides comprehensive information for all travellers.
Local restrictions
The use of two face masks is required in all public areas (or one KN95) and on local transport.
Lima and a few other regions no longer require obligatory use of face masks
A full vaccination card is required to access indoor venues, to board transport between provinces, to travel by train and for entry to Lima airport when leaving Peru.
Peru, due to its strong covid-safety measures in place throughout the county, is once more open and Machu Picchu and other places of interest have been welcoming guests at a reduced capacity. These numbers are likely to return to their normal levels again soon
Our Flexible Booking Policy allows you to make long term plans with complete confidence, whilst 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.
Machu Picchu
TRANSIT
If you are flying via another country, such as changing planes in Europe, Latin America or the US, additional requirements are likely for both 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 travellers worldwide
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/travelinformation.php
Travel restrictions to any of the above-mentioned countries prior to travel as travel restrictions are always subject to change!
Air Travel
Safe and happy travels!
