In these uncertain times it helps to have some clarity on an ever-evolving situation. We are following FCO guidance and local travel advice, and will keep this blog regularly updated on the impact of Covid-19 in South and Central America, and the measures being taken in each country.
For those based in the UK, we work with the London Vaccination Clinic who can offer Covid-19 testing, by post or in one of their London clinics. Read on here for further details.
Argentina
Argentina endured one of the world’s longest lockdowns, but green shoots are appearing. Most properties are open for domestic tourism. borders remain closed for international tourists, but we are hopeful they will reopen in May.
Belize
Like many areas of the Caribbean, Belize has seen very few cases of Covid-19. They have re-opened the airport with commercial flights. Local properties and agencies have to meet certain strict standards in order to operate.
We have a special programme aboard a stunning private catamaran, island hopping down the barrier reef, with a couple of nights on a private island, and a private charter back to the international airport. We can easily incorporate extensions to explore the jungle, the caves and Maya ruins.
The best access to Belize is via the US or Panama.
Bolivia
All international borders are currently open. Proof of a negative PCR test is required for entry.
Brazil
International borders are open and hotels and flights continue to operate. The entry of foreign visitors traveling by air for a short stay of up to 90 days is currently permitted but beginning December 30, all travellers to Brazil by air (Brazilians and foreigners) must present 1) a negative/non reactive COVID-19 test as well as 2) proof of a completed Declaration of Traveler’s Health (DSV) to the airline responsible for the flight, before boarding.
Chile
Authorities have announced that Chile’s international borders will reopen on 23 November, 2020. Visitors will need to quarantine for 7 days, after which they will be free to travel following a negative PCR test.
Colombia
Colombia opened its borders on 12 January 2021. No quarantine is currently necessary for arrivals, but proof of a negative PCR test is required.
Following an announcement by the Colombian authorities, direct flights to/from London have been suspended. As of 22 December, you cannot enter Colombia if your journey began in the UK.
Costa Rica
Cuba
Cuba’s isolation from the rest of the world has helped it weather the pandemic.
International borders reopened on 15 November, 2020. All visitors will be required to complete a health declaration and take a free PCR test on arrival. Each traveller will await results in their hotel for up to 24hrs before beginning their journey.
Clubs will not open but music will be available again, socially distanced and outdoors. It will take more than a pandemic to stop Cubans playing music! We expect restaurants to open with limited capacity. There will be mandatory use of masks in cities, except in hotels.
Tests are widely available and results are produced in a few hours.
Ecuador & the Galapagos
As of August 25th, Ecuador has opened its borders and resumed international flights. That being said, their land borders with Peru and Colombia remain closed. Travelers are required to quarantine upon arrival for up to 14 days unless they can deliver negative COVID test results upon arrival. The cost of tests that are taken upon arrival, should a traveler not have taken one within the last 72 hours, are the responsibility of the traveler and not the Ecuadorian government. As of 4 May, the Government introduced a new phase of “social distancing” to loosen up restrictions progressively according to the situation in each canton. The system has three levels: red, amber, and green. The use of face masks is mandatory in each of Ecuador’s cantons and there are fines applies for those found in violation.
Guatemala
Guatemala started to re-open on 18 September, including borders, hotels, airports, national parks and archaeological sites. Those travelling to Guatemala must show on arrival a PCR test certificate (valid within 72hrs), and have completed a health questionnaire.
Mexico
As of 16th September, Mexico has had confirmed 676,000 cases, making it one of the hardest hit regions in Latin America. Numbers are now on the decline. Switzerland has removed its quarantine restrictions for its citizens returning from Mexico. There are currently no restrictions to enter Mexico, nor testing on arrival or negative Covid certificate required. Temperatures will be taken for new arrivals and accommodation details required for tracing purposes.
Demand is rising for Christmas and New Year – particularly in private villas. British Airways will resume flights to Cancun in October and AeroMexico is already flying to Mexico City.
While official and independent reports on the pandemic have differed somewhat, infection rates here have been far lower than in the US or in Europe. Nicaragua peaked in June, and has been on a downward curve since.
Borders and airports are open. Land borders remain closed. A PCR test is required for entry. Charter flights are operating. Commercial flights from the US (American, United, Delta).
There has been no official lockdown in Nicaragua, so movement is uninhibited. Some of the population, though not all, operate with standard Covid-19 precautions – face masks, hand-washing, social distancing.
Most of our favourite properties are operational, including Tribal Hotel, El Coyol, Morgan’s Rock, Totoco Ecolodge. Jicaro Island Lodge is re-opening in December.
Depending on when the UK and US relax their quarantine laws, we are hopeful that Nicaragua might be an option from June or July.
Panama
Panama is preparing for a gradual re-opening, with retail, restaurants and domestic flights to resume activities on 28 September. International flights into Panama will resume from 12 October, along with hotels and tourism. Visitors’ temperatures will be taken on arrival to Panama and negative PCR tests will be required for entry.
Peru
As of January 4, 2021, all travellers arriving to Peru must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. This quarantine is mandatory for all foreigners, nationals or residents who enter Peru.
Guatemala
Guatemala started to re-open on 18 September, including borders, hotels, airports, national parks and archaeological sites. Those travelling to Guatemala must show on arrival a PCR test certificate (valid within 72hrs), and have completed a health questionnaire.
Belize
Like many areas of the Caribbean, Belize has seen very few cases of Covid-19. They have re-opened the airport with commercial flights. Local properties and agencies have to meet certain strict standards in order to operate.
We have a special programme aboard a stunning private catamaran, island hopping down the barrier reef, with a couple of nights on a private island, and a private charter back to the international airport. We can easily incorporate extensions to explore the jungle, the caves and Maya ruins.
The best access to Belize is via the US or Panama.
Uruguay
Uruguay reacted quickly with a closure of all borders and strictly-upheld social distancing measures, resulting in lower infection numbers and a strong recovery. Offices and shops are open for business and schools have resumed in full.
International borders remain closed, other than for a few exceptions. Those granted special access will be required to complete an online health declaration and to show a negative PCR test on arrival. Quarantine is required for 7 days and a further Covid test on the 5th day in Uruguay. Face coverings will be required in restaurants, supermarkets and other busy areas.
It is a challenging time for everyone, and we endeavour to be supportive of the needs of our clients about to travel, and those considering booking a future trip. We will continue to provide updates via this blog so we can keep you informed as best we can, until Latin America is safely back on its feet. If you have any questions, please send a message to your travel designer or travel@plansouthamerica.com, the team are on hand to help. Check our blog and social media for future travel inspiration – we could all do with something to look forward to!
