Travel Hub

Last updated 11 Aug 2023

The rules surrounding travel after the COVID-19 pandemic are a lot more relaxed nowadays. As life gradually returns to normal and our clients enjoy holidays all over Latin America once again, here at Journey Latin America we continue to monitor developments in all our destinations.

This is our overview of the current situation. Do bear in mind rules and requirements could change by the time you begin your trip. We keep this information under review, so please check back for updated news, and we strongly recommend you check the FCDO advice for each country you plan to visit or transit to ensure you have the most up to date official guidelines.

We strongly advise travelling with printed proof of full vaccination* against COVID-19. Even where this is not a requirement for entry to a country, it may occasionally be asked for locally to access certain services, including some cruises and even the odd museum or restaurant. If you are not fully vaccinated, we cannot guarantee local restrictions won’t impact your holiday. It is also advisable to carry printed details of your travel insurance cover, especially for your arrival.

* Vaccination status is generally based on the most recent dose being received at least 14-days prior.

Although rules on face masks have been widely relaxed, they can still be required in certain settings such as public transport and healthcare. We advise you to take some with you (FFP type recommended) and carry one when you’re out and about.

Regulations continue to evolve, particularly for the non-vaccinated, and changes are possible between time of booking and travel. 

Contents:

Transit

If you are flying via another country, such as changing planes in Europe, Latin America or the US, there may be additional requirements for both your outbound and return flights.

See the IATA Travel Centre for details of current transit rules.

Antarctica

There is no direct access from the UK. Travel is usually via Argentina, Chile or the Falkland Islands.

Entry requirements:

• See the relevant country of departure to Antarctica, below.

Local restrictions (further details on request):

• Your Antarctica operator may require you to be fully vaccinated to board.
• Antarctica operators can require travellers to undergo mandatory local testing prior to boarding the ship as well as during the cruise.

For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the relevant country of arrival’s FCDO Travel Advice and the IATA Travel Centre which provides comprehensive information for travellers worldwide.

Argentina

Direct flights operate from the UK with British Airways, or via Europe

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination: No
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival covid test:  Not required
• Pre-arrival forms:  No
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check the requirements for both outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).
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.

Belize

Flights operate from the UK via the USA and Central America

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination:  No
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival test:  Not required.
• Pre-arrival forms:  No
• Travel Insurance with Covid cover: Yes.  Additionally travellers have the option to purchase, local Belize Travel Insurance ($18).

If you are flying via another country, check the requirements for both outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  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.

Bolivia

Flights from the UK via Europe or South America

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination:  No longer required (though testing required for non-vaccinated)
• Vaccine expiry period: None stated
• Pre-arrival covid test:  If not vaccinated, PCR within 72 hours of departure for Bolivia (from age 5)
• Pre-arrival forms:  “Formulario 250” customs declaration should be filled in and presented on both arrival and departure from Bolivia, or onward travel may be refused. While this is usually not checked on departure, we recommend having it ready before you reach the borders in case you are asked.
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check the requirements for both outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  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.

Local restrictions:

• Masks are required on public transport and domestic flights.
• We recommend you carry printed versions of any digital certificates as a precaution.

Brazil

Direct flights operate from the UK with British Airways, or via Europe

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination:  No
• Vaccine expiry period: None stated
• Pre-arrival covid test:  Not required
• Pre-arrival forms:  No
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check the requirements for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  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.

CHILE

Direct flights operate from the UK with British Airways, or via Europe

Entry requirements (for Easter Island, also see Local Restrictions):

• Full vaccination: No
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival covid test:  Not required
• Pre-arrival forms:  No
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check the requirements of the country you are transiting (see ‘transit’ above).  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.

Local restrictions:

• Visitors to Easter Island must complete the FUI (single entry form)
• Visitors to Easter Island are subject to health monitoring during their visit.

Colombia

Direct flights from the UK with Avianca, or via Europe

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination:  No
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival covid test:  None required
• Pre-arrival forms:  Yes, you must complete the CheckMig form (click here).  This must be completed within the 72 hours before you arrive in Colombia and before boarding your flight
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check the requirements for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  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.

Local restrictions:

• Face coverings are recommended by local authorities for air passengers over 60 or those with preexisting conditions.

Costa Rica

Direct flights from the UK with British Airways, or via the US or Europe

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination:  No
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival covid test:  None required
• Pre-arrival forms:  No
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check the requirements for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  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.

Cuba

Schedules direct flights from the UK have not yet resumed, so access is currently via Europe

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination: No
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival covid test: Not required
• Pre-arrival forms: Yes, a completed digital Health Declaration (D’Viajeros Cuba Sanitary & Customs Declaration form) should be completed within 72 hours prior to travel.  Once completed, a PDF with a QR code will be emailed to you, to present on arrival in Cuba.
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check the requirements for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Cuba FCDO Travel Advice.  The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.

Local restrictions:

• Travellers remain subject to random testing at points of entry.

Ecuador and Galápagos

Flights from the UK via Europe or South America

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination:  Not required, but see local restrictions below.
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival covid test:  Not required
• Pre-arrival forms:  No longer required, unless showing symptoms of Covid 19 (in which case a digital Ecuador Health Declaration must be completed on line before checking in for your flight). Also see links below
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check the requirements for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  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.

Local restrictions:

• Proof of full vaccination (or a negative PCR test) may be requested to access some services once inside Ecuador, for example Galapagos and Amazon cruise vessels.

El Salvador

Flights from the UK via Europe and the US

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination:  No (although local restrictions may apply to non-vaccinated travellers – see below)
• Vaccine expiry period: None stated
• Pre-arrival covid test:  No
• Pre-arrival forms: No (also see links below)
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check the requirements for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the El Salvador FCDO Travel Advice.  The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.

Local restrictions:

• We advise travelling with proof of full vaccination, as local restrictions are subject to change without notice
• Evidence of full vaccination status may be  required to visit some archaeological sites and museums.

 

The Falkland Islands

Commercial flights operate from Santiago de Chile.

Entry requirements (for holders of a UK Passport):

• Full vaccination:  No
• Pre-arrival covid test:  No
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check the requirements for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Falkland Islands FCDO Travel Advice.  The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.

 

French Guiana

Flights from the UK via Europe or via Guyana

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination:  No
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival covid test: No
• Pre-arrival forms: No (also see links below)
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check the requirements for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the French Guiana FCDO Travel Advice.  The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.

Guatemala

Flights from the UK via Europe and the US

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination:  No
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival covid test:  No
• Pre-arrival forms: No (also see links below)
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, additional requirements are likely for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  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.

Local restrictions:

• Face masks are mandatory on public transport and in medical facilities.

Guyana

Direct flights from the UK as well as via Europe, the Caribbean or Central & South America

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination:  No
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival covid test:  Not required
• Pre-arrival forms: No (also see links below)
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check the requirements for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Guyana FCDO Travel Advice.  The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.

Local restrictions:

• The use of face masks is not mandatory but it is encouraged in public spaces.

Honduras

Flights from the UK via Europe and the US

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination:  No
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival covid test:  Not required.
• Pre-arrival forms: Yes – all travellers entering or exiting must complete the Honduras immigration pre-check form (also see links below)
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check the requirements for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Honduras FCDO Travel Advice.  The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.

Local restrictions:

• The use of face masks is mandatory in some settings including airports, public transport and health facilities.

Mexico

Direct flights from the UK

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination:  No
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival covid test:  No
• Pre-arrival forms: No. Also check the links below.
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check the requirements for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  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.

 

Nicaragua

Flights from the UK via Europe, Central America and the US

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination:  No
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival covid test:  Not required
• Pre-arrival forms: No
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check the requirements for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Nicaragua FCDO Travel Advice.  The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.

 

Panama

Flights from the UK via Europe and the US

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination:  No
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival covid test:  Not required
• Pre-arrival forms:  None needed
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check the requirements for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  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.

Local restrictions:

• The use of face masks is required in health settings and on public transport
• Some venues may request proof of vaccination for entry.

Paraguay

Flights operate from the UK via Europe and Latin America

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination: No
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival covid test:  Not required
• Pre-arrival forms: No
• Evidence of Travel Insurance:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check requirements for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Paraguay FCDO Travel Advice.  The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for all travellers.

 

Peru

Flights operate from the UK via Europe, Colombia and the USA

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination:  No
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival covid test:  Not required
• Pre-arrival forms:  No
• Evidence of Travel Insurance:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check requirements for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  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.

Suriname

Flights from the UK via Europe, the US or via Guyana

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination:  No
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival covid test:  Not required if fully vaccinated.  If not vaccinated, a PCR within 48 hours or antigen within 24 hours of departure for Suriname (from age 12)
• Pre-arrival forms: No (also see links below)
• Evidence of Travel Insurance with Covid cover:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, check requirements for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Suriname FCDO Travel Advice.  The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information for travellers arriving from all countries.

Local restrictions:

• The use of face masks may be required in some public areas and enclosed spaces.
• Border crossings between Guyana and French Guiana may be restricted without notice.

Uruguay

Flights operate from the UK via Spain and Latin America

Entry requirements:

• Full vaccination: No
• Vaccine expiry period: N/A
• Pre-arrival covid test:  Not required
• Pre-arrival forms:  No
• Evidence of Travel Insurance:  Yes

If you are flying via another country, additional requirements are likely for both your outbound and return flights (see ‘transit’ above).  For full details of current entry requirements and relevant links to documentation from the UK, see the Uruguay FCDO Travel Advice.  The IATA Travel Centre also provides comprehensive information on entry rules for all travellers.

The above information is subject to change without notice.

 

Other useful resources:

IATA Travel Centre – World Map

Sherpa – travel rules map