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New travel restrictions, including tougher entry requirements, have come into effect all across Latin America this week, that will greatly impact travelers in the area.
As Europe saw tough lockdowns and closures throughout the end of 2020, many travelers looked towards Central and South America for their next destinations, as most countries were in the process of removing restrictions, making entry a breeze.
Now as we begin 2021, a concerning new trend is sweeping Latin America bringing new quarantine and testing requirement, curfews and other travel restrictions that tourists need to know about.
Chile
After being closed for over 8 months, Chile finally reopened for tourism on November 23, 2020, allowing tourists from all countries to visit as long as they brought a 72-hour negative PCR test with them. However, due to fears over the new virus strains, Chile dramatically changed entry requirements for all arrivals.
Now, as of January 1, 2021, all passengers arriving into Chile must quarantine for 10 days, on top of the 72-hour PCR testing requirement.
A strict 10-day quarantine is a major deterrent for any tourists entering the country and couldn’t come at a worse time for locals employed in the tourism industry. Just as tourism operators were reopening their doors and spending money to retrofit their establishments to meet health and safety standards, the 10-day quarantine came into effect.
In order to keep Chile on the radar for some travelers, the government is allowing passengers to ‘test out’ of quarantine on the 7th day with a PCR test. But since the PCR test can only be performed on Day 7, and waiting for negative results is required, in reality it will only allow travelers to leave quarantine 1-2 days early, not to mention with extra costs incurred.
Peru
Chile wasn’t the only country this week to implement harsh quarantine rules.
Starting on January 4, 2021, the government of Peru will be reinstating the blanket 14-day quarantine for all passengers entering the country.
Peru just reopened for tourism on October 5, 2020, which gave the nation only three months of tourism recovery until these new restrictions come into play.
Travelers still need to fulfill the testing requirement which demands a PCR test be taken, with negative results available, within 72 hours of departure from the first embarkation point into the country. Without proof of these negative results, the passenger will not be able to board their flight into Peru.
The new quarantine and testing restrictions will essentially shut down Peru’s already crippled tourism industry once again.
Brazil
Brazil, a country that had been open with virtually no restrictions since July 29, 2020, is now demanding a negative PCR test from all arrivals.
The new testing rule started on Wednesday and requires all passengers, whether citizens or foreign tourists, to show proof of a negative PCR test, taken no longer than 72 hours before departure of the inbound flight.
While the addition of the PCR test came as a surprise, no changes have yet been made within Brazil that might affect travelers.
Currently, Brazil has no mandated curfews, inter-regional travel is still permitted, retailers and restaurants are open, and hotels are accepting guests. Some cities and regions have varying rules and regulations, but in large the country has relaxed many of their mandated restrictions. However, with tightening rules at the border, regional measures might be next.
Cuba
On January 1st, Cuba’s new testing rules came into effect.
All travelers must now present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no older than 72 hours before traveling to Cuba
Travelers will also be tested again upon arrival in Cuba. Tourists not staying in resorts will be asked to self-isolate in their accommodation until a negative test result is received.
Previous to the change Cuba was only testing passengers upon arrival, but since fully reopening in October, Cuba saw a doubling in the daily cases throughout December, prompting the government to make changes to the entry requirements.
Dominican Republic
While the Dominican Republic is still open to all tourists with no testing or quarantines, new regulations and rules are happening inside the country that might affect visitors.
From January 1 until January 10, the DR will see additional hours on the nationwide curfew, as well as increased restrictions and closures.
- Consumption in bars, restaurants, and other drinking establishments is prohibited
- Open air public spaces, including sports locations, are closed
- All public religious activities are suspended
- Curfew will change from 9pm – 5am Monday to Friday to: 5pm to 5am
- Curfew will change from 7pm – 5am Saturday to Sunday to: 12pm noon to 5am
While the restrictions are only set to last until January 10, further rules could be implemented or extended if the epidemiological situation doesn’t improve.
News of restrictions sweeping across Latin America has travelers worried about which countries might be next.
Countries like Costa Rica are all still wide open, but whispers of looming lockdowns have tourists concerned about future travel plans.
For now, tourists can still enter these Latin American nations with no testing and no quarantines:
At the time of publishing this article on January 3, 2021, Colombia still showed on the list of no tests/quarantines but the nation has just re-added its PCR testing requirement for all passengers.
Read More: see which companies offer travel health insurance that covers covid, a complete country-by-country list of covid-related entry requirements and the top places to visit during the pandemic.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Bryan
Monday 4th of January 2021
@Liberty you spoke too soon! Colombia has once again caved into the plandemic and is requiring useless PCR tests up to 96 hours in advance. This is nothing more than showcasing and virtue signaling, as it does absolutely nothing to spot the spread of Covid.
Ernesto Méndez Chiari
Sunday 3rd of January 2021
Hi! Panama is on the same boat as the DR!
Liberty
Sunday 3rd of January 2021
Mexico has been the smartest one throughout the plandemic. CR, DR and Colombia figured it out too. And they deserve all the money and reputation they are gaining. I know I personally am only supporting countries that don't require these foolish "tests" and "quarantines." Two travels in 2020 and hopefully many more in 2021 to open, sane countries!