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Where can I travel in Latin America? A guide to travel restrictions by countries
Travelers wait with bated breath as countries are gradually opening up again. Many of us can’t wait to scratch that travel itch in a world where it’s safe again for vacations and business trips. Hopping on a short flight to a neighboring country is no longer as easy as it once was. While necessary, the ever-changing COVID-19 regulations and rules are a confusing maze to get through. Having said that, there are still places you can visit right now. In this Pacific Prime Latin America article, we’ll give you the low-down of travel restrictions by countries in Latin America.
Latin American countries that are opened to travelers
See below for a list of Latin American countries, whether they are currently open to travelers, and their travel restrictions by countries as of June 2021.
Some countries place strict requirements on travelers coming from variant virus hotspots, including the UK, Brazil, and South Africa. In addition, people from neighboring countries may also be restricted. Remember to check with your own country for their travel advisory beforehand.
Travel restrictions by countries in Latin America
| Requirements | Travel status | A negative PCR test result pre-departure | A negative PCR test on arrival | Proof of having received two full doses of COVID-19 vaccines | Other requirement(s) |
| Argentina | Flights are limited to domestic essential travel. | Yes – within 72 hours prior to departure OR a doctor’s note issued within 48-hours of arrival documenting that you have no COVID-19 symptoms. | Yes – at the hotel or airport. | Yes | Health insurance is needed if you are neither a resident nor a citizen. |
| Belize | Borders are open to air access, but land borders are still closed. If you’re coming from the UK, only indirect flights are accepted. | Yes – within 72 hours prior to departure. | No | Optional. If you can provide proof, you will be exempted from any COVID-19 testing on arrival. | Travelers may visit the country using ‘Gold Standards’ (COVID-19-secured) hotels, excursions, and services within a designated ‘travel corridor’. |
| Bolivia | Bolivia has started to re-open. | Yes – within 72 hours prior to departure. | No | No | A 10-day quarantine is required upon arrival. If you are coming from Europe, you must complete a 14-day quarantine.
You must possess health insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment. |
| Brazil | Borders are open. However, entry is not permitted for travelers who have visited the UK within 14 days. | Yes – within 72 hours prior to departure. | No | No | N/A |
| Chile | Borders are open for essential travels. Travelers who have visited the UK within 14 days are barred from entry. | Yes – within 72 hours prior to departure | Yes – at hotel | No | A 10-day quarantine is mandatory for those coming from non-UK countries.
You must possess either local or international health insurance with COVID-19 coverage of more than USD $30,000. You will need to show proof of insurance if you are neither a citizen nor a resident. Insurance cards alone are not acceptable proof. |
| Columbia | Borders are re-open. | Yes – within 96 hours prior to departure. | No | No | Travelers who refuse to take the COVID-19 test or display COVID-19 symptoms are required to self-quarantine at home for at least 14 days. |
| Costa Rica | Borders are open to international arrivals. | No | No | No | Complete an online health assessment.
Possess travel insurance that provides cover for any COVID-19-related medical issues or quarantine costs. |
| Cuba | Borders are open to a small number of charter flights only. Regional touring is now possible. | Yes – 72 hours prior to departure. | Yes – within 48 hour of staying at the hotel. | No | N/A |
| Ecuador and Galápagos* | Borders to both are re-open. | Yes – 72 hours prior to departure (for Ecuador) OR a certificate of complete vaccination against COVID-19. | No | Yes, OR a PCR test 72 hours prior to departure (for Ecuador). | *Travelers to the Galápagos Islands must receive a negative PCR result 96 hours prior to departure. |
| El Salvador | Borders are open, but flights remain limited.
Entry is not permitted for travelers who have visited the UK within 30 days. |
Yes – 72 hours prior to departure. | No | No | N/A |
| The Falkland Islands | Only military flights from the UK are entering the islands. Access routes by air and cruise via Latin America are currently suspended. | No | No | No | A 14-day quarantine is required upon arrival. |
| Guatemala | International flights have resumed and some land borders have reopened.
Entry is not permitted for travelers who have visited the UK within 14 days. |
Yes – 72 hours prior to arrival OR proof of full vaccination 15 days before departure. | No | Yes, or a negative PCR test result 72 hours prior to arrival. | N/A |
| Guyana | Borders are open for international flights. | Yes – 72 hours prior to arrival. | No | No | Complete an online ‘Passenger Locator Form’ at least 24 hours before the flight and upload proof of a negative PCR test result. |
| Honduras | Borders are open. | Yes – 72 hours prior to arrival. | Maybe | No | A 14-day quarantine is required upon arrival. |
| Mexico | Borders are open for international air travels. However, some land borders remain closed. | No | No | No | N/A |
| Nicaragua | Land borders are open, and international travels began receiving arrivals in September 2020. | Yes – 72 hours prior to arrival | No | No | N/A |
| Panama | Borders are open.
Entry is not permitted for travelers who have visited the UK within 20 days. |
Yes – 48 hours prior to arrival | Yes | No, BUT travelers with digital vaccine certificates proving they have been fully vaccinated 2 weeks prior to their arrival and a negative COVID-test result will be exempt from further testing at the airport. | N/A |
| Paraguay | Borders are open to essential travels. | Yes – 72 hours prior to arrival. | No | No | Travelers from countries without MERCOSUR membership or association must provide proof of international health insurance.
Travelers arriving from Brazil must self-quarantine for 7 days upon arrival. Those without a COVID-19 test are required to quarantine for up to 10 days. |
| Peru | Borders are reopened. | Yes – 72 hours prior to departure. | No, but an antigen test is required upon arrival either at the hotel or airport. | No | A 14-day quarantine is required unless you have a negative antigen test result upon arrival. |
| Uruguay | Borders are closed unless you are a legal resident or have special authorization from the government to enter. | Yes | Yes – on the 7th day. | N/A | Present an affidavit confirming that you have no COVID-19 symptoms and have not been in contact with any suspected/confirmed cases 14 days prior to departure.
Suitable travel insurance, including medical cover for COVID-19 is required.
A 7-day quarantine is mandatory for non-vaccinated travelers unless you show a positive result for the COVID-19 test, in which case it will be extended to 14 days. |
| Venezuela | Borders are open for essential travels. | Yes – within 48 hours prior to departure | Yes | No | No 14-day quarantine required unless travelers show a positive result on the COVID-19 test. |
Note: Keep in mind that the travel restrictions by countries are subject to change as the COVID-19 situation changes and the government adds or removes their safety measures. On top of that, pay attention to regional restrictions.
Travel with confidence
Put your health first in these trying times. While not all countries in Latin America require health insurance, securing travel insurance is the best decision you can make for yourself. A policy with COVID-19 coverage gives you peace of mind. Travel with the knowledge that you won’t have to pay out of pocket for expensive treatments or repatriation in case the unfortunate happens. Here’s our guide for choosing travel insurance in the COVID-19 era.
Alternatively, secure global access to the best treatments and hospitals with international health insurance. Get a free quote now with our online quotation tool! For personalized advice and a free plan comparison, contact our team of insurance advisors today!
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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