The COVID-19 crisis had a significant impact on global mobility through the slowdown of commercial flights. Many Latin American countries have also implemented strict entry restrictions while others prefered to close their airports, thus prohibiting international flights until further notice. Here's an update of the current situation in Latin America.
Countries where travel restrictions have been lifted
One of the most affected countries by the COVID-19 crisis, Brazil, however, implemented the least restrictive measures regarding international flights and transits. Today, anyone can enter Brazil by air. Travellers only need valid health insurance upon arrival.
Mexico hasn't even closed its borders to commercial flights. Today, its airports are still welcoming thousands of passengers every day, including Mexicans and expats. The Mexican government believes that air traffic hardly had an impact on the coronavirus spread. Hence, Mexico became a haven for visitors in transit and expatriates during the crisis. Thanks to this measure, the tourism sector in Mexico was able to withstand the crisis, although it has been affected by the global situation.
After six months of border closure, Colombia lifted its travel restrictions in different phases starting in September. International flights are now authorised. However, during the first phase, only the airports of Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Cartagena have reopened. All travellers to Colombia are required to present a negative PCR test obtained within 96 hours of departure from their home country.
Countries that are reopening gradually
In Peru, international flights have resumed since early October. Even though there are just a few flights, for the time being, the number of tourist arrivals is increasing gradually. Peru is currently welcoming small groups of visitors, coming particularly from the USA, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Argentina.
In Bolivia, commercial flights resumed in September, mainly with Spain and the USA. To be allowed to enter Bolivia, visitors are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test carried out within seven days of the flight.
Depending heavily on tourism, Cuba is being more selective. Since October 15, foreign visitors are allowed provided they have hotel bookings in beach resorts that are far from urban and populated areas, such as Cayo Coco or Cayo Largo. For the time being, foreigners are now allowed to stroll through the neighbourhoods of Havana.
Uruguay is a Latin American country where the COVID-19 impact was the least significant. It has, therefore, been included on the European Union's safe countries list. Uruguay reopened its borders and airports in October. Currently, only Uruguayan citizens, diplomats and foreign workers on special missions are allowed to enter the country. However, Tourism Minister Germán Cardoso, indicated that tourist connectivity with Europe would be restored in the coming weeks. Thanks to the low infection rate in Uruguay, its citizens are also allowed to travel to Europe. For the moment, Iberia and Air Europa are the only two airlines that are providing flights to Europe.
Countries that are keeping their borders closed
Venezuela is keeping its borders closed until further notice. Indeed, it is impossible to travel from Venezuela since March. Only humanitarian missions and repatriation flights are authorised for the time being. However, many Venezuelans are also attempting to get repatriated by land, which is making the situation more complicated.
In Paraguay, only bubble flights are allowed for the time being. Priority is being given to diplomats, business people, investors and foreign workers on special missions. However, this is being carried out under strict control as per a well-defined health protocol.
Argentina is one of the countries hardest-hit countries in Latin America, as evidenced by the strict restrictions that have been implemented and the long lockdown period. Domestic and international flights were to resume on October 15. But until the government makes a new statement, the borders remain closed to commercial flights. For now, only repatriation, humanitarian and cargo flights are allowed. The alarming sanitary situation, coupled with an unprecedented economic crisis and the closure of airports has led to an exodus of Argentines to Uruguay by land.
Chile has also imposed very strict entry restrictions. To date, few flights, being exclusively served by the Latam, Sky and Jetsmart airlines, are available with the authorisation of the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Only Chileans are being repatriated.
