Aug 12, 2020
|Last updated on October 21st, 2020 at 10:01 am
Coronavirus Travel Restrictions for South America by Country
Updated August 12th, 2020
The situation with travel throughout the world is in a state of flux due to the coronavirus pandemic. As a specialist in travel to South America, we’re closely monitoring developments in this part of the world. Changes are taking place all the time, and there are exceptions to the below, for example, repatriation flights. In compiling this overview, we’ve used sources that include IATA, AS/COA, Embassy websites, and the US State Department of Travel.
Additionally, we have operations offices in South America and our teams there keep us updated. At present, the two countries which travelers can realistically visit are Ecuador and Brazil. Ecuador in particular has taken steps to ensure the safety of travelers. Some countries are more advanced than others in planning for the return of foreign tourists, as more information becomes available, we’ll update this information.
Argentina
Border restrictions:
- Travelers are not allowed to enter.
- Flights to Argentina are suspended until August 16th, 2020.
Within country travel restrictions:
- Travelers can only travel around the country for 24 hours before the departure of an international flight.
- An email must be sent to the embassy sixty hours before departure with information about the vehicle, hotel reservations, driver’s DNI, and more.
Quarantine:
- Any residents or citizens of Argentina are subject to quarantine for 14 days upon entering the country.
- As of July 20th, some non-essential businesses have been allowed to reopen and outdoor exercise is permitted.
US State Department advice:
Level 4 – do not travel
Brazil
Border restrictions:
- Travelers can now enter Brazil via air but not all international airports are open.
- Travelers cannot enter via land or sea unless for transit until August 28th.
- Travelers must have valid health insurance covering the duration of their stay.
Within country travel restrictions:
- No restrictions for travelers.
Quarantine:
- There are no quarantines mandated.
US State Department advice:
Level 4 – do not travel
Peru
Border restrictions:
- Travelers are not allowed to enter Peru until August 31st.
Within country travel restrictions:
- Travel by nationals can be done by air or land except but there are provinces or parts of provinces where travel is still prohibited.
Quarantine:
- Any national entering Peru must quarantine upon entering for 14 days.
US State Department advice:
Level 4 – do not travel
Guyana
Border restrictions:
- Travelers are not allowed to enter until August 15th.
Within country travel restrictions:
- There are curfews in place in some regions.
- Public transportation can operate at 75% of passenger capacity.
Quarantine:
- The Ministry of Health can forcibly quarantine anyone who tests positive.
- Nationals who enter the country are asked to self-quarantine for 7 days after arrival.
US State Department advice:
Level 4 – do not travel
Colombia
Border restrictions:
- No international flights until August 31st. No transit is allowed.
Within country travel restrictions:
- Domestic travel is restricted due to quarantine.
Quarantine:
- Nationals must quarantine until the end of August except for smaller municipalities.
US State Department advice:
Level 4 – do not travel
Ecuador
Border restrictions:
- Travelers must have a negative COVID test within the last 7 days of arriving in Ecuador.
Within country travel restrictions:
- Galapagos Islands are open.
- There are curfew and travel restrictions and you must have Mobilization Authorization form and it is recommended to have a confirmed travel itinerary.
Quarantine:
- There is a 14-day quarantine upon entering Ecuador but tourists are currently exempt.
US State Department advice:
Level 3 – reconsider travel
Bolivia
Border restrictions:
- Borders are closed except for repatriation.
Within country travel restrictions:
- Domestic travel is restricted.
Quarantine:
- National quarantine until Aug 31st.
US State Department advice:
Level 4 – do not travel
Uruguay
Border restrictions:
- Borders are closed for travelers.
Within country travel restrictions:
- No known restrictions.
Quarantine:
- Upon arrival, nationals must quarantine for 14 days.
- Nationals 65 or older must self-quarantine.
US State Department advice:
Level 3 – reconsider travel
Paraguay
Border restrictions:
- Border closed indefinitely. Foreign nationals can exit via land.
Within country travel restrictions:
- Up to 4 people can travel in a car or SUV and 2 by motorcycle.
- There are curfews in place which restrict travel.
Quarantine:
- Province of Alto Parana (Ciudad del Este) is under mandatory quarantine.
US State Department advice:
Level 3 – reconsider travel
Chile
Border restrictions:
- Borders are closed.
Within country travel restrictions:
- Curfews and specific steps are varied by province.
Quarantine:
- Nationals returning to Chile must do a 14-day quarantine.
- Some provinces are under quarantine.
US State Department advice:
Level 3 – reconsider travel
Suriname
US State Department advice:
Level 3 – reconsider travel
Venezuela
While we do not currently recommend travel to Venezuela due to the political situation, we’re aware of the following:
US State Department advice:
Level 4 – do not travel
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