Country Updates COVID-19

COLOMBIA

• Starting December 22nd, any traveller flying directly or indirectly from the UK will not be allowed to enter the country. Flights between Colombia and Brazil are suspended until further notice.
• A negative PCR test issued within 96 hours prior to boarding is required for all passengers (children and infants included). Otherwise, passengers will be required to take a PCR test upon arrival and self-isolate for 14 days or until a negative test result is received.
• PCR test is not required for travel within Colombia.
• Between 24 hours and 1 hour before departure, you must fill out the ‘Check-Mig’ form, available on the Migración Colombia website. You will receive a confirmation email that you will need to present upon arrival in Colombia.
• Sea borders reopened on December 1st 2020. Land and river borders will remain closed until June 1st 2021.
• Avianca and SynLab Colombia join forces to facilitate compliance with travel requirements for passengers flying from certain cities in Colombia to the airline’s international destinations. Any flights purchased at rates L and XXL after February 17th, will not have to pay an additional cost of the PCR test or antigens (accepted in the United States). Travelers who purchase XS, S, M or XL fares will also be able to access substantial discounts for PCR tests and antigen tests. Contact us for more information.
• Travelers are required to use face masks at all times.
• Vaccination Progress: Currently Colombia’s population has an approximate of 2.5% that have been vaccinated and a 0.1% fully vaccinated. Currently on phase 1: everyone over 80 years old and health workers. The local government is acquiring 61.5 million of vaccines through different sources which will be enough to cover 35 out of 50 million colombian citizens.

Last Updated: April 5th, 2021

ECUADOR

• As of 22 March 2021, travellers who have had the complete COVID-19 vaccination dose can present their vaccination certificate instead of the negative RT-PCR or Antigen rapid test.
• In case of not having the vaccination certificate as mentioned above, upon entry must present either a negative RT-PCR qualitative test result for COVID-19 taken up to 3 days before arrival, or a negative Antigen rapid test, taken within the same period prior to arrival.
• Anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 over 1 month prior to travel, and has a PCR test positive at the time of travel; as long as there are no symptoms present at the time of entry must present a medical certificate from their country stating their health evaluation is suitable to travel.
• If upon arrival a passenger presents COVID-19 related symptoms, despite their antigen test result, they will be evaluated by a health care worker and if needed will be taken to the nearest health center for a full evaluation. If they consider the possibility of infection then they will administer a rapid antigen test. If the result is positive the passenger must do a 10 day isolation. If the result is negative then there is no need to self isolate.
• Travelers who are in transit to another destination do not need to present negative PCR testing nor a digital travel pass.
• Commercial flights are operating to and from Ecuador. However, due to the cancellation of flights to and from the UK by several countries (including those with transit cities for Ecuador), we strongly recommend you to contact your travel company/airline for the latest information.
• Upon arrival all passengers will be required to sign a declaration form with their itinerary and local contact details.
• To travel to the Galapagos Islands, tourists over the age of 12 must present a negative PCR test result issued with a maximum of 4 days (96 hours) before entering the islands. If this test has 4 and more days of issuance; a second test must be taken in Quito or Guayaquil cities prior to flying to the islands. Travelers arriving from the UK will have to take an antigen test in Quito or Guayaquil. If the result is negative, they may continue to the Galapagos.
• Also, a “laissez-passez” or “safe passage” must be arranged through the agency booking the tour. Only official agencies can issue this permit.
• Travelers inside Ecuadorian territory are required to use face masks at all times.
• Some lodges in the Amazon area may require guests to show a their vaccination certificate for COVID-19. If not vaccinated, then a negative PCR test must be taken presented with no more than 72 hours prior to entering. Contact us for more information. 
• A 30-day state of emergency for the provinces of Azuay, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Loja, Manabi, Pichincha and Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, was declared by the President on 1 April. This includes: 
  • a curfew for people and vehicles from 8pm to 5am, 
  • the prohibition of social and public gatherings; 
  • the suspension of mixed online/in-person schooling; 
  • restaurants can operate at 30% capacity and shopping centres at 50% capacity; 
  • all public and private sectors to prioritise virtual working;
  • Vehicle restrictions apply according to the last numero of the license plate;
• Vaccination Progress: Currently Ecuador’s population has an approximate of 0.81.2% that have been vaccinated and a 0.25% fully vaccinated. This pastOn March 15th the vaccination program started with administering doses to citizens older than 65 years old. The local government has acquired 20 million doses of the vaccine through different sources.
• The Galapagos Islands received 5000 dosis of the vaccine last week and by the end of March a 25% of the population over the age of 18 will be vaccinated. 

Last Updated: April 5th, 2021

PERU

• The Peru’s Government has updated the safety measures below until April 30th, 2021 to preserve the containment of the COVID-19 in their region. The authorities have divided the country in a three-tier system (Very High, High, and Moderate).
• Very High Tier: Andahuaylas province (region of Apurimac), Tumbes province (in Tumbes region), Piura province (region of Piura), Chupaca and Chanchamayo (region of Junin), Trujillo and Pacasmayo provinces (region of La Libertad), Barranca, Huarochiri and Huaura provinces (region of Lima), Huaylas province (region of Ancash), Tambopata province (region of Madre de Dios), Huamanga province (region of Ayacucho), Cusco province (region of Cusco), Chanchamayo and Chupaca provinces (region of Junin), Ica province (region of Ica), Alto Amazonas province (region of Loreto), Moyobamba province (in San Martin region), Coronel Portillo province (region of Ucayali) and Puno province (region of Puno).
  • Curfew from 9pm to 4am from Monday to Saturday, and Sundays all day
  • Ban on the use of private cars on Sundays
  • Beaches are closed
  • Interprovincial land passengers transport: open with 50% to 100% capacity, regulated by the Ministry of Transport
  • Casinos, gyms, movie theatres, performing arts in closed spaces are closed. Performing arts in open spaces: open with 20% capacity
  • Shopping centres, galleries, department stores, shops: open with 20% capacity
  • Groceries shops, supermarkets, markets, drugstores: open with 40% capacity
  • Restaurants (internal areas with fans and open spaces): open with 30% capacity. Delivery service available until 11pm
  • Churches are closed
  • Libraries, museums, archaeological sites, cultural centres and galleries, protected areas, botanic gardens and zoos: open with 30% capacity
  • Clubs and sport associations in open spaces are closed
  • Hairdressers, spas, facial massages, manicure, makeup services: open with 40% capacity and previous appointments
  • Cultural teaching in open spaces: open with 20% capacity
  • Banks: open with 40% capacity
• High Tier: Includes regions of Amazonas, Arequipa, Cajamarca, Huancavelica, Moquegua, Pasco, Tacna, Apurimac (except for Andahuaylas province), Tumbes (except for Tumbes province), Piura (except for Piura province), La Libertad (except for Trujillo and Pacasmayo provinces), Ancash (except for Huaylas province), Ayacucho (except for Huamanga province), Cusco (except for Cusco province), Ica (except for Ica province), Junin (except for Chanchamayo and Chupaca provinces), Lima (except for Barranca,Huaura and Huarochiri provinces), Madre de Dios (except for Tambopata province), Loreto (except for Alto Amazonas province), Ucayali (except for Coronel Portillo province), San Martin (except for Moyobamba province), Puno (except for Puno province) and Callao province.
  • Curfew from 9pm to 4am daily
  • Ban on the use of private cars on Sundays
  • Beaches are closed
  • Interprovincial land passengers transport available with 50% to 100% capacity, regulated by the Ministry of Transport
  • Casinos, gyms, movie theatres, performing arts: open with 20% capacity. Performing arts in open spaces: open with 30% capacity
  • Shopping centres, galleries, department stores, shops: open with 30% capacity
  • Groceries shops, supermarkets, markets, drugstores: open with 50% capacity
  • Restaurants (internal areas): open with 30% capacity, restaurants (open space): open with 40% capacity
  • Churches: open with 20% capacity
  • Libraries, museums, archaeological sites, cultural centres and galleries, protected areas, botanic gardens and zoos: open with 40% capacity
  • Clubs and sport associations in open spaces: open with 30% capacity
  • Cultural teaching in open spaces: open with 40% capacity
  • Banks: open with 50% capacity
• Moderate Tier: Huanuco and Lambayeque.
• • Curfew from 10pm to 4am daily
  • Ban on the use of private cars on Sundays
  • Casinos, gyms, movie theatres, performing arts in closed spaces: open with 30% capacity. Performing arts in open spaces: open with 50% capacity
  • Shopping centres, galleries, department stores, shops: open with 40% capacity
  • Groceries shops, supermarkets, markets, drugstores: open with 60% capacity
  • Restaurants (internal areas): open with 50% capacity, restaurants (open space): open with 60% capacity
  • Churches: open with 30% capacity
  • Libraries, museums, archaeological sites, cultural centres and galleries, protected areas, botanic gardens and zoos: open with 50% capacity
  • Clubs and sport associations in open spaces: open with 40% capacity
  • Banks: open with 60% capacity

• Nationwide regulations:
  • Home deliveries will be permitted
  • Restaurant take-outs will be permitted other than in curfew hours
  • All commercial centres in the Very High and High tier regions must close two hours before curfew max, in the Extreme tier regions 3 hours before curfew max
  • when outside, children must be accompanied by an adult who lives with them and maintain a two-meter social distance
  • it is recommended that people over 65 and those who have underlying health conditions stay at home, with some exceptions; risk groups must not receive visits at home and must avoid the physical contact with people who leave their home
  • everyone must wear face masks outside of homes
  • in addition to wearing a face mask, everyone must wear facial protectors (usually a clear plastic full-face covering) when on public transport
  • All types of social and family gatherings and visits, including political and cultural events, are prohibited
• Commercial airlines are operating to and from Peru. If travelling via another country, it is essential you check the travel advice for that country, as some currently do not permit transit to/from the UK.
• Iberia is flying from Lima to Madrid on a weekly basis. Air France is flying from Lima to Paris starting on April 2nd. Direct flights from some destinations in Europe to Lima also resumed operations on March 31st.
• If you travel to Peru, you will need to show proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR (molecular) test, issued no more than 72 hours before your flight
• All passengers arriving in Peru, irrespective of nationality, have to quarantine for 14 days. This can be in a home or accommodation anywhere in the country, in liaison with the health authorities. When the quarantine is to be completed outside Lima, you must arrive there within 24 hours after arrival in Peru.
• If upon arrival in Peru you test positive, you will have to self-isolate in the Villa Panamericana or any other temporary centre in Lima or in the centres that the regional government assigns. You may end quarantine if you take an antigen test upon your arrival in the country and the result is negative. If you receive a positive result, you will need to quarantine where the health authorities decide.
• As of March 1st, Machu Picchu is welcoming tourists again at a 40% occupancy (897 visitors per day). Following Machu Picchu re-opening, Museums, restaurants, Natural reserves, and archaeological sites were also re-opened under reduced capacity, following strict biosecurity protocols so their visitors can enjoy these important places that are part of the tourist circuits when visiting this millennial destination.
• The use of face masks and facial protectors are mandatory to use at all times in flights and local public transportation.
• Vaccination Progress: Currently Peru’s population has an approximate of 1.8% that have been vaccinated and a 0.9% fully vaccinated. The local government is currently administering the vaccine to adults older than 60 years old, health workers, first responders, military, and essential workers.

Last Updated: April 5th, 2021

BOLIVIA

• Passengers arriving from all countries require a PCR test taken up to 72 hours before flying and is required for everybody over 5-years of age to enter Bolivia.
• On arrival you must quarantine for 10 days, and pay for a PCR test on the 7th day of quarantine.
• Tourists must show proof of medical insurance that will cover the cost of treatment.
• Flight restrictions from Europe are still in place until May 31.
• The border closure with Brazil is established for seven days starting on April 2nd to prevent the entry of people who may be carrying the new variant of COVID-19. Transit for trade will be allowed for three hours a day between the two countries in order not to harm the supply of the markets.
• You should check specific requirements with your airline. Other land, river and lake border crossings have been opened by Bolivian authorities, but Paraguay is the only neighbouring country that has opened its borders so far.
• The following quarantine measures apply nationally:
  
  • Schools remain closed. In public places you must maintain 1.5m distance from other people and use facemasks, including outside.
  • Local authorities may impose further restrictions, including on the movement of people under 12 and over 65 years old, and weekend movement.
• Vaccination Progress: Currently Bolivia’s population has an approximate of 1.8% that have been vaccinated and a 1% fully vaccinated.

Last Updated: April 5th, 2021

CHILE

• From 5 April at 5am, all non-resident foreign nationals will not be permitted to enter Chile for the whole month of April. Additionally, all borders (including Santiago airport) will close for 30 days. There will be some exceptions that must be requested via the Comisaria Virtual website. Travellers who meet the entry requirements must complete a mandatory 10-day quarantine on arrival in Chile. This cannot be avoided under any circumstances, such as with a proof of C19 vaccine. You will not be able to leave quarantine early with a negative PCR.
• The Chilean authorities will reassess this restriction at the end of April.
• All non-resident foreign nationals – that have been in the United Kingdom during the last 14 days – are not currently permitted to enter Chile. Direct UK-Chile flights have been suspended until further notice.
• All travellers (including Chileans, resident and non-resident foreign nationals) require a negative PCR test (rapid PCR tests will not be accepted) taken within 72-hours of boarding the flight to enter Chile. The mandatory 10-day quarantine will remain in place.
• You should be aware that Chilean health authorities at Santiago Airport are selecting passengers on arrival for random PCR testing, even when passengers have complied with the requirement to hold a negative PCR test on arrival.
• Travelers who at an arrival point in Chile present one or two COVID symptoms will have to enter a quarantine hotel until local health authorities give the all clear.
• Everyone must complete a declaration form Pasaporte Sanitario prior to entry. This will generate a QR-code by separate email, which must be shown at entry. Health authorities at Santiago Airport may require completion of a follow-up email form for 14 days from the arrival date.
• Health insurance that covers medical treatment for COVID-19 during your stay, with a minimum coverage of USD 30,000.
• From 5 April, a nationwide curfew will be in place between 9pm and 5am, seven days a week
• Flights to Easter Island will resume on April 15th, 2021.
• Vaccination Progress: Currently Chile’s population has an approximate of 37% that have been vaccinated and a 21% fully vaccinated. The government is implementing an aggressive plan for administering the vaccine across the country from the most vulnerable or exposed. There are 35 million doses of the vaccine currently available and they expect to complete their vaccination plan by the end of June 2021.

Last Updated: April 5th, 2021