Predicting the future is impossible, but imagining a path forward is critical. That's why every now and then we like to dive into the travel trends that will shape the coming months of our industry.  Therefore, following social distancing guidelines during the vacations is vital; and while some countries are beginning to reopen their borders, other destinations are still in talks and discussions with the local tourism sector to prepare for a future national revival.  But, if there is one thing we must be clear about, it is that traveling will no longer be the same. We will have to get used for months to masks, antibacterial gel, gloves, social distancing, to make much use of technology and to the new health security measures that each country considers appropriate for international travel during a pandemic.  
This year we are traveling with smaller footprints and bigger hearts / Photo: Hasbleidy Chacón
  With this mix of news everywhere and regulations changing day by day (it sounds like a joke but it is a fact) it is natural that you find yourself at a loss as to what to do and what requirements to bring when visiting South America. Therefore, we have prepared a practical guide divided by the main South American countries so that you have useful information at hand if you are thinking of traveling to any of them soon.  

ARGENTINA

The Government maintains the closure of the country's borders until further notice. For now only Argentine residents may enter with mandatory COVID-19 quarantine.  Persons entering or leaving Argentina must accept the sanitary and migratory conditions of the destination country and Argentina. In addition: They will not be able to start travel in case they present symptoms related to COVID-19. They must have a "COVID traveler's health service abroad" for medical coverage and/or isolation. They must report the places where they have been during the 14 days prior to re-entering the country. Only foreigners with direct Argentine family members or resident foreigners: mother, father, child, sibling or spouse may enter the country. Entry may be made only through the International Airports of Ezeiza and San Fernando. Flights to the countries most affected by the new virus strains will be restricted. It is mandatory to carry out a 10-day quarantine at the address indicated in the Affidavit within 48 hours prior to travel.  Travel Tip: Travel Tip: When we can travel to Argentina again, the citizens of 71 countries can apply for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) visa in advance with an online service like Byevisa

URUGUAY

Uruguay is gradually reopening its borders. It is possible to travel in times of coronavirus, presenting a negative analysis and doing a compulsory quarantine of 14 days once you enter the country. Passengers who are citizens and residents of MERCOSUR member countries, can transit through the airports of Montevideo or Punta del Este, without being able to enter the country. For entry, a sworn statement must also be completed through the Coronavirus application through the Coronavirus Uy application or the Trámites en Línea website, stating the absence of symptoms and contact with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to entry. Whoever does not prove a negative result of a virus detection test performed no more than 72 hours before the beginning of the trip, will be obliged to undergo the analysis upon arrival in the mobile testing devices (PCRRT) at the points of entry to the country, at their own cost (does not apply to children under 6 years of age). In addition to having medical coverage in Uruguay, you must also comply with the mandatory fourteen-day preventive social isolation or, for a shorter period of time if you choose to take a new test on the seventh day of the isolation and the result is negative.  
The Ministry of Tourism of Uruguay intends to allow foreigners to enter during Easter Week / Photo: Canva Pro
 

PERU

After evaluating the changes of the pandemic originated by Covid-19, the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) has established new provisions related to international and national air transportation. Flights from countries whose travel time is longer than eight hours, approved by Ministerial Resolution, will be resumed. However, flights from the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil will continue to be suspended. This restriction will be in force from March 15 to 31. Thus, flights departing from Madrid, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Paris will be resumed; however, non-resident foreigners coming from the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil or those who have made a stopover in those countries in the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter the country.Passengers arriving in Peru must still present a negative molecular test for Covid-19, whose result has been issued up to 72 hours before the flight, and must comply with a mandatory quarantine of 14 days, which may be lifted if they have a negative result of an antigen test for the discard of COVID-19, which may be performed upon arrival in the country. In addition, they must complete the Health Affidavit and Geolocation Authorization online. The document includes the traveler's data, which will allow health authorities to locate him/her in case it is detected that he/she has traveled near a person with Covid-19.  

BRAZIL

Brazil restricted the entry of passengers except for its nationals, foreigners, permanent residents, professionals on permanent residents, professionals on mission for an international organization, and foreign organization and foreign employees accredited to the Government.  A foreigner who is in a bordering country and needs to cross it by land to board a flight back to his country of residence may enter with the authorization of the Federal Police. Brazil suspended flights with South Africa and the United Kingdom, and does not allow the entry of persons who have transited through these countries in the last 14 days. This does not apply to Brazilian nationals, who must be quarantined for 14 days. Passengers and crew must complete an affidavit to be presented upon arrival. Airline crew is subject to quarantine in a hotel until arrival. Those entering or transiting the country must present a negative PCR performed 72 hours prior to the first point of embarkation. Each Brazilian state or municipality determines the rules for internal movement and social isolation in its territory.   

CHILE

Chile suspended flights from the United Kingdom and maintains entry restrictions for passengers who have been in that country in the last two weeks. This does not apply to nationals and resident foreigners, who are subject to quarantine for 14 days upon their return. Foreigners may enter for tourism through a single airport; must have a negative Covid-19 certificate; possess travel insurance with minimum COVID-19 coverage of USD 30,000; and complete a DD.JJ. for Travelers; no later than 48 hours prior to arrival. They must then be monitored for 14 days or until they leave Chile.  All travelers, whether Chilean, residents or foreigners, must undergo mandatory quarantine for 10 days. They may leave isolation with a negative PCR result, taken from the seventh day of quarantine onwards. Additionally, all foreigners must have a health insurance that covers the benefits associated with Covid-19 during their entire stay in the country, with a minimum coverage of US$30,000. The insurance must state that it covers expenses associated with Covid-19. Chileans and resident foreigners who arrive without negative PCR are transferred to a Sanitary Residence until they have a negative result and must pay a fine. For those travelers who are tested at the airport, if they test positive, they must be transferred to the airport, if they test positive, they must move to a Sanitary Residence and wait for the result.  
Prepare your trip by checking the mandatory requirements to be able to travel! / Photo: Canva Pro

COLOMBIA

Colombia has closed land and river borders with all bordering countries until further notice. Exceptions to this measure are humanitarian emergency, transport of cargo and goods, acts of God and force majeure and departure of foreigners from Colombia (with prior coordination). A "Check Mig" form must be sent no later than 24 hours before departure. Passengers of other nationalities arriving without a certificate indicating a negative COVID-19 PCR test result (taken no later than 96 hours prior to departure) are subject to testing upon arrival and/or mandatory quarantine for 14 days.

Between face masks and alcohol gel

There is no doubt that the pandemic has changed us. This year, travelers will be more conscious of how they travel. Let's remember that prevention measures are based on individual and collective responsibility that is key to sustain and require everyone's commitment.
  By: Nathaly Bosch, social communicator by profession and curious traveler by choice. Spanish editor for Daytours4u.