COVID-19 Travel Restrictions in South America

What is the situation like with COVID-19 in South America? Like you, we are desperate to grab our backpacks and return to the road – but is that possible right now?

We strive to regularly update this article with the latest travel restrictions across South America to keep you up to date with where you can and can’t travel, and what entry requirements are in place (quarantine, PCR tests, mask-wearing etc.).

For more information on a country, follow the jump links in the summary. 

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Where can you travel in South America – Quick Answers

Click the country to skip down for more details.

• Argentina – Open to all travellers.
• Bolivia – Open to all tourists. Unvaccinated travellers must provide a negative COVID-19 test when entering the country.
• Brazil – Open to vaccinated tourists without quarantine. Unvaccinated travellers will not be permitted entry unless they qualify for an exemption.
• Chile – Open to all tourists as long as the country is in Alert Level 1.
• Colombia – Open to vaccinated tourists without quarantine. Unvaccinated travellers will have to show the result of a negative PCR test.
• Ecuador – Open to all tourists. Unvaccinated travellers will be required to take a PCR test on arrival. Unvaccinated travellers will not be permitted to visit the Galapagos.
• Paraguay – Open to all travellers. Unvaccinated travellers must present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
• Peru – Open to all travellers. Unvaccinated travellers are required to show proof of a negative PCR test taken no earlier than 48 hours before boarding their flight.
• Uruguay – Open to all travellers.

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Read next: (links open in a new tab)

• Southeast Asia Travel COVID-19 Overview
• South America Backpacking Routes
• Is South America Safe?

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COVID-19 Travel Restrictions South America (Countries A-Z)

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Disclaimer: COVID-19 travel restrictions are changing every day and the following information reflects South America Backpacker’s understanding of the current entry rules. We update this article regularly to ensure the information is as current as possible but we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

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Argentina Travel Restrictions Summary

• Open to international travellers: Open to all.
• Visa on arrival: Available for certain nationalities.
• Requirements before departure: Being vaccinated against COVID-19 is recommended although not mandatory.
• Quarantine: No quarantine is necessary for anyone entering Argentina.
• Extra costs: Ensure your insurance covers COVID-19 related treatment and isolation.
• Current internal travel restrictions: Travel restrictions are almost gone throughout the country. You may be required to show a tourism certificate when travelling between provinces.
• Face coverings: Recommended in all indoor spaces, including public transport. Check locally.
• Border crossings: The borders are currently open.

FOR MORE IN-DEPTH INFO: Argentina Travel Restrictions.

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Bolivia Travel Restrictions Summary

• Open to international travellers: Bolivia is open to travellers regardless of vaccination status.
• Visa on arrival: Available for certain nationalities.
• Requirements before departure: 
  • Proof of travel insurance that covers COVID-19.
  • If you’re unvaccinated, you’ll need to provide a negative PCR test taken no longer than 72 hours before arriving in Bolivia.
  • You’ll also need to provide accommodation addresses for the duration of your stay. This can be updated as you travel around the country – failure to do so will result in fines when you leave the country.
• Quarantine: None.
• Extra costs: Ensure your travel insurance covers treatment for COVID-19.
• Current internal travel restrictions: There are no restrictions on movement around Bolivia as long as everyone adheres to social distancing, mask-wearing and can prove vaccination status.
• Face coverings: Face coverings should be worn in all public spaces – indoors and outdoors.
• Border crossings: All Bolivia’s land borders are open but not all neighbours have opened their side of the border. It’s possible to cross into Peru, Paraguay and Brazil at any crossing. You can enter Argentina via the Yacuiba and Villazon crossings. The border between Bolivia and Chile reopened on 1st May 2022.

FOR MORE IN-DEPTH INFO: Bolivia Travel Restrictions.

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Brazil Travel Restrictions Summary

• Open to international travellers: Open to vaccinated travellers without quarantine. Unvaccinated travellers may not enter Brazil by land unless they can prove vaccine exemption (any proof of vaccine exemption needs to be in English, Spanish or Portuguese).
• Visa on arrival: No. Unless you’re from a visa-exempt country, you need to apply for your Brazilian visa in advance.
• Requirements before departure: 
  • Proof of vaccination.
• Quarantine: Vaccinated travellers do not need to quarantine. Vaccine exempt travellers may need to quarantine for up to 14-days.
• Extra costs: Some hospitals in Brazil have stopped taking uninsured patients. Even credit cards are no longer accepted in some locations. Ensure you have adequate health insurance.
• Current internal travel restrictions: Most internal travel is up and running. Some guesthouses and hotels may only be open to Brazilian residents at this time. Check before arriving.
• Face coverings: Masks are required in some states – check locally to ensure you abide by local laws.
• Border crossings: Brazil’s land borders are open. The same restrictions apply as when arriving by air.

FOR MORE IN-DEPTH INFO: Brazil Travel Restrictions.

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Chile Travel Restrictions Summary

• Open to international travellers: Open to all travellers as long as the country is in Alert Level 1. If Chile enters Alert Level 2 or higher, proof of vaccination is required.
• Visa on arrival: No. If a visa for Chile is required, you need to arrange it in advance.
• Requirements before departure: 
  • Proof of vaccination is required if Chile is in Alert Level 2 or 3. At Alert Level 1, you do not need to show proof of vaccination to enter Chile. You need to get your vaccination status validated by Chilean authorities. You will then be given a Mobility Pass – Apply here.
  • A completed affidavit filled in up to 48 hours before boarding.
  • Proof of travel insurance that includes at least $30,000USD of COVID-19 cover.
  • Proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. This is only required if Chile is in Alert Levels 2 or 3. At Alert Level 1, a pre-departure test is not mandatory.
  • There will also be randomised COVID-19 testing for arrivals.
• Quarantine: There is no mandatory quarantine for anyone entering Chile.
• Extra costs: Ensure your travel insurance covers you for COVID-19 related expenses.
• Current internal travel restrictions: Rules change quickly in Chile but travel is possible. Keep an eye on what restriction tier each communa is in to give you a better idea of restrictions. A Mobility Pass is required for interregional travel. Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is currently closed to international travellers. It is due to reopen on August 1st 2022.
• Face coverings: Face masks are required in all public spaces.
• Border crossings: Chile’s borders are open.

FOR MORE IN-DEPTH INFO: Chile Travel Restrictions.

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Colombia Travel Restrictions Summary

• Open to international travellers: Open to all. Unvaccinated travellers must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 48 hours prior to their arrival.
• Visa on arrival: Yes.
• Requirements before departure: 
  • Travellers must fill out the Check Mig form 1-24 hours before boarding their plane to Colombia. They will need to present the confirmation email upon arrival in Colombia.
  • Those who have started, but not completed, the vaccination schedule (including those who have their final dose less than 14 days before travelling) will be required to show proof of a negative PCR test.
• Quarantine: There is no mandatory quarantine unless you test positive for COVID-19 when in Colombia.
• Extra costs: Ensure you have travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related treatments and isolation.
• Current internal travel restrictions: Public transport is up and running as long as you adhere to social distancing and mask-wearing rules. Local and regional authorities may stop travel to or from their area if infection rates get too high. Keep an eye on local news.
• Face coverings: Masks are mandatory in public places across Colombia where vaccination rates are below 40%. In areas with vaccination rates between 40-70% masks are mandatory on public transport and in medical settings. In areas with vaccination rates over 70% masks are no longer mandatory.
• Border crossings: All Colombia’s land borders are open.

FOR MORE IN-DEPTH INFO: Colombia Travel Restrictions.

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Ecuador Travel Restrictions Summary

• Open to international travellers: Open to all travellers regardless of vaccination status. However, unvaccinated travellers are not permitted to travel between the Galapagos Islands.
• Visa on arrival: Yes.
• Requirements before departure: 
  • Fill in a Health Declaration form which includes your itinerary and contact details.
  • Proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure.
  • Unvaccinated travellers will also have to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival.
• Quarantine: Quarantine is not necessary unless you test positive for COVID-19 when arriving in Ecuador.
• Extra costs: Travel insurance is mandatory for entering the Galapagos.
• Current internal travel restrictions: People can move freely throughout Ecuador.
• Face coverings: Mask mandates have been removed in Ecuador. You are no longer required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors.
• Border crossings: The land border with Colombia is open to all travellers but only through the ‘Rumichaca’ crossing, between 8am and 5pm. The land border with Peru reopened on 18th February 2022. This is for all travellers via the Macará and Huaquillas border crossings, between 8am and 5pm.

FOR MORE IN-DEPTH INFO: Ecuador Travel Restrictions.

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Paraguay Travel Restrictions Summary

• Open to international travellers: Open to all travellers. Unvaccinated travellers must present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
• Visa on arrival: Only in Asuncion airport. Otherwise, visas (if required) must be obtained in advance.
• Requirements before departure: 
  • Complete a Traveller’s Health Declaration Form. This must be completed 24 hours to 30 minutes before boarding your flight.
  • Show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no longer than 48 hours before travelling (24 hours for an antigen test).
  • Show proof of travel insurance with COVID-19 cover – this does not apply to Paraguayan nationals or people from any MERCOSUR member or associate country.
• Quarantine: Quarantine is no longer required when visiting Paraguay.
• Extra costs: Ensure you have travel insurance that covers treatment and isolation concerning COVID-19
• Current internal travel restrictions: There are currently no restrictions on travel in Paraguay.
• Face coverings: Face coverings are recommended in indoor spaces and on public transport.
• Border crossings: Paraguay’s land borders are open.

FOR MORE IN-DEPTH INFO: Paraguay Travel Restrictions.

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Peru Travel Restrictions Summary

• Open to international travellers: Open to all travellers regardless of vaccination status.
• Visa on arrival: Yes but only for certain nationalities.
• Requirements before departure: 
  • A completed affidavit, filled in before travelling.
  • Unvaccinated travellers will also need to provide proof of a negative PCR test taken no longer than 48 hours before travelling.
• Quarantine: There is no quarantine required in Peru. However, if you test positive for COVID-19 you are legally required to isolate for 14 days.
• Extra costs: Ensure your travel insurance covers COVID-19 treatment and isolation.
• Current internal travel restrictions: Generally, travel around the country is normal but this can change. Proof of vaccination is required to use public transport in Peru.
• Face coverings: Masks must be worn in all public places. When going indoors, two masks are required (one cloth and one surgical). Some indoor venues require a single N95 mask.
• Border crossings: Peru’s land borders are open.

FOR MORE IN-DEPTH INFO: Peru Travel Restrictions.

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Uruguay Travel Restrictions Summary

• Open to international travellers: Open to all travellers.
• Visa on arrival: Only for selected countries. Most nations enter visa-free.
• Requirements before departure: 
  • Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
  • Fill out the health declaration form within 48 hours of travelling.
  • Proof of travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related treatment and isolation costs.
• Quarantine: Isolation is only required if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or receive a positive test. The quarantine period varies depending on your vaccination status and whether you’re symptomatic. For more information, visit the official Uruguayan Ministry of Public Health website.
• Extra costs: Ensure your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related treatments and isolation.
• Current internal travel restrictions: Internal travel is operating almost as normal throughout the country.
• Face coverings: Face coverings are recommended in enclosed public spaces.

FOR MORE IN-DEPTH INFO: Uruguay Travel Restrictions.

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