Currently, Latin America is the fourth epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, after China, Europe, and the US. Because of this, most of the countries in the region are entirely shut to international and domestic travelers. But, when will the borders open up in the area? Let’s find out.  

Which countries have no restrictions?

Today, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) published an interactive coronavirus travel regulation map. In this map, IATA regularly updates the restrictions imposed by Governments worldwide. 

In Latin America, just one country has no restrictions at all: Mexico. Nevertheless, Mexican airlines are deeply affected by the regulations elsewhere. The latest estimates are that Mexico’s aviation industry could lose more than $6.4 billion

Which countries have partially restrictive measures?

There are ten countries and territories in the region that have partially restrictive measures. 

In the Caribbean: 

  • Antigua and Barbuda: Passengers are subject to medical screening, must wear a mask and present a declaration form. It is the first island in the Caribbean to reopen for international arrivals, according to IATA. 
  • Guadeloupe: The only passengers that are allowed to enter are residents, people traveling for urgent health reasons and imperative business reasons
  • Puerto Rico: Passengers will be quarantined for 14 days and must present a completed form. 
  • Saint Lucia: Passengers and crews must have a medical certificate with a negative coronavirus test result. Still, passengers are subject to quarantine for 14 days. 
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Everyone is welcome except for those who have been in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Macao, or Singapore in the past 14 days. 
  • The United States Virgin Islands: Passengers are subject to medical screening and quarantine

In Latin America: 

  • Brazil: International passengers are not allowed to enter Brazil. Nationals, residents, immediate family members, and spouses can enter the country. 
  • Chile: International passengers are not allowed to enter Chile. Citizens and residents have to quarantine themselves for 14 days. 
  • Ecuador: Passengers must self-quarantine for 14 days. Also, passengers without a PCR test for coronavirus will be tested upon arrival
  • French Guiana: Passengers are subject to quarantine and must complete an International Travel Certificate before boarding
Avianca Getty
Avianca has mostly rejected narrowbodies leasing contracts. Photo: Getty Images

What about Central America?

As of 11 June 2020, the rest of Latin American countries and territories are restrictive towards air travel. While some have closed their airspaces until September, like Argentina and Colombia, others might open in the next weeks. 

In Central America: 

  • Belize: All airports in Belize are closed. Tentatively, airports will open on 1 July.
  • Costa Rica: The country is currently closed but partially beginning, as the pandemic is slowing down. There’s no current date of opening of airports, as per The Tico Times.
  • El Salvador: The country is currently closed. It has a plan with five stages for opening. It will take 84 days for the state to reopen totally. Tourism will begin in the fourth stage, between days 63 and 83. 
  • Guatemala: Airports are still closed until further notice
  • Honduras: Airports are closed until further notice
  • Nicaragua: Airports are closed until further notice
  • Panama: Suspension of international flights is due to end on 22 June. Copa Airlines will begin flying on 26 June. 
Aeromexico Interjet Getty
The Mexican airlines have quickly gained the market share Interjet left. Photo: Getty Images.

What about the Caribbean?

In the Caribbean: 

  • Anguilla: Airports and ports are closed until 30 June
  • Aruba: Plans to reopen between 15 June and 1 July
  • Bahamas: Plans to open its borders on 1 July
  • Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba: Bonaire airport is closed until, at least, 15 June
  • Cayman Islands: International leisure is banned until 1 September
  • Cuba: Airports are closed until 30 June
  • Dominica: Airports are closed until further notice
  • Dominican Republic: tourism will reopen on 1 July
  • Grenada: Borders are closed until 30 June
  • Haiti: Airports are closed until further notice
  • Jamaica: Tourism will resume on 15 June
  • Martinique: Airports are closed until further notice
  • Montserrat: Airports are closed until further notice
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis: Airports are closed until further notice
  • Trinidad and Tobago: Airports are closed until further notice
  • The Turks and Caicos Islands: Tourism will reopen on 22 July

Finally, what about South America?

In South America: 

  • Argentina: All commercial operations are suspended until 1 September. Domestic travel might come back soon, although there’s no official date. 
  • Bolivia: Airports are closed until further notice
  • Colombia: All international operations are suspended until 31 August. Meanwhile, domestic services might open in the next few weeks
  • Guyana: All international operations are currently closed, until further notice
  • Paraguay: All international operations are currently closed, until further notice
  • Peru: Airports are closed until further notice
  • Suriname: All international operations are currently closed, until further notice
  • Uruguay: Airports are closed until further notice
  • Venezuela: All international operations are currently closed until further notice