Countries in Central America and the Dominican Republic have opened their borders to international tourism.
The region has implemented a series of requirements according to the criteria of each territory, to aid the prevention of COVID-19 infections with the onset of international travel.
Belize
The main requirement is a downloadable Belize Health application, which should be completed before arrival in Belize. A QR code is provided to whoever submits the filled in form, and through this code, each traveller can be monitored during their stay in the country. It is also highly recommended to have a negative PCR test result, carried out 72 hours before the flight. Those who haven't taken a test, will have to undergo a quick test, and if found positive, will be asked to quarantine in the hotel they reserved before travelling for a 14 day mandatory quarantine with Gold Standard security badge.
Guatemala
To enter Guatemala a traveller must provide a negative PCR test result which is not older than 72 hours, before taking the flight. Otherwise, the passenger will have to do a 14-day forced quarantine upon arrival in Guatemala. He/she will also be monitored by the country's Ministry of Health and Social Assistance. Respecting social distance, wearing a mask, use of disinfectant gel and passing through the temperature gauges at the airport are essential requirements.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica does not require any negative PCR test from international tourists anymore. Instead, all travellers planning to visit the country, should have completed a digital epidemiological form called the Health Pass; which is enabled 48 hours prior to the flight. Proofs of a national or international medical insurance that covers the cost of quarantine accommodation and other health expenses, in case of contracting COVID-19.
Honduras
Entry into Honduras will only be allowed after an immigration pre-check, hours before the flight and also with the provision of a negative PCR test before boarding, which has been performed less than 72 hours in advance.
Nicaragua
A negative PCR test is the only requirement for entering the country, provided it has been carried out within the last 72 hours before arrival. This time period is extended to 96 hours for tourists from Asia, Oceania and Africa. Visitors who have tested negative, will receive a telephone follow-up for 14 days, carried out by Nicaraguan health personnel.
El Salvador
Temperature screening and and a negative PCR test, taken 72 hours before taking the flight, is mandatory to enter the country. The airports will have all the safety measures, including signs, hydro alcoholic gels and screens at service points. Tourists who suspect that they may have been infected with COVID-19, during their stay in El Salvador, are recommended to call the service number 132.
Panama
Others than the negative PCR or antigen test, which must be submitted 48 hours before the flight, tourists must also sign an affidavit, in which they agree to complying with all the sanitary measures and protocols of Panama, and also agree to be monitored by the Ministry of Health through a mobile application. If the PCR test presented exceeds 48 hours, the traveller must pay for a rapid test at the airport. Travellers who tests positive will be confined to a hospital.
Dominican Republic
A PCR test is not compulsory in Dominican Republic, but random tests can be carried out on the travellers at the airport. Tourists need to sign an affidavit of Health of Travellers, confirming they haven't had any COVID-19 related symptoms in the last 72 hours, and agree to provide their location at all times. Travellers will enjoy a free medical coverage until December 31, in case of contagion or exposure to the coronavirus, with the medical aide provided by the government of the Dominican Republic.
For more information, visit www.visitcentroamerica.com
Image credit: Central America Tourism Association
