Central and South America: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Impact on Business Aviation
Central & South America COVID-19 Flight Restrictions
Argentina
September 11, 2020
General Restrictions for US Pax:
- Can US Pax operate: Yes, pax must not present symptoms and ask for special permit as government business or medevac.
- Types of flights allowed include: Business, Tech Stops, Medevac and Government, Humanitarian, Cargo, and Repatriation
- Test or forms required for entry: Proof of a negative COVID test taken within 48hrs of arrival, Health Form, and Immigration Form.
- Quarantine Details: Pax must undertake 14-day quarantine in a hotel designated by the government in the capital city. After the 14 days, pax can then move about freely and attend business meetings, etc. All quarantine measures are for the length of stay, up to 14 days.
- Exemptions to Quarantine: Only government official flights with special permit do not need to do quarantine. Also, handler can request special permit for business flights with non-resident passengers to be exempt from quarantine, pending authorization from local authorities.
- Crews do not need to Quarantine for Business flights with special permit from the Government.
- Country website resources:
General Restrictions for others: Nonresident foreign nationals remain barred from entering the country until further notice. Flights into Argentina require special permission from the authorities, including technical stops and crew rest stops. Special allowance may be given for air ambulance flights and official flights. Restrictions are currently in place for flights from all countries.
A special permit is required for all operations, and will require a minimum 72 hrs. for processing. Requests can only be made Monday to Friday by ANAC (Civil aviation national administration). A Health Declaration Form is required (this is a Legal Declaration of Health) along with the immigration form to be completed by all Pax and Crew. Proof of negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hrs of aircraft arrival into Argentina or a doctor’s note issued within 48hrs and documenting no symptoms of COVID-19 is required.
Passenger Restrictions: Any inbound passengers must undertake 14-day quarantine in a hotel designated by the government in the capital city. In the Provinces, you can quarantine in your home.
Crew Restrictions: Crews are unable to rest on the aircraft. Crew can rest at an off-airport hotel. Crew members are allowed to stay 24 hrs and depart to their destination or they can be in quarantine as passengers during 14 days.
Tech Stop Specifics: All Normal services are available. Crew and Pax cannot leave the aircraft.
Bolivia
September 11, 2020
General restrictions for U.S. pax:
- Can US Pax operate: Yes
- Types of flights allowed include: Business, Leisure/Tourism, Tech Stops
- Test or forms required for entry: Upon arrival, all passengers must have a negative COVID-19 test not older than 7 days.
- Quarantine Details: none with negative test
General Restrictions: International flights are allowed. Passengers will require a negative COVID-19 test not older than 7 days. The test must be checked by the local Bolivian Consulate of the country of origin. COVID-19 negative test is mandatory to enter Bolivia (not older than 14 days) for all passengers and crew.
COVID-19 negative test is mandatory to enter Bolivia (not older than 7days) for all passengers and crew.
People on board, except crew, shall not be permitted to disembark without authorization.
Crew Restrictions: Crew rest at hotels is permitted with a COVID-19 negative test.
Tech Stop Details: Possible with passengers on board; no one can leave the aircraft. Some handling services like catering and VIP lounge are unavailable.
Please refer to your Universal Team for additional specifics.
Brazil
September 17, 2020
General Restrictions for US Pax:
- US Pax can operate into Brazil under certain conditions. Passengers need a health insurance that covers all Brazilian territory and covers the entire length of the stay.
- Types of flights allowed include: All flights.
- Test or forms required for entry: Passengers need a health insurance that covers all Brazilian territory and covers the entire length of the stay with minimum coverage of R$30.000,00 Brazilian reals for medical expenses.
- Quarantine is not required.
- Country website resources: https://www.in.gov.br/web/dou/-/portaria-cc-pr/mjsp/minfra/ms-n-1-de-29-de-julho-de-2020-269235614
General Restrictions: Non-Brazil citizens can now enter the country via air transportation. Brazil has reopened its borders to foreigners effective immediately. Anyone can enter, and tourists are allowed into the country for up to 90 days with no quarantine.
Health insurance is required for foreign passengers.
Crew restrictions: Active crew entering Brazil will not need to quarantine prior to departing on commercial airlines. Once in Brazil they are free to move around. Crews also are not required to present a Health Insurance certificate that is valid in all Brazilian territory.
Tech Stop Details: Tech stops for refueling – passengers may not disembark.
Please check with your Universal team for specifics.
Chile
September 17, 2020
General Restrictions for US Pax:
- U.S. pax can can operate to Chile only under certain conditions. They must request a special permit through the Chilean embassy or consulate.
- Country website resources:
General Restrictions: The only passengers allowed to enter Chile until further notice are Chilean Citizens and Chilean residents, they need to have their personal document valid, each one of the passengers must be a Citizen or a resident, Visas can not be arranged at arrival. Diplomatic passengers are exempt if they have a consular permit issued by a Chilean authority. Any person allowed to enter will have to complete a 14 days quarantine or their place of residence or a Hotel.
Authorities have banned nonresident foreign nationals from entering the country.
Crew Restrictions: Crew rest is allowed with no time restriction, but the crew must remain socially distant in their hotel.
Colombia
September 17, 2020
- Can U S passengers operate: only with Diplomatic Clearance
- Allowed for Tech Stops or Humanitarian flights and repatriation flights with chancellery permit
- Exemptions require special permit issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Quarantine is mandatory for 14 days or length of stay and monitored by immigration authorities. PAX are responsible for all costs incurred during quarantine period. Address for quarantine must be provided to immigration authorities
- Health locator form
- Country website resources:
- Health locator form: www.migracioncolombia.gov.co
General Restrictions for all Nationalities:
- Starting September 19 international pax are allowed to arrive in Colombia.
- Starting on Sept 26 these ICAO are open for intl ops for the first phase for Flights from/to USA, Brasil, Bolivia, Dominican Republic,Ecuador, Guatemala and Mexico.
Crew: Crew are allowed one over night stop. After that normal 14 day quarantine rules apply. Overnight for crews is allowed at approved hotels.
Costa Rica
September 21, 2020
General Restrictions for US Pax:
- Can US Passengers operate: YES but with exceptions.
- US pax from a non-authorized U.S. state that would like to enter the Costa Rica via private jet must have approval from the minister of health. Universal Aviation Costa Rica can help.
- U.S. passengers arriving for business or tourism will only be welcomed if they are residents of the following states: New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, The District of Columbia.
- Effective 15 Sep 20 U.S. passengers who are residents in Arizona, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington and Wyoming will be allowed entry.
- Effective 01 Oct 20 U.S., passengers who are resident of California will be allowed entry.
- Passengers must prove their residency in one of those states using their driver’s license.
- Country website resources:
General Restrictions for others: All INTL Flights with Passengers must arrive at MROC ONLY. If MROC is closed, ALT aerodromes are MRLB, MRPV, and MRLM according with approved OPR Hrs. Due to COVID-19, private flights to MROC, MRLB, MRPV, and MRLM must have authorization to land PPR 5 Days before the flight.
Foreigners traveling directly from the following countries are allowed to enter Costa Rica as tourists: Australia, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France , Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, Republic of Cyprus, South Korea, Uruguay and China. In order for them to enter, they must have remained at least 14 consecutive days in one of the above countries.
Crew: For crew it is not required to fill the epidemiology form at arrival, and crew are able to overnight if needed. All crew staying overnight no longer require the health pass, COVID-19 test, nor insurance. Crew rest is available for 72 hours once their health is inspected by the Health Department upon arrival (COVID-19 TEST). Crew rest is available on aircraft if a transit operation (just a couple of hours).
Tech Stop Details: Passenger cannot enter the country unless they are Costa Rican Citizens. Crew may enter the country. PPR is required 48 hours before landing.
Special Considerations: Universal Aviation Costa Rica suggests landing at MROC through the General Aviation Terminal because they have the protocol for health inspection at arrival and the passenger can be pick up at MROC airport. If they prefer, Universal Aviation Costa Rica can set up a ground transportation for them to the other airport (takes 15 minutes).
Ecuador
September 16, 2020
General Restrictions for US Pax:
- US Pax are allowed entry into Ecuador for business, tourism, or tech stops
- Proof of a negative PCR COVID test done within 10 days of flight date is required
- Health form required
- Quarantine is not required
General Restrictions: Ecuadorian Government has partially opened its borders, allowing Pax from many countries except Brazil and China.
Passenger Restrictions: Any flights with more than 09 passengers need prior permission from authorities. Ecuadorian citizens or legal residents are allowed to enter.
Passengers from these countries/regions are being allowed to enter
- United States
- Canada
- Europe – Certain Countries
- Mexico
- Latin American – Certain Countries
- Asia Pacific – Certain Countries
- Middle East & Africa – Certain Countries
Pax must also show upon arrival a negative PCR test of COVID-19, taken within 10 days prior to flight. Quarantine is no longer required for Ecuador.
Crew Restrictions: Crew rest or overnight is possible in Ecuador. Crew rest is allowed at a hotel for up for one night. More than one night, quarantine must be completed.
Tech Stops: Tech stops are allowed; however, only crew can leave the aircraft.
El Salvador
September 17, 2020
General restrictions for U.S. pax:
- U.S. Passengers are not allowed in El Salvador
- Country website resources:
General Restrictions: Plans to open airports up to normal ops is scheduled for Sept 19. Waiting on official opening. All ports of entry remain closed to nonresident foreign nationals. Only Salvadorans, legal foreign residents, and accredited diplomats may enter the country. Any person entering the country will be screened by health officials to determine if they must remain in self-quarantine.
Please refer to your Universal Team for additional specifics.
Guatemala
September 15, 2020
- US Passengers cannot travel, unless they have diplomatic or special permit issued by Ministry of Foreign affairs.
- Flights allowed – Tech Stops, Air Ambulance, Cargo and Humanitarian
- Proof and negative COVID-19 Test and Health Form are required
- Quarantine for length of stay, up to 14-days
- Quarantine exemptions are not allowed
- Country website resources:
General Restrictions for All Others: As of 24 AUG, the government maintains its temporary entry ban on all nonresident foreign nationals and the suspension of all international passenger flights until September 19.
Passenger Restrictions: Only Guatemalan Citizens, Residents, and Diplomats with prior permission, allowed. No foreign nationals allowed entry until further notice. Pax must bring the COVID-19 Certificated Negative Test Results valid for 72 hours. Quarantine rules: 14 to 21 days at hotel or home. Pax will be tested upon arrival.
Crew Restrictions: For Foreign Crew, they must bring the COVID-19 certificated negative valid for 72 hours in case they want to overnight in Guatemala and with previous approval of the government. May overnight at off-airport hotel with MINEX approval. Quarantine rules: 14 to 21 days at hotel or home.
Please refer to your Universal Team for additional specifics.
Guyana
September 17, 2020
General restrictions for U.S. pax:
- U.S. pax are not allowed.
- Country website resources:
General Information:
The authorities in Guyana have extended all existing restrictions through Sep 30. Airports are currently closed to all international passenger flights into Guyana. Exceptions are passengers OUT, Cargo, Medevac, Search and Rescue, Tech stops for Fuel only, and special authorized flights. All flights must operate during daylight hours. There shall be no night operation except for Medevac flights. Transportation of passengers to all locations shall be allowed at fifty percent (50%) of the aircraft seating capacity. Medivac flights shall be allowed at fifty (50%) of the aircraft seating capacity. Cargo shall be fully sanitized before loading onto the aircraft in keeping with the Ministry of Public Health guidelines.
General Restrictions – All Nationalities:
COVID-19 Test Required: A COVID-19 test is required for all crew and passengers prior to arrival, within the last 14 days.
Honduras
September 14, 2020
General Restrictions for US Pax:
- Can U.S. passengers operate: Yes
- Types of flights allowed include: Business, Technical Stops
- Test or forms required for entry: Proof of a Negative COVID test results and health form
- Quarantine details: not required
- Exemptions to Quarantine: N/A.
- Country website resources:
General Restrictions: International flights from all four international airports resumed Aug. 17. All incoming international travelers are required to complete the immigration precheck form and must present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival, taken within 72 hours prior to departure.
Private flights will still require prior authorization to operate and are not covered included in the Aug 10 operational opening
Nicaragua
September 16, 2020
General Restrictions for US Pax:
- Can US Pax operate: Yes
- Types of flights allowed include: Business, Leisure/Tourism, and Tech Stops
- Test or forms required for entry: Proof of negative COVID-19 test (SARS-COV-2 RNA, QL Real Time RT PCR) issued 72 hr in advance of flight, scanned copies of passports and local party contact Copies to be sent in advance and brought along on aircraft
- Quarantine Details: 15 day quarantine required
- Quarantine Exemptions: none
General Restrictions: Commercial flights have been delayed until early Sept due to COVID-19. Repatriation flights are still continuing.
Landing Permits are required and require the following: negative COVID-19 tests (SARS-COV-2 RNA, QL Real Time RT PCR) for crew and passengers issued 72 hours prior to arrival, and aircraft fumigation certificate must be issued 72 working hours in advance. 15 day quarantine is required.
Crew Restrictions: No overnight Allowed. Crew do not have to do 14 day quarantine. They only have to quarantine for the duration of their stay.
Panama
September 15, 2020
General Restrictions for US PAX:
- US Pax are not allowed to enter the country.
- US Pax are only allowed on Tech Stops, Air Ambulances, and Humanitarian Flights. Upon entry they are required to quarantine. No exceptions.
- Country website resources:
General Restrictions: No foreigners are allowed to enter unless they have an authorization from the chancellor or there’s an emergency situation.
Passenger Restrictions: Panamanian nationals and residents returning to the country need to self-quarantine for 14 days at place of residence.
Crew: No overnight is allowed. Crew can rest on the aircraft (without clearing customs). Crew do not have to quarantine.
Paraguay
September 17, 2020
General restrictions for U.S. pax:
- US passengers not allowed to visit, unless certain conditions are met.
- Quarantine required for duration of stay, up to 14 days.
- Country website resources:
General Restrictions: As of 31 Aug, the international borders remain closed, and suspension of all commercial passenger flights at all airports will continue until further notice. Officials will make limited exceptions for repatriation flights. Foreign flights for repatriation purposes, cargo flights, SAR, emergency flights, and inspection flights are authorized. Humanitarian flights, medevac and technical stop will be approved by the corresponding authority with prior coordination.
Crew Restrictions: Crew rest at a hotel is possible; crew cannot leave hotel if on crew rest. Crew cannot rest on the aircraft.
Peru
September 11, 2020
General Restrictions for US PAX:
- Can US Pax operate: Only under certain conditions for business.
- Types of flights allowed include: Tech stops and business flights.
- Test or forms required for entry: If business flight is required, a request with a formal letter regarding the importance of the flight must be sent. This is subject to approval from Chancellery.
- Quarantine Details: 14 days.
- Exemptions to Quarantine: No exemptions for pax.
- Country website resources:
General restrictions: No foreign nationals are allowed to enter the country. Exceptions can be made for cargo, emergency, SAR, humanitarian, medevac and state flights.
Quarantine rules are 15 continuous days, in establishments coordinated by the government and ministry of health, for Crew and PAX.
Crew: May rest at hotel and may rest at off site hotels. Crew will not have quarantine requirements.
Please refer to your Universal Team for additional specifics.
Uruguay
September 17, 2020
General Restrictions for US Pax:
- Can US Pax operate: No.
- Country website resources: https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-salud-publica/coronavirus
General restrictions for all others: Non-resident foreign nationals are banned from entering Uruguay. Entry ban does not apply to cargo operations. Passenger, commercial, and/or private flights may only operate in country in case of moving Uruguayan citizens.
Crew: A health declaration and temperature measure will be required on arrival. Crew are allowed to overnight and rest in the Hotel, but cannot leave Hotel. Hotels are available 20 minutes from the airport. Crew rest aboard the aircraft is limited to 2 or 3 hours. Crew are exempt, but only for crew rest.
Venezuela
September 12, 2020
General Restrictions for US Pax:
- Can US Pax operate: Only under certain conditions and must have a valid visa on passport.
- Types of flights allowed include: Only flights authorized by Venezuelan Foreign Affairs.
- Test or forms required for entry: Proof of a negative COVID test, Health form.
- Quarantine Details: For length of stay, up to 14 days.
- Exemptions to Quarantine: No.
- Country website resources: http://www.presidencia.gob.ve/Site/Web/Principal/paginas/classIndex.php
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General Restrictions: As of 12 Sept, Venezuelan authorities have issued a notam to close the following airports to all inbound international flights due to COVID-19 Infection preventions. The airports that are now closed are SVMI, SVMC, SVMG, SVBC, SVBM, SVVA, SVJC, SVSA, SVSO, SVPR, SVMT, and SVCS. The restriction does not affect the following flight to and from Venezuela: Aircraft in State of Emergency, Cargo and Mail flights, technical landing, Humanitarian/Medevac, Repatriation flights. United Nations flights and GA and Commercial overflights.
Person’s onboard aircraft during tech stops will not be allowed off the aircraft except for crew or with authorization. Crew members that disembark shall undergo strict mandatory quarantine under the supervision of the state, during their rotation/rest period. Except for Aircraft in Emergency the exempted flights are to seek pre-authorization from the Aeronautical Authority (INAC), Authorities of Health and Migration in accordance with Venezuelan AIP. These flights will be able to file to SVMI, SVMG, SVVA,SVBC as alternate airdromes. These COVID-19 restrictions shall remain in place until 12 Oct.
Crew: Crew rest is allowed but will be under the strict mandatory quarantine procedures at the state facility for the length of crew rest.
Please refer to your Universal Team for additional specifics.
