Central and South America: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Impact on Business Aviation

Central & South America COVID-19 Flight Restrictions

Argentina

May 29, 2020

Restriction expiration: July 16, 2020.

General Restrictions: All International and Domestic Commercial Flights are banned until Sept 1.  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 temporary entry ban for all nonresident foreign nationals remains in place until further notice.

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 ​by all Pax and Crew. Pax with an ID address in downtown will quarantine for 14 days in a Govt Mandated Facility or Hotel; Pax with an address NOT downtown can quarantine at their place of residence.

​Passenger Restrictions: Any inbound passengers must undertake a 14-day quarantine in a hotel designated by the government.

Crew: Crew are unable to rest on the aircraft.

Tech Stop Specifics: All Normal services are available. Crew and Pax may leave the aircraft.

Special Considerations: Quarantine for residents in effect.

ICAO Specific:

• SAEZ – Crew are allowed to crew rest at the Hilton or Hotel Emperador for 20 hours if needed.

Bolivia

May 5, 2020

Restriction expiration: May 30, 2020

General Restrictions: Authorities have issued a quarantine thereby suspending all flights (including domestic travel). With this suspension, only humanitarian, cargo, medevac or state will be permitted and the Bolivian government will need to give such permissions. No fights are permitted to bring Bolivian nationals back in the country and no repatriation flights are permitted. This order is through May 30th but may be extended. The latest updated is that passenger flights (comercial) are canceled until the 31st of May 2020.

Special humanitarian flights are being authorized to operate in Bolivia however the Landing permit is being process at a diplomatic level ( Bolivian council and DGAC) This permit will include crew rest if needed.
If you have any questions regarding obtaining the permit please contact Bolivian DGAC: cduran@dgac.gob.bo / blanco@dgac.gob.bo

Brazil

May 29, 2020

Restriction expiration: June 21, 2020

​​​General Restrictions: The Brazilian Borders are now closed to all foreigners though June 21.

Exceptions:

I – Brazilian citizens, natural or naturalized;

II – Immigrant with permanent residence;

III – Foreign professional in service mission on behalf of an International organization provided with proper identification;

IV – Foreign employee accredited by the Brazilian or Foreign Government;

V – Spouse or Partner, son or parent, curator of a Brazilian Resident

VI – Foreigner who fits the hypothesis of family meeting with Brazilian Citizen who is in Brazilian territory;

VII – Foreigner whose entry is specifically approved by the Brazilian Government due to public interest;

VIII – Foreigner bearer of National Migratory registry or;

IX – Cargo Transportation;

X – Passengers in transit;

XI – Tech stops for refueling – Passengers may not disembark

Repatriation flights operating with acft with more than 30 seats will now be exempt to have a legal representative in Brazil. This simplification reduces the time to process a permit from 15+ days to 3 or less.

Crew:  No Quarantine requirements as crew are currently exempt from restrictions. Relief crew that want to enter Brazil as regular citizens MAY NOT be allowed by the authorities. They are analyzing case by case.

Tech Stop Details: Tech stops for refueling – passengers may not disembark.

Special Considerations: Cargo flights, Government Flights, Repatriation Flights, Passenger in transit flights.

With reduced staff at most airports, service providers might need additional time to get the items you request if available.

GSE – Providers have minimal staff, which may affect the operator if services are not planned and reserved in advance.

Catering: Extra time may be required for preparation.

Certain items may be hard to find, as caterers are reluctant to purchase items out of their facility and some shops are closed.

Magazines and newspapers are hardly found as stores where they were purchased are still closed.

Hotels: Many hotels are closed.  Most open hotels have restaurants and bars closed. Breakfast only in room services, lunch and dinner only available through delivery at many locations.

Transportation: Available in the country.

ICAO Specific Information: Please refer to your Universal Team for additional specifics.

Chile

May 29, 2020

Restriction expiration: June 30, 2020.

General Restrictions: Multiple travel, movement, and other restrictions on the national and local levels remain in effect in Chile as of April 9 to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Officials may alter these measures.  Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 must remain quarantined for 14 days or until they no longer present symptoms, whichever is longer. Anyone having had at least 15 minutes of direct contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as anyone who has spent two or more hours with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, must likewise remain in quarantine for at least 14 days. Returning Chilean citizens and residents are subject to a 14-day quarantine period. Sanitary checks will be conducted on all Pax arriving in Chile.

Passenger Restrictions: Officials have extended a ban on the entry of nonresident foreign nationals in the country. They are permitted to leave the country, but flights are likely to be limited.

Crew Restrictions: Only Crew from certain Latin American countries are allowed with prior permission. Crew can rest on the aircraft (without clearing customs), at an airport hotel, or at an off-airport hotel. Quarantine for length of stay, up to 14 days.

Tech Stop Specifics: Possible with Pax onboard; Crew and Pax may leave the aircraft. Normal services are available.

ICAO Specific Information: Please refer to your Universal Team for additional specifics.

Colombia

May 29, 2020

Restriction expiration: May 30, 2020

General Restrictions: Local governments in Colombia are adopting tighter movement restriction measures in addition to the nationwide lockdown, which will remain in effect through at least 2359 May 30. The measures are part of the nation’s efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).  For a ferry in to pick up and depart the country:

• A diplomatic and departure landing permit for Colombia will be required – the process time is approximately one week. First the diplomatic permit will need to be obtained by the passenger and once the approval is given, we will need that information in order to obtain the departure Colombian permit.

• If the passenger is Colombian, Colombian authorities will require him to gain diplomatic approval from the Foreign Affairs Ministry (Foreign Affairs Ministry, Luis Orozco, Head of Privileges and Immunities, Phone: + 57-1-381-4000 ext. 1362, Email: luis.orozco@cancilleria.gov.co).
• ​Specifically, the passenger will need to contact this governing authority to provide a schedule and reason for the flight. Once the Ministry reviews the request, they will in turn provide approval/denial. If the request is approved, then the second stage is to obtain the departure permit.
• For the departure Colombian permit, the diplomatic approval number is required to submit along with other information to CAA Colombia.
• Once the approvals are obtained – processing time is one week on average for both permissions – then the flight can operate from SKBO (Bogota).

Passenger Restrictions: An order to ban all entries from air travel remains in place until at least May 30. The ban includes Colombian citizens abroad, but it exempts cargo shipments and flights for humanitarian purposes.  Internal passenger flights in Colombia have been banned until at least May 30.

Special Considerations: Cargo Flights and Humanitarian Flights.

ICAO Specific Information: Airports in the main cities are open 24/7 for humanitarian flights (SKRG, SKCG, SKCL,SKBQ, SKCC), Airports in small cities will operate with at least 24 hour notice.

Costa Rica

May 30, 2020

Restriction expiration: June 30, 2020

General Restrictions: Costa Rica MROC airport is open for returning Costa Rican Citizens and Residents. Ferry flights in to pick up passengers and return them to home country. Due to COVID-19, private flights to MROC, MRLB, MRPV, and MRLM must have authorization to land PPR 48 Hours before the flight.  Send authorization request to FMESEN@DGAC.GO.CR, RMOLINA@DGAC.GO.CR, AVARGAS@DGAC.GO.CR AND LMIRANDA@DGAC.GO.CR.

All INTL Flights with Pax must arrive at MROC. On May 19th and 20th, Intl Pax are not allowed in Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (MROC).  If MROC is closed, ALT aerodromes are MRLB, MRPV, and MRLM according with approved OPR Hrs.

Passenger Restrictions: Costa Rican citizens and residents being allowed to enter the country followed by a 14-day quarantine after arrival if they do not present any COVID-19 symptoms.

Crew: Crew rest is available for 72 hours once their health is inspected by the Health Department upon arrival (COVID-19 TEST). A few hotels are available (as of 11 APR, the Marriott Costa Rica still open).  Crew rest available on aircraft if a transit operation (just a couple of hours).

Tech Stop Details: Pax cannot enter the country unless they are Costa Rican Citizens. Crew may enter the country.

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).

ICAO Specific Information: MROC and MRLB: Aircraft are permitted to ferry in to pick up passengers and depart the country. All ground, air, and maritime borders have been closed, with only.

Ecuador

May 29, 2020

Restriction expiration: June 1, 2020.

General Restrictions: Please be informed that due to health emergency, Ecuadorian Government has closed the borders. No one is allowed to enter Ecuador, not even crewmembers.  Also, please keep in mind that aircraft are allowed to remain only 1h on ground. Landing permit is granted immediately and has no cost.

Other Type of Flights Allowed:

Private/charter aircrafts (arriving ferry to pick up pax)

Passenger Restrictions: Ecuadorian citizens or legal residents are allowed to enter. Citizens of the United States and certain countries in Latin America and Asia Pacific region may enter with an official permit has been obtained through diplomatic channels. 14-day quarantine at Govt mandated facility or hotel.

Crew Restrictions: Crew rest or overnight is possible in Ecuador at SEMT and SEGU. Remember, only for crew, no passengers on board. Crew in transit will be checked on the plane, using facemasks and gloves all the time. Crew will be checked for COVID-19 symptoms. They are required to wear facemasks and gloves all the time and keep a distance of 6” (2m) between people around them. Crew can rest at an off-airport hotel.

Tech Stops: Pax must remain on plane. Crew may leave acft with mask and gloves.

Special Considerations:

• Processing time to obtain landing permit is 24h.
• Documents needed are:
  • Aircraft: registration, airworthiness, insurance policy and noise certificate where MTOW is shown
  • Crew: licenses, medicals and last flight simulator check
  • Pax: GenDecs and letter from operator requesting authorization to pick up persons in Ecuador

ICAO Specific Information: Airport operating hours are as follows:

• SEGU – From 1100 to 0200 UTC daily. GAT is closed, so all Customs and Immigration takes place at the main commercial terminal.
• SEQM and SEMT are 24/7
• Entry Form Required: Yes – sample letter to pick up Pax.

El Salvador

May 29, 2020

Restriction expiration: June 7, 2020

General restrictions: Officials in El Salvador have extended the mandatory 24-hour nationwide quarantine through at least June 7. The quarantine was first announced March 21-April 20 as part of government efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Emergency services personnel, public transport workers,

The quarantine is an extension of the suspension of all international passenger flights and operations at El Salvador International Airport (SAL) through at least April 19. Cargo and humanitarian flights will continue to operate. Nonresident foreign nationals remain barred from entry to the country until further notice. Returning Salvadorian citizens and residents will be subject to strict quarantine measures.

Officials have also canceled all international passenger flights to the country.

Tech Stop Details: Allowed, Pax unable to disembark (no crew swaps)

Special Considerations: Cargo and humanitarian flights will continue to operate. Use MSSS or MSLP.

Guatemala

May 29, 2020

Guyana

May 4, 2020

Restriction expiration: June 3, 2020

General Restrictions: Closed for All Intl Passenger Flights into the country exceptions are Pax OUT, Cargo, Medevac, Search and Rescue, Tech stops for Fuel only, and special authorized flights.

Tech Stop Details: Tech stops are allowed

Honduras

June 1, 2020

Restriction expiration: June 9, 2020

General Restrictions: Closure of land, sea, and air borders until further notice. Suspension of all international flights. Honduras has closed its borders; however, there have been some repatriation flights out of the country. Below you will find the email to the U.S. Embassy in Honduras along with the requirements in order to obtain a permission for repatriation fights. Also – below is the contact information for the U.S. Embassy in Honduras: U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa https://hn.usembassy.gov/ Tel. (504) 2238-5114 USAHonduras@state.gov State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

ICAO Specific Information:

• MHLC, MHRO, MHTG – Closed for all GA, Commercial, and Cargo Flights.
• MHLM – Only available for Cargo Flights, Technical stops where Pax do not disembark, or as ALTN AP identified in a FPL to address WX or ACFT safety situations. Any other aircraft requesting to ARR must wait for a special clearance

Nicaragua

May 29, 2020

Restriction expiration: July 14, 2020.

General restrictions: Landing Permits are required and require the following: negative COVID-19 tests for crew and pax must be issued 48 hours prior to arrival, 15 day quarantine is required, and aircraft fumigation certificate.

Special Considerations: Must notify Nicaragua ATC in those cases in which a passenger with communicable disease and follow protocols and procedures established by your company. Supplying the following information: Aircraft Registry, Departure ICAO, Arrival ICAO, ETA, number of Pax on board, number of affected cases on board, type of risk of public health, seat number of affected persons

Landing Permit applications must be sent 72 hours in advance.  International and National Airlines operating to and from Nicaragua, the following measures:

a) Have first aid kits and precautionary kits on board the aircraft universal, for use by crew and passengers, for handling incidents associated with states of bad for health.

b) Deliver, with due anticipation of the Customs Form, to all passengers before landing and explain the importance of correct filling.

c) The pilot-in-command of an aircraft shall promptly notify air traffic control of the State of Nicaragua, of those cases in which a passenger with illness is suspected Transmissible and follow the protocols and procedures established by your company; supplying the next information:

1) Identification of the aircraft

2) Departure aerodrome

3) Destination aerodrome

4) Expected arrival time

5) Number of passengers on board

6) Number of suspected cases on board; Y

7) Type of risk to public health, if known

8) Seat number occupied by the affected passenger or passengers

ICAO Specific Information:

MNMG – Operating 24 hours abiding by the provisions and measures established by the OMS and ICAO facing COVID-19.  Users must also comply by the Public Health Requirements established by the State of Nicaragua.

Panama

May 29, 2020

Restriction expiration: June 22, 2020.

General Restrictions: The quarantine is in addition to an earlier imposed ban on foreign nationals and nonresidents entering the country, as well as the suspension of all commercial passenger flights to and from Panama that began March 22, and the suspension of all domestic flights as of March 25. All commercial passenger flights are likely to be suspended through at least June 22. No foreign or panamanian citizen is 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 are subject to a mandatory self-quarantine for 14 days.

Crew: No overnight is allowed. Crew can rest on the aircraft (without clearing customs).

Tech Stop Details: Fuel Stops are now allowed in Panama (04APR). No Passengers may disembark. A letter is required authorizing the repatriation or humanitarian flight from embassy or government at the initial origin or final destination of flight.

Special Considerations:

• If a repatriation flight wants to take place, we will require a letter from the embassy requesting the authorization to the local authorities sending the route of the flight and requesting permit for tech stop.
• If approved, the landing permit will have to be requested to local authorities and could take from 24-48 hrs.
• If approved no passenger can come out of the plane, only 1 crew member can do so to check fuel process and do the walk around.

Crew: No overnight is allowed. Crew can rest on the aircraft (without clearing customs).

Tech Stop Details: Fuel Stops are now allowed in Panama (04APR). No Passengers may disembark. A letter is required authorizing the repatriation or humanitarian flight from embassy or government at the initial origin or final destination of flight.

Special Considerations:

• If a repatriation flight wants to take place, we will require a letter from the embassy requesting the authorization to the local authorities sending the route of the flight and requesting permit for tech stop.
• If approved, the landing permit will have to be requested to local authorities and could take from 24-48 hrs.
• If approved no passenger can come out of the plane, only 1 crew member can do so to check fuel process and do the walk around.

All normal services are available.

Paraguay

May 26, 2020

Restriction expiration: June 15, 2020.

General Restrictions: The Paraguayan government extended quarantine measures nationwide through at least June 14 to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).  All commercial and private pax flights are suspended.

Passenger Restrictions: The international borders will 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.

Special Considerations: Cargo is still permitted to cross the borders. Humanitarian, medevac, and tech stops must have prior approval.

Peru

May 29, 2020

Restriction expiration: July 1, 2020

General Restrictions: President Martin Vizcarra extended the state of emergency in Peru until at least July 1, as part of the country’s efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Quarantine rules are 14 days for Crew and PAX. International Landing Permit for Repatriation Flights must be processed through the Chancellery.  It can take around 5 days.

Passenger Restrictions:  Peru’s borders remain closed to all passenger traffic, with international passenger flights to and from the country suspended. Several countries have agreements with Peru to allow limited flights to repatriate their citizens. Nationals of countries that do not have such arrangements may not leave Peru. The border closures do not apply to cargo shipments.

Crew: May not rest at hotel or on aircraft

Tech Stop Details: Fuel Stops are allowed with prior coordination with each Airport Authority and CAA. Crew / PAX May NOT leave aircraft.

Special Considerations: Cargo flights

ICAO Specific Information:

• SPJC – Airport is closed, services are provided at Air Force Ramp. Operations can be done from 0700 to 1630 LCL (Immigration Operation Hours). All services are provided, catering will be basic.

Please refer to your Universal Team for additional specifics.

Uruguay

May 29, 2020

Restriction expiration: June 15, 2020.

General Restrictions: Non-resident foreign nationals are banned from entering Uruguay through at least mid-April. Entry ban does not apply to cargo operations. Charter and private flights with the allowed passengers will need to be confirmed by authorities 72 hrs. prior to operating. Special permit is required for any flights with returning passengers.  Documents needed in advance for approval are: Registration, Airworthiness Certificate, Insurance Policy, Crew Licences and Medical Cerificates. Landing Permit is required.

Passenger Restrictions: Uruguayan citizens and foreign nationals who are legal residents will be allowed to enter. Arriving Uruguayan passengers must quarantine for 14 days. Citizens of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay no longer allowed to enter.

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.

Tech Stop Details: Tech stops are allowed with no disembarkation of passengers or crew. All services are available.

Special Considerations: The repatriation flights in order to collect citizens of their countries for return to their originating cities will only be allowed if the aircraft in return brings stranded Uruguayan Citizens.

The Foreign Ministry will contact the Embassy of the country you are flying from to confirm if there are any Uruguayan citizens who needs to fly home. This is a diplomatic process, the owner or operator does not need to find an Uruguayan citizen to bring, just have to be open to bring them in the empty leg and confirm how many seats can they offer.

In the case that in the country where you are flying from has no Uruguayan citizens to bring, the authorities will give you the approval to fly ferry and pick up the passengers without any issue.​

ICAO Specific Information: SUMU is the only airport operating.

Venezuela

May 29, 2020

Restriction expiration: June 12, 2020

General Restrictions: All aircraft that operate into Venezuela must enter through SVMI only. GA terminal is open and disinfected each night. All persons that transit, are in the terminal or outside their home must wear gloves and mask. No aircraft disinfectant is available. All Crew and Pax must wear gloves and masks, even if Tech Stop, they will be screened by Health Authority. There is a curfew from 1400 to 0600 LCL.

Passenger Restrictions: Repatriation flights are only allowed through diplomatic channels. Any person arriving in Venezuela will be taken to a Govt facility for quarantine for 15 days, regardless of test results (as of April 13th). Pax may not disembark without authorization.

Crew: Crew rest is allowed but will be under the strict mandatory quarantine procedures at the state facility for the length of crew rest.  All crew members that overnight at SVMI, must comply with the 72 hour quarantine established by the health authority. Crew members will be screened and tested with a blood sample from fingertip upon arrival.

Tech Stop Details: Tech stops are allowed with no disembarkation. No catering available. Lav and trash available with advance request. All crew and Pax must wear gloves and masks and will be screened by health authority.

Please refer to your Universal Team for additional specifics.