Covid Travel Requirements
A wave of travelers is approaching two years after the entire world went into lockdown due to COVID 19 . Despite of the spike, travelers continue to phase obstacles due to the travel restrictions within each country.
Recently, most of countries are open to tourism and the hope is to eventually travel around the world freely. Nevertheless, there is important information you will need to follow to enter certain destinations. El Salvador and Central America CA-4 region are no exception to the rule as each country has its own policies and protocols.
Traveling through the Central American CA-4 region? This is what you need to know!
Here is the updated list regarding Covid protocols entrance and tests simple explained for getting into CA-4 region of Central America.
El Salvador
Due to the high rates of vaccination among the population and low cases of COVID-19, since November 17th 2021, you can travel and enter to El Salvador without restrictions. You do not need any test to enter to the destination.
To exit, it is important to follow the travel guidelines of your arriving destination as most countries still require negative COVID tests. It is easy approved locations to test for an antigen or PCR test all over San Salvador and major cities like Santa Ana, Sonsonate, San Miguel and La Unión. Most laboratories will send the results through email or WhatsApp between 1 to 6 hours. Average price for antigen tests is USD$25.00 and for PCR USD$95.00.
Guatemala
Since March 11th 2022, in order to travel to Guatemala, you need a full vaccination doses. You need to present the original certificate of vaccination with at least the second shot applied two weeks before the travel date. In case you do not have any vaccination doses, you must have proof of a negative Covid test (Antigen or PCR) realized within 72-hour prior the arrival time into the country.
In Antigua or Guatemala City, is easy to find options and the results are quick. Average price is USD$35.00 for antigen and USD$90.00 for PCR. In places like Flores, Petén, average price is USD$60.00 for antigen and USD$120.00 for PCR. At La Aurora airport we find antigen test with an average price of USD$25.00.
Honduras
Has not changed its protocols too much. If you are fully vaccinated, you need to present the original certificate of vaccination with the last shot applied within the last two weeks before your travel date. If you are not vaccinated, you need proof of a negative Covid test within 72-hour prior to the arrival date.
In Copán or big cities like San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, results take between 4-8 hours and sent through email or WhatsApp. Average price is USD$40.00 or antigen and USD$60.00 for PCR; but these can vary on depends the place we will take the test.
Note: It is important also do the online pre-checking migratory form and sanitary control. Creating an account and following the instructions, we can find them in the following link: https://prechequeo.inm.gob.hn/Login .
Nicaragua
Since June 16th 2022, Visitors will be requested to present vaccination card with a complete schedule of immunization (2 doses) of any Covid -19 vaccine. Non-vaccinated or partially vaccinated visitors will still be required to present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours.
In Nicaragua it is a bit more challenging to get a test. PCR is the only one available and there is just one laboratory in the country for doing the test. It is located in Managua and opens between 08:00 am to 11:00 am. You will receive the results in the afternoon. The price of the test is USD$150.00.
Other important information
Also it is important to follow the local protocols in each country as to wear or not to wear a facemask in public spaces, taking temperature before entering a venue, etc.
It is possible to enjoy this wonderful region and stay healthy!
