Travel requirements to enter Central America and Dominican Republic

The Central America Tourism Agency (CATA) makes available to international travelers the requirements for entry to the countries of Central America and the Dominican Republic.

BELIZE

The Government of Belize, as of July 12, decided to eliminate all public health measures at points of entry to Belize, including by air, land, and sea. Travelers no longer need to present proof of vaccination to enter Belize’s airport, land borders, or seaports. All foreign tourists entering the country have the option of purchasing Belize travel insurance. It is no longer required but is highly recommended by the Belize Tourist Office. Click here for more information.

If you need to take a COVID-19 test before leaving Belize, these are the approved testing sites.

GUATEMALA

As of August 13, 2022, Guatemala updated the biosafety guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19 at points of entry into the country, whether by air, land, or sea. Proof of vaccination is no longer required; it is not necessary to present proof for the detection of COVID-19. All travelers are advised to follow basic biosecurity measures such as hand washing and maintaining physical distancing.

If you need to take a COVID-19 test before leaving Guatemala, these are the authorized centers available.

EL SALVADOR

As of November 17, 2021, El Salvador completely eliminated the sanitary requirements to enter the country. In other words, it is not necessary to present a vaccination card or PCR test. However, it urges its visitors to continue to voluntarily comply with biosecurity measures.

However, each visitor must follow the entry requirements established by the countries where the flight makes a stopover, prior to their arrival in El Salvador. It is important that all visitors verify the immigration requirements needed to enter El Salvador before starting their trip to avoid setbacks or unwanted episodes.

If you need to take a COVID-19 test before leaving El Salvador, these are the authorized centers available.

HONDURAS

Travelers who have a complete vaccination schedule against COVID-19 must present a vaccination card to the health authority. If the traveler is not vaccinated, they must present a negative test carried out within 72 hours prior to the trip. The test can be RT-PCR, Antigens, or Elisa.

All people must pre-register 72 hours in advance. In the case of Nicaraguan citizens, they must carry out the pre-check seven days in advance. Pre-register here.

Click here for more information.

NICARAGUA

The Government of Nicaragua announced new provisions for travelers entering the country. As of June 16, 2022, tourists who have all their vaccination schedules no longer must present a Covid-19 test to enter the country by air, land, or sea.

Travelers of all nationalities should only present, at any of the country’s border points, their vaccination cards or certificate of two doses or more, regardless of the year in which they were vaccinated.

Non-nationals must complete an online form that is available on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is recommended to complete it at least seven days before traveling to the country.

Unvaccinated travelers, both children and adults, will require a negative PCR test (nasopharyngeal swab) that must be taken 72 hours before arrival in the country. Those traveling from Asia, Oceania, and Africa will have to take their test 92 hours before arrival. All unvaccinated travelers must present the digital or printed results of the tests upon arrival at the country’s border.

If you need to take a COVID-19 test before leaving Nicaragua, schedule your appointment through the Ministry of Health, here.

COSTA RICA

Since April 1, Costa Rica eliminated the temporary immigration measures for entering the country. Costa Rica does not request Coronavirus detection tests, nor does it issue confinement health orders when entering the country by air, land, or sea.

In addition, the requirement to complete the epidemiological form known as the Health Pass and the payment of medical insurance for unvaccinated foreigners was eliminated.

All establishments, activities, and events operate at 100% capacity. The mandatory use of a mask, the protocol for washing hands and taking temperature, as well as compliance with health protocols in each tourist activity, are maintained.

If you need to take a COVID-19 test before leaving Costa Rica, these are the authorized centers available.

PANAMA

Travelers will not have to present a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country as long as they can present a card or digital certification of a complete vaccination schedule, equal to or greater than 14 days after their last dose.

Unvaccinated travelers or those with an incomplete vaccination schedule must present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within 72 hours prior to their arrival in Panama.

If it is not possible to present a test within the established period, the traveler must take a rapid COVID-19 test at the airport, which will be paid by the traveler, prior to passing through migration (Value USD $50).

ALL travelers must present to the airline their complete Affidavit of Health (in physical or digital form) before boarding to Panama. This Central American destination also makes PCR tests available to tourists for both entry and exit of travelers at the Tocumen International Airport.

Click here for more information.

DOMINICAN REPUPLIC

Effective February 16, 2022, all the restrictive measures imposed by COVID-19 were suspended, and it is up to each individual to take their own measures to safeguard their health, to enjoy the island’s tourism offer responsibly, but without restrictions.

All passengers entering or leaving the Dominican Republic on commercial flights must complete the free electronic entry and exit form.E-TICKET

The Dominican Republic makes available to travelers the following list with detailed information on how to perform the COVID-19 tests for all travelers who need to return to their countries of origin.

Click here for more information.