CATA informs regulations for those who travel to Central America and the Dominican Republic

In recent weeks the countries of Central America and the Dominican Republic have announced the implementation of different phases towards the reopening of their economic and social activities, including tourism, as well as their entire supply chain.

The commercial area activity represents one of the points of interest to facilitate the transport of passengers in this new stage. As a preventive measure during the post-confinement caused by COVID-19, each country has established strict biosecurity mechanisms and protocols to ensure the health of passengers who wish to enter the region.

In Belize, the Minister of Tourism and Aviation, José Manuel Heredia, reported that tourists must first download a health application from the country and complete a required form before boarding the flight.
After completing the questionnaire, the traveler will receive a QR code with an identification number, which will be used as a monitoring mechanism by the corresponding authorities, during their stay in the country.
In addition, the Government suggests presenting a COVID test, with a negative result and with a range of 72 hours, before the flight. Likewise, the biosecurity process has the reservation of flights and hotels, prioritizing those that have the Gold Standard Certificate of Recognition.

For its part, Guatemala, through the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) has indicated that to enter the country, people must have a certificate of negative result of the PCR test, 72 hours before boarding a flight to the country, the use of a mask inside the terminal will be mandatory, physical distancing signage must be respected in all areas, passengers when entering their flight will have to go through temperature measuring arches and make use of hand washing stations and alcohol gel.
The president of Guatemala, Alejandro Giammattei, announced that they are also working on the installation of a Health Center inside the airport that will be able to react immediately to a suspected case of COVID-19.

The Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA), reported that the International Airport of El Salvador Oscar Arnulfo Romero will have the opening of commercial flights under strict security protocols.
Among the measures are the mandatory use of masks for all people entering the airport, the terminal will be fully signposted to maintain social distancing, installation of protection screens at service points and there will be cameras to detect people’s temperature.

For its part, the Honduran Civil Aeronautics Agency (AHAC), determined that people who enter the country must carry out an immigration pre-check. More information here; as well as presenting PCR test or rapid test with 72 hours, before your flight; have valid and current travel documents; and comply with all biosafety measures implemented at the airport.
The Nicaraguan Ministry of Health (MINSA) will request as protocol measures to international travelers, the negative result of the PCR test, with a maximum of 72 hours, before entering the country. Passengers with negative tests will be able to enter Nicaraguan territory without any problem. In addition, they will receive a telephone follow-up for 14 days by the country’s health personnel.
For passengers from Asia, Africa and Oceania, the PCR test must be carried out in a maximum period of 96 hours, prior to entering the country.

Costa Rica determined that during the staggered reopening stage, it will be receiving tourists from the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada, Uruguay, and Asia. Some of the requirements to enter the country are to complete an epidemiological digital form available on the official pages of the country https://salud.go.cr/; Have a negative RT-PCR test, taken no more than 72 hours before the trip.
Passengers from the United States, who were allowed entry on September 1, must demonstrate through a state identification document (driver’s license or state ID), that they reside in one of the 12 states authorized to enter.
In addition, they will have to have medical insurance for international travel or purchased in Costa Rica, which covers accommodation in case of quarantine and medical expenses for acute illness. Once in Costa Rican territory, visitors will have to wear facial protection and comply with the strict protocol implemented at airports.

Among the sanitary measures that Panama will be implementing during the opening of its commercial flights, it will be necessary to present a swab / PCR test, or negative antigens, with a maximum of 96 hours, prior to boarding the flight of origin.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Panama (AAC), passengers must sign an affidavit in which they commit to the following: comply with the sanitary provisions and protocols that the government of the country has, through the Ministry of Health; and the use of a mobile application for proper passenger monitoring.

The Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, established that as of September 15 the “Responsible Tourism Recovery Plan” will be executed, in which it has been determined, the total elimination of the requirement of tests of some kind to travelers to enter to the country. However, random rapid tests will be conducted inside the airport.
The Dominican Republic will have a temporary travel assistance plan for tourists visiting a hotel, which will be in effect until December of this year. It will be completely free with coverage for emergencies, including tests for Covid-19, and cost coverage for extended stays.