El Salvador, Costa Rica and Panama are the three Central American countries that will no longer ask for negative covid-19 tests or medical insurance, as a requirement to enter their territories. However, in the canal nation, the measure will only apply to people who have already been vaccinated against the coronavirus.
According to a presidential decree, From February 16, 2022, only unvaccinated tourists and those who have less than two doses must present a negative covid-19 test, PCR type or antigen, as a requirement to enter Panama.
“The traveler must digitally record the proof of their vaccination prior to the trip or physically present the vaccination card at the port of entry to the country,” explains the decree signed by President Laurentino Cortizo, and the Minister of Health of the country.
In the case of those who do not have at least two doses or their complete schedule, which in Panama are considered three doses to complete the guideline, they must present a negative test valid for 72 hours. Or, they can be done at the port of entry.
Costa Rica will relax its measures until April
In Costa Rica, the change in measures for tourists will take place until April. As President Carlos Alvarado announced on Wednesday, this country will begin to relax restrictions against covid-19 in March, by eliminating the vehicle restriction decreed since last year.
Also, in March, the health pass for the entry of nationals will be eliminated. Meanwhile, tourists will still get a health pass check, but it will be random.
In April, the change in measures will allow massive events and activities to be held without the need to ask for the QR code of the vaccination certificate. Likewise, tourists will be allowed to enter without needing a health pass and without paying for medical insurance, which until now was mandatory.
High vaccination rates open doors
El Salvador stopped requesting negative covid-19 tests and vaccination records from November 17, 2021, according to the General Directorate of Immigration and Immigration. This country also opened the doors to vaccination tourism with which foreigners could travel to get immunized for free.
“We are a country with open doors to all foreigners, in addition to being able to enter our territory without restrictions, they are reminded that they can access the national vaccination system on a voluntary basis, facilities that few countries offer to their visitors,” according to the Government. by Nayib Bukele.
These three Central American countries are the ones with the highest vaccination rates in the region. Costa Rica leads the way with 73.71% of its population fully vaccinated; Panama follows with 66.72%; and El Salvador with 64.7% of its population inoculated.
Likewise, they show important advances in the application of the third dose. Also, they are reporting a decrease in infections triggered by the omicron variant of concern.
However, the flexibility in income is due to an interest in economic growth through tourism, explained the authorities of the three nations. Nicaragua, which has shown significant progress in vaccination against covid-19, still requires a negative PCR test to enter the country.
European Union opens doors to vaccinated
This week the European Council updated the restrictions on non-essential travel to the European Union (EU), in which it allows, as of March 1, the entry of people vaccinated with biologicals approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and those recovered.
“Member States must lift the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU for people who have received an EU or WHO authorized vaccine, provided that they have received the last dose of the vaccination at least 14 days ago. and no more than 270 days before their arrival or have received a booster dose”, they explain.
They point out that, despite these changes, the authorities will still be able to request negative covid-19 tests or establish other restrictions such as quarantine or isolation considering the health situation of the traveler’s country of origin.
In the case of travelers whose certificate is not the one created by the European Union or is immunized with unproven vaccines, they must present their negative covid-19 test. Meanwhile, minors between the ages of six and 18 who have not completed the vaccination schedule can travel with a negative PCR performed no more than 72 hours before the trip. Children under the age of six are not required to have additional tests or requirements
