As of November 15, 2021, El Salvador dropped all travel restrictions related to COVID-19.
While searching for flights, I always refer to IATA (International Air Transport Association) for the most up-to-date travel restrictions. They have a wonderful interactive colour map where you can see in seconds who is not restrictive, who is partially restrictive, or who is totally restrictive. Mexico has been a light blue for a long time, meaning, no restrictions. The light blue countries are easy to spot—there aren’t many of them.
Yesterday when I logged into the map, there was a new, tiny, light blue spot of glimmering hope.
I clicked on hope.
And there it was—new regulations, or lack of, for El Salvador.
“Published 17.11.2021
COVID-19 entry regulations lifted on 15 November 2021.”
YES.
Life just got a little bit easier as I’m connecting through El Salvador in December. No one can give straight answers on how restrictions apply to travelers during connections at airports. Do we follow the connecting country’s rules along with the destination, or only the regulations of the destination?
The answer? Better follow the connecting country’s rules, too, just in case.
Now, the worry is gone for the immediate future because all foreigners entering El Salvador no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID test or vaccination.
The new rules come because of recommendations from the El Salvador Health Ministry, plus the World Health Organization, which has long pushed for countries to stop requiring negative COVID tests or proof of vaccination to enter or leave them.
Ask yourself why your country is still imposing entry and exit restrictions or making them even more strict when the WHO says otherwise? We listened to the WHO when they said lockdown. Why aren’t we listening now?
As quoted from WHO Policy considerations for implementing a risk-based approach to international travel in the context of COVID-19 published July 2, 2021, on page 2:
“WHO recommends that Member States:
- Not require proof of COVD-19 vaccination as a mandatory condition for entry to or exit from a country (7)”.
And further down on page 3:
“WHO recommends that Member States:
- Do not treat international travellers as a priority group for SARS-CoV-2 testing, as they are not suspected COVID-19 cases by default”.
Despite the lifting of official restrictions, El Salvador still urges travellers to comply with biosafety measures, including mask use, vaccination, and hand hygiene. They also remind travellers the door is open for them to get vaccinated against COVID in El Salvador if they want.
But hey, this is a great start.
If you are looking for a tropical escape where the stress to get there has been removed, take a second look at El Salvador.
I’m going to be a regular guest on Coffee with Carib Carter! Exciting times are ahead as we join forces with the Offshore Club to bring you details on how you can find healthy, happy living in beautiful places like Belize, Nicaragua, Panama, and others. Check out my first chat straight from Nicaragua with Carter Clews here.
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