Some international flights are returning to Peru

Peru is restarting international flights for the first time since March when they were halted because of the coronavirus pandemic. The country’s president Martín Vizcarra announced the resumption of flights to major cities in seven countries in Central and South America – Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay and Uruguay – though Peru remains under a state of emergency with quarantine and curfews in force through at least the end of October. 

Flights to Europe could be added to the schedule soon, though many countries on the continent are now experiencing a second wave of COVID-19 cases. And even though Peru is resuming flights to these seven countries, they will not be open to all: for example, Chile has not reopened its borders, so only Chilean citizens and residents will be permitted to travel.

To enter Peru, the requirements are strict. Travelers must show proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their flight. Passengers must also sign a sworn statement agreeing to comply with the mandatory 14-day quarantine and confirm that they are symptom free. When leaving the country, travelers are also required to have a negative test and show no symptoms. 

Both face masks and face shields have to be worn at the airport. Shops were allowed to open at the beginning of October at 60% capacity, and restaurants can now operate at 50% capacity. Travel agencies and tour operators can restart their businesses, but bars and cinemas remain closed. Major tourist sites such as Machu Picchu remain closed but could reopen for locals this week and international visitors in November.