The latest travel guidelines
- International travellers can enter Argentina without quarantining or isolating if they meet the entry requirements.
- International travellers can enter Chile without quarantining or isolating if they meet the entry requirements.
Why travel with Swoop?
The way in which we all travel has changed. The safety of our customers has always been our first priority, now so more than ever. If you book with Swoop:
- We'll work with you to arrange your perfect adventure, ensuring it stays perfect regardless of the current climate
- We'll be there to support you at every step of your journey, from the moment you book and during your adventure, to returning home
- Our Customer Experience Team and our suite of online guides – adapted specially for Covid-19 – will prepare you for your adventure; from entry requirements and travel documentation to packing lists and wildlife tips
- We'll keep you informed of any significant changes to Antarctic travel; we're in touch daily with our partners and contacts on the ground, and monitor official government websites and the local news
- You'll be in safe and experienced hands; we have customers (and members of our own team) travelling in Antarctica right now, and many more set to travel this season
Getting to Antarctica
Although there are no entry requirements for Antarctica itself, travellers must pass through either Argentina or Chile to get there. The port town of Ushuaia in Argentina and the port city of Punta Arenas in Chile are the two key gateways to the White Continent, from which travellers either sail or fly south to the 'end of the Earth'.
Some of Chile and Argentina's borders are currently open to international travellers, but the entry requirements vary, so if you haven't decided on a specific trip or voyage just yet, we recommend reading the travel information for both countries.
Swoop says
There are currently measures in place for those looking to travel to Chile or Argentina from southern Africa. If you would like more information, please get in touch.
Getting to Argentina
Currently, international travellers can enter Argentina without a mandatory quarantine, if they:
- Have a travel insurance policy that explicitly covers any expenses relating to Covid-19
- Complete an online written declaration (affidavit) no more than 48 hours prior to arriving in Argentina
Getting to Chile
Currently, international travellers can enter Chile without a mandatory quarantine, if they:
- Are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 with an approved vaccine, and have validated their vaccination status online (as far in advance of travelling as possible!)
- Have a travel insurance policy with a minimum coverage of $30,000 USD, to cover any expenses relating to Covid-19
- Complete an online written declaration up to 48 hours before departure from their home country
- Are prepared to possibly complete a PCR test on arrival (randomised, 50% travellers will be tested)
Molly says
I travelled to Antarctica in the 2021/22 season and I was impressed by how easy my journey was. We may be in a new era of international travel, but everything ran like clockwork! It has given me great confidence for Antarctic travel moving forward.
Molly Hutchison Polar Specialist
What our customers think of Antarctic Travel & Covid-19
Returning from Antarctica
It's not a bad idea to look ahead and consider what is involved in getting home from Antarctica, including Covid-19 testing. As with your journey to the white continent, you must pass through either Chile or Argentina on your way back.
The guidelines differ depending on where travellers are returning to. This guide covers the US and the UK, for all other countries, please check your government’s official guidance.
Boarding the plane for King George Island
Travelling home to the US
Before you travel
As of 12:01 AM ET on June 12, 2022, CDC no longer requires air passengers travelling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative Covid-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from Covid-19 before they board their flight.
For more information, see Rescission: Requirement for Negative Pre-Departure COVID-19 Test Result or Documentation of Recovery from COVID-19 for all Airline or Other Aircraft Passengers Arriving into the United States from Any Foreign Country.
Travelling home to the UK
Entry requirements to the UK vary depending on if you are entering England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. See the specific British Government guidance for details. Travellers should always double-check their situation against the official government guidance and enquire with their airline and/or consular representation in Chile or Argentina.
By means of an example, we have provided the current requirements for England below.
As of 11th February 2022, if you qualify as fully vaccinated for travel to England:
- You will not need to take a Covid-19 test before you travel
- You will not need to quarantine when you arrive
- You will not need to take a Covid-19 test after your arrival
Travelling to the EU
Entry requirements to the European Union vary between member nations. Please review the EU’s country-specific guidance.
Travelling to all other countries
For all other countries, please check your government’s official guidance.
Disclaimer
Information provided by Swoop is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time only, but in this fast-changing environment we cannot be held responsible for changes not immediately reflected on this website or in information shared with you. Customers should undertake their own research appropriate to their individual circumstances before making final decisions.
Where links to government, operators or other third-party sites are provided, again this information is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge, but we cannot be held responsible for third-party content.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
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With over 50 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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