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'.
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.
Getting to Argentina
Argentina has removed all entry requirements related to Covid-19. You can read more about other requirements in our guide to visas and travel documentation.
Covid-19 vaccination is not mandatory to enter the country, but this measure could change and so it is highly recommended by the national government that you are fully vaccinated.
Getting to Chile
As of the 1st of September 2022, the following applies:
- The affidavit for travellers online declaration form is no longer required to be completed
- Vaccinated travellers are required to show a Local Vaccination Certification upon entry to Chile
- The Local Vaccination Certification has replaced the Mobility Pass and should be carried at all times
- Non-vaccinated individuals are required to show a negative PCR test result (no older than 48 hours) to be able to enter the country
- Random Covid-19 testing continues to be conducted at the country's borders upon entering
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 June 2022, the 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
At present, you do not need to take any Covid-19 tests or fill in a passenger locator form. This applies whether you are fully vaccinated or not. Please check with the British Government Guidance before you travel.
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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We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
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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