- CURRENT NEWS / The Americas
- 30 March 2021
IN THE POST-COVID WORLD, the protocols and procedures for superyachts cruising the world will undoubtedly change and adapt to medical advice, political will and technological advancement.
GSR will keep speaking with government authorities, captains and shore agents to keep our collective finger on the pulse of what superyachts should expect when on the Great Southern Route.
We will bring the information as it comes to hand, however, we strongly recommend always checking with your preferred shore support agent as changes can be rapid and hard for us to verify.
Following are the latest updates from the Americas.
Canada
22 January 2021
“Flights into the country are restricted. Only Canadian citizens, permanent residents and some select groups (agricultural workers, international students) are allowed in.
“People wishing to return to Canada must obtain a negative COVID-19 test three days before they can arrive. Once people arrive, they are subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine.
“There are some delays, but two percent of the population has been vaccinated.”
NMMA Representative Jim Wielgosz via Superyacht Australia
Chile
18 December 2020
“Regarding the current COVID regulations for Chile, for yachts and crews, the bottom line is that currently yachts can enter Chile and the International Airport of Santiago is open. Those arriving must have negative results to a PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) taken within the last 72 hours. As crew members cannot do that at sea, a test is taken upon their arrival. Results of Rapid tests are not accepted. In most cases and at all major ports, the test is taken on board.
“All travellers arriving in Chile must have an Affidavit of Travellers electronic form completed 48 hours before boarding. Quarantine is not required if the test is negative, however, all travellers must check in daily as to their location and health with the Ministry of Health as well as carry medical insurance that specifically covers COVID-19.”
Shore Support Agent Carlos Miguel
Panama
25 January 2021
“The airports, ports and canal remain open. All incoming crew members/guests via Panama Airport (Tocumen International Airport-PTY) will require to arrive with a round-trip ticket (could be refundable), have a negative Covid-19 test (PCR or Antigen test) 48 hours or less prior to arriving in Panama. All crew members arriving in Panama on board yachts are required to get an Antigen test done on board before they are authorised to go ashore or disembark.
“There are curfews in place at night and the weekdays are split between the genders: Monday, Wednesday and Friday only women are allowed to enter supermarkets, drug stores or open business. Tuesday and Thursday only men are allowed to enter supermarkets, drug stores or open business. In February, more businesses and restaurants will open.”
Update from Shore Support Agent Alex Rissi
Puerto Rico
18 January 2021
“Puerto Rico is open with some regulations in place. Yachts arriving must show a negative test no more than 72 hours before arrival. If a test cannot be taken, the yacht will be required to quarantine for 14 days and return a negative result. There is a curfew in place and all recreational boating is limited to 5 am to 10 pm.
Travel Authority
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