Here are the Central American countries currently accessible to US travelers

Looking for a getaway? Central America is just a short trip away for U.S. travelers, and most nations in the region welcome tourists. Popular spots include Costa Rica and Mexico. However, keep in mind that entry requirements can vary significantly across the region, so it's essential to understand what to expect before you make your travel plans.

In this article, we will cover all the destinations you can visit and the important details to consider before you leave.

Belize — open, requires proof of vaccination or a negative test

Belize is now welcoming U.S. travelers, as reported by the U.S. Embassy.

Air travelers must present one of the following documents to gain entry into the country:

• Proof of full vaccination.
• A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than four days before arrival.
• A negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within two days prior to arrival.

If none of these documents are available, a rapid antigen test will be required on arrival, costing $50 in cash.

Additionally, travelers must reserve a "Gold Standard" hotel, according to the Belize tourism website. These hotels have undergone enhanced health and safety training and are authorized to accommodate tourists. Proof of a Gold Standard reservation will be necessary at customs.

Be aware that there is a nationwide curfew, and masks are mandatory in many situations, such as inside businesses and on public transport. Most restaurants and businesses are open, albeit with capacity limits.

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory due to COVID-19 concerns.

Costa Rica — open, requires health forms and proof of insurance.

Costa Rica has reopened its borders to U.S. travelers from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Visitors can enter by air or through specific land borders, provided they meet a set of requirements.

National parks and beaches across the country are accessible daily from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to the U.S. Embassy. Additionally, businesses are permitted to operate between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. each day with capacity restrictions in place.

However, the country has some of the stricter entry requirements. Travelers must meet the following conditions:

• Complete the electronic health pass form prior to departure.
• Present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours before arriving in Costa Rica.
• Provide proof of traveler's medical insurance, either acquired internationally or from Costa Rica via the National Insurance Institute or Sagicor.
• For international insurance policies, travelers must obtain a certification from their insurer, in English or Spanish, confirming at least the following three criteria:
• Policy validity during their stay in Costa Rica.
• Coverage for medical expenses if contracting COVID-19 while in Costa Rica, for a minimum of $50,000.
• At least $2,000 in coverage for potential quarantine accommodations arising from the pandemic.
• Note that emergency medical or dental coverage offered by credit cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, does not fulfill this requirement.
• Have spent at least 14 days in one of the countries to which Costa Rica has reopened its air borders.
• Exhibit no COVID-19 symptoms.
• Additionally, a valid passport and proof of onward travel are required to avoid tourist visa requirements for stays of 90 days or fewer.

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory due to COVID-19 concerns.

El Salvador — open, requires proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test.

El Salvador reopened for commercial flights to Oscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL) in San Salvador on September 19. The country had been closed to international travelers since mid-March 2020 due to the global pandemic.

"Tourism is the industry that connects us globally, and we are committed to providing visitors with the best experiences, prioritizing safety above all," stated Morena Valdez, El Salvador's tourism minister. "I encourage you to cross borders and see for yourself that El Salvador is a fantastic destination for tourism, business, and living."

To enter the country, travelers must show either a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival or proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination, as stated by the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador. The option to enter with vaccination proof is a relatively new policy, so the embassy advises passengers to verify that their airline has updated its policies accordingly.

Local businesses are open without restrictions, and public transportation is fully operational.

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory due to concerns about crime and COVID-19.

Guatemala — open, with specific entry requirements in place.

Guatemala is welcoming most travelers who adhere to the entry protocols.

Travelers intending to visit Guatemala must present one of the following three documents, according to the U.S. Embassy:

• A negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test conducted within 72 hours prior to arrival.
• Documentation of full vaccination.
• Evidence of recovery from COVID-19 within the last three months before traveling to Guatemala.

Flights to and from Guatemala are operational, and land borders are accessible. However, most travelers who have been in Brazil, South Africa, or the United Kingdom within the last two weeks will not be permitted entry.

Upon arrival, travelers must go through health checkpoints, and those showing COVID-19 symptoms may be refused entry. Masks are mandatory in most public spaces, with fines imposed for noncompliance. Currently, there is no curfew, and public transportation is running at 50% capacity.

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory due to concerns about crime and COVID-19.

Honduras — open, requires proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test for entry.

Honduras welcomed tourists from all countries starting August 17. Visitors must complete a registration form from the government and provide either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before crossing the border. Foreigners who have visited or transited through the U.K. or South Africa in the past 21 days are not allowed entry into Honduras, according to the U.S. Embassy.

The local health authority reserves the right to approve or deny entry based on their assessment of the COVID-19 risk posed by any arriving travelers. Departing travelers must also fill out an online pre-check form, a health surveillance form, an affidavit of good health, and a customs form.

A curfew is in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. until July 25. Most businesses are operating at 50% capacity, and public transportation is running. However, bars, nightclubs, gyms, sports complexes, convention centers, theaters, and educational institutions are currently closed.

Be aware that the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory due to crime and COVID-19 concerns.

Mexico — open, no entry restrictions in place

Americans can fly to virtually any location in Mexico with nearly no restrictions or entry requirements. However, the land border remains closed to all but essential travel until at least August 21, according to the U.S. Embassy.

All of Mexico is now accessible to international tourists without testing or vaccination mandates. You will need to fill out a health declaration form upon arrival.

A four-tier traffic light system is in place to regulate business operations and gatherings. The red tier indicates maximum restrictions, orange limits capacity in public spaces to 30%, yellow allows businesses to open with "basic prevention measures," and green permits operations without restrictions.

Tourists are highly recommended to wear face masks in all public areas, including during flights. However, TPG staff reports indicate that adherence to this guideline is inconsistent.

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory due to concerns regarding COVID-19 and, in some regions, issues related to kidnapping and crime.

Nicaragua — open, requires a negative PCR test for entry

Nicaragua did not fully shut down during the coronavirus pandemic, facing criticism from humanitarian groups like Human Rights Watch. Reports indicate that the government discouraged mask-wearing among Nicaraguans, including health professionals and airport staff.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival is necessary for entry. Additionally, travelers coming from countries with a known yellow fever risk must show proof of vaccination against yellow fever. Although travelers should expect some health screenings, the embassy notes that no extra health documentation is required for entry.

Aside from these requirements, businesses such as bars and restaurants remain operational, and there is currently no curfew in effect.

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory due to COVID-19, highlighting "limited healthcare availability and arbitrary enforcement of laws."

Panama — open, requires a negative PCR or antigen test for entry

Travelers can enter Panama as long as they present a negative PCR or antigen COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of their arrival. If they arrive without a test, they can take one at the airport customs for a fee of $50. Those who test positive must quarantine in a government-designated hotel for 14 days at no cost. All travelers are required to complete an electronic affidavit prior to check-in, confirming their adherence to COVID-19 regulations and stating they have not been in contact with anyone positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

Stricter regulations apply to travelers who have been in or transited through South America, India, South Africa, or the United Kingdom within the last 15 days. Such travelers must undergo an $85 COVID-19 test upon arrival. If the test is negative, they will need to complete a mandatory three-day quarantine at an authorized hotel, followed by another COVID-19 test on the third day, allowing them to exit quarantine if the result is also negative.

Panama's regulations largely adhere to standard health protocols for COVID-19 prevention. Masks are mandatory on all modes of transportation and in public areas. Travelers are encouraged to use electronic payment methods, make use of hand sanitizer stations, undergo temperature checks conducted by businesses and tourism operators, and access digital maps and menus to minimize contact with paper.

Many businesses in Panama are operating, though at reduced capacity. Restaurants are open and recommend making reservations to avoid overcrowding. Additionally, shared vehicles are limited to 50% capacity, while event spaces have a 30% capacity limit. Beaches have also reopened for visitors.

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory due to COVID-19 risks.