Flying Between Countries in South America? You Clear Customs Every Time

If you're planning to travel to multiple South American countries on the same trip, this information is for you. For instance, traveling to Machu Picchu in Peru and Galapagos Islands in Ecuador is a popular combination. 

You need to know that each country in South America is its own border with its own immigration policies and customs procedures. Each country has their own policies, which may differ from other nations in South America. It's not like Schengen rules in western European countries who allow travelers to move freely between certain countries in a border-free zone. Nor is it like the United States where people travel among states without passport controls.

As an example, after exploring Machu Picchu in Peru, the most popular route to continue to Galapagos Islands, is a domestic flight from Cusco to Lima, Peru. Then check-in for your international flight on to Quito (or Guayaquil) in Ecuador, passing through immigration and customs on arrival. It's customary to allow at least one or more days in Quito (or Guayaquil) before you travel to Galapagos, which requires special pre-departure forms.

The same applies if you're going from Cusco, in Peru, to Santiago, Chile and on to Easter Island or Patagonia. Direct flights between Cusco, Peru and Santiago, Chile make the trip appear simple, but immigration and customs procedures apply.

This is important to understand if you have checked luggage. Plan on collecting your checked bags and clearing customs at the first airport in each new country unless the airline tells you otherwise.

Tips for traveling to more than one country in South America in the same trip:

-There's no universal standard for visa requirements to travel around South America. Policies differ between countries, depending on the nationality of your passport. You are responsible to know and show the proper documents when entering each country. This applies to other documents.

-Countries may have mandated yellow fever vaccination or other requirements. For instance, Argentina requires all foreigners to show proof of travel insurance that meets their standards. Bolivia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination. And don't be surprised if a country has a health policy that applies to visitors coming from certain countries. For instance, if you travel from Peru directly to Cost Rica, they may require you to show proof of yellow fever vaccination. But if you go to the US first, then travel to Costa Rica, proof of vaccination may not be required. I'm not an expert. I'm letting you know that there are variable that affect the regulations for travel between countries.

-Flight check-in procedure. When you check-in, airline agents usually explain how checked bags are handled at each of your stops and destinations. But with automation now taking over, it's easy to miss the reminder. Flights between countries are considered international, even though it may be a short direct jaunt.

-Airport terminals for international and domestic flights. Some airports may have an international terminal and a separate terminal for domestic flights. It's important that you understand when you are changing from an international flight to a domestic flight. Don't forget to claim your checked bags. International to domestic connections such as Lima to Cusco, usually mean you collect your checked bags, clear customs, then check the bags in again.

-Transiting through an airport on international connections. This is simply a stop on the way to your final destination. You don't plan to leave the secure area between flights. Your airline will provide instructions. If the airport has the facilities, you stay airside (secure zone) and your checked bags are transferred by the airline from one plane to the next, while you go to your departure gate. You don't clear immigration or customs unless you leave the secure zone. If you do, don't forget to claim your checked bags and check-in again, allowing time to go through security. It's like starting over.

For instance, in Santiago, Chile, flights to Easter Island depart from the domestic terminal. Make sure you go to the correct terminal when you are arriving and checking in for connecting flights 

-Checked luggage handling. Allow enough time between flights to wait in line for immigration processing and then to wait in line to pass through customs. Rules for declaring items may differ between countries. Re-checking your checked bags could involve going to the airline check-in desk outside the secure zone. Allow time to clear the security check and get to your boarding gate.

-Luggage weight limits could be different in each South American country if you're flying on national airlines. For instance, Aerolíneas Argentinas has different baggage limits from LATAM Airlines, which operates in most South American countries. If you're using several airlines, you would need to pack to the luggage limits of the strictest airline.

-Book multiple flights in one transaction. US, Canadian and European airlines may have code share partnerships with South American airlines that let travelers reserve multiple connecting flights between countries in South America in one transaction. This is popular with Delta and American Airlines who offer international flights to Lima, Peru then connect with partner airlines for domestic flights to the final destination in Cusco. The benefit is that if your international flight is delayed, the airline is usually responsible to rebook you without penalty. Always verify this is the policy before you book your flights. Booking flights through a 3rd party meta search engine that pulls data from travel suppliers may have different policies. 

-If you are booking multiple flights back-to-back as separate transactions, make sure you allow extra time between flights. Flight delays and cancellations can interrupt your trip and would not offer any protection for the cost or assistance to rebook your connecting flights. The traveler is responsible to cover additional costs, or penalties, and would need to contact the connecting airline to rebook their flight. 

-Travel insurance. Does trip protection cover you if you miss connecting flights due to delays or cancellations? Find out before you book your flights. 

Insider tip: when one of your back-to-back flights is delayed or cancelled, and the airline agent is rebooking your flight, they may not pay attention to the layover time, or arrival time at your destination. Ask to see your choices for rescheduling before you get re-ticketed. If you have a super long overnight layover, the airline may cover the cost of a hotel. And you have to ask for it. Or the agent may not care what your arrival time at your destination is. But you might. 

"Twice I never made it."

I've booked Delta/Latam airlines back-to-back flights in one transaction from Virginia arriving 1am in Cusco, Peru. Twice.
Both times I missed the Lima to Cusco connection. I asked for a hotel and was given a voucher in Lima airport to overnight at Holiday Inn Hotel. It was a hassle, but I was relieved to be able to relax for a few hours. I chose a mid morning flight to Cusco, which my tour guide was very happy to accommodate.