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panamajames
  8/28/2020 08:16 EST

I am a resident of Colombia, however I can't seem to get out of Panama until they open the airports here, and it looks like October 12th. Anyone have some good information as to when I can fly into Colombia, Medellin in particular. Cheers................James in Panama

canpandave
  8/28/2020 08:54 EST

Hey Jim,

We have opposite problems..
I am stuck in Colombia and am waiting to return to Panama. My best guess is sometime in November

Cheers

Dave

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panamajames
  8/28/2020 09:57 EST

Thank you canpandave. That is what I am figuring, November sounds like the best time to travel. I will give those early birds in October, the chance to get some experience in the new normal airport routines and hear what they have to say...............cheers

FrozenPonds
  8/28/2020 11:00 EST

A quick thought... There are over 24 million cases Worldwide with three countries totalling more than 50% off those cases... The US, Brazil and India.

The talk of Airports opening up in November is, well, ridiculous!!! You do realize that they are talking about a second wave potentially starting in November right?

So.. Open up for two weeks and when cases start to increase... They can shut it down again. Open the Airports now with protocols in place and allow your citizens to live again with other protocols in place. We have to come to the realizatión that we are going to have to live with this virus until a vaccine is developed, manufactured and distributed to the populous. That folks.. Could take a minimum of 18 months.

SkyMan
  8/28/2020 11:29 EST

It's going to be in November at the earliest...and it's dependent upon the country you are coming from, as some countries will be on a no-fly into/out of list. Currently there are a very, very few flights within Colombia & that's all. Stay Well. Buena Suerte !

homeenergyexpert
  8/29/2020 02:17 EST

Everyone just keeps backing it up. My wife is in our home in Bucaramanga and I been stuck since March in a "Tourist Ghost Town" city once labeled the "Tourist Capital of the World" Las Vegas. It has 200,000 mostly empty hotel rooms. as the city just hit 1,111 dead and 58,292 Wohan CCP China Virus cases with over 90%+ from the China Road & Building Cement & Asphalt Exhibits at ConAm Convention. China imported illegal Chinese factory workers from Wuhan, Hubei, Guagzhou and their Northern Italy factories with their co-conspirator whose wife is from Communist China Nevada States Communist Socialist Democrat Governor Sisolak. He said screw the Teamster's Union Workers and as an "Open Borders-Sanctuary City" State let in illegally 300+ Chinese to work on Tourist Visas on the ConAm everything concrete and asphalt road and construction convention. It had 125,000 attendees from all over the world. Many Colombian companies from Bogota and Medellin. They got the virus from the China Exhibits and took it back to Colombia.

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SkyMan
  8/29/2020 12:45 EST

Home...interesting story. those Chinese have so many work projects throughout the world, it still amazes me. They are building many municipal projects in the U.S. Civic buildings such as fire stations and city/county buildings, etc. that "web" extends far & wide...and definitely spread the virus throughout Planet Earth. Still looks like November at the earliest to begin int'l flights. Stay Well. Buena Suerte !

vegas23
  8/29/2020 18:53 EST

Can anybody tell me if we can fly to Medellin in September.
I have booked a flight on
Spirit Air on Sept. 16 from FLL to MDE for around $50 one way which hasn't been cancelled on the website.
Why does everybody say there is no international travel until Oct. or Nov. ?

panamajames
  8/30/2020 02:58 EST

I just received this yesterday from the Colombian Government. It doesn't sound like a lot of things opening up very soon. September 1st sounds a bit early. ........................................................................................................................................................................................

From: "[email protected]"
Sent: Fri, Aug 28, 2020 at 11:10
Subject: HEALTH ALERT: National Transition to Selective Isolation Measures


Location: Colombia: ?

Event: National Transition to Selective Isolation Measures:

?
Transition to Selective Isolation Measures:? As of August 27, there have been 582,022 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colombia according to the?Colombian Ministry of Health. President Duque announced the extension of the national health emergency until November 30 and the transition from compulsory isolation to selective isolation.

?

Some national restrictions remain:?The national government maintains a number of restrictions on activities and requirements to secure public health, including but not limited to:

International borders remain closed, and international commercial flights suspended,
Events of more than 50 people are prohibited,
Alcohol consumption in bars, discos, and public areas is prohibited, though consumption of alcohol in restaurants is permitted,
All employers should maximize telework, and
Biosecurity protocols remain in place, including social distancing and mandatory use of face masks at all times when people are outside their home, including in a vehicle with others.
Visit the?website??of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the?Government of Colombia’s Coronavirus Information Page?for additional information on national measures and to register your contact and travel information.? ?



Travel within Colombia:?Decree 1168? eliminates many of the movement restrictions that had been imposed by the National government, including those on tourist travel within the country. Municipal and Departmental restrictions and health requirements remain in certain parts of the country. The Embassy reminds?all U.S.?citizen travelers?that they?are responsible for complying with all local restrictions.

?

U.S. Embassy staff under Chief of Mission authority are now permitted to travel to municipalities with a COVID-19 incidence rate of 300 cases per 100,000 or less. Travelers can check the COVID incidence rate of Colombian municipalities by following these steps:?

Visit the website of Colombia’s National Institute of Health (works best in Google Chrome)
Click on the “Municipio” tab or?scroll down to the section on “Tasas?de?Incidencia?y?Mortalidad?por Municipio”?
Choose any Department from the map on the left side and the right-side map will display the municipalities in that Department.
?

Bogota:? The municipality’s "New Normal" program lifts many restrictions on activities within the city, to include:

Non-customer-facing businesses including offices, manufacturing, and wholesale may operate only Monday through Thursday,
Non-essential retail businesses and salons may open only Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.,
Restaurants will operate from Thursday to Sunday with social distancing restrictions in place,
Schools remain virtual only through the month of September,
Pico y cedula (alternate day shopping based on ID number) will continue for all shopping,?and
Public transport to operate with a maximum capacity of 50%.???
For a complete list of restrictions, please see https://bogota.gov.co/mi-ciudad/salud/coronavirus/bogota-inicia-una-nueva-realidad-alcaldesa-anuncia-medidas? ........................................... ?
For details regarding restrictions in other municipalities, please consult the relevant municipal government.

?
U.S. Citizens in Colombia:?U.S. citizens residing in Colombia should consult the?Resources page?to find links to each department website to ensure compliance with municipal COVID-19 regulations. President Duque announced that municipal leaders may reenact isolation measures by locality if the number of cases increases within their jurisdictions.??
?
Travel for Humanitarian Flights:? While international commercial flights remain suspended, those interested in returning to the United States should consider the humanitarian flights announced through the?STEP program.? The U.S. government cannot guarantee the ability to arrange flights indefinitely.?

?



Colombia is at a Level 4 Travel Advisory due to COVID-19. Actions to Take:

Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Colombia.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia
Tel. +57-1-275-2000
[email protected]
https://co.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Consular Agency, Barranquilla
[email protected]
U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs
1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444
Colombia Country Information
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates

dbarnwell
  8/30/2020 09:32 EST

Great fare.
But no flight.

SkyMan
  8/30/2020 12:36 EST

Why no int'l flights till November=Because the government of Colombia is progressing very slowly concerning bringing tourists back. It'll be November, at the earliest..book it. Stay Well. Buena Suerte !

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vegas23
  8/30/2020 19:02 EST

Thanks for info, but why is Spirit Air selling one way flights today from FLL to MDE starting Sept 11 for $595 and starting Sept 20 from $67? I really think the government of Colombia does not know themselves what its policy is or maybe these flights are humanitarian only.

Turbocolombia
  8/31/2020 02:06 EST

JIM,
Wingo Colombia a cheap Discounter a Copa Division shows flights from Panama To Miami to Bogota to Medellin
$2,520.903 Pesos

https://www.edestinos.com.co/flights/select/oneway/mp/pana/ap/mde?departureDate=2020-09-16&pa=1&py=0&pc=0&pi=0&sc=economy

2 escalas / stops
Clase: económica


22:00 PTY
19:47 Miami
+1d
21h 47min Medellin

Take care.....Back from China living in Barranquilla Charles D

Turbocolombia
  8/31/2020 03:01 EST

Meanwhile, the Colombian Government pushed back the reopening date of its airspace since May. As the number of COVID-19 cases in Latin America increased, Colombia kept delaying the date. But now, the Colombian authorities are at a point where they can no longer ignore the air industry’s needs. Three of the country’s six airlines are in financial reorganization: Avianca, LATAM, and EasyFly. The others are SATENA (a state airline), the low-cost carrier Viva Air and the Copa Airline branch Wingo.

In the first half of 2020, Avianca posted a US$352 million. It also reduced its fleet and presented a furlough program that would keep some workers without a payroll for a year.

https://simpleflying.com/avianca-domestic-routes/

SkyMan
  8/31/2020 11:18 EST

Turbo, I read that Avianca has only 20 jet-aircraft remaining in it's fleet...plus the ATR's for domestic service. the Colombian government just gave Avianca a $370 Million USD line of credit, to attempt to save the airline. They have been doing a booming cargo-only business, and some humanitarian flights from El Dorado in Bogotá. The domestic flights currently operating are at 16% frequency compared to before the virus.

I Also read in el Tiempo that Cartagena would have the 1st int'l flights...the date was not given. A lot depends up the case #'s in the next 30 days, as the country's economy and restaurants are reopening on 1 September. It still looks like November for int'l flights to resume in any numbers. Stay Well. Buena Suerte !

srsmithjr
  9/9/2020 21:27 EST

International flights into CTG start on Sep 21

SkyMan
  9/10/2020 12:46 EST

I believe the Colombian Government is using Cartagena as a Pilot-Program for resuming the int'l flights. The alcaldesa has forbid int'l flights into El Dorado Airport in Bogotá. The city owns the airport and thus has the legal-right to make thats decision. The alcaldesa of Bogotá said..."Until the virus case #'s subside substantially in Bogotá , there will be no int'l flights into El Dorado Int'l Airport. Stay Well. Buena Suerte !

SkyMan
  9/11/2020 12:04 EST

The chosen-airline for the Pilot-Program of flights from Cartagena to Fort Lauderdale is Spirit Airlines. Cartagena has been chosen as the guinea-pig city for the first int'l flights. Any comments about flying -via-
Spirit ? Stay Well. Buena Suerte !

Elexpatriado
  9/11/2020 14:19 EST

To board the flight you need a valid PCR Covid test within 24 hours.

Good lucj with that!!

These tests take 8 t0 10 days to get a result in Colombia, yet The Ministro de Transporte is demanding people who come from.other countries get the result in 24 houra..which I dont believe is possible anywhere.

homeenergyexpert
  9/12/2020 00:32 EST

There now are three types of "Rapid Tests available in most USA International Ports of Entry airport cities, and most big chain hospitals like the Catholic Dignity Health chain where where they shove a tree stick up your brain before and after any testing. Why? The US governments is paying 100% of the bill so the testing companies are making a fortune. I have had both waiting in Las Vegas for day one opening for my flight exit to Madrid and Barcelona Spain and the Algave Porto in Portugal when my wife gets out of Bucaramanga.

panamajames
  9/12/2020 00:50 EST

A Colombian court ordered this Friday to suspend the disbursement of the 370 million dollar loan granted by the Government to Avianca to participate in the restructuring of the airline with the aim of preserving the national air service.The Administrative Court of Cundinamarca adopted an emergency precautionary measure "consisting of suspending the disbursement of the loan approved to Avianca Holdings SA by the Emergency Mitigation Fund (Fome) for a value of 370 million dollars."In the document, the Court indicates that the Minister of Finance, Alberto Carrasquilla, has 24 hours to carry out "all the necessary administrative actions in order to comply with the order issued" and inform him "about such determination, accompanying the corresponding supports" .

Turbocolombia
  9/12/2020 01:19 EST

Viva Airline, Panama Wingo ,Spririts Airline all have the planes to meet the covirus lastest CO-VID ventilations specification. so does Easy Fly in Colombia.

The start date is Sept 21 2020 , however this may change
Viva and Easy Fly so is Avianca and Latham are up and flying form
Cartagena, Barranquilla, Medellin, Bucaramanga, Cucuta and Cali. Some flights went out of Bogota with many cases of Co Virus, including one death

Turbocolombia
  9/12/2020 01:30 EST

You are correct about Avianca Bail out stopped by the Colombia court..

Tribunal frena crédito por US$370 millones a Avianca
El Tribunal Administrativo de Cundinamarca ordenó este viernes suspender el préstamo a la aerolínea Avianca por US$370 millones
,El tribunal pidió además el contrato de prestación de servicios con código No.13.009-2020, suscrito el 28 de agosto de 2020 entre la Nación-Ministerio de Hacienda y Crédito Público y la firma de abogados Arnold & Porter Kaye Schiller LLP.
Así como las razones que lo justificaron y el propósito esencial por el cual se suscribió, en el marco del crédito de que se trata.
"Muy buena noticia para la protección de los dineros públicos que el Tribunal Administrativo de Cundinamarca suspenda el crédito de US$370 millones ($1,4 billones)", reaccionó en Twitter el exsuperintendente de Industria y Comercio, Pablo Felipe Robledo.

Avianca, que se ha acogido al Capítulo 11 en USA/ EE. UU., ha señalado que el juez en ese país aún no ha aprobado ese desembolso, uno de los pasos que se deben seguir para que este se haga efectivo.

La continuidad o eliminación de la medida cautelar dependerá de que el Ministerio de Hacienda brinde información precisa al tribunal, el cual le solicitó a ese despacho el reglamento con base en el cual se otorgan créditos en el Fondo de Mitigación de Emergencias (Fome).


https://www.dinero.com/empresas/articulo/credito-a-avianca-es-suspendido-por-el-tribunal-administrativo-de-cundinamarca/299899

Turbocolombia
  9/12/2020 01:40 EST

The Colombian courts have stopped the Avianca a Panama Corporation to receive the $ 370 USD Millions bail out from the Colombia Government.

Avianca is mostly a freight based company as of now. They no longer have the right to Peru flight Routes.
I cannot see Avianca become a large passenger airline after these large financial difficulties.
Viva Air also in financial difficulty is picking up many of the former Avianca destinations.

Wingo a division of Panama Copa Airline may pick up some of the destinations as Republican Dominic and Mexico.

Elexpatriado
  9/12/2020 09:08 EST

"Rapid Tests" are Abtibody tests, and wre basically useless for telling if you have COVID at thta moment, and will even give a false negative when you are sick from the illness, as it takes days or even weeks to get the antibodies.

PCR test, which the Ministro de Transport is asking for is a molecular viral test and is much more comlicated and takes absolute minimum 24 hours after the nasal swab is taken, in 95% of cases , the results come in much later.

I am sure the day of the flight they will change the rules, ..or maybe just ask for Soborno in lieu of a test ...or maybe revert to 14 day quarantine again...

At anyrate, I see a lot of confusion and caos before they get the international flights going...even at a much reduced rate

Paco23
  9/12/2020 09:29 EST

@Panama,
I saw that they declined the bailout help for Avianca. From what I read was that there were many people complaining that there were other sectors of the economy that needed recovery as well and they they felt it unfair to provide the funds to Avianca without some help for other sectors. It is a tough situation for sure, I am not sure anyone has the right answer. Hopefully they will learn that trying to save a few lives by shutting everything down has a greater impact than they first realized. I know I will get flamed for that last sentence and all lives matter blah blah

What would have been worse? Allowing more people to die and letting the economy run? Or, saving a few lives but putting the majority of the country (world) in the financial hurt locker?

SkyMan
  9/12/2020 12:17 EST

I believe the first int'l flight out of Colombia(regularly scheduled) will be -via- VivaAir...from Cartagena to Miami. The flight will originate in Medellín and stops in Cartagena for additional passengers. The date I read in el Tiempo is September 21st. It is a pilot-program for int'l flights to resume.

Concerning Avianca...they have only 20 jets remaining and have been doing a big cargo-only biz during the pandemic. Their survival is over without the $370 Million. Viva & Latam seem to be positioned to take over some of their routes. They'll cherry-pick the most profitable routes and discard the others. Domestic routes would probably go to Satena & EasyFly...but all of these airlines are financially very shaky at this time. Stay e. Buena Suerte !;

Paco23
  9/14/2020 12:52 EST

I am not sure if any of you had seen that Abbott announced its new $5, 15-minute BinaxNOW rapid Covid test. This new Abbott test can be done with a simple nasal swab (not the long one), gives results in 15 minutes with no lab equipment needed, and it’s cheap.

This might be the new standard before hopping on a flight. I know some on here will poo poo the accuracy of the tests. They have a 3% false negative rate. Not perfect, but 97% of COVID positive people would be blocked from flying, versus 0% who are blocked right now.

They also have a 1.5% false positive rate. Of course, it’s not ideal if 1-2 out of every 100 passengers gets a false positive, But. since this test is so cheap, anyone with a positive result could take a second test. The likelihood of two successive positive results for someone who’s COVID negative is very rare.

They expect to be producing 50 million tests per month and although it is only approved for clinical trials now, it hopefully will be available to everyone by the end of the year.

elpdiver
  9/14/2020 14:23 EST

Hmmm....let's consider that. 50,000,000 test per month at $ 5 per test is 250 million dollars per month. No we aren't monitizing a disease to rip off the public, not us.

LP

FrozenPonds
  9/14/2020 17:02 EST

Agree with you Elex...it is somewhat confusing now! Can't wait to see what it will be like 24 hours before flying!

Elexpatriado
  9/14/2020 17:53 EST

The latest story is the ministra de transporte says she wants regular PCR to get on a flight LEAVING Colombia..

She is quite adamant, it has to be only 48 hours old, even though , as pointed out by the airlines, the test takes 8 to 10 days to get results in Colombia

The test you are talking about PACO isnt even available in Colombia and I dont know if it is even a viral test or just another anti-body test

Anyway- I am sure the sh!te will hit the fan when people are due to leave on the first flight on the 21st

I dont think the recieving countries will acceot any test done in Colombia and will demand 14 day quarantine

dbarnwell
  9/16/2020 11:37 EST

The Negative Test within 96 hours requisite is almost impossible for people in Europe to comply with.
Since there are no direct flights, anyone trying to get from Europe to Colombia must plan on a two day trip, with overnight in Florida.
Also plan on at least a 24 hour delay in getting Covid Test results in several European countries.
There goes your 96 hours.

SkyMan
  9/19/2020 12:36 EST

VivaAir began flights to the States today. The flight left from the international airport in Rionegro(Medellín) & made a stop in Cartagena before departing to Miami. Not sure if it's a daily service. So the tourists begin arriving in Medellín tonight. Stay Well. Buena Suerte !

Shaitan
  9/19/2020 15:48 EST

Hello, do. you know when Colombia will get Open for european Tourist / flights from Amsterdam to Cartagena?
Thanks and Greetings from switzerland!

FrozenPonds
  9/19/2020 18:39 EST

Sky... Well thats a lot better than November

Elexpatriado
  9/19/2020 20:09 EST

At this time he European Union does not permit any travellers from any country in the Americas other than Canada and Uruguay.

Havent for months, so I wouldnt expect it to change anytie soon.

If I were you guys I would wait a few months before coming to Colombia.

If you get here you could be stranded a long time., just due to the impractical requirements to board a flight leaving Colombia.

And then there is the other threat, that cases rise , they shut down commercial flights again (Like Peru did after reopening the airports . and then being hit by a second wave, forcing them to close again). You could be stranded here even longer waiting for emergency flights to start up again.

Also, I would wait until we hear from a few people who have left Colombia on a commercial flight on the following on the following points-

1.How easy was it to get PCR test results in 4 days,?

2. What cities and clinics can you get the results that rapidly?

3. What is the cost for these expedited tests?

4. What other prerequisites are there for boarding a flight out of Colombia? I heard you have to go into quarantine from the day of your test to the flight day. How will they enforce this? I also heard it will be MANDATORY to arrive 3 hours early for an Intenational flight.

I also heard you will ber equired to carry several Tapa Bocas, one for every 2 hours of flight time.

5. These days , they are cancelling and deferring flights for any reason-i.e. lack of demand. With Colombia enetring the wet period , this will get even worse (I have been through some wild experiences due to cancelations and delayes when flying domestically in Colombia and leaving or entering Colombia during the rainy period, pre-Covid. Can only imagine the potentially hellish situation now)

What happens if your international flight is delayed or misssed due to connections by a day, or two and you miss the 4 day window? Have to re-test and start over again?

6. What happens if you fly into or back to a Country with a 14 day Quarantine? I highly doubt that they will waive the qurantine rule just because you have a negative PCR test from Colombia.

7. As far a I know, AT THIS POINT..no PCR test on the other end to come into Colombia..and no quarantine required..but you have to fill out a form for Migracion or Ministiro de Transport, and have to download a tracing APP, and supposedly will be monitored by the Ministirio de Salud. How will this work?

Note for those planning to come into Colombia-you will still have to concern yourselves with items 1 to 6 when leaving Colombia.

I would say you would have to be prety desperate flying to Colombia as a tourist at this time, or even leaving the country .

I plan to leave for Canada for a couple months in late January, but will have lots of time and money built in to my budget and schedule for potential problems and delays.

And by that time, hopefully we will have a lot more personal first hand experiences from people and the airlines, migraciones , and ministerios de salud and transport will have things worked out a little more.

I still expect a hellish experience.

nonames
  9/19/2020 21:37 EST

Excellent post LX; You covered it man!
I have been discussing most of these things with my wife as we would like to get back stateside ASAP. Too much has yet to be determined & we're not up for any "hellish' experiences, so we'll wait & see. I have a friend scheduled to arrive here Friday, after many flight changes, he's still determined to be one of the first back. He should have some good intel.

Elexpatriado
  9/20/2020 08:33 EST

Nonames

The real trick will be him getting back but it will be interesting.to hear about his trip here.

I am really confused why they require the recent PCR test before the flight to leave but dont ( apparently) require one to get in here.

No 14 day quarantine I can ind of understand.want to attract tourists..

But not doing a good job if that is their goal. If they want to do that they could be "Laisez Faire" like Mexico and have no restrictions- coming or leaving

SkyMan
  9/20/2020 11:41 EST

Shaitan...I have not read nor heard any timeframe for resuming European flights...only that international air travel will be phased-in.

How's everything over there in Switzerland ? Normally some great weather this time of year...at least when I was there. Stay Well. Buena Suerte !

tvdude60
  9/22/2020 22:18 EST

I have heard that they will start counting days against your visa on October 1, giving you 30 days to either ectend your visa or apply for another type of visa. Can anyone confirm this?

FrozenPonds
  9/23/2020 15:21 EST

Elex...I said the same thing! I can get a test and the results 96 hours before my departure time...that being said...who knows who I come into contact with up until my test and my flight! My condition could change right up until my departure...and I might not even know!

I would make more sense to have a test in Colombia upon arrival..present your address where you are staying...and if you are positive...quarantine baby!! If you are negative...enjoy!! But I assume infrastructure may be the issue!

SkyMan
  9/24/2020 11:54 EST

I just read in el Tiempo that from the Int'l airport in Rionegro...Spirit & VivaAir are flying daily flights to Fort Lauderdale and Miami currently & at El Dorado in Bogotá will begin flights to/from Brasil, Ecuador & Mexico October 1st. Today 24 September American Airlines begins flights to/from Miami(5 flts. per week). Flights to/from Europe are not allowed currently and their timeframe for their resumption is indefinite.

As a side-note....a Drive-thru COVID testing center just opened on Avenida Poblado. Swab test-100.000
COP, Blood test-150.000 COP
Stay Well. Buena Suerte !

Elexpatriado
  9/24/2020 13:52 EST

Skyman

is a swab test a PCR test? I doubt it if they suposedly give instantaneous results. PCR tests are more expensive than antIBody blood tests (250 Cop vs. 75 COP last time I checked) and take a minimum of 24 hours physicaly (plus administrative time of several days) , because you have to have a culture grow to complete the test.

Last I heard 6 weeks ago PR test results were minimum 8 days in Colombia.

And when do you get results.

Waiitng to her the procedures (in detail) from pretest to arrival, monitoring in Colombia , and return to home country (or the opposite..Colombia to home country and back)- complete trip report with all the testing details (type of test actually acceptable by airlines ,and immigration,where can you get these tests-what cities and what specifically approved clinics, cost, turn around time), post test and pre-flight monitioring required (and is it enforced?) further immigration and airline requirements, quarantine , etc. etc

Elexpatriado
  9/24/2020 13:55 EST

FP

I see all these pictures in the news of people lined up for testing in Ontario

How can you get test results in less than 96 hours there?

Is this turnaround time guaranteed?

Are they approved PCR molecular viral tests?

Do you pay out of pocket?

How much do they cost?

Thanks

NuevoACol
  9/24/2020 16:36 EST

FYI,

I had the "Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), PCR (polymerase chain reaction) done in Florida about 10 days ago. I was "negative"
---
TEST consisted of: Temperature, something on you finger (a little clamp) and with TWO Swabs in the actual nostrils (DEEP inside). Not just up the nose but way deep INSIDE the nose cavities. Took like 5 seconds each... a tiny bit uncomfortable, but not painful. The LAB called me on the second day to let me know I was negative. I presented my insurance card, so I don't know how much it cost exactly.
---
They also gave me a written report of the test with "results: negative." which I had to stop by and pick it up.

NuevoACol
  9/24/2020 17:22 EST

vegas23,

WAO... just checked and found Spirit airlines.
----
Found Tampa to Medellin for $74.98 (one way)... but that is probably without luggage at all. They charge extra for everything. Right? --- DOES ANYONE KNOW?

JustSomeGuy
  9/24/2020 19:22 EST

https://www.minsalud.gov.co/Paginas/Minsalud-y-Mintransporte-establecieron-protocolo-para-vuelos-internacionales.aspx

“Para el ingreso a Colombia cada viajero debe presentar el resultado negativo de una prueba PCR no mayor a 96 horas antes de la hora estipulada de viaje.”

I think most reasonable meaning is that the result of the test should be no older than 96 hours at the time the flight is scheduled to leave.

JustSomeGuy
  9/24/2020 19:34 EST

An explanation of PCR testing:

https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/Polymerase-Chain-Reaction-Fact-Sheet

vegas23
  9/24/2020 22:35 EST

Great price! I should have waited another week because Spirit cancelled my Vegas to Medellin flight for September 16.
You can't beat that price even if you
pay another $30 for the bag fee.

Paco23
  9/25/2020 07:54 EST

Well based on the amount of planes coming into Rionegro this morning I would say they are doing what they can to get things going again. Mostly national flights from what I could see but I can already tell a noticeable difference in the amount of air traffic.

Also know someone who had a family member return from the UK (humanitarian flight) last night into BOG. I am not sure of any testing they needed but they do have a 14 quarantine requirement once they land in BOG.

dbarnwell
  9/25/2020 10:17 EST

Nuevo

Yes, you will pay extra, and quite a bit, for everything.
But it's still a great price.

Elexpatriado
  9/25/2020 10:33 EST

Thanks for info. Paco

nonames
  9/25/2020 11:16 EST

A friend just called us ,he landed in BGA this AM from USA-BOG-BGA. Smooth sailing he reports. Show the test results
and hand over a form, no problem. Spirit air was packed "like sardines" he said. So, it would appear, that for better or for worse, it has begun.

NuevoACol
  9/25/2020 11:31 EST

dbarnwell

Thx.

Paco23
  9/25/2020 23:01 EST

Person came from the U.K. direct to BOG. No Covid test required. Not sure if this was because of a humanitarian flight or what but they also said that plane was packed. I guess people had been trying to get back for a while and there was high demand. I will let you know if migración actually checks on them.

Elexpatriado
  9/26/2020 17:33 EST

No >Names

Was it an actual PCR or just any old paper saying he was negative?

nonames
  9/26/2020 18:16 EST

It was a deep nasal swab test. He's a retired vet and his insurance paid it all.
Friday PM we have family returning to TX from BGA. Now, that's what I'm interested in.

Elexpatriado
  9/26/2020 20:05 EST

Sounds like a PCR test.

Be good to hear of your families experience

Dont think they require quarantine or COVID test to fly into US or Texas

But I could be wrong and someone can correct me

Elexpatriado
  9/29/2020 07:49 EST

Warning -just because Colombia allows international flights and you purchased a ticket doesnt mean you will go as scheduled.

https://www.dinero.com/empresas/articulo/quejas-de-viajeros-por-cancelacion-de-vuelos-internacionales/301504

Addicted2Success
  9/29/2020 10:18 EST

Vegas,

Looks like you should be able to Fly. I just booked a flight beginning in Nov.
Colombia requires a PCR test negative and download the corona app to enter.

good luck bro

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