Easter Island reopens to visitors
Easter Island off the coast of Chile has been open to visitors again since the beginning of August. Previously, the island was closed to travel for more than two years to protect the population from the corona pandemic. At the beginning of August, the first flight by the airline Latam brought around 230 holidaymakers back to Easter Island, the first in 28 months. During the corona pandemic, the island had completely sealed itself off, and its 8.000 inhabitants lived again mostly from fishing and agriculture during this time. The measure had an effect: Rapa Nui, as Easter Island is called in the language of the local population, did not record any COVID-related deaths. In order to continue to maintain safety, tourists must observe certain entry rules. Anyone wishing to visit the island in the Pacific must present a negative PCR test that is no more than 24 hours old to enter the country. Children under the age of six only need a rapid antigen test. In addition, travelers from abroad are required to take another antigen test on site. Other travel documents that the Chilean authorities require from travelers include a mobility pass, an entry form and a return ticket. They also require a booking confirmation from an accommodation registered with the tourist office or, alternatively, an invitation letter from a resident of the island. This is reported by Check 24.