Medical Information and Travel Documents
Unless stated otherwise, this information has been provided by Tara Bradley of Bradley Travel and Tours. It is specific to the February 2024 to April 2024 Antarctica, Brazil, and Santiago-Fort Lauderdale cruise trips.
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Medical Information Form
Hurtigruten (information Updated) – All travelers, no matter what your medical status is, MUST complete a medical information form via a Hurtigruten link below if you have not already done so.
All guests must submit a Medical Screening Form for certain remote destinations, including Antarctica. The submitted forms are reviewed by our medical partner, Vikand. The Medical Screening Form consists of two sections. Both sections A (completed by you, the guest) and B (completed by a doctor) need to be submitted. Once you have submitted section A online, a confirmation email is sent to you with instructions regarding how to complete section B.
In-person appointment with your own doctor: Book an appointment with your doctor and print out section B for the doctor to complete during your appointment. The form is attached to your confirmation email. Scan the completed forms or take a photo of every page. Then, upload it for review through Vikand’s secure portal. Should your doctor request a physical copy of section A, print out the form that’s attached to your confirmation email.
Hurtigruten States: All forms need to be received for review between 4-8 weeks before your departure – there may be requirements to resubmit if required information is missing. Being allowed to embark does not constitute any medical advice from us as to the advisability or safety of you participating in an expedition cruise or any activities related to an expedition cruise. You must solely rely on the advice of your personal physician as to the advisability or safety of participating in an expedition cruise.
To Upload: https://vikandmedical.com/hurtigruten-en-stripe/
Ship Manifest Information Form
The Ship Manifest Information Form (SMIF) is necessary for immigration offices, flight tickets, and customs – and needs to be completed across all our Expedition Cruises and Ships. The form needs to be completed by all guests who are joining us onboard.
- How to complete the form?
- You can complete the form online, by clicking the link below.
- You will need your Booking ID (seven-digit number), Passport Details, emergency contact, etc.
Once you have completed the form, please return it to Hurtigruten as soon as possible and no later than 8 weeks prior to your voyage departure.
https://www.hurtigruten.com/en-us/expeditions/campaigns/ship-manifest-information-form/
Insurance Coverage
Medical Insurance – You are required to show proof of out-of-country medical insurance INCLUDING medical evacuation coverage for the Hurtigruten segment of the trip. This IS NOT optional. Medical facilities and services will be limited in this area, and if you need to be evacuated to get better care, you will need the coverage. We recommend medical insurance be purchased for the ENTIRE duration of your trip. I can offer this medical coverage or again, please check with your local insurance company to see what they offer. You may be able to get the trip cancellation and medical together as a package.
Vaccinations
Vaccination Required by Hurtigruten – COVID-19
You are REQUIRED to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination in order to sail on Hurtigruten. As of now, this is still required. They only require proof of the original 2 vaccines, the boosters are not required.
Proof of Covid-19 vaccine is not needed to enter Brazil, Argentina or Chile.
Vaccination Required for Paraguay – Yellow Fever
YELLOW FEVER AND PARAGUAY – according to the Canadian Government Travel website all travelers to Paraguay entering from Brazil must have proof of Yellow fever vaccination. This means you must have this vaccination if you are joining us for the Brazil A.P.E. adventure and want to join the group for a few hours in Paraguay. We checked with the tour guide and he has confirmed that this is a requirement to go to Paraguay from Brazil. [added by Chris Nov 2023]
Vaccinations – Recommended
Please be aware of the ‘recommended’ vaccines below. Also, please check with your local health authority or travel vaccine clinic about their suggestions and timing for vaccines.
Yellow Fever – this is recommended but not needed to enter Brazil, Antarctica, Argentina or Chile or Uruguay. Proof of vaccination is not required to enter these countries. According to our tour guide, Yellow Fever is a common annual vaccination received by residents of most South American countries.
Malaria – there is no vaccine for Malaria. You should consider anti-malarial medication.
Many diseases such as Malaria, Zika and Dengue Fever are prevalent in these countries, particularly outside of urban centers, and are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:
- Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
- Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
- Minimize exposure to insects
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed
Hepatitis A and B – this is recommended but not needed to enter Brazil, Antarctica, Argentina or Chile.
Travel Documents and VISA Requirements
Passports – All travelers, regardless of citizenship, must have a passport that is valid at least 6 months after their return journey. In other words, your passport must be valid (not expire) until at least August 2024. If it is not, you will need to apply for a new passport as you may be denied entry. Check your passports now!
*IMPORTANT* These requirements are subject to change, and you will be updated as we get closer.
Brazil
Brazil for Canadian, US, and Australian citizens (Information Updated) – Beginning January 10, 2024, travelers holding passports from Australia, Canada, or the United States of America will require a visa to enter Brazil. The government of Brazil has not yet announced the process to secure this visa. Check back frequently but no later than December 10, 2023 for more information on how to apply for this visa.
Argentina
Argentina for Canadian, US, and Australian citizens – As per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Argentina Consulate of Toronto, Visitors can stay up to 90 days without a visa and with proof of a valid passport and onward tickets.
As of November 2023, Argentina has no reciprocity fee requirement on entry for Canadians, Australians, and Americans.
Chile
Chile for Canadian, US, and Australian citizens – Visitors can stay up to 90 days without a visa and with proof of a valid passport and onward tickets.
Uruguay
Uruguay for Canadian, US, and Australian citizens – Tourist Visas are not required. A valid passport and onward tickets are required (Check back for updates).
Paraguay
Paraguay for Canadian, US, and Australian citizens – Tourist Visas are not required. A valid passport and onward tickets are required (Check back for updates). See Yellow Fever Vaccination requirement above.