The aim of this research is the evaluation of the effectiveness of international border closures as a public health measure during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mercosur countries, through an interdisciplinary lens that integrates health policy, sanitary law, and international relations. Based on a narrative review of scientific literature published between 2020 and 2025, the study analyzes epidemiological, socio-economic, legal, and governance dimensions of unilateral border restrictions. Findings indicate that such measures failed to contain viral transmission across highly integrated border regions, while generating severe humanitarian, economic, and health access crises, particularly for vulnerable and cross-border populations. The analysis further reveals an evident contradiction between regional legal commitments to cooperation and the fragmented, securitized responses adopted by member states, exposing deep institutional weaknesses within Mercosur. The article concludes that effective pandemic preparedness in the Mercosur requires robust supranational coordination mechanisms, respect for human rights, and strengthened subnational governance. Without renewed political commitment to regional integration, future health emergencies risk repeating the same patterns of inefficacy and inequity witnessed during the COVID-19 crisis.
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