Overview
- Most South American countries require that your passport is valid at least 6 months from the time of travel.
- Make sure your passport has free pages available for stamps.
- Many travelers coming to South America don’t have to apply for a tourist visa in advance. ...
- Good news: Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Bolivia no longer impose a reciprocity tax for many nationalities, including U.S. citizens.
Do you need a passport to go to South America?
All countries in South America require your passport to be valid at the time of entry, and many require your passport to be valid for 6 months after your arrival. Every country will also require that you have at least one blank page in your passport for an entry stamp.
Do I need a visa to travel to Argentina?
UK, South African and New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for entry into Argentina. Australian, US and Canadian passport holders do not require a visa but are required to pay a reciprocal fee to enter Argentina. This fee must be paid for prior to travel, it cannot be paid at the airport.
Do I need a visa to travel to South Africa?
UK passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days and CAN, AUS and NZ passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days. US and South African passport holders do require a visa.
Do I need a visa to visit Bolivia?
Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most countries in South America and western Europe (including the UK) do not need a visa to enter Bolivia. If you do not require a visa to enter Bolivia, you will be given a free 30-day entry stamp on arrival. Visas are required for citizens of the UAE, China, Russia and the USA.
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Which South American countries require a visa?
A visa is required for travel to Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay; all other countries in this book only require valid passports for short stays.
Can I travel to South America without a visa?
Update for Brazil: As of June 2019, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Brazil for tourism. As such, there is no longer a $160 USD fee to enter the country.
How much is a visa to South America?
CountrySingle entry/ Multiple entriesCanada$164New Zealand$153Russia$175USA$1751 more row•Jul 24, 2019
Do you need a visa to travel to South America from UK?
If you have a UK passport (or any other EU passport) then the situation with visas for South America is very simple: you do not need a visa to visit any country in South America as a tourist. However, you should make sure that: Your passport must have 6 months' validity remaining on the date of entry to each country.
Do I need visa for Brazil?
You will need: A valid U.S. passport. U.S. citizens do not need a visa if they are traveling to Brazil for tourism, business, transit, artistic or sport activities, with no intention of establishing residence.
How long can you spend in South America without a visa?
90 daysStays of up to 90 days do not require a visa for U.S. travelers. However, visitors must show proof of return or onward travel. As of 2015, an airport departure tax of $45.97 is tacked on to airfare. This country does not require tourist visas for Americans for stays of less than 180 days.
What do I need to travel to South America?
You will need a passport to travel to South America. Many countries require passports to be valid for six months after arrival. Each country will have different requirements for entry and may require a visa in advance and/or a reciprocal fee.
Do I need visa for Peru?
Tourist Application Requirements for a Peru Visa No visa is required for this destination for a stay of up to 183 days. Please keep in mind that while a visa is not required, you must: Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page. Hold proof of onward/return flights.
Do I need a visa to Argentina?
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements Private U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business. Diplomatic or official passport holders must get visas prior to arrival. The U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires cannot help travelers with obtaining Brazilian, Paraguayan or other visas.
Do I need a visa in Mexico?
Everyone who is travelling to Mexico for tourism, visit, business or other short-term purposes (up to 180 days) needs to get Mexico Tourist Card, even if they don't need a Mexico Tourist Visa. You can get a Tourist Card at a Mexican point of entry upon arrival or you can get it online before you travel.
Do I need visa for Peru?
Tourist Application Requirements for a Peru Visa No visa is required for this destination for a stay of up to 183 days. Please keep in mind that while a visa is not required, you must: Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page. Hold proof of onward/return flights.
Do I need visa to Colombia?
All U.S. citizens who do not also hold Colombian citizenship must present a valid U.S. passport to enter and leave Colombia. U.S. citizens do not need a Colombian visa for a tourist or business stay of 90 days or less or for cumulative stays of 180 days or less per calendar year.
Do I need a visa to Argentina?
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements Private U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business. Diplomatic or official passport holders must get visas prior to arrival. The U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires cannot help travelers with obtaining Brazilian, Paraguayan or other visas.
How many countries are there in South America?
South America is made up of 12 independent countries, and the overseas department of French Guiana, and the British overseas territory of the Falkland Islands.
Where to apply for a Venezuelan visa?
You must apply in person for your tourist visa at the Venezuelan consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence. Residents of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina fall under the jurisdiction of the Consulate of Venezuela in Miami, which is permanently closed.
How long is a tourist card valid in Suriname?
The single entry Tourist Card is valid for 90 days from the date of entry.
How long is a visa for Brazil valid?
$160 Tourist Visa valid for 10 years. You may stay up to 90 days in Brazil on each entry, but are not allowed to stay longer than 180 days total in any given year.
How long is a passport valid in French Guiana?
Passport must be valid for three months beyond the time spent in French Guiana.
How long is a passport valid for?
Passport must be valid for 6 months after arrival.
How long is a tourist visa?
Tourist Visa of up to 180 days given at the time of entry.
Visa Overstays
Many tourist visas in South America can be extended, sometimes for another full 90-day period, so overstaying your visa illegally is never advisable. All countries enforce penalties for visa overstays, but the severity of those penalties depends on the place.
Extending Your Visa
In many cases, it may be possible to extend your tourist visa, but this must be done before it expires. Visa extensions hardly ever last longer than the original length of stay, but oftentimes you can add 30, 60, or 90 days onto your stay by visiting an immigration office in the country you wish to remain in.
RealWorld Guide to Visas for South America
Many of our holidays take you across multiple borders in South America, so it pays to make sure your documentation is in order. Happily this isn't a difficult matter, but read on for our advice.
Flying via the United States
Many people fly to South America via the US, but if you are flying on this route you should be aware that uniquely in the world, when you transit via the US, you actually have to clear immigration and customs.
How long does a passport last in Bolivia?
Your passport will need to be valid for at least six months after the date of your intended return to Australia, and you will need proof of onward travel when visiting Bolivia.
How long is a Venezuelan passport valid?
You’ll need a passport that is valid for six months after the date of travel, as well as evidence of onward travel. However, DFAT advises consulting your nearest Venezuelan Embassy or Consulate prior to departing, as entry conditions can change suddenly.
Do Australians need a visa to visit Uruguay?
No. As with a number of other South American countries, Australians do not require a visa to stay in Uruguay for up to 90 days.
Can you still claim a travel policy if you purchased it from us?
If you have purchased a policy from us you still have cover and can claim as per the policy documentation. If planned travel is affected by government restrictions, we have options available if you no longer need your policy .
Do you need a tourist card to leave Chile?
When you depart Chile, you will need to surrender your Tourist Card. Any visitor staying past the limit of their card will be stopped from leaving the country until granted permission from officials at the Migration Department of the Ministry of the Interior and Public Security.
Do I need a visa to visit Colombia?
Do I need a visa to visit? No. You can stay in Colombia for up to 90 days on your Australian passport without needing a visa. However, you may be required to show evidence of onward travel in the form of your return or outbound plane ticket.
Traveling to Latin America if you are European
Citizens of the European Union are quite easy to travel to Latin America.
Traveling to Latin America if you are from the USA
The regulation of US visas with Latin America depends on the agreement with each country. Many times there is a reciprocity agreement, so the same is requested for travelers from the US to one of these countries, and vice versa.
Visa for travel to Latin America from Australia
Since Australians are one of the countries that most visit Latin American lands annually, we wanted to make a section for them as well.
What if I Need a Chile Visa?
If you are a visa-required national, you have to apply for a Chile visa online, and obtain it from the nearest Chilean Embassy/Consulate. The process for obtaining a Chile visa is as follows:
Who Needs a Chile Visa for Diplomatic Purposes?
Nationals of the following countries who have a diplomatic or service passport do not need a Chile visa:
Who Can Enter Chile With Their ID?
Nationals of the following countries can enter Chile with simply their Identity Document (ID card):
How long is a Chile visa valid?
For example, Chile tourist visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days, whereas a Chile student visa can be issued for the entire duration of the studies.
How long do you have to apply for a Chile visa?
Keep in mind: You must apply for a Chile visa at least 30 days before your intended date of travel.
Where to submit passport and originals for Chile?
After the visa is processed (and approved) submit your passport and originals of the required at the Chilean embassy or consulate stated on your online application.
How long can I travel to Chile?
If you are a national of the following countries and you have an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), you can travel to Chile for business purposes for up to 90 days, provided that your ABTC includes Chile: Australia. Brunei. China. Hong Kong.
Which countries allow visa free travel?
Three additional countries – Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands – also have a unique agreement with the United States allowing visa-free travel. Citizens of Canada and Bermuda can freely travel (temporarily) to the United States without requiring a non-immigrant visa or ESTA.
Can Canadians travel to the US without a passport?
Canadian Citizens: Canadians can enter and stay in the United States visa-free. Some Canadians do not even require a passport. If you’re part of the NEXUS program or have an Enhanced Driver’s License, then you may be able to enter America without a passport. SENTRI enrollment cards and FAST cards can also be used in lieu of a passport (if entering by land or sea). Canadians can remain in the United States for up to six months.
Can you get an ESTA if you have a criminal record?
If you have a criminal record or if there is any other reason to deny your entry to the United States, then your ESTA may be rejected. In other cases, your ESTA may be approved today, only for you to get rejected at the port of entry into America. Getting an ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States.
Do you need a visa to visit Bermuda?
Citizens of Canada, Bermuda, Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau Do Not Need a Visa or ESTA. There are two countries in the world that do not require a visa or ESTA to visit the United States: Canada and Bermuda.
Argentina Visa Requirements
- U.S. Citizens can stay in Argentina as tourists for up to 90 days at a time without a special visa.
- As of March 24, 2016, U.S. citizens no longer need to pay a reciprocity fee to enter Argentina.
- Passport must be valid at time of entry, and not be damaged.
- No exit fee.
Brazil Visa Requirements
- $160 Tourist Visa valid for 10 years. You may stay up to 90 days in Brazil on each entry, but are not allowed to stay longer than 180 days total in any given year.
- Must apply for a visabefore entry through the consulate of Brazil that has jurisdiction over your state of residence.
- If you have an unexpired visa on a canceled or expired passport, you can continue to travel t…
- $160 Tourist Visa valid for 10 years. You may stay up to 90 days in Brazil on each entry, but are not allowed to stay longer than 180 days total in any given year.
- Must apply for a visabefore entry through the consulate of Brazil that has jurisdiction over your state of residence.
- If you have an unexpired visa on a canceled or expired passport, you can continue to travel to Brazil carrying both the old passport with the visa and your new, valid passport.
- For the summer of 2016, there is a Temporary Tourist Visa Waiver because of the Olympic Games. Between June 1 and September 18, 2016, U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Brazil for tourism without a...
Bolivia Visa Requirements
- $135 Tourist Visa required. U.S. citizens are allowed to spend up to 90 days total in Bolivia per calendar year, but only 30 days at a time, per visit. The visa is valid for ten years.
- May also be required to show proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination, or be vaccinated at the border.
- In some cases, tourists are able to apply for visa at the border upon entry, but the U.S. State …
- $135 Tourist Visa required. U.S. citizens are allowed to spend up to 90 days total in Bolivia per calendar year, but only 30 days at a time, per visit. The visa is valid for ten years.
- May also be required to show proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination, or be vaccinated at the border.
- In some cases, tourists are able to apply for visa at the border upon entry, but the U.S. State Department does not recommend this. Apply for a visitor’s visa to Boliviabefore your arrival.
- Passport must be valid for at least six months after arrival.
Peru Visa Requirements
- Tourist Visa of up to 180 days given at the time of entry.
- Passport must be valid upon entry and exit of Peru.
- May need to provide evidence of return or onward travel.
- No vaccinations required, but Yellow Fever Vaccination is recommended.
Chile Visa Requirements
- Passport must be valid upon entry and for the duration of stay in Chile.
- No tourist visa required for visits under 90 days. U.S. citizens can apply for an additional 90 days by paying an extension fee at the Chilean Immigration Office.
- U.S. citizens are no longer required to pay Chile’s Reciprocity Fee.
- No exit tax.
Colombia Visa Requirements
- No tourist visa required for stays less than 90 days. Visitors may extend their stay up to another 90 days by visiting an office of the Colombian Immigration Authority. The cost is around $50.
- Passport must be valid upon entry.
- It is not recommended to enter Colombia by land because the borders of Colombia with Peru…
- No tourist visa required for stays less than 90 days. Visitors may extend their stay up to another 90 days by visiting an office of the Colombian Immigration Authority. The cost is around $50.
- Passport must be valid upon entry.
- It is not recommended to enter Colombia by land because the borders of Colombia with Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, Panama and Ecuador are all off-limits to U.S. government personnel. If you must arrive...
- If you leave Colombia by plane, an exit fee must be paid in cash at the airport. Check Aeronautica Civil for updated exit tax information. You can expect to pay around $120 unless you request an ex...
Ecuador Visa Requirements
- Passport must be valid for 6 months after arrival.
- No tourist visa required for stays less than 90 days per calendar year. To request a 90 day extension, visit one of the provincial migration offices.
- Visit the Embassy of Ecuador’s website for information regarding visas longer than 90 days. You can apply for a “Commercial Act Visa” before your trip. It costs $230 for 6 months. If you …
- Passport must be valid for 6 months after arrival.
- No tourist visa required for stays less than 90 days per calendar year. To request a 90 day extension, visit one of the provincial migration offices.
- Visit the Embassy of Ecuador’s website for information regarding visas longer than 90 days. You can apply for a “Commercial Act Visa” before your trip. It costs $230 for 6 months. If you obtain thi...
- Proof of legal status required at all times in Ecuador. It is recommended to carry a photocopy of your passport on you at all times to comply with this law, while not exposing yourself to the risk...
Falkland Islands Visa Requirements
- No pre-arranged visitor visa is necessary.
- Must have a valid passportupon entry that is valid for the length of stay.
- Must show proof of a return ticket and pre-arranged accommodation on the islands.
- Must show a proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of stay.
French Guiana Visa Requirements
- Tourist visa not required for stays less than 90 days.
- Passport must be valid for three months beyond the time spent in French Guiana.
- If you intend to stay for more than 90 days, you must receive the appropriate visa from the French Embassy.
- Must show proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination.
Guyana Visa Requirements
- U.S. visitors are generally granted a 30 days tourist visa upon arrival in Guyana.
- Passport must be valid for six months after arrival.
- You may request an extension of your visa through The Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Visit the Embassy of Guyanawebsite for the most recent information on entry, exit and visa requirements.