
Tourist Visa Requirements for South America
Country | Visa Required? | Reciprocity Fees | How Long Is It Valid? | Required Documents |
Argentina | None required for citizens of the U.S., ... | $160 for Americans, $150 for Canadians, ... | Multiple entries for 10 years for Americ ... | Receipt for the reciprocity fee you paid ... |
Bolivia | Visa on arrival required for residents o ... | $160, plus a $25 departure tax when leav ... | 30 days, but can be extended to 90 days ... | Copy of passport, yellow fever vaccinati ... |
Brazil | None required for citizens of the U.S., ... | None | 90 days | Valid passport |
Chile | None required for citizens of the U.S., ... | $160 for Americans, $132 for Canadians, ... | 90 days | Valid passport |
What are the cheapest countries to visit in South America?
The 7 Cheapest Cities in South America for Nomads
- MEDELLÍN, COLOMBIA. Thanks to the Netflix hit Narcos, Medellín has earned a bit of a bad reputation. ...
- CUENCA, ECUADOR. Ecuador is another up-and-coming country for location independent workers, which is why two of its cities have made this list.
- CORDOBA, ARGENTINA. ...
- LIMA, PERU. ...
- BOGOTA, COLOMBIA. ...
- QUITO, ECUADOR. ...
- CURITIBA, BRAZIL. ...
- Conclusion. ...
What are the best countries to visit in South America?
Top 50 Places to See in South America
- Machu Picchu, Peru. ...
- Iguazu Falls, Brazil and Argentina. ...
- Cartagena, Colombia. ...
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. ...
- Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. ...
- Buenos Aires, Argentina. ...
- Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. ...
- Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia. ...
- Easter Island, Chile. ...
- Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina. ...
What are the safest countries to visit in South America?
What are the Safest Countries in South America?
- Chile. Chile is a very safe country. ...
- Uruguay. If Argentina were the United States then Uruguay would be Canada although on a much smaller scale. ...
- Ecuador. Not only is Ecuador safe, but one of the great advantages of visiting Ecuador is that they use the US dollar as their currency.
- Argentina. ...
- Peru. ...
What are the best South American countries?
Top 12 Safest Countries in South America & Latin America To Visit
- Chile. Did you know that Chile ranks in the Top 25-30 of the safest countries in the world? ...
- Uruguay. Uruguay also falls among top safe destinations in the world, and a visit down here promises an insanely laidback atmosphere, and chilled out experience.
- Argentina. ...
- Paraguay. ...
- Ecuador. ...
- Bolivia. ...
- Guyana. ...
- Brazil. ...
- Peru. ...
- Costa Rica. ...

Do you need visas to travel in South America?
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.
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 you need a visa to travel to Colombia South America?
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. Before your 90-day stay expires, you may request an extension of up to 90 additional days from the Colombian immigration authority (Migración Colombia).
What country requires a visa to enter?
A number of other countries do require that you get a tourist visa before you leave the U.S, such as China, India, Russia, and Vietnam. Previously Americans who wanted to spend time in the country of Brazil needed to apply for a visa, but as of June 2019, a valid passport is enough to enter the country as a tourist.
Do I need visa to Chile?
U.S. citizens traveling to Chile for recreation, tourism, business, or academic conferences do not need to obtain a visa prior to their arrival in Chile. A Tourist Card will be issued for a stay of up to 90 days.
Do you need a visa for Costa Rica?
US nationals do not require an entry visa to Costa Rica. However, they must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica within 90 days. (Either to return to your country or to go to another country). US passport must be valid for a minimum of one day from the day you enter Costa Rica.
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.
Do I need a visa for Ecuador?
No, as a US citizen, if you only want to stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days, you do not need a visa. If you want to stay for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a temporary residence visa or extended tourist viss from one of the Embassies or Consulates of Ecuador in the US.
Do I need a visa for Panama?
In general, foreigners can visit Panama for 90 days without a visa, depending on country of origin.
Do I need a visa to go to 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.
Which passport is the strongest in the world?
JapanJapan has the world's most powerful passport - providing hassle-free entry to 193 countries. Just one country short, Singapore and South Korea are tied in second place, according to the latest Henley Passport Index from Henley & Partners, an immigration consultancy.
Which country has free visa?
List of Countries where Visa is not Required for Indian CitizensBhutanNepalSaint Kitts and NevisGrenada (for up to 90 days)Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (for up to 30 days)Montserrat (for up to 180 days)Turks and Caicos (for up to 90 days)El SalvadorMacau6 more rows
How long can you stay in Peru without a visa?
183 daysHow long can I stay in Peru as a tourist? In March 2017, a new Peruvian Immigration Law (Decreto Legislativo 1350) went into effect, allowing tourists who can travel visa-free to Peru for touristic, recreational or health purposes to stay for a maximum of 183 days within a 365-day period.
Can a US citizen travel to Peru?
At a minimum, all Peruvian visas will require: a passport, proof of travel and a completed application. Minors may be required to have additional items. Proof of return or onward travel will be required for your visa. It may also be required when entering the country.
What is needed to enter Peru?
Peruvians, resident foreigners, and non-resident foreigners 12 years of age or older who are not fully vaccinated must present a molecular test with a negative result (within 48 hours) prior to boarding an incoming flight to Peru, in accordance with current health regulations.
How much is a visa to Peru?
Peru Business visa fees for citizens of United States of AmericaType of visaEmbassy feeService feeSingle entry (183 days stay)$30.00$209.00Single entry (183 days stay)$30.00$209.00Single entry (183 days stay)$30.00$209.00
How long does a South American passport last?
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.
How long does it take to get a visa for Bolivia?
Now, entry is granted at the discretion of the Bolivian immigration officer for 30, 60, or 90 days.
How long is a Chinese tourist visa valid?
Chinese citizens do need to pay the reciprocity fee. Their issued tourist visa is valid for multiple entries for one year from the date of the first entry.
How long can a tourist stay in Chile?
Instead, upon arrival, an immigration officer stamps your passport which indicates how long they can stay in Chile as a tourist, usually for up to 90 days.
How long does a Peru passport last?
Tourists are given up to 90 days, although it is possible to ask for up to 183. The expiration date of your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of your arrival to Peru and you might be asked for proof of onward/return travel (i.e. your flight itinerary).
How long can you stay in Ecuador?
Visitors are issued a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport. The visa allows tourists to stay in Ecuador for a total of up to 90 days. An additional 90-day extension can be requested.
What do you need to carry for immigration?
Carry proof of onward or return travel, like a plane ticket. Sometimes immigration officers ask for it.
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.
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 tourist visa?
Tourist Visa of up to 180 days given at the time of entry.
Is there a visa waiver for Brazil?
Between June 1 and September 18, 2016, U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Brazil for tourism without a visa.
Which countries require visas for Americans?
The list of countries that require visas for Americans includes some travel hotspots, for example Australia, Brazil, Cuba, and China.
How to get a tourist visa?
For short-term travel, there are a few primary ways to acquire a tourist visa. The simplest route is simply getting one upon arrival by paying a fee at the airport —this occurs in most visa-requiring places that are popular for travel, and is known as “visa on arrival.”. Some nations, however, may require or encourage you to secure one ...
Do you need a visa to travel to Australia?
Terms and conditions vary; some may need to be acquired online. Some countries may simply recommend purchasing one beforehand in case the airport is busy—Australia, for example, may offer visas at your departure airport, but it’s wise (and may be necessary depending on the time of year you’re visiting) to get yours beforehand. Starred nations offer eTA or eVisas, which means you’ll get electronic approval rather than a physical visa to put in your passport—at least until you arrive. Check specific Entry Requirements for your destination on the State Department’s website for more details.
What are the countries in Central America?
Central America is composed of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama while South America includes Argentina, ...
How long is Costa Rica visa free?
Costa Rica. Visa-Free Days: 90 days, 30 days on arrival, can extend to 90 days. Capital: San Jose. Language: Spanish. There are 800 miles of coastline in Costa Rica, which means Rich Coast, between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Aside from beaches, there are also 121 volcanic formations in this country, 7 are active.
What is the capital of Suriname?
Capital: Paramaribo. Language: Dutch. Suriname was formerly Dutch Guiana as Dutch settled during the 1600s. It is the smallest nation in South America, and 80% of it is tropical rain forests. 50% of the population is also located in its capital.
What is Brazil known for?
Brazilians are known to be hospitable and love to share their food. Plus they are huge soccer fans; you should see a game when you’re there.
What is the capital of Bolivia?
Bolivia. Visa-Free Days: 90. Capital: Sucre. Language: Spanish. Bolivia is named after the Venezuelan leader that helped declare this place its independence; Simón Bolívar. Sucre is its capital city, but the government headquarters is in La Paz, and the biggest one is Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
What is the official language of Costa Rica?
A quarter of Costa Rica’s land is national parks and refuges for wildlife. Though Spanish is the official language, people can speak language due to a flock of tourists. What to do: Witness a turtle egg hatch at the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge.
Is Brazil a country?
Brazil is South and Latin America’s largest nation in making it 5th in the world. Rio de Janeiro has initially been Brazil’s capital but is shifter to Brasilia, but the largest city is São Paulo. Brazil is full of biodiversity; it has 60% of the Amazon’s rain forest and the largest number of species of plants, mammals, and fishes. Brazilians are known to be hospitable and love to share their food. Plus they are huge soccer fans; you should see a game when you’re there.
What is the second smallest country in South America?
Sandwiched between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America. Uruguay is known for its lush interior and beach-lined coast. The country is referred to as “Switzerland” of South America, not because of the scenic beauty but for its economic stability.
What is Suriname known for?
Once a Dutch colony, Suriname is known for well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture and a melting-pot culture. The official language is Dutch and the country is defined by vast swaths of tropical rainforest.
Which country is the cheapest to travel to?
BOLIVIA. Often described as the “Tibet” of the Americas. Bolivia is the cheapest travel destination in South America. This landlocked country is home to the world’s largest salt flats, Salar de Uyuni and world’s most dangerous road, The Death Road. Bolivia is flocked by thousands of visitors every year.
Is Guyana a Caribbean country?
Guyana is the only English-speaking country on the continent. It is culturally connected to the Caribbean region. The country is popular for its dense rainforest. The British colonial architecture is well-preserved in Georgetown, the capital city.
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 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.

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. However, this depends on your nationality, so if you have any questions or doubts, ask your T…
- 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. However, this depends on your nationality, so if you have any questions or doubts, ask your Travel Advisor.
- Good news: Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Bolivia no longer impose a reciprocity tax for many nationalities, including U.S. citizens.
South America Visa Requirements For U.S. Citizens
- Many countries in South America have lifted fees, sometimes called reciprocity tax, for U.S. citizens. The following graphic showcases what countries require a visa and how many days American tourists are usually permitted to stay. Read more about traveling to Uruguay as a U.S. citizen. Entry into Venezuela is very limited and updated information is outlined in this U.S. Depa…
Argentina
- Citizens of many countries do not need to apply for a tourist visa to travel to Argentina. Click herefor a complete list. To enter Argentina, you must have a passport that’s valid for at least 6 months after their arrival date. The stamp in your passport serves as your tourist visa and indicates how long you can stay in the country. Depending on your nationality, you may be charg…
Brazil
- Many countries are exempt from pre-departure visa requirements in Brazil, and as of 2019, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia are no longer required to apply in advance and pay the fee to acquire a tourist visa. However, citizens of China, India, and Russia, among others, are still required to apply for a tourist visa. A passport that’s valid for six months after the entry d…
Chile
- The reciprocity fee for Chile has been lifted for Australia, Canada, and the United States. Now citizens from these countries, and many others, don’t need to worry about any online payments to get a tourist visa in advance. Instead, upon arrival, an immigration officer stamps your passport which indicates how long they can stay in Chile as a tourist, usually for up to 90 days. It’s possibl…
Ecuador
- Many nationalities, including Australians, Americans, Canadians, and many Europeans, do not need a tourist visa to be granted access to Ecuador. Additional fees and taxes, however, do apply for flights to the Galapagos Islandsand entry into the national park. Upon arrival in Ecuador, you must: 1. Present a valid passport at the immigration control (expiration date no less than 6 mont…
Peru
- With few exceptions, many travelers do not need to apply for a tourist visato enter Peru. Access to Peru is granted upon arrival by a Peruvian immigration officer who stamps your passport with the number of days you can stay in the country for travel purposes. Tourists are given up to 90 days, although it is possible to ask for up to 183. The expiration date of your passport must be valid fo…