South America Entry Requirements for US Citizens (2026 Guide)

South America for US Citizens: The Complete 2026 Entry Guide

South America is one of the most accessible continents for US passport holders — the vast majority of countries are visa-free, with generous stay periods and straightforward entry procedures. But there are important nuances: Brazil now requires an eVisa, Venezuela is effectively closed to US tourists, and vaccination requirements persist for certain countries. This guide covers every sovereign nation on the continent.

Quick Reference: Visa Requirements at a Glance

Argentina: The Southern Giant

Entry Requirements

US citizens can enter Argentina visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism and business. The previous reciprocity fee (€200, introduced in 2009) was eliminated in 2016 under the Macri administration and has not been reinstated. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. A return/onward ticket may be requested by immigration at Ezeiza (EZE) or Aeroparque (AEP).

Visa Extensions

You can extend your 90-day stay by visiting the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones in Buenos Aires before the initial 90 days expire. The extension grants an additional 90 days for a fee of approximately ARS 5,000. Alternatively, a visa run to Uruguay (Colonia or Montevideo by ferry, 1-hour crossing) resets the clock — though immigration officers have become stricter about back-to-back entries since 2024.

Vaccination Requirements

No mandatory vaccinations for entry from the US. However, if traveling from a yellow fever-endemic country (including parts of Brazil), proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations.

Safety Considerations

Argentina is generally safe for tourists, with petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) being the primary concern in Buenos Aires. Avoid displaying expensive electronics in public. The Province of Misiones (Iguazú Falls area) is safe and well-touristed. Avoid informal taxi services — use radio taxis or ride-hailing apps (Uber, Cabify, DiDi). The US State Department rates Argentina at Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions).

Best Time to Visit

• Buenos Aires and Pampas: March–May (autumn) and September–November (spring) for mild temperatures
• Patagonia: November–March (summer) for hiking; June–August for skiing
• Iguazú Falls: March–May and August–October for moderate water flow and fewer crowds
• Mendoza wine region: February–April for harvest season (vendimia)

Bolivia: The High-Altitude Adventure

Entry Requirements

US citizens require a visa to enter Bolivia. The visa is available on arrival at major airports (La Paz/El Alto, Santa Cruz/Viru Viru, Cochabamba) and land borders for $160. You must present: (1) a passport valid for 6 months beyond entry, (2) a hotel reservation or notarized invitation letter, (3) proof of onward travel, (4) a bank statement showing sufficient funds, and (5) a passport-size photo. The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days, extendable to 90 days at the Dirección General de Migración in La Paz.

Vaccination Requirements

Yellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from endemic areas and strongly recommended for visits to the Amazon basin (Rurrenabaque, Madidi National Park). The altitude of La Paz (3,640m / 11,942ft) and Uyuni (3,670m) poses a significant risk of altitude sickness — allow 2–3 days for acclimatization before exertion.

Safety Considerations

Bolivia is rated Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) by the US State Department. Political protests and road blockades occur frequently and can strand travelers for days. The Uyuni Salt Flats tours have had safety incidents — use established operators with GPS and satellite phones. Avoid nighttime travel on rural roads due to poor conditions and limited emergency services. Counterfeit currency is common — exchange money at banks or authorized casas de cambio, not on the street.

Best Time to Visit

• Uyuni Salt Flats: December–March for the mirror effect (wet season); May–October for dry, cracked salt patterns
• La Paz and Titicaca: May–October (dry season)
• Amazon (Rurrenabaque): May–October (dry season, better wildlife spotting)

Brazil: eVisa Now Required

Entry Requirements

As of April 10, 2025, US citizens must obtain an eVisa before traveling to Brazil. The eVisa costs $80.90 (non-refundable) and is valid for multiple entries over 2 years, with stays of up to 90 days per entry (not exceeding 180 days per 12-month period). Apply at the official Brazil eVisa portal — processing takes approximately 5 business days. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity and at least one blank visa page. This is a significant change from the previous visa-free regime that had been in place since 2019.

Vaccination Requirements

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended (not mandatory for entry from the US) for travel to the following states: Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Distrito Federal (Brasília), Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, Tocantins, and designated areas of Bahia, Paraná, Piauí, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo. If you plan to visit Iguazú Falls from the Brazilian side and then continue to Argentina or another yellow fever-endemic country, vaccination is strongly recommended.

Safety Considerations

The US State Department rates Brazil at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution). Major tourist areas (Rio's Zona Sul, São Paulo's Jardins, Salvador's Pelourinho) are generally safe during daylight hours but require standard urban precautions. Avoid favelas unless on an organized tour. Armed robbery is a risk in Rio — do not resist if confronted. Beach theft is common — do not leave belongings unattended. The Amazon region requires additional preparation: yellow fever vaccination, malaria prophylaxis for certain areas, and travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage.

Best Time to Visit

• Rio de Janeiro and Southeast: December–March (summer) for beaches; June–September for cooler, drier weather
• Amazon (Manaus): June–November (dry season, lower water, better hiking); December–May (wet season, higher water, canoe access)
• Iguazú Falls: March–May and August–October for moderate flow; October–February for maximum flow
• Salvador and Northeast: Year-round (tropical); September–March for drier weather

Chile: The Stable Success Story

Entry Requirements

US citizens can enter Chile visa-free for up to 90 days. The previous reciprocity fee ($160, matching the US visa fee for Chileans) was eliminated when Chile joined the US Visa Waiver Program in 2014. A completed Tarjeta Única Migratoria (TUM) is issued on arrival. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Vaccination Requirements

No mandatory vaccinations. Recommended: routine vaccinations. If continuing to Bolivia or Peru after visiting Chile's northern border regions, consider yellow fever vaccination.

Safety Considerations

Chile is the safest country in South America, rated Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) by the US State Department. Santiago has typical urban crime — pickpocketing in tourist areas (Plaza de Armas, Bellavista) and bag snatching on public transport. Earthquakes are a constant reality — familiarize yourself with evacuation procedures. The Atacama Desert has extreme UV radiation — use SPF 50+ sunscreen and eye protection.

Best Time to Visit

• Santiago and Central Valley: September–November (spring) and March–May (autumn)
• Patagonia (Torres del Paine): November–March (summer)
• Atacama Desert: March–May and September–November for moderate temperatures
• Easter Island: Year-round; January–March for Tapati Festival

Colombia: The Transformation

Entry Requirements

US citizens can enter Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days, extendable to 180 days per calendar year. Entry requires a passport valid for at least 6 months and a return/onward ticket. The Check-Mig form must be completed online 24–72 hours before departure (and again before departure from Colombia). Migration Colombia has become increasingly strict about enforcing the 180-day annual limit since 2024.

Vaccination Requirements

Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to nature reserves and national parks in the Amazon, Orinoquía, and Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta regions. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations. Dengue fever is endemic — no vaccine available in the US; use mosquito protection.

Safety Considerations

Colombia is rated Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) by the US State Department, with some areas at Level 3 or 4. Major cities (Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena) are generally safe in tourist areas with standard precautions. Avoid rural areas of Antioquia, Cauca, Nariño, and Norte de Santander departments due to residual FARC dissident group activity. The Ciudad Perdida trek requires a licensed guide — do not attempt independently. Scopolamine (burundanga) drugging is a documented risk — never accept drinks or cigarettes from strangers.

Best Time to Visit

• Cartagena and Caribbean coast: December–April (dry season)
• Bogotá: December–March and July–August (dry periods)
• Medellín: Year-round ('City of Eternal Spring'); December–March driest
• Amazon (Leticia): June–September (dry season)
• Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero): December–March and July–August

Ecuador: Galápagos and Beyond

Entry Requirements

US citizens can enter Ecuador visa-free for up to 90 days within a 365-day period (changed from 90/180 in 2024). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry. No onward ticket requirement is enforced at Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE), but airlines may ask at check-in.

Galápagos Entry Requirements

Additional requirements for the Galápagos Islands: (1) INGALA Transit Control Card ($20 at Quito or Guayaquil airport), (2) Galápagos National Park entrance fee ($100 cash on arrival at Baltra or San Cristóbal), (3) health insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended.

Vaccination Requirements

Yellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from a yellow fever-endemic country. Recommended for visits to the Amazon region (Cuyabeno, Yasuní). No mandatory vaccinations for entry from the US for the highlands or coast.

Safety Considerations

Ecuador is rated Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) by the US State Department, with the coastal provinces of Esmeraldas and Guayas at Level 3 due to crime. Quito's historic center (La Mariscal, La Ronda) has elevated pickpocketing risk. Tungurahua volcano near Baños has periodic eruptions — monitor IGEPN alerts. The Galápagos Islands are extremely safe.

Best Time to Visit

• Galápagos: June–November (cool/dry, best for marine life); December–May (warm/wet, best for land wildlife and snorkeling)
• Quito and Highlands: June–September (dry season)
• Amazon (Cuyabeno/Yasuní): October–March (less rain)
• Coast (Guayaquil, Montañita): December–May (warm, beach season)

Peru: Machu Picchu and More

Entry Requirements

US citizens can enter Peru visa-free for up to 90 days, extendable to a maximum of 183 days per calendar year. Extensions are obtained at the Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones in Lima or Cusco for a fee of approximately PEN 48 (about $13). Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond entry.

Machu Picchu Requirements

All visitors to Machu Picchu must have: (1) an entrance ticket purchased in advance (limited to 4,044 daily visitors in 2026), (2) a licensed tour guide for the circuit, (3) a designated entry time slot (6:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, or 9:00 AM). The Inca Trail requires a separate permit (500 daily, including guides and porters — book 6+ months ahead). Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have separate limited-access tickets.

Vaccination Requirements

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for visits to the Amazon regions (Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, Manu). No mandatory vaccinations for entry from the US. Altitude sickness is a major concern in Cusco (3,400m) and Puno (3,830m) — allow 2–3 days for acclimatization.

Safety Considerations

Peru is rated Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) by the US State Department. Lima's tourist districts (Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco) are generally safe. Avoid the Villa El Salvador and San Juan de Lurigancho districts. The emergency political decree period (2022–2023) has ended, but protests can still occur — monitor local news. Inca Trail hikes are safe when using licensed operators. Counterfeit currency is common — check all bills carefully.

Best Time to Visit

• Cusco and Machu Picchu: May–September (dry season); June–August is peak season (book months ahead)
• Lima: December–April (summer, warm and sunny); May–November (garúa — coastal fog)
• Amazon (Iquitos/Puerto Maldonado): May–October (dry season, lower rivers, better trails)
• Lake Titicaca: May–September (dry, cold nights); avoid February for rain

Uruguay, Paraguay, Guyana, and Suriname

Uruguay

Visa-free for 90 days. No special requirements. The safest country in South America (Level 1). Punta del Este is the premier beach destination (December–February). Montevideo is relaxed and walkable. No mandatory vaccinations.

Paraguay

Visa-free for 90 days. 6-month passport validity recommended. No mandatory vaccinations. The US State Department rates Paraguay at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution). Asunción has petty crime; the Chaco region is remote with limited infrastructure. Best visited May–September (cooler, drier).

Guyana

Visa-free for 90 days. 6-month passport validity required. No mandatory vaccinations, though yellow fever is recommended for interior regions. Guyana is rated Level 2. Georgetown has elevated crime — use hotel-arranged transport. The interior (Kaieteur Falls, Rupununi) is spectacular but requires organized tours. Best visited September–November and March–April (dry seasons).

Suriname

eVisa required ($60, 5 business days processing) or tourist card available on arrival at Johan Adolf Pengel Airport for $40 (30-day stay, extendable). Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers. Suriname is rated Level 1. Paramaribo is safe and walkable. The interior (Brownsberg, Central Suriname Nature Reserve) requires guides. Best visited February–April and August–November (dry seasons).

Venezuela: Do Not Travel

The US State Department maintains a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) advisory for Venezuela. The US Embassy in Caracas suspended operations in 2019 and has not reopened. There is no functioning tourist visa process for US citizens. Arbitrary detention of US citizens has been documented. There is no US consular assistance available within the country. If you must travel for compelling reasons, contact the US Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia for guidance. Do not attempt to enter Venezuela from Colombia via land borders — these crossings are dangerous and subject to armed group control.

Regional Health and Vaccination Summary

Regional Safety Summary