South American Visa Requirements
We breakdown the sometimes confusing entry and reciprocal fees that are potentially charged to United States, Australian, Canadian and/or United Kingdom citizens when entering certain South American countries, including Argentina.
Entering some countries as a foreigner you just may be susceptible to the principle of reciprocity with respect to their visa policy. A country that adopts a reciprocal policy imposes visa requirements and fees against citizens of other countries which impose visa requirements against its own citizens.
Below is listed each country in South America that applies the reciprocal visa requirement, and their respective processes and costs. Note that some countries require you to apply in advance while others allow you to pay in the port of entry upon arriving in the country. Please use this info as only a guide as requirements do change. It is advised to check with each country's respective Embassy prior to travel and to consult your airline as well.
Argentina
When:
Before arriving in the country you must pay online here. The fee used to be payable at immigrations in the port of entry when arriving in Argentina, but not so anymore.
Costs:
U$S 160 - United States citizens
U$S 100 - Australians
U$S 75 - Canadians
Type of Visa granted:
Tourist
Term of Visa:
10 years (Apparently there is a 5 year option as well)
Length of each visit:
90 days
Departure Fee:
U$S 18
Bolivia
When:
Upon arriving in the country. Payable at immigrations in the port of entry. Supposedly it is only being charged upon entry to Ezeiza International Airport, but that has not been verified.
Costs:
U$S 135 - United States citizens
U$S 0- Australians and UK residents are allowed to visit for 90 days without charge.
U$S 0 - Canadians are allowed the first 30 days of a year for free, and the fee of U$S 35 is charged when staying beyond that term.
Type of Visa granted:
Tourist
Term of Visa:
Varies
Length of each visit:
90 days a year - United States citizens
90 days - U.K. citizens and Australians
30 days a year - Canadians
Brazil
When:
Prior to travel. You must go to the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate and apply for a visa at least two weeks prior to travel. You will have to apply, pay the fee, give the Brazilian Embassy your passport for at least a day, and have the visa applied to it all before you depart to Brazil.
Costs:
U$S 140 - Untied States citizens
U$S 65 - Canadians
U$S 35 - Australians
Type of Visa granted:
Tourist
Term of Visa:
Varies individually from 90 days to 10 years
Length of visit:
90 days
Departure Fee:
U$S40
Chile
When:
Upon arriving in the country. Payable at immigrations in the port of entry. Supposedly it is only being charged upon entry to Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago but that has not been verified.
Costs:
U$S 131 - United States citizens
U$S 132 - Canadians
U$S 61 - Australians
Type of Visa granted:
Tourist
Term of Visa:
Valid for the life the passport
Length of visit:
90 days
Departure Fee:
U$S 30
Paraguay
When:
Prior to travel. You must go to the Paraguayan Embassy or Consulate and apply for a visa at least two weeks prior to travel. You will have to apply, pay the fee, give the Paraguayan Embassy your passport for at least a day, and have the visa applied to it all before you depart to Brazil.
Costs:
U$S 65 - United States citizens
U$S 65 - Canadians
U$S 65 - Australians
Type of Visa granted:
Tourist
Term of Visa:
Valid for the life the passport
Length of visit:
90 days
Departure Fee:
U$S 25