Visa and Reciprocity Fees and Taxes in South America

Heard rumors about the reciprocity fee in Chile? One of the biggest questions when traveling abroad is whether visas or other documents are needed to enter a country. No one wants to land in a country only to find out they cannot enter because they were unaware they had to buy a visa in advance.

South America has a mix of visas and reciprocity fees and the lines are not so clear when it comes to what is required, sometimes fees are charged for landing in an airport but not overland. It can be quite confusing, especially if you are traveling to more than one country in South America.  However, below is a quick overview of the current requirements for entering countries in ​South America, when you are planning your trip your travel agent and airline should confirm this information as well.

Note: All funds are in USD.

Argentina does not require a visa in advance but in late 2009 it initiated a reciprocity fee in response to Canada, the United States and Australia initiating fees to Argentines. This fee was $160 for Americans, $100 for Australians and $100 for Canadians and is charged when you enter Argentina.

However, as of March 26, 2016, the fee is temporarily not required for tourists traveling less than 90 days as a move to strengthen ties and between the United States and Canada.

While it is technically supposed to be levied at all borders, it is currently only being charged at Ezeiza International Airport. Tourists coming over land, by ferry and alternate airports have not been charged this fee so far. As it stands the fee is good for a ten-year tourist visa for Canadians and Americans; Argentina has started offering a less expensive visa for 5-years and tourists can choose at the border which one they would like. Australians must pay the fee upon each entry.

There is a departure fee for leaving the country.

Bolivia only charges a reciprocity fee to Americans. The visa restrictions in Bolivia are a bit more specific depending on the citizenship.

Americans pay for the visa to be valid for 5 years. It permits visiting the country for 90 days of a year. However, this cannot be extended like other countries OR similar to other nationalities visiting Bolivia.

Canadians may visit for 30 days of a year without being charged, to stay longer a paid visa is required.

Citizens from the United Kingdom and Australia may visit for ninety days without a fee. It can be extended by leaving the country and returning for a new stamp.

While it is a requirement that tourists have proof of yellow fever vaccination, it appears this is no longer standard practice and tourists are reporting that it is not being requested.

One of the few countries that require a visa in advance, Brazil charges fees to Americans, Canadians, and Australians to enter the country. Citizens from other countries, including the United Kingdom, do not need to pay for a tourist visa.

You cannot get your visa at the border and must order it in advance. The tourist visa is valid for ten years and allows tourists to travel for ninety days of any year. While it seems these fees are steep, they have increased over the years because of reciprocity with the United States, Canada, and Australia which started charging Brazilian citizens visa fees.

Upon leaving Brazil there is a departure fee.

Another country that initiated a reciprocity fee which has changed over the past few years.

This one is a bit steep as Chile charged $132 to Canadians, $131 to Americans, and $117 for Australians. Much like Argentina, it was only being charged at the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago. Tourists coming over land or through other airports were not being charged. 

Once Canada dropped its fee for Chileans the reciprocity fee was dropped along with a fee for Americans. Australians and Mexicans continue to pay reciprocity fees in Chile.

The tourist visa allows 90 days of any year and the visa is valid for the life of the passport.

There is a departure tax to leave Chile, it is often included in the price of the ticket, it is best to confirm before purchase.

There are no fees for visas or reciprocity in Colombia. Tourists may need to show proof of a ticket to exit the country. While it is a requirement, it does not appear to be standard practice and tourists are reporting that this is no longer being requested.

There is a departure tax for leaving the country if a visitor has been in the country for less than one month and a larger fee if the visitor has been there longer. Some airlines include this fee in the price of the ticket, it is best to confirm before purchase.

Paraguay charges a standard fee to citizens of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

There is a departure tax from the Asunción airport.