5 Latin America Visa Nightmares And How To Avoid Them by:Gary Sargent
There's nothing like a pile of paperwork to take the joy out of a dream Latin American vacation
.
No, correction - there's nothing like realizing that you haven't completed a pile of paperwork, too late on to do anything about it. No-one likes having to do it, but you need to make sure that you've got your visas covered. Take heed of the 5 nightmare scenarios below to make sure you don't get caught out at the airport before your Latin American vacation has even started.
Wait, what's a visa? A visa, if you're not sure, is a stamp that goes in your passport (yes, you'll need a passport...) which allows you to visit a country for a specific duration with a specific purpose. Like tourism, for example.
Nightmare scenario number 1
You're an American that wants to visit Brazil. Surprise! The Brazilian Government doesn't like you...speaking in paperwork terms.
How to avoid the nightmare: Some countries will make you jump through flaming hoops in order to be able to get a simple tourist visa, whilst others will just let you show up at the airport. The rules are changing all the time, so your only option is to check out requirements for your specific vacation destination on your government's website. It is also worth getting in touch with the embassy of your vacation country to check the latest requirements. A call or email should do it.
Nightmare scenario number 2
You're leaving in a week - your tickets are booked and everything is arranged. That should be enough time to sort out your visa, right? Oh. It isn't. And you can't get a refund on those tickets, or re-book your holiday...
How to avoid the nightmare: Check the requirements for your destination country before you book anything! Time-frames vary for applications, and with thousands of people applying each week in some cases, your application could be delayed in a paper-storm. Avoid the stress, and simply apply for the visa in good time.
Nightmare scenario number 3
You're at the airport with a nice fresh visa pasted into your passport. But they won't let you board the aircraft because your passport is about to expire...in a few months?!
How to avoid the nightmare: Believe it or not, you need to make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of return from your trip. If the expiry date is too close to your vacation date, apply for a new passport. Make sure that you allow a few weeks for that application as well.
Nightmare scenario number 4
Ok, all set for that Brazil vacation again. You've got the visa, a good passport...and the accompanying paperwork? Sorry Sir/Madam, for a one-way flight you need some other proof that you'll leave the country. We're going to have to keep you in custody until you can produce it.
How to avoid the nightmare: Some countries go beyond needing a visa. Check requirements for all accompanying paperwork with the relevant foreign embassy. Hot topics to affect your entry could include:
requiring an onward flight ticket from the country you are enteringstamps from previous visits abroad affecting travel to new countriesmedical conditions and taking medicines into a countryprevious criminal convictions affecting entry eligibilitytravelling with children of whom you are not the legal guardians
Nightmare scenario number 5
What a great vacation! Until you return to the airport...and a very large fee for an expired visa.
How to avoid the nightmare: Get the absolute maximum duration for your visa to avoid any problems - you can check this maximum with the relevant foreign embassy before applying. Make sure that the visa fits with your dates of travel!
Do you have any nightmare visa stories? Does any visa advice for Latin American vacationers come to mind?
About the author
Gary Sargent is the Managing Director of the Escaped To Latin America Group. Gary has lived in Latin America since 1998, and loves to help his clients have amazing custom vacations. Gary just published the report, "5 Simple Tricks That Could Save You $1000s On Your Next Latin American Vacation". Find out how to reduce your vacation costs right away by downloading the report -->
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