South America
Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
Tierra del Fuego bills non-resident nomads $115 for routine healthcare visits
Tierra del Fuego now charges digital nomads and non-resident foreigners $115 for routine healthcare visits. Emergency care remains free for all travelers.
Brazil moved Digital Nomad Visa issuance to the SCI online portal Sept. 1
Brazil's Foreign Ministry now issues temporary VITEM visas, including digital nomad and investment categories, fully online for nationals of visa-exempt countries. Applicants can apply through the Sistema Consular Integrado platform and receive visas by email without visiting a consulate or surrendering physical passports.
Here is the catch with Brazil's VITEM XIV nomad visa process
Brazil has transitioned consular temporary visa issuance, including its digital nomad visa, to an electronic format starting Sept. 1. Eligible nationals from visitor visa-exempt countries no longer need physical visa stamps in their passports prior to entry.
Peru replaced legacy visa workflows with e-SAMI online portals on Aug. 24
Peru has introduced its new Integrated Migration Administration System (e-SAMI) and an electronic visa portal to process applications online. The digital system will phase in online issuance for multiple visa categories, cutting the need for in-person consulate visits. Travelers and remote workers will eventually manage visa requests and extensions through the unified portal.
Peru visa processing slows to 70 days as Migraciones backlogs grow
A major electronic system outage and staffing constraints have pushed in-country visa processing times in Peru to 50 to 70 business days. Foreign residents, expats and digital nomads face renewal delays of four weeks or more and should submit paperwork well in advance. The prolonged backlogs create significant uncertainty for anyone planning work or residence status changes.
Paraguay allows residents to extend absence limits for a 234,154 guaraní fee
Paraguay's immigration authority issued Resolution DNM N° 376, creating a formal procedure for permanent residents to request permission for extended absences. The rule allows foreign residents to spend extended time abroad without automatically losing their permanent residency status for exceeding absence limits. This provides critical protection for global nomads and expats maintaining residency in Paraguay while traveling.
Colombia and Israel restore visa-free entry for short-term stays on Sept. 1
Colombia and Israel agreed to mutually waive short-term visa requirements starting Sept. 1. Israeli digital nomads, business travelers, and tourists will be able to enter Colombia visa-free for short stays without prior consular filings.
Chile launches instant QR work verification for foreign residents Aug. 18
Chile's National Migration Service has launched an online Labor Authorization certificate with a verifiable QR code. The digital tool allows foreign residents to instantly prove their legal right to work while residency applications or renewals are pending.
Peru caps Machu Picchu entry at 5,600 visitors during peak dates
Peru is adjusting visitor capacity for Machu Picchu to 5,600 on peak dates and 4,500 on regular days while expanding domestic air routes. International travelers and nomads planning trips to the landmark will need to secure permits further in advance.
The small print in Bolivia's 90 day stay rule
Germany updated its travel advisory for Bolivia, strongly advising against trips to the Chapare region and parts of the Santa Cruz-Brazil border. The guidance also clarifies that tourists must exit Bolivia to renew their 90-day visa-free allowance rather than relying on local extensions.
Peru plans 250,000 biometric Carné de Extranjería cards, starting with foreign minors
Peru began issuing a chip-based Carné de Extranjería on July 20 in a pilot for foreign minors at two Lima offices. Police can verify the card in real time, and Migraciones plans to print about 250,000 of them before a gradual rollout to all residents.
Argentina DNU 681 allows expulsion of nomads for hate speech after July 31 update
A new government decree grants Argentine authorities expanded powers to deny entry or revoke the residency of foreigners accused of incitement to violence or hateful speech. The measure creates new legal risks for expats and long-term residents regarding their public conduct and social media activity.
Argentina visa-free entry remains at 90 days for most nationalities
Argentina's visa-exempt list covers more than 120 nationalities, most for tourist stays of up to 90 days. The 91-country figure in travel press is a media count, not a new decree, and visa-free entry does not allow work.
Brazil requires no yellow fever certificate from Spain arrivals or other foreign travelers
Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that travelers flying directly from Spain to Brazil don't need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Brazil hasn't required the vaccine from any foreign traveler since 2008, according to its foreign ministry and the health regulator ANVISA, though vaccination is recommended.
Ecuador reopened 3 land borders with Peru after 6 month security closure
The Macará–La Tina international bridge in Loja province has officially reopened for transit as of July 7. This restores a primary overland route for travelers and expats moving between southern Ecuador and northern Peru.
Argentina court restores judicial citizenship path for naturalization applicants
An Argentine court has overturned a decree that tightened naturalization requirements and restricted migrant access to public services. The ruling reinstates previous residency-based pathways to citizenship and returns authority over the process to the federal judiciary.
Argentina digitizes 21% VAT refunds for tourists at airports and borders
International visitors to Argentina can now claim VAT refunds through a fully digital system at all authorized exit points. The new electronic workflow replaces paper customs forms with self-service kiosks and mobile applications to streamline tax recovery on local purchases.
Brazil visitors pay R$50 to R$100 as Taxa de Turismo Sustentável goes live
Visitors to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande now face a mandatory Sustainable Tourism Tax of up to R$100. Travelers should prepare for potential transit disruptions as local protests continue over the new fee implementation.
Paraguay requires active income for permanent residency after June changes
For applications filed from July 6, 2026, Resolution DNM 407 requires permanent residency applicants to prove active, paid economic activity. Academic diplomas are no longer accepted as standalone proof of economic solvency.
Brazil eVisa rules now apply to airside transit passengers at 2 hubs
Since Aug. 26, 2024, travelers who need a Brazilian visa and connect through Brazilian airports without one must continue their trip or return to their origin. The rule targets irregular migration and affects nomads who use Brazil as a regional flight hub. Chinese ordinary passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 30 days from May 11 through Dec. 31, 2026.