South America
Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
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$95. Travelers should prepare for potential transit disruptions as local protests continue over the new fee implementation.
Ecuador imposes 60 day state of emergency across 10 provinces
The UK updated its travel advice following a 60-day state of emergency declared across 10 provinces, including coastal hubs and northern border areas. Foreigners should expect heightened security, potential curfews, and disruptions to movement in regions popular with some expats and nomads.
Paraguay requires active income for permanent residency after June changes
Starting June 2026, Resolution DNM 407 mandates that permanent residency applicants prove active, paid economic activity. Academic diplomas will no longer be accepted as standalone proof of economic solvency for the application.
Brazil eVisa rules now apply to airside transit passengers at 2 hubs
Travelers from 65 countries, including China and India, will soon require a transit visa for airside connections at Brazilian airports. This policy change aims to curb irregular migration and affects logistics for nomads using Brazil as a regional flight hub.
Philippines and Paraguay sign visa waiver for short stays up to 90 days
The Philippines and Paraguay have established a mutual visa waiver agreement for citizens holding ordinary passports. This agreement simplifies travel between the two nations by removing the need for prior visa applications for eligible travelers.
Colombia Digital Nomad visa requires $1,435 monthly income and 183 day tax rule
Colombia has clarified that the Digital Nomad Visa (Type V) requires proof of $1,435 monthly income for the three months preceding an application. Travelers should note that staying over 183 days in a year triggers local tax residency and the visa cannot be renewed indefinitely.
Brazil intercepts 108 Cuban migrants as Roraima border checks tighten
Brazilian authorities have increased enforcement and scrutiny at land borders with Guyana and Venezuela. Travelers entering Brazil via these northern routes should expect more frequent document checks and potential delays as officials target irregular migration.
Chile mandates guides for Torres del Paine hikers starting Aug. 1
Chile will close the Torres del Paine W circuit during June and July due to winter conditions. Starting in August, all international hikers and nomads must hire specialized guides and carry specific equipment to access the W circuit and Base Torres trails.
Uruguay waives visa requirements for Chinese tourists with ordinary passports
Uruguay has initiated the regulatory steps to eliminate entry visa requirements for Chinese nationals holding ordinary passports. The move aims to simplify travel for tourists and business visitors while strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
Peru launches 24 month review of digital nomad and tourist rules
The Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a specialized working group to modernize the country's immigration framework. This initiative aims to update regulations governing foreign residency and border controls, potentially impacting future visa requirements for expats and digital nomads.
Paraguay fans resell World Cup tickets after U.S. visitor visa denials
Paraguayan travelers are facing increased U.S. visa scrutiny and high denial rates ahead of the 2026 World Cup. This trend highlights stricter consular enforcement for South American applicants, impacting those planning short-term visits or scouting for future relocation.
Costa Rica grants 2 year status to Colombians in Sept. 1 asylum update
Costa Rica has introduced a special temporary complementary category for Colombian nationals with pending or rejected asylum applications. Starting Sept. 1, this program allows eligible individuals to obtain legal residency and work authorization for two years.
Brazil accepts CIN biometric IDs for entry to Argentina starting in Aug
Mercosul nations have agreed to accept the new Brazilian National Identity Card (CIN) as a valid travel document for entry. Starting in Aug., Brazilian citizens and residents holding the biometric card can cross borders into eight neighboring countries without a passport.
Bolivia roadblocks across 8 departments strand nomads and tourists
Nationwide demonstrations and roadblocks are currently obstructing intercity travel and access to the La Paz/El Alto airport. Travelers and expats in Bolivia should avoid road travel between cities and allow significant extra time for airport transfers.
5.25 million COP is the new monthly income bar for Colombia visas
New 2026 data for Medellín, Cali, Bogotá, and Cartagena provides updated monthly budget benchmarks for housing and utilities. These figures help relocating foreigners and digital nomads calculate financial solvency for residency applications.
Colombia sets COP 294,000 Cédula de Extranjería fee for Feb. 10
Foreigners holding a valid Cédula de Extranjería can access Colombia’s public health insurance system, known as EPS. Tourist visa holders remain ineligible for the program and must maintain private international travel insurance during their stay.
Chile opens 720-day business visa channel for Indian nationals
Chile has launched a streamlined business visa for Indian professionals and technical workers, offering multiple entries over a two-year period. Each visit allows for stays of up to 90 days, facilitating easier travel for project-based work and short-term business engagements.
Brazil grants VITEM XIV residency for retirees with 2,000 monthly income
Foreigners seeking retirement residency in Brazil must demonstrate a monthly pension or income of at least $2,000 plus additional funds for dependents. The process requires registering with the Federal Police and obtaining a CRNM card within 90 days of arrival.
3 paths for long-term residency in Brazil require up to $2,000 monthly income
Brazil has consolidated its visa options for 2026, highlighting specific pathways for remote workers, retirees, and family reunions. The guide clarifies the requirements for the one-year Digital Nomad Residence and the income thresholds for the retirement visa.