South America
Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
Brazil storms disrupt travel for nomads as terminal traffic drops 30%
Heavy rains and landslides in Rio de Janeiro are impacting hillside communities popular with budget travelers and expats. Visitors should avoid low-lying or steep informal neighborhoods due to increased risks of slope failures and service interruptions.
Brazil digital nomad visa requires 1,500 dollars monthly as rents rise in São Paulo
Average monthly rents in São Paulo have climbed to R$2,350 for studios and R$3,150 for one-bedroom apartments. Expats should expect significantly higher rates in premium districts like Itaim Bibi and Vila Olímpia, necessitating larger housing budgets for central living.
Oct. 31 is the new cutoff for Colombia Residente visa electronic transfers
Foreigners holding older Colombian resident visas now have until Oct. 31 to complete the mandatory transfer to the new digital format. Failure to transfer the visa before the deadline may result in the loss of legal residency status.
Colombia sets Oct. 31 deadline for R visa electronic transfers
Foreign residents holding older paper or physical Colombian Resident (R) visas must transition to the new electronic system. Failure to complete the transfer by the Oct. 31 deadline could jeopardize legal residency status for long-term expats and retirees.
Colombia airport protest Operación Tortuga delays nomads starting May 9
The U.S. Embassy has issued a fresh security and logistics alert for travelers in Colombia, advising nomads to coordinate closely with airlines. The notice highlights shifting conditions that may impact entry and exit procedures for international residents.
Peru Rentista Visa permits indefinite stay with $1,000 monthly income
Peru offers several residency pathways for remote professionals and retirees, including the Rentista Visa for those with passive income and the Independent Worker Visa for freelancers. Each program has distinct tax implications and minimum income requirements that determine long-term residency eligibility.
Brazil lets nomads switch to VITEM XIV status within 30 days of arrival
Brazil's Ministry of Justice now allows travelers to convert to digital nomad status within 30 days of arrival without leaving the country. New guidance also simplifies the process by accepting 6 months of bank statements and enabling online applications for dependents.
The catch for Uruguay tax residents in Ley 20.446 includes a $2 million floor
New reforms eliminate the 60-day low-presence residency route and introduce a 12% tax on foreign income for those who do not qualify for the 11-year tax holiday. To maintain tax benefits, expats must now prove 183 days of annual presence or contribute $100,000 to a national innovation fund.
Argentina tightens border screening for international travelers after May 7 update
The Canadian government issued a travel advisory for Argentina due to enhanced border security measures linked to Middle East tensions. International travelers may face increased scrutiny, significant delays, or refusal of entry at all points of entry.
Colombia water rationing in Cartagena impacts nomads through June 2027
Ongoing water shortages in Cartagena have led to widespread protests and traffic disruptions across the city. Remote workers and expats face significant challenges with hygiene and daily operations as some neighborhoods report over 2 months without reliable service.
Brazil fans see 6,000 extra LATAM seats for June and July matches
LATAM Airlines is increasing flight capacity between Brazil and the United States to accommodate the surge in international travel during the FIFA World Cup. This expansion provides more transit options for expats and digital nomads moving between North and South America during the peak season.
Spirit Airlines grounding threatens travel plans for nomads in Colombia
The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá issued an alert regarding ongoing travel disruptions affecting international flights. Travelers and expats should coordinate with airlines and travel professionals to confirm flight status and entry requirements.
Brazil grants Chinese travelers 30 days of visa-free access
From May 11 through Dec. 31, Chinese nationals can enter Brazil for up to 30 days without a visa for tourism or business. This reciprocity-based update simplifies short-term travel planning for Chinese digital nomads and professionals visiting South America.
Argentina hantavirus cases climb 100% as health officials alert nomads
Health officials in Argentina report a surge in hantavirus cases linked to climate-driven rodent proliferation in the Patagonia region. Expats and travelers in Bariloche should avoid contact with rodent droppings and secure homes to prevent the potentially fatal respiratory disease.
Ecuador restricts transit in 9 provinces through May 18
A nightly curfew from 11 PM to 5 AM is active in major hubs including Quito and Guayaquil, restricting movement for all foreigners. Travelers are exempt only for airport transit with a valid boarding pass or for essential work duties.
Paraguay opens $150,000 investor route to permanent residency
Paraguay's new investment-based residency program allows foreigners to bypass the traditional temporary residency stage. This provides digital nomads and retirees immediate access to the country's territorial tax system and long-term living rights.
U.S. holds Bolivia at Level 2, flags Chapare as Do Not Travel
The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 advisory for Bolivia due to unpredictable demonstrations and roadblocks that disrupt travel. A Level 4 'Do Not Travel' warning is in effect for the Chapare region, where violent crime and limited emergency services pose significant risks to foreigners.
Ecuador imposes 11 p.m. curfew in 9 provinces through May 18
The UK government has issued a travel advisory for Ecuador due to a state of emergency and armed violence. Travelers and expats face mandatory curfews from May 3 to 18 in several provinces, along with increased security checks and potential insurance invalidation in high-risk coastal areas.
Bolivia roadblocks and crime trigger Level 2 travel advisory
The U.S. State Department has raised its travel advisory for Bolivia, warning of increased crime and frequent roadblocks that can strand travelers for days. Digital nomads and expats should expect disruptions to domestic travel and limited access to emergency services during demonstrations.
Brazil transport strikes remain a risk, but no nationwide stoppage is active
A 14% surge in labor strikes across Brazil's transport and tourism sectors is expected to peak in May and June. Travelers and expats should prepare for significant disruptions to flights, bus networks, and airport services as collective-bargaining agreements expire.