Going South America? Visa Costs and Fees

If you are planning a travel to one of South American countries, you'll need a visa. Most Latin American countries impose either a visa or a fee when visiting the country. If you opt for a reciprocity fee, you'll might need to take a toll on your budget, especially if you travel with your family. The reason why these fees exist is because the USA government charges high fees for Latin America citizens to enter the USA. As a result, some of the South American countries come up with a rule - you charge us, we charge you. There is a lot of debate are these fees indeed justifiable.

Both way, below are discussed visa and entrance fees.

Argentina

You have to pay $160 in advance. You can do it by visiting this website: http://www.provinciapagos.com.ar/dnm/ in order to get an entrance ticket which should be good for 10 years. You can print a ticket directly from the mentioned website. You can avoid the reciprocity fee by crossing into Argentina overland. For example, if you would have traveled from Santiago (Chile) to Mendoza (Argentina), you wouldn't have to pay the fee. Another workaround is to take an international flight into Mendoza, Salta or Cordoba.

Bolivia

Every time you enter the country, you'll have to pay $135 in cash. You can't avoid this fee. The visa you get is valid for 5 years.




Brazil

Brazil

This country is the most complicated one. You usually need to apply for a visa in advance. Should be done from the USA before you even leave the country, but you may want to visit the Brazilian consulate when travelling or even ask for one at the border at Iguazu Falls. If you are travelling from Bolivia to Brazil, you won't be able to enter Brazil unless they do not see the Bolivian either entrance or exit stamp. You are allowed to extend your tourist visa once per year. For a visa extension you'll need your passport, proof of funds, a credit card, return ticket and a form to complete given by Federal Police.

Chile

$131 is the cost of the visa. The visa is bought upon arrival at the Santiago airport and it's valid only for 90 days. If you are planning to stay longer, you'll need to pay an additional fee.

Paraguay

$45 is a fee for one-time entry which is valid for 90 days.

Suriname

Suriname
$100 is a visa fee at arrival station. On the other hand, if you have paid $100 in advance, you can get a visa good for 5 years.










Countries without entry fees are:

- Colombia
- Peru
- French Guiana
- Guyana
- Venezuela
- Uruguay

You'll not have to pay these fees if you are just transiting through a particular country. Although these fees can add up at the end, it's just a small price you have to pay to visit some of these incredible destinations. It's important to mention if you have a dual citizenship (for example, European Union and South America citizenship), you don't need to pay any fees whatsoever when you visit fee imposing countries as long as you exit or enter the country with your South American or EU passport. If you are a Russian, you are lucky as Russia is recently seeking a visa-free regime with Latin America countries.

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The Wonder of Lake Titicaca - South America

Lake Titicaca, which is the largest lake in South America, is not only one of the naturally occurring wonders in this country but also one of the most spectacular in the world. This lake is 3,809 meters or 12,397 feet above sea level and in effect, it ranks as the highest commercially navigable water body in the world. 

Rurrenabaque. Bolivia

Millions of people from all parts of world mainly go to Lake Titicaca in order to witness its beauty and enormity as well as to visit its numerous handmade and natural islands, which have been home to many inhabitants for many years. This lake, whose surreal beauty attracts visitors from nearby cities and countries as well as from those that are far away on a continuous basis, has been the subject of many legends and myths that have been there since the pre-Inca times thanks to its deep blue depths. Many people consider it one of the top ranking tourist destinations in South America because of the aforementioned reasons. 

Lake Titicaca is strategically located at the border between Bolivia and Peru, both of which are a major attraction for travelers who go there each year. Peru has become one of the most popular South American countries for visitors thanks to the Machu Picchu and Inca Trail. Bolivia is also a robust choice for Bolivia tours because it is not only home to the spectacular Uyuni Salt Flats but it also allows visitors to reach the Amazon jungle by going through Rurrenabaque. Bolivia, which has high altitude cities like La Paz is also as fascinating as Peru. Lake Titicaca, which has numerous attractions for travelers who are curious by nature on both the Bolivia and Peru sides, serves as a natural transition point for those who want to visit these two countries. 

Visitors who come from Arequipa or Cusco usually arrive at Lake Titicaca if they want to travel in Peru. The shores of this lake are home to Puno, which is the largest city in Peru. Most travelers who go to Puno do not consider it the most exciting as compared to all the other travel destinations in Peru. However, Puno has a strong defense especially during specific times of the year such as in February when costumed revelers who participate in the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria festival fill its streets.

Isla del Sol

The Lake Titicaca islands, which include Amantani, Uros, and Taquile, are a major attraction for most travelers. Although accommodations on some of these islands are rustic, travelers can visit them when they are traveling during the day from Puno. These islands allow visitors to stay at home with the local families. Isla del Sol, which is easy to access from Copacabana town, is the perfect choice for travelers who want to explore Lake Titicaca further if they are coming from the Bolivia side. This island, which is home to the pre- Inca and Inca ruins such as the labyrinthine Chicana and Sacred Rock, has many rocks and hills but does not have paved roads or motor vehicles. 

People who want to visit Lake Titicaca should ensure that they enjoy visiting all the aforementioned islands if they want their overseas experience or holiday to South America to be truly memorable.

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