For US Citizens
A valid passport is required for US citizens traveling to South America. For complete information and to download an application form, visit the US Department of State - Passport Services and Information.
If you already have a passport, check the expiration date! Seriously. If your passport expires within six months of your travel dates, you should renew your passport before traveling.
We recommend applying for a passport or renewing your passport at least three months before your travel dates to allow enough time to process both your passport and visas; you must submit a valid passport with visa application(s).
Passort application processing times vary, but expect allowing 6 weeks for normal processing. You can get expedited service to receive your passport in as little as 2-3 weeks.
In South America, you should carry your passport with you at all times. You should also make a photocopy of your passport to keep in your luggage. As part our normal process, when you register for a trip with Trico Tours, we will request a photocopy of your passport to keep on file; we have never had an incident, but it's "better to be safe than sorry!"
Each country has it’s own laws regarding entry requirements. We will provide information, guidance and application forms, but it is your responsibility to apply for and acquire the necessary visas or other documentation you will need to enter the countries you will be visiting.
If you are a US citizen, you will need visas for entry into Brazil and Paraguay, but not for Argentina or Uruguay. You will need to submit your passport for all required tourist visas. If traveling to Brazil and Paraguay, we recommend applying for your Brazilian tourist visa first since it typically takes longer to process than the Paraguayan tourist visa. Guidelines for acquiring the appropriate visas are listed below.
Note: You do not need to hire a special visa processing service. Applying for a visa is not hard, but you do need to provide all information and documentation requested. When you register with Trico Tours, we will provide step-by-step instructions.
The information below is current as of March 2009 – check the Consular web sites for updates.
If you are not a US citizen, please contact the nearest consular office or embassy for each of these countries to find out a) if you need a visa, and b) the necessary steps you must take to acquire the appropriate visas. Contact information is listed below.
Paraguay
Embassy of Paraguay in Washington D.C.
Tel: 202-483-6960
Requirements for US citizens: A tourist visa is required – be sure to request a multiple entry visa. The embassy of Paraguay can process your visa in as little as a few days. Nonetheless, you should apply well in advance of your anticipated departure date to ensure that they have time to process your request for a visa.
You will need to submit your original US passport (must be valid for three months beyond your inteded stay), a visa application, two recent passport-type photos, and a copy of your airline tickets, and a prepaid, self-addressed return envelope, and payment (cash or Money Order preferred).
Once you have the visa, you must enter the country with tickets and documents for return or onward travel. If you have traveled to a country considered a Yellow Fever Infected Area within five days prior you may be required to show proof of vaccination.
Brazil
Consulate jusisdictions may be found on the website of the Brazilian Embassy in Washington DC
Requirements for US citizens: A Brazilian visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Brazil for any purpose. Brazilian visas must be obtained in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or consulate nearest to the traveler's place of residence. All Brazilian visas, regardless of the length of validity, must initially be used within 90 days of the issuance date or will no longer be valid. US citizens reentering Brazil must be able to show an entry stamp in their passport proving that the visa was issued within 90 days; otherwise they will not be allowed reentry.
The Brazilian Consulate only accepts visa applications by mail if the applicants send them by Express Mail envelopes carried by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
You will need to submit to the consular office your original US passport (must be valid for six months from the date of entry), a visa application, two recent passport-type photos, and a copy of your airline tickets, a copy of proof of residence (utility bill, bank account statement, or driver’s license, applicant’s name printed on it), a prepaid, self-addressed return envelope (U.S. Postal Service Express Mail envelope only), and a U.S. Postal Money Order, in the exact amount, payable to the "Consulate General of Brazil."
Apply well in advance of your anticipated departure date so the consular office has time to process your request for a visa. It can take as little as 15 days to process visas, but US citizens are nonetheless encouraged to apply 45-75 days prior to departure. If you have traveled to a country considered a Yellow Fever Infected Area within five days prior you will be required to show proof of vaccination. Contact the Brazilian Consular Office in your jurisdiction to request a visa application or further information.
Argentina
Consulate jusisdictions may be found on the website of the Embassy of Argentina in Washington DC
Requirements for US citizens: No visa is required for tourists staying for up to three months. Your passport must be valid for three months beyond your intended stay. You must enter the country with tickets and documents for return or onward travel. If you have traveled to a country considered a Yellow Fever Infected Area within five days prior you may be required to show proof of vaccination.
Uruguay
Embassy of Uruguay in Washington D.C.
Tel: (202) 331-1313
Requirements for US citizens: No visa is required who are traveling as tourists staying for up to three months. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your intended stay. You must enter the country with tickets and documents for return or onward travel. If you travel to a country considered a Yellow Fever Infected Area within five days prior you may be required to show proof of vaccination.
