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Tips for Travelers to Central and South America
(Consular Affairs Topics)
Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica,
Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras,
Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela
Travelers to Central and South America are usually welcomed with
courtesy and warmth. There is great diversity in the region - you can
visit some of the largest cities in the world as well as some of the
most unspoiled primitive environments. You can have a wonderful trip;
however, there are some precautions to take.
[Please note that travel to Mexico and the Caribbean is covered in
separate publications. See the last page of this pamphlet.]
Travel Advisories
The Department of State issues travel advisories concerning serious
health or security conditions that may affect U.S. citizens. Current
advisories are available at the 13 regional passport agencies in the
United States and from the Citizens Emergency Center, Room 4811,
Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, (202-647-5225).
Advisories are also available at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
At time of publication, travel advisories are in effect for Columbia,
El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and
Suriname. Some of the dangers covered in these advisories are
guerrilla or terrorist activity, banditry, and areas under control of
narcotics producers. If you plan travel to one of these countries,
check with the Emergency Center or the nearest passport agency to see
if a travel advisory is still in effect.
As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage. If you plan more
than a short stay in one place, if you plan travel to an area where
communications are poor, or if you are in an area experiencing civil
unrest or some natural disaster, you are encouraged to register with
the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration takes only a few
moments, and it may be invaluable in case of an emergency. Remember to
leave a detailed itinerary and your passport number with a friend or
relative in the United States.
Getting In and Out
All Central and South American countries except Guatemala require U.S.
citizens to have a valid U.S. passport. (Guatemala requires proof of
U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate or passport.) Visa
requirements for U.S. citizens vary from country to country: some
countries do not require a visa for a tourist stay of 90 days or less;
some only require that a tourist card be obtained at an airline office
or at the destination airport; other countries require you to obtain a
visa in advance from their embassy or consulate. Some countries have
additional entry requirements such as proof of sufficient funds or
proof of onward or return tickets.
In addition, all South American countries and most Central American
countries require a departure tax. If you are departing to a
neighboring country, the tax may be small, but, if you are returning to
the U.S., the tax could be as high as $20 per person, regardless of
age. Be sure to have enough money at the end of your trip to be able
to get on the plane!
For authoritative information on a country's entry and exit
requirements, contact its embassy or consulate (see list of foreign
missions at the end of pamphlet). When you make your inquires, ask
about:
o where to obtain a tourist card or visa;
o visa price, length of validity, and number of entries;
o financial requirements--proof of sufficient funds, proof of
onward or return ticket;
o special requirements for children traveling alone or with
only one parent (see below);
o yellow fever immunization or other health requirements;
o currency regulations--how much local or dollar currency can be
brought in or out;
o export/import restrictions; and
o departure tax--how much and who must pay.
Restrictions on Minors
Many countries impose restrictions on minor children who travel alone,
with only one parent, or with someone who is not their parent. A child
must present written authorization for travel from the absent parent,
parents, or legal guardian. If the parent or guardian traveling with
the child is the sole custodian, the court order granting custody may,
in some cases, serve as the authorization document.
If any of this applies to you, inquire about the following at the
embassy or consulate of the country your child plans to visit:
o the age of majority at which the restriction no longer applies
(e.g., age 15 in Argentina, age 18 in Brazil);
o the type of document that can overcome the restriction (e.g., court
order, statement of absent parent or parents);
o whether notarizing the document is sufficient or if it must also be
authenticated by the country's embassy or consulate;
o whether the document must be translated.
Note: in Brazil, a child may travel with its father without the
mother's authorization, but, if traveling alone or with its mother,
must have notarized authorization from its father. In Brazil, a woman
may authorize a child's travel only when she is the sole legal parent
or guardian.
Bringing a Car
If you plan to drive to Central or South America, contact the embassy
or consulate of each country you plan to visit to learn what is
required for entry and exit by private car. Besides title and
ownership, at most borders you will need to show insurance coverage
effective for the country you are entering. If your U.S. insurance
does not cover you abroad, you can usually purchase insurance when you
enter a country. In some countries, if you are involved in an accident
that causes injury, you will automatically be taken into police custody
until it can be determined who is liable and whether you have the
insurance or financial ability to pay any judgment.
There may also be criminal liability assigned if the injuries or
damages are serious.
If you are a visitor, you will not ordinarily have to pay import duty
on your car, but you may have to post a bond or otherwise satisfy
customs officials that you will not sell or dispose of the vehicle in
the country. To enter some countries, you must have your car
documented at the embassy or consulate of the country before you leave
home. Before you get behind the wheel, be sure you are in compliance
with the automobile import regulations of your destination countries.
U.S. Wildlife Regulations
Endangered species and products made from them may not be brought into
the United States. The penalty is confiscation and a possible fine.
These items are prohibited from import: virtually all birds
originating in Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Venezuela; furs from
spotted cats; most lizardskin products from Brazil and Paraguay; many
snakeskin products from Brazil, Ecuador, and Paraguay; skins from the
Orinoco crocodile; and all sea turtle products.
Shopping for Antiquities
Most countries in Central and South America control the export of
objects from their pre-Columbian and colonial heritage. Some countries
claim ownership of all such material and consider the export of
antiques, without the permission of the government, to be an act of
theft. In addition, under U.S. law, importers of all pre-Columbian
monumental and architectrual sculpture, murals, and certain
archaeological and ethnological materials are required to provide proof
to the U.S. Customs Service that these artifacts are legally exported
from the country of origin. Beware of purchasing artifacts unless they
are accompanied by an export permit issued by the government of origin.
Health
Information on health precautions for travelers can be obtained from
local health departments, the U.S. Public Health Service, private
doctors, or travel clinics. General guidance can also be found in the
U.S. Public Health Service book, Health Information for International
Travel, available for $4.75 from the U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402.
Depending on your destination, immunization may be recommended against
diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis, polio, rabies, typhoid, and yellow
fever.
Malaria is found in rural areas of every country in the region except
Chile and Uruguay. Malaria prophylaxis and mosquito avoidance measures
are recommended. If possible, avoid contact with mosquitoes from dusk
to dawn by wearing long clothing, using insect repellent on exposed
skin, using a flying insect spray in living and sleeping quarters, and
using a bed net. Prophylaxis should begin 2 weeks before going to an
area where malaria is endemic and should continue for at least 4 weeks
after leaving. Chloroquine is the malaria prophylaxis most easily
tolerated by humans. However, malaria resistant to chloroquine has
been reported in an area beginning east of the Panama Canal and
extending through northern South America as far south as the Amazon
Basin. If you plan to visit this area, consult a medical expert to
work out an additional prophylaxis. Malaria may at times, however,
break through any drug or drug combination. If you develop chills,
fever, and headaches while taking a malaria prophylaxis, seek medical
attention promptly. Early treatment of malaria can be effective, but
delaying therapy could have serious consequences.
Mosquito avoidance measures, if used day and night, may also help
prevent other less prevalent insect-borne diseases found in parts of
Central and South America such as Chagas' disease, dengue fever,
leishmaniasis, and yellow fever.
Throughout most of Central and South America, fruits and vegetables
should be washed with care and meats and fish thoroughly cooked.
Problems of food contamination are less prevalent in Argentina, Chile,
and Uruguay, and tapwater is potable in those countries. Elsewhere
water is generally not potable and should be boiled or chemically
treated. Diarrhea caused by contaminated food or water is potentially
serious. If it persists, seek medical attention.
Certain beaches in the region, including some at Lima and at Rio de
Janeiro, are dangerously polluted. Avoid swimming at beaches that
might be contaminated with human sewage or dog feces. Avoid swimming
in fresh water in the areas where schistosomiasis is found: Brazil,
Suriname, and north-central Venezuela.
Visitors in the Andes may experience symptoms of altitude sickness such
as insomnia, headache, and nausea. If you become sick, wait until your
symptoms disappear before you attempt to go higher. Mountaineers
should learn about the symptoms of high altitude pulmonary edema, a
condition that is fatal unless remedied by immediate descent.
Another hazard of high altitudes is sunburn. Exposure to ultraviolet
radiation increases not only as you approach the equator, but also as
you ascend in altitude. Sunscreens may help prevent this.
Safety Tips - Crime
Like many large cities throughout the world, major cities in Central
and South American experience assaults, robberies, and thefts.
Visitors should take common sense precautions:
o Safety begins when you pack. Leave expensive jewelry behind.
Dress conservatively; a flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual can
mark you as a tourist. Use travelers checks, not cash. Leave
photocopies of your passport personal information page and of your
airline tickets with someone at home and carry an extra set with you.
o In a car, keep doors locked, windows rolled up, and valuables out
of sight. A common trick is for a thief to reach through a car window
and grab a watch from a person's wrist or a purse or package from the
seat while you are driving slowly or stopped in traffic.
o When you leave your car, try to find a guarded parking lot, lock
the car, and keep valuables out of sight.
o When walking, avoid marginal areas of cities, dark alleys, and
crowds. Avoid being stopped or approached on the street by strangers,
including street vendors and beggars. Be aware that women and small
children as well as men can be pickpockets or purse snatchers. Keep
your billfold in an inner front pocket, keep your hand on your purse,
and wear the shoulderstap of your camera or bag across your chest. To
guard against thieves on motorcycles, walk away from the curb, carrying
your purse away from the street.
o Do not travel alone when you can avoid it. If you visit an
isolated area, go with a group or a reputable guide.
o Avoid travel at night.
o Do not take valuables to the beach.
Any U.S. citizen who is criminally assaulted should report the incident
to the local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Safety Tips - Civil Unrest
Several countries in Central and South America have areas of
instability or war zones that are off-limits to visitors without
special permits. Others have simlar areas that are open but surrounded
by security check points where travelers must show their passport or
tourist card. Always carry your papers with you, and do not overstay
the validity of your visa or tourist card.
Avoid public demonstrations. American citizens have been arrested when
local authorities have thought they were participating in civil
demonstrations.
Drug Offenses
Most Central and South American countries strictly enforce laws against
the use, possession, and sale of narcotics. Foreigners arrested for
possession of even small amounts of narcotics are not deported, but are
charged and tried as international traffickers. There is no bail,
judicial delays are lengthy, and you can spend two to four years in
prison awaiting trial and sentencing. If you carry prescription drugs,
keep them in their original container clearly labeled with the doctor's
name, pharmacy, and contents. In addition, check with the embassy of
the country you plan to visit for specific customs requirements for
prescription drugs.
Photography
Be cautious when taking pictures. Frequently local authorities
consider all airports, police stations, military locations, oil
installations, harbors, mines, and bridges to be security-related.
Photography of demonstrations or civil disturbances is also usually
prohibited. Tourists have had their film confiscated and have been
detained, so, when in doubt, ask.
Adopting a Child Abroad
Because of continuing scandals over the illegal activities of some
adoption agencies and attorneys both in the United States and abroad,
U.S. citizens have recently experienced difficulties when attempting to
adopt children from Central or South America. Several countries in the
region have either outlawed adoptions by foreigners or have passed a
law requiring formal court adoption of the child in the country before
the child is permitted to immigrate to the United States. Although
this has resulted in adoptions less likely to be challenged from a
legal standpoint, it has made the process more difficult and time-
consuming.
Any U.S. citizen interested in adopting a child from a country in
Central or South America is encouraged to contact either the U.S.
embassy in the country, or, in the United States, the Department of
State's Office of Citizen Consular Services, Inter-American Division
(telephone 202-647-3712) to obtain information on the adoption process
in that country.
Dual Nationality
Some countries in Central and South America do not recognize
acquisition of U.S. citizenship unless the naturalized U.S. citizen
renounces his or her original nationality at an embassy or consulate of
the country of origin.
A person born in the United States of a parent or parents who were
citizens of another country may also be considered by that country to
be their national. If arrested, a dual national may be denied the
right to communicate with the U.S. embassy or consulate. Another
consequence could be having to serve in the military of one's former
country. If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, a dual national, or
have any reason to believe another country may consider you its
national, check with the embassy of that country as to your citizenship
status and any obligations you may have while visiting. Dual nationals
who have not researched their citizenship status before traveling have
sometimes, to their surprise, encountered difficulties, such as not
being allowed to depart or being drafted for military service.
Even countries that recognize acquired U.S. citizenship may consider
their former citizens as having resumed original citizenship if they
take up residence in their country of origin. This can happen even if
the embassy of the country stamps a visa in the U.S. passport of its
former citizen.
Dual nationals should also be aware that they may be required to use a
passport from their country of origin in order to enter or leave that
country. The U.S. government does not object to the use of a foreign
passport in such situations. U.S. citizens may not, however, use a
foreign passport to enter or leave the United States.
If you have any questions about dual nationality, contact the Office of
Citizens Consular Services, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington,
D.C. 20520 (202-647-3712).
Additional Information for Certain Countries
Belize
Belize enforces a strict policy of refusing admittance to persons who
an immigration officer suspects of drug use.
Brazil
Obtain your visa in advance. Brazilian immigration authorities do not
hestitate to require a traveler without a visa to leave on the next
available flight.
Street crime can be a major problem in large cities in Brazil. Guard
against it--see "Safety Tips" on page . In Sao Paulo, if you
encounter difficulties or need emergency assistance, dial 1-0, radio
police patrol, from any public telephone--no coin or token is needed
for the call.
Chile
Anyone considering scientific, technical, or mountaineering expeditions
to regions in Chile classified as frontier areas or to Antarctica must
apply for authorization to a Chilean embassy or consulate a minimum of
90 days prior to the beginning of the expedition. The application will
be forwarded to the Chilean government for decision. Chilean
authorities reserve the right to request Chilean participation in
foreign expeditions, and require the submission of a post-expedition
report on the activities undertaken and the results obtained.
Foreign Embassies in the United States
Embassy of Argentina 1600 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC
20008 (202) 939-6400
Embassy of Belize Suite 2J 3400 International Drive, NW Washington, DC
20008 (202) 363-4505
Embassy of Boliva 3014 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008
(202) 483-4410
Embassy of Brazil 3006 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008
(202) 745-2700
Embassy of Chile 1732 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20036
(202) 785-1746
Embassy of Colombia 2118 Leroy Place, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202)
387-8338
Embassy of Costa Rica Suite 211 1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington,
DC 20009 (202) 234-2945
Embassy of Ecuador 2535 15th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202)
234-7200
Embassy of El Salvador 2308 California Street, NW Washington, DC 20008
(202) 265-3480
French Guiana: Embassy of France 4101 Reservoir Road, NW Washington, DC
20007 (202) 944-6000
Embassy of Guatemala 2220 R Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 745-
4952
Embassy of Guyana 2490 Tracy Place, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 265-
6900
Embassy of Honduras Suite 100 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington,
DC 20008 (202) 966-7700
Embassy of Nicaragua 1627 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC
20009 (202) 387-4371
Embassy of Panama 2862 McGill Terrace, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202)
483-1407
Embassy of Paraguay 2400 Massachusetts Aveneu, NW Washington, DC 20008
(202) 483-6960
Embassy of Peru 1700 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20036
(202) 833-9860
Embassy of Suriname Suite 108 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington,
DC 20008 (202) 244-7488
Embassy of Uruguay 1918 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20006 (202) 331-
1313
Embassy of Venezuela 2445 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC
20008 (202) 797-3800
U.S. Embassies and Consulates Abroad
Note: APO and FPO addresses may only be used for mail originating
in the United States. When you use an APO or FPO address, do not
include the local street address.
ARGENTINA American Embassy 4300 Colombia, 1425 Buenos Aires Tel:
(54)(1) 774-7611 Telex: 18156 USICA AR
Mailing address:
American Embassy Buenos Aires
APO Miami 34034
BELIZE American Embassy Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street Belize City
Tel: (501) 776161 Telex: 213 AMEMBASSY BZ
BOLIVIA American Embassy Banco Popular Del Peru Bldg. Corner of Calles
Mercado and Colon La Paz Tel: (591)(2) 350251 Telex: AMEMB BV 3268
Mailing address:
American Embassy La Paz
APO Miami 34032
BRAZIL American Embassy Avenida das Nocoes, Lote 3 Brasilia Tel:
(55)(6) 321-7272 Telex: 061-1091
Mailing address:
American Embassy Brasilia
APO Miami 34030
American Consulate General Avenida Presidente Wilson 147 Rio de Janeiro
Tel: (55)(21) 292-7117 Telex: AMCONSUL 21-22831
Mailing address:
American Consulate General Rio de Janeiro
APO Miami 34030
American Consulate General Rua Padre Joao Manoel, 933 Sao Paulo Tel:
(55)(11) 881-6511 Telex: 11-31574
Mailing address:
American Consulate General Sao Paulo
APO Miami 34030
American Consulate Rua Coronel Genuino, 421 (9th Fl.) Porto Alegre Tel:
(55)(512) 26-4288 Telex: 051-2292 CGEU BR
Mailing address:
American Consulate Porto Alegre
APO Miami 34030
American Consulate Rua Goncalves Maia, 163 Recife Tel: (55)(81) 221-
1412 Telex: 081-1190
Mailing address:
American Consulate Recife
APO Miami 34030
CHILE American Embassy Codina Bldg., 1343 Agustinas Santiago Tel:
(56)(2) 710133 Telex: 240062-USA-CL
Mailing address:
American Embassy Santiago
APO Miami 34033
COLOMBIA American Embassy Calle 38, No. 8-61 Bogota Tel: (57)(1) 285-
1300 Telex: 44843
Mailing address:
American Embassy Bogota
APO Miami 34038
American Consulate Calle 77 Carrera 68 Centro Comercial Mayorista
Barranquilla Tel: (57)(5) 45-7088 Telex: 33482 AMCO CO
Mailing address:
American Consulate Barranquilla
APO Miami 34038
COSTA RICA American Embassy Avenida 3 and Calle I San Jose Tel: (506)
331-155
Mailing address:
American Embassy San Jose
APO Miami 34020
ECUADOR American Embassy Avenida 12 de Octubre y Avenida Patria Quito
Tel: (593)(2) 562-890
Mailing address:
American Embassy Quito
APO Miami 34039
American Consulate General 9 de Octubre y Garcia Moreno Guayaquil Tel:
(593)(4) 323-570 Telex: 04-3452 USICAG ED
Mailing address:
American Consulate General Guayaquil
APO Miami 34039
EL SALVADOR American Embassy 25 Avenida Norte No. 1230 San Salvador
Tel: (503) 26-7100
Mailing Address:
American Embassy San Salvador
APO Miami 34023
FRENCH GUIANA American Consulate General 14 Rue Blenac B.P. 561 Fort-
de-France 97206 Martinique Tel: (596) 63-13-03 Telex: 912670; 912315 MR
GUATEMALA American Embassy 7-01 Avenida de la Reforma, Zone 10
Guatemala Tel: (502)(2) 31-15-41
Mailing Address:
American Embassy Guatemala
APO Miami 34024
GUYANA American Embassy 31 Main Street Georgetown Tel: (592)(02) 54900-
9 Telex: 213 AMEMSY GY
HONDURAS American Embassy Avenido La Paz Tegucigalpa Tel: (504) 32-3120
Mailing Address:
American Embassy Tegucigalpa
APO Miami 34022
NICARAGUA American Embassy Km. 4-1/2 Carretera Sur Managua Tel:
(505)(2) 66010
Mailing Address:
American Embassy Managua
APO Miami 34021
PANAMA American Embassy Apartado 6959 Panama 5 Rep. de Panama Tel:
(507) 27-1777
Mailing Address:
American Embassy Panama
APO Miami 34002
PARAGUAY American Embassy 1776 Mariscal Loipez Avenida Asuncion Tel:
(595)(21) 201-041
Mailing Address:
American Embassy Asuncion
APO Miami 34036-0001
PERU American Embassy Consular Section Grimaldo Del Solar 346
Miraflores Lima 18 Lima Tel: (51)(14) 44-3621 Telex: 25028PE USCOMATT
Mailing Address:
American Embassy Lima
APO Miami 34031
SURINAME American Embassy Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129 Paramaribo Tel:
(597) 72900 Telex: 373 AMEMSU SN
URAGUAY American Embassy Lauro Muller 1776 Montevideo Tel: (598)(2) 40-
90-51
Mailing Address:
American Embassy Montevideo
APO Miami 34035
VENEZUELA American Embassy Avenida Francisco de Miranda y Avenida
Principal de la Floresta Caracas Tel: (58)(2) 284-7111 Telex: 25501
AMEMB VE
Mailing Address:
American Embassy Caracas
APO Miami 34037
American Consulate Edificio Sofimara, Piso 3 Calle 77 Con Avenida 13
Maracaibo Tel: (58)(61) 84-253 Telex: 62213 USCON VE
Mailing Address:
American Consulate Maracaibo
APO Miami 34037