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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
-
-