South American visas
Do I need a visa to go to South America?
Each of the countries in South America have different rules for entry. For UK citizens, some South American countries require you to get a visa, and some don’t. Some South American visas are difficult to obtain, and some countries may refuse you entry.
The table below shows whether South American visas are required for short term visits via vehicle (not via airport), to all of the countries in South America.
How do I obtain a South American visa?
Some countries in South America will issue you a visa when you arrive at the border, whereas others may require you to obtain a visa in advance.
When overlanding through South America, you should plan in advance where you will need a visa for, and where you can obtain one from. You may not be able to obtain a visa for your country of interest in every country that you’re travelling through.
The table below provides an indication of where you can obtain one from.
Can I get a South American visa online?
You can obtain visas for some South American countries online, whereas for other countries you may have obtain the visa in person.
The method for obtaining the visa, the cost and the time to get one are shown in the table below. The information in the table below is relevant for UK citizens.
You may also find it useful to refer to our other information on driving abroad.
Visa requirements, methods of obtaining the visa, cost and time to obtain the visa by South American country
| Country | Visa Required | Cost | Time to obtain Visa |
| Argentina | Yes, on arrival. Three months granted which can be extended. | ||
| Aruba | No visa required for stay off up to 90 days | ||
| Bolivia | Yes, on arrival. Three months granted which can be extended. | ||
| Bonaire | No visa required for stay off up to 90 days | ||
| Brazil | Yes, on arrival. Three months granted which can be extended. | ||
| Chile | Yes, on arrival. Three months granted which can be extended. | ||
| Columbia | Yes, on arrival. Three months granted which can be extended. Complete migration form prior to departure. | ||
| Curaçao | No visa required for stay off up to 90 days | ||
| Ecuador | Yes, on arrival. Three months granted which can be extended. | ||
| Falkland Islands | Yes, on arrival. One month granted which can be extended. | ||
| French Guiana | Yes, on arrival. Three months granted which can be extended. | ||
| Guyana | Yes, on arrival. One month granted which can be extended. | ||
| Paraguay | Yes, on arrival. Three months granted which can be extended. | ||
| Peru | Yes, on arrival. Three months granted which can be extended. | ||
| Suriname | Yes, on arrival. Three months granted which can be extended. | $25 | |
| Uruguay | Yes, on arrival. Three months granted which can be extended. | ||
| Venezuela | Yes, on arrival. Three months granted which can be extended. Obtain tourist card on arrival. |