Planning a 6-month trip to South America?

Question

My partner and I are planning to go to South America (from the UK) for 6 months. We are thinking of booking return tickets to Ecuador, where we have some friends, and go to other countries as well. Now the question:

I have read that you can only stay in almost all South American countries for a maximum of 90 days without a visa and you have to present proof that you have booked a return ticket. Will the officials accept the fact that we will have a return ticket 180 days (6 months) later by explaining that we are going to be visiting other countries as well? Would that be a problem?

Answer 1

I go to South America several times a year and never once have I been asked to show a return ticket. If you are reasonably well dressed and look prosperous, there will be no problem. Mostly you will be stamped at entry for a 60 day visa, though it does vary from country to country. If you are on a UK passport you will not need to pay fees to enter most countries, but if you have an Australian, Canadian, or US passport some countries (Brasil and Chile for two), charge fees, and a few like Brasil require visas obtained in advance for some visitors.

Overstaying the 60 (or 90) day limit can present problems, for it can be tedious and expensive to leave if you stay 61 days on a 60 day visa. Most countries have very well developed bureaucracies for making the process unpleasant if you overstay or otherwise violate your visa. If you have not overstayed, with a little effort and a fee you can, in most countries, extend the visa. It is usually easier to simply cross into a neighboring country for a day trip and then return in the evening. Be careful with Argentina, however, for if you leave they may demand you stay away at least 24 hours.

I am jealous; would love to have that much time to wander South America.

Buen Viaje!

Answer 2

I am a US citizen and I just returned today from Argentina. I flew standby because I work for an airline but didn't have a return ticket. My passport was stamped "90 day tourista"

We tried to get into Paraguy by ferry from Posadas Argentina and were at first refused because we did not have a visa. Then the nice lady let us in if we promised to return before she got off work. (ha ha,only in South America) We didn't even try to enter Brazil because we knew we needed a visa.

So I would say you do not need a return ticket, you will be ok for 90 days without a visa and UK may have a different policy with these countries than the US, but my guess is the policies are the same.

Also I have been to Peru and there was no visa needed for less than 90 days.

Have fun. Visit Iguazu Falls in Argentina, Machu Piccu and Nazca Lines in Peru.

Answer 3

Let's turn that around... If I came to the U.K. for 6 months and all I had was a return ticket from Paris... just what do YOU think the people in Customs and Immigration would say to ME?  Just how long do you think I could overstay my visa in the U.K. without getting to trouble.

Well..  the same answer applies in YOUR situration

Answer 4

It is usually the airline that takes you into a Latin country that makes sure you have a return ticket.  But Garrison hit the nail on the head.  You may get by ten times and the eleventh time immigration asks for your return ticket.   Also, most of the countries here require that you leave for a minimum of three days (72 hours) in order to be issued a new visa.