Tips for Travelers to Central and South America

Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela

FOREWORDTravelers to Central and South America are usually welcomed with courtesy and warmth. There is great diversity in the region. You can visit major cosmopolitan cities, ruins of great ancient civilizations, primeval tropical rainforests and breathtaking locales. However, there are important things that you should know before you travel. That is why we have prepared this publication. We wish you an enjoyable and memorable journey.

Please note that travel to Mexico and the Caribbean are covered in their own publications.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 10407
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Revised May 2004

The information in this publication is in the public domain and may be reproduced without permission. When this material is reproduced, the Department of State would appreciate receiving a copy at: CA/P, Room 4800, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520.

CURRENT TRAVEL INFORMATION

The Department of State's Consular Information Sheets are available for every country of the world. They describe topics such as unusual entry regulations, the crime and security situation, political disturbances, areas of instability and drug penalties. They also provide addresses and emergency telephone numbers for U.S. embassies and consulates in the subject country. In general, the sheets do not give advice. Instead, they describe conditions so travelers can make informed decisions about their trips.

In some dangerous situations, however, the Department of State recommends that Americans defer travel to a country. In such a case, a Travel Warning is issued for the country in addition to its Consular Information Sheet.

Public Announcements are a means to disseminate information about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions posing significant risks to the security of American travelers. They are issued when there is a perceived threat, usually involving Americans as a particular target group. In the past, Public Announcements have been issued to deal with short-term coups, pre-election disturbances, violence by terrorists and anniversary dates of specific terrorist events.

Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements are available at U.S. regional passport agencies; at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad; or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Overseas Citizens Services, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818. They are also available through airline computer reservation systems when you or your travel agent make your international air reservations.

Before you travel, check to see if a Travel Warning is in effect for the country or countries that you plan to visit.

You can access Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements 24 hours-a-day in several ways.

Internet

Information about travel and consular services is available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs' World Wide Web home page. The address is http://travel.state.gov. It includes Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, passport and visa information, travel publications, background on international adoption and international child abduction services and international legal assistance. The site also links to the State Department's main home page at http://www.state.gov, which contains current foreign affairs information.

Telephone

In the U.S., call toll free 1-888-407-4747. From overseas, call 317-472-2328.

As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage. If you plan more than a short stay in one place, if you intend 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. If your itinerary is not fixed, try to get in touch with family and friends frequently so they will know how to reach you if necessary.

ENTERING AND LEAVING - PASSPORTS AND VISAS

U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport to travel to all Central and South American countries, with the exception of Panama.

Panama requires proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate or passport. The U.S. Embassy in Panama encourages U.S. citizens to travel to Panama using their U.S. passports, as travelers may experience difficulties entering and/or exiting Panama when not in possession of a valid U.S. passport.

Visa requirements for U.S. citizens vary from country to country. Certain countries do not require a visa for a short tourist stay. For some, you need to obtain a tourist card from the airline office or at the destination airport. Other countries require you to obtain a visa in advance from that country's embassy or consulate. Some places have additional entry requirements such as proof of sufficient funds and/or onward or return tickets. If you do NOT meet the entry requirements upon arrival in a country, you will not be admitted and will have to leave on the next plane.

In addition, most Central and South 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 fairly substantial per person, regardless of age. Be sure to have enough money at the end of your trip to be able to pay the departure tax so you can get on the plane!

For authoritative information on a country's entry and exit requirements, contact its embassy or consulate (see the list of foreign embassies at the end of this pamphlet). When you make your inquiries, ask about:

RESTRICTIONS ON MINORS

Many countries impose restrictions on minor children who travel alone, with only one parent, with someone who is not their parent or who are nationals of the country, including dual nationals. 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. For certain countries, the documentation must be translated into Spanish or Portuguese and/or authenticated at the embassy of the country in question before departure from the U.S.

If any of this applies to you, inquire about the following at the embassy or consulate of the country your child plans to visit:

BRINGING YOUR OWN CAR, PLANE OR BOAT

If you plan to drive to Central or South America or arrive in a private plane or boat, contact the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit to learn what is required for entry and exit. You may not be able to enter certain countries unless you have had your vehicle documented by that country's embassy or consulate before you leave the United States. 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. Before you get behind the wheel, be sure you are in compliance with the automobile import regulations of your destination country or countries.

If driving, check the Consular Information Sheet for information regarding security threats that might be encountered on the highway. You should also keep in mind that in many countries road conditions and local drivers' concern for safety fall far short of what is customary in the U.S.

HEALTH

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Insurance. The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties, whereas travelers who have purchased overseas medical insurance have, when a medical emergency occurs, found it life-saving. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. In Panama, most hospitals accept credit cards for hospital charges, but not for doctors' fees.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

Insects. Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease. Chloroquine resistant P. falciparum malaria is a severe form of the disease that is found in many parts of western Africa, including Guinea-Bissau. Because travelers to Guinea-Bissau are at high risk for contracting malaria they should take one of the following antimalarial drugs: mefloquine (Lariam™), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone™). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have determined that a traveler who is on an appropriate antimalarial drug has a greatly reduced chance of contracting the disease. In addition, other personal protective measures, such as the use of insect repellents, help to reduce malaria risk. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what antimalarials they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites, and antimalarials, visit the CDC's traveler's health website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malinfo.htm.

Food. Throughout most of Central and South America, fruits and vegetables should be washed with care and meats and fish thoroughly cooked. 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.

Beaches. Certain beaches in the region are dangerously polluted. Avoid swimming at beaches that might be contaminated with human sewage or dog feces. Swimming in fresh water in the areas where schistosomiasis is found should also be avoided.

Mountains. Visitors in the Andes may experience symptoms of altitude sickness such as insomnia, headache, and nausea. If you become sick, descend to a lower altitude if possible. 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 will help lessen your exposure to UV rays.

SAFETY TIPS - CRIME As in a number of places around the world, crime in many parts of Central and South America seems to be increasing. Visitors should take common sense precautions:

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

Some countries in Latin America experience periodic political violence aimed at national government targets or even at foreigners. In a number of countries, kidnapping for political and/or profit motives is widespread and U.S. citizens sometimes fall victim. In addition to checking the latest Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, you may also want to contact the U.S. embassy in the country or countries you plan to visit for the most up-to-date information on the security situation.

Always carry your papers with you and do not overstay the validity of your visa or tourist card.

Avoid public demonstrations. Travelers can accidentally become injured if caught up in them. Also, American citizens have been arrested when local authorities have thought they were participating in civil demonstrations. If you are detained or arrested for any reason, ask to speak with a U.S. consular officer.

DRUG AND FIREARMS 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 generally charged and tried as international traffickers. There is no bail, judicial delays are lengthy, and you can spend 2 to 4 years in prison awaiting trial and sentencing. If you carry prescription drugs, keep them in their original container, clearly labeled with the doctors name, pharmacy and contents. Check with the embassy of the country you plan to visit for specific customs requirements for prescription drugs.

Laws concerning importation and possession of firearms can also be strict, with stiff penalties for violations. U.S. citizens who legally keep weapons in their boat or car in the U.S. sometimes forget to remove them before arrival in a foreign country, resulting in imprisonment.

PHOTOGRAPHYBe cautious when taking pictures. Local authorities in many Central and South American countries 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 for trying to take these types of pictures. When in doubt about whether you can take a picture, ask first.

U.S. WILDLIFE REGULATIONS Under the international CITES treaty, 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 lizard-skin products from Brazil and Paraguay; many snakeskin products from Brazil, Ecuador, and Paraguay; skins from the Orinoco crocodile; and all sea turtle products. Please refer to the Fish and Wildlife Service page for more information on CITES at http://international.fws.gov/cites/cites.html.

SHOPPING FOR ANTIQUES Most countries in Central and South America control the export of objects from their pre-Columbian and colonial heritage. This may also include relics and/or reproductions of antiques. 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 architectural 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.

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. Dual nationals may also be forced to serve in the military of their former country, or they may not be allowed to depart the country when their visit is over.

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. When you research your citizenship status, bear in mind the purpose of your planned trip can affect your status. Your acquired U.S. citizenship may be recognized by your former country if you only visit there. If, however, you take up residence, the country may consider you as having resumed your former nationality. This can happen even if the embassy of the country has stamped a visa in your U.S. passport.

Dual nationals should also be aware that they may be required to use a passport from their country of origin 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 and must travel on their U.S. passports.

If you have any questions about dual nationality, call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services toll free at 1-888-407-4747, from overseas: 317-472-2328.

ADOPTING A CHILD ABROAD While most foreign adoptions are processed without significant difficulty, in some instances and in some countries U.S. citizens have experienced problems when attempting to adopt children from some Central or South American countries. Several countries in the region have either outlawed adoptions by foreigners or passed a law requiring formal court adoption of the child in the country before the child is permitted to emigrate to the U.S. These changes have lessened the potential for legal challenges to the adoption, but have not necessarily streamlined the procedures for U.S. citizens.

Any 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 Children's Issues toll free at 1-888-407-4747, from overseas: 317-472-2328 to obtain information on the adoption process.

INFORMATION ON SPECIFIC COUNTRIES

Information about travel and consular services is available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs' home page at http://travel.state.gov, and, by telephone, toll free, at 1-888-407-4747. From overseas, call 317-472-2328. You can also visit the home pages of the U.S. embassies and consulates located in Central and South America.

FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN THE UNITED STATES

Embassy of ARGENTINA
1718 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 797-8826

Embassy of BELIZE
2535 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 332-9636

Embassy of BOLIVIA
Consular Section
3014 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 232-4828 or 483-4410

Embassy of BRAZIL
Consular Section
3009 Whitehaven St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 745-2820 or 745-2831

Embassy of CHILE
1732 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 785-1746

Embassy of COLOMBIA
2118 Leroy Place, N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 387-8338

Embassy of COSTA RICA
2112 S St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 234-2945

Embassy of ECUADOR
2535 15th St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 234-7200

Embassy of EL SALVADOR
2308 California St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 265-9671

FRENCH GUIANA
Embassy of France
4101 Reservoir Road, N.W.
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 944-6187

Embassy of GUATEMALA
2220 R St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20008-4081
(202) 745-4952

Embassy of GUYANA
2490 Tracy Place, N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 265-6900 or 265-6903

Embassy of HONDURAS
Consular Section
Suite 310
1612 K St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 223-0185

Embassy of NICARAGUA
1627 New Hampshire Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 939-6531 or 939-6532

Embassy of PANAMA
2862 McGill Terrace, N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 483-1407

Embassy of PARAGUAY
2400 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 483-6960

Embassy of PERU
1700 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 833-9860 through 9869

Embassy of SURINAME
4301 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
Suite 108
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 244-7488

Embassy of URUGUAY
1918 F Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 331-1313 through 1316 or (202) 331-4219

Embassy of VENEZUELA
1099 30th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 342-2214

U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES ABROAD

ARGENTINA

American Embassy
4300 Colombia
1425 Buenos Aires
Tel: (54)(1) 777-4533 and 777-4534
Fax: (54)(1) 777-0197

Mailing address:
American Embassy
APO AA 34034

BELIZE

American Embassy
Gabourel Lane and Hutson St.
Belize City
Tel: (501)(2) 77161 through 77163
Fax: (501)(2) 30802

Mailing address:
American Embassy
APO AA 34025

BOLIVIA

American Embassy La Paz
Avenue Arce No. 2780
La Paz
Tel: (591)(2) 430251
Fax: (591)(2) 433854

Mailing address:
American Embassy
APO AA 34032

BRAZIL

American Embassy
Avenida das Nacoes, Lote 3
Brasilia
Tel: (55)(61) 321-7272
Fax: (55)(61) 225-9136

Mailing address:
American Embassy
Unit 3500
APO AA 34030

American Consulate General
Rio de Janeiro
Avenida Presidente Wilson
147 Castelo
Rio de Janeiro
Tel: (55)(21) 292-7117
Fax: (55)(21) 220-0439

Mailing address:
American Consulate General
Rio de Janeiro
Unit 3501
APO AA 34030

American Consulate General
Sao Paulo
Rua Padre Joao Manoel, 933
Sao Paulo
Tel: (55)(11) 881-6511
Fax: (55)(11) 852-5154

Mailing address:
American Consulate General
Sao Paulo
P.O. Box 8063
APO AA 34030

American Consulate Recife
Rua Goncalves Maia, 163
Recife
Tel: (55)(81) 421-2441
Fax: (55)(81) 231-1906

Mailing address:
American Consulate Recife
APO AA 34030

CHILE

American Embassy
Av. Andres Bello 2800
Santiago
Tel: (56)(2) 232-2600
Fax: (56)(2) 330-3710

Mailing address:
American Embassy
U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC 20521-3460

COLOMBIA

American Embassy
Calle 22D-BIS, No. 47-51
Ave. El Dorado & Carrera 50
Bogota
Tel: (57)(1) 315-0811
Fax: (57)(1) 315-2197

Mailing address:
American Embassy
APO AA 34038

COSTA RICA

American Embassy
Pavas
San Jose
Tel: (506) 220-3939
Fax: (506) 220-2305

Mailing address:
American Embassy
APO AA 34020

ECUADOR

American Embassy
Avenida 12 de Octubre y Avenida Patria
Quito
Tel: (593)(2) 562-890
Fax: (593)(2) 502-052

Mailing address:
American Embassy
APO AA 34039-3420

American Consulate General
9 de Octubre y Garcia Moreno
Guayaquil
Tel: (593)(4) 323-570
Fax: (593)(4) 325-286

Mailing address:
American Consulate General
APO AA 34039

EL SALVADOR

American Embassy
Final Blvd. Santa Elena
Antiguo Cuscatlan
San Salvador
Tel: (503) 278-4444
Fax: (503) 278-6011

Mailing Address:
American Embassy
APO AA 34023

FRENCH GUIANA

American Embassy
Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129
Paramaribo, Suriname
Tel: (597) 472-900
Fax: (597) 410-972

GUATEMALA

American Embassy
7-01 Avenida de la Reforma
Zone 10
Guatemala
Tel: (502) 331-1541
Fax: (502) 331-0564

Mailing Address:
American Embassy
Unit 3303
APO AA 34024

GUYANA

American Embassy
99-100 Young and Duke Streets
Kingstown, Georgetown
Tel: (592)(2) 54900-9
Fax: (592)(2) 58497

Mailing Address:
American Embassy
U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC 20521-3170

HONDURAS

American Embassy
Avenido La Paz
Tegucigalpa
Tel: (504) 36-9320 or 38-5114
Fax: (504) 37-1792 (Consular fax))

Mailing Address:
American Embassy
Unit 2909
APO AA 34022

NICARAGUA

American Embassy
Km. 4-1/2 Carretera Sur
Managua
Tel: (505)(2) 66010 through 666013
Fax: (505)(2) 669074

Mailing Address:
American Embassy
APO AA 34021

PANAMA

American Embassy
Apartado 6959 Panama 5
Panama City
Tel: (507) 227-1777
Fax: (507) 227-1964

Mailing Address:
American Embassy
APO AA 34002

PARAGUAY

American Embassy
1776 Mariscal Loipez Avenida
Asuncion
Tel: (595)(21) 213-715
Fax: (595)(21) 213-728

Mailing Address:
American Embassy
Unit 4711
APO AA 34036-0001

PERU

American Embassy
Consular Section
Av. La Encalada s/n
Block 17
Monterrico
Lima33, Lima
Tel: (51)(1) 434-3000
Fax: (51)(1) 434-3037

Mailing Address:
Consular Section
Unit 3740
APO AA 34031

SURINAME

American Embassy
Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129
Paramaribo
Tel: (597) 472900
Fax: (597) 410972

Mailing Address:
AmEmb Paramaribo
Department of State
Washington, DC 20521-3390

URUGUAY

American Embassy
Lauro Muller 1776
Montevideo
Tel: (598)(2) 23-60-61
Fax: (598)(2) 48-86-11

Mailing Address:
American Embassy
APO AA 34035

VENEZUELA

American Embassy
Calle F con Calle Suapure
Colinas de Valle Arriba
Caracas
Tel: (58)(2) 977-2011
Fax: (58)(2) 977-0843

Mailing Address:
American Embassy
APO AA 34037

Planning Another Trip?For general travel information, the following pamphlets may be ordered from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20420, tel. 202-512-1800:

Your Trip Abroad ($1.25)
A Safe Trip Abroad
Tips for Americans Residing Abroad
Travel Tips for Older Americans
Tips for Travelers to Canada
Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean
Tips for Travelers to Mexico
Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa ($1.50)
Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of China
Tips for Travelers to Russia and the Newly Independent States
Tips for Travelers to South Asia
Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa ($1.50)

The price of each publication is approximately $1.00, except where noted. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Please check with the Government Printing Office for more information.

General entry and visa information for these and other countries are available in Foreign Entry Requirements. Information on how, when and where to apply for your U.S. passport is provided in Passports: Applying for Them the Easy Way. Both publications may be ordered for 50 cents each from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.

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