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Long term travel visa requirements

Proof of departure date required for visas in South America?

14 years ago, September 14th 2009 No: 1 Msg: #86192 Delete Edit

skyblu
Skyblu

B Posts: 3

I'm a South African citizen...planning to travel round the whole of South America for a year! I'm very excited about - should have done it 10 years ago!

However, I plan to stay in a country/place for as long as it "wants" me to... (Within the 30 or 90 day tourist visa limits for that country that is).

I'll be travelling by bus the entire time... I plan to purchase my visas at the border. I've read on internet that one has to have proof that you'll be leaving the country within the 30 or 90 day limit. Is there any way to go about this without incurring large cancellation fees for flights between countries? Or is it possible to book bus tickets in advance and them cancel them? Would that be accepted?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thank you!

Reply to this

14 years ago, September 14th 2009 No: 2 Msg: #86232 Delete Edit

deleted_49612
deleted_49612

D Posts: 24.6K

Hello Celeste 😊

Here is a thread which may answer some of your question.

Return tickets from South America

Mel Reply to this

14 years ago, September 14th 2009 No: 3 Msg: #86238 Delete Edit

skyblu
Skyblu

B Posts: 3

Thanks that solved the problem! 😊 Reply to this

14 years ago, September 14th 2009 No: 4 Msg: #86271 Delete Edit

ElAustraliano
Paul Morrison

B Posts: 308

I've been all over Sth Am ,not including ,Venezuala ,Suriname ,the Guyanas and Brazil ,and the only time I had to pay for visa was in Paraguay.Also it is very easy to extend visas in most countries
Reply to this

14 years ago, September 14th 2009 No: 5 Msg: #86272 Delete Edit

ElAustraliano
Paul Morrison

B Posts: 308

Also I've never been asked for proof of exit tickets Reply to this

14 years ago, September 14th 2009 No: 6 Msg: #86277 Delete Edit

skyblu
Skyblu

B Posts: 3

Thanks Paul! Also wanted to say thanks for the advice you've given to other forum users - I read through the posts and you've already helped me a great deal! 😉 Reply to this

14 years ago, September 15th 2009 No: 7 Msg: #86343 Delete Edit

FionaB
Fiona Black

B Posts: 137

Whether you need a visa or pay a reciprocity fee depends on your nationality. So one person's experience may not be yours unless you are both South African. If Paul (an Australian) came to Chile he paid a reciprocity fee of US$61 dollars which was good for 90 days. If he had been from the USA he would have paid US$131 and it would have been good for the life of his passport. You would not need a visa nor would you pay a reciprocity fee. But that is one country. So it is very important that you find out where you might need a visa as a South African. Reply to this

14 years ago, September 15th 2009 No: 8 Msg: #86346 Delete Edit

FionaB
Fiona Black

B Posts: 137

Sorry, I should have added that Paul would have paid that reciprocity fee only if flying into the airport at Santiago, not at land borders. (I hope you don't mind my borrowing you, Paul!) You can see that you need to check carefully for your situation. Reply to this

14 years ago, September 15th 2009 No: 9 Msg: #86353 Delete Edit

ElAustraliano
Paul Morrison

B Posts: 308

It is my pleasure Celeste.I very much enjoy sharing my experiences and helping others get the most out of their adventures. Reply to this