Max out your stay in Latin America with 4 new Central and South America Visa options for 6 months to 2 years and longer
For those that are lucky enough to fall in love a destination, one of the most painful parts of travel can be visas…or a lack thereof. With most countries’ visa being limited to 30 to 90 days, for slow travelers and nomads it can be difficult to fully soak in the genuine experience of a country without the disruption of visa runs or being pressed to leave when your visa is finished but your travels aren’t.
Luckily, a handful of Latin American countries that are vast, welcoming, and easy to fall in love with have recently updated visa laws allowing stays of 6 months or more, making for plenty of time to explore, relax, or test out a new home.
Today, we’ll share the best new opportunities for discovering Central America and South America at a slower pace…
Latin America Visa News Overview
- Costa Rica: Visa exemption for most gives no hassle 180 day stay
- Colombia: Easy 180 day stay via cheap extension
— Colombian Digital Nomad Visa: 2 year stay with low minimum income requirement - Mexico: Free 180 day stay with no limit on returns
- Argentina: Digital nomad visa offers a 1 year stay
Costa Rica’s Move to keep tourists coming
Historically tethered to a 90-day maximum stay for Americans, Costa Rica has revamped its travel policies in line with other nations in Central America allowing a longer, more satisfying stay. As of this October 2023, the visa period allowed for tourists from the U.S. has been extended from 90 days to 180 days, doubling the time they can spend in the country and making for a solidly comfortable nomad experience, sabattical, or testing out Costa Rica as a new home.
Upon arriving by air or traversing land borders from adjacent Central American nations, they now receive a generous six-month stay. This policy shift is a response to Costa Rica’s 74% increase in international tourists to 2.4 million travelers in 2022, in hopes of promoting longer stays. Costa Rica has steadily increased in popularity among North American digital nomads and remote workers in hopes of testing Costa Rica a second home temporarily or permanently. Since 2020, an influx of remote workers has sought refuge amidst the country’s notoriously lush forests, covering nearly 60% of its terrain, tranquil coastal locales, and “Pura Vida” lifestyle.
How Costa Rica Embraced Change in Tourism as an Opportunity: Explore first, settle later
Previously, digital nomads and extended-stay travelers faced the inconvenience of a mandatory departure after 90 days, a challenging constraint given Costa Rica’s rich and varied attractions. Now, visitors have an extra quarter of the year to immerse themselves in the country’s vibrant ecosystem and travel at a leisurely pace. Additionally, this new extension offers a solid “bridge visa” to test Costa Rica slightly more before applying for a 2 year Rentista Visa or even Costa Rica’s appealing option of permanent residency.
Requirements for a 180 day stay in Costa Rica: Valid passport and onward travel
Costa Rica’s update is technically an extension of the visa exemption, not an actual visa. This little detail is convenient for travelers as all that is needed to qualify is a valid passport from a country eligible for the visa exemption (including the US and most European countries) and proof of onward travel on arrival. No further applications or processes are needed for your stay in Costa Rica.
“Group One Countries” as defined by the Costa Rican General Immigration Directorate
Citizens of the following countries are eligible for a 180 day stay in Costa Rica
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxemburg
- Mexico
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Principality of Monaco
- Puerto Rico
- Qatar
- Romania
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
Colombia’s Hidden Gem: Extending Your Stay to 180 Days
Colombia has swiftly risen as a prime destination in Latin America post-pandemic, becoming more well known for its beautiful ladnscapes, welcoming locals, thriving business environment, and low cost of living. Long past are any reasons for the former stigma of crime and Escobar as nomads in the know begin to make Medellin, Bogota, and beyond hubs of travel and, with the new visa options, home.
Colombia is continuing the eveloution of its persona, as one of the best destinations in Central America, by providing travelers from 102 countries (including the US, Canada, and most of Europe)** tourists with more options to prolong their visit. Travelers captivated by the charm of colonial Caribbean cities, Medellin’s dynamic nightlife, and Bogota’s top-tier museums now have the opportunity to apply for an additional 90-day permit within the country in addition to the their initial 90 days.
The Colombian Tourst Visa Extension Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
You can only initiate the renewal process, by visiting a local immigration office, or the “Migracion Colombia”, in Bogota. The extension, officially termed a “salvoconducto,” entails a mandatory appearance at Migracion Colombia and a fee payment. Be prepared to provide proof of departure/onward travel, along with copies of your passport and entry stamp. The fee for extension will be 74,000 Colombian pesos (roughly $18 USD).
Be sure to plan your extension or departure well ahead of time, asthose who overstay without securing an extension risk a hefty fine, potentially reaching $1,200 USD.
Source: https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/faq/4-salvoconducto-debo-hacer-obtenerlo
The 102 countries that may enter Colombia visa free for 90 days, and apply for an additional 90 day extension, are as follows:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Myanmar
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Spain
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
Source: Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombian has also established a new digital nomad visa valid for up to 2 years
For those who have already visited Colombia and know for certain, they’d love for this Caribbean gem to be their home for a year or two, consider the newly minted Colombia digital nomad visa**.
The Colombia digital nomad visa is easy to apply for (online) and has one of the lowest minimum monthly income requirements at approximately $650 per month. Upon application approval, you’re approved for a 2 year stay.
Learn more in our quick guide to the Colombia digital nomad visa – https://nomadnewshub.com/colombia-digital-nomad-visa/
Mexico: 180 Days + 180 Days
Among Latin American countries, Mexico holds a special place, granting U.S. visitors a full six-month stay with no special steps required. Sweetening the travel deal, there is no mandated time frame for staying outside of Mexico before seeking re-entry, even after a 180-day stay. This means a quick departure, to the US or to another Latin American country, gives you another 180 days with no worries
Seamless Travel: Embracing Mexico’s Warm Welcome
Most passport holders can seamlessly transition between long stays in Mexico and brief periods abroad. Despite this flexibility, it’s crucial to maintain transparency about your travel intentions. While Mexican authorities generally welcome U.S. tourists with open arms, frequent and prolonged visits solely for visa renewal may raise eyebrows, possibly leading to entry denial. However, with honest communication and genuine visitor status, entry and re-entry should be a smooth process. At certain airports like Cancun, the introduction of e-Gates even enables faster, interview-free entry, streamlining your arrival into the heart of Mexico’s Caribbean paradise.
Argentina: Attracting digital nomads with a 1 year stay
Argentina is the most recent South American country to join the race to lure nomads and remote workers. Travelers can apply for a 180 day digital nomad temporary permit for the cost of $200, and can apply for an additional 180 day extension without leaving the country, for an additional $200 fee.
The process can be completed completely online, and gives you unrestricted access to the “Paris of South America” and, arguably, one of the varied and beautiful countries in all of Latin America.
Learn more about the Argentina digital nomad visa here.
Sources:
- Costa Rica Travel Data: Statista – https://www.statista.com/statistics/816547/costa-rica-number-of-tourist-arrival
- Costa Rican Travel Groups As Dictated by Costa Rican Immigration: Source: Costa Rican Embassy – https://www.costaricanembassy.co.uk/portfolio-view/visas-residencias-permisos/
- Update to Costa Rican Visa Stay Policy: Source: Costa Rican Embassy – https://costaricanembassy.co.ke/visas/