One of the best things about planning a holiday to South and Central America is that Australians don’t require a visa for the vast majority of destinations! However, don’t forget that if you are travelling via the USA (even if you only remain in transit) you will need to apply for the USA ESTA Visa Waiver Authorisation.
Even though Australians can travel visa-free to most countries in South and Central America, there are a few notable exceptions. So let’s make sure you know what visas you need for Latin America. Let’s take a look!
*Please note that entry requirements change and while we make every effort to keep this information relevant, it is always best to check current requirements at Smart Traveller.
Brazil
From 10 April 2025, Australian passport holders will need a visa to enter Brazil. The application process is completed online via this website – you will need to upload scans of your passport, a passport photograph, and an itinerary. The cost is USD$80 per person and the visa is a multiple entry which is valid for five years.
Cuba
Australian passport holders require a visa to enter Cuba. This visa must be issued prior to departure. The visa to Cuba is a Tourist Card, which is valid for 30 days from the date of entry but can be extended in-country for a further 30 days.
We recommend at least four weeks for visa processing, so please get in touch to plan your next trip to Cuba and the details you need for your visa.
Please note that passengers arriving in Cuba direct from the USA are not allowed to enter on a tourist visa but must apply directly with their airline on check-in, under one of the 12 reasons to travel permissible under US law.
Travelling between the USA and Cuba: We advise all passengers to fly to Cuba via South America. As per 2021 US Government guidelines, passengers who have visited Cuba are not eligible to participate under the ESTA Visa Waiver program – they need to apply for a visa.
Chile
On 17 September 2025, Chile announced Australians no longer need a visa for stays up to 90 days. If you’re unsure whether you need a visa, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Chile.
You can’t stay on Easter Island (Isla de Pascua/Rapa Nui) for more than 30 consecutive days.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the Embassy or Consulate of Chile for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Entering and departing Chile
When going through Immigration, you’ll be given a tourist card. You must keep this card, as it will be requested at departure. If you lose it, you’ll have to request a new one from Immigration, and your departure from Chile may be delayed. For more information on replacing your tourist card, visit the closest International Police (PDI) Office.
When entering Chile, you must complete the online Customs (Aduanas) and Agro-sanitary (SAG) declaration within 48 hours of arrival. Hardcopy declarations can be completed by hand in the paper forms near the luggage collection area.
Suriname
Thankfully, Suriname has recently dropped the visa requirement! However, on arrival into Suriname (and for each subsequent entry, if applicable), you need to pay the visitor entry fee. The fee is currently USD$25 or EUR$25 per person, plus a handling fee of US/EU$8 per person.
You can pay for this online via VFS Global (on working days 24 hours prior to the departure date.)
The good news is, with an Australian passport, you don’t need a visa for any other country in Latin America. This makes travel to Latin America easier than ever! Get in touch with us to start planning your next Latin American adventure.
