Americas Visa Guide
From ESTA waivers for the United States to eTA for Canada and visa-free travel across much of Latin America, the Americas offer diverse entry requirements. Below you'll find detailed visa information for each major destination.
United States
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Languages
English, Spanish (widely spoken)
Health notes
No universal healthcare — travel insurance is essential
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
Visa-freeCitizens of 41 VWP countries (including UK, Australia, Japan, most EU nations) can travel to the US for tourism or business without a visa.
Stay limit
Up to 90 days per visit
Cost
USD 21 (USD 4 processing + USD 17 authorisation fee)
Processing time
Usually approved within minutes; apply at least 72 hours before travel
Required documents
- Valid e-passport (machine-readable with chip)
- ESTA application completed online at the official CBP website
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of ties to home country
Entry conditions
- Must arrive by air or sea with a participating carrier
- Cannot extend stay or change status once in the US
- No employment permitted
- Prior visa refusals, overstays, or travel to certain countries may disqualify you from ESTA
Important notes
- ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)
- Multiple entries are permitted within the validity period
- If denied ESTA, you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at a US embassy
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
Visa requiredFor nationals not eligible for ESTA, or for those who need stays longer than 90 days. B-1 covers business; B-2 covers tourism, medical treatment, and family visits.
Stay limit
Up to 6 months (extendable in some cases)
Cost
USD 185 (non-refundable application fee)
Processing time
Varies widely — from a few days to several months depending on embassy location and season
Required documents
- Completed DS-160 online application
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
- Recent passport photograph meeting US specifications
- Proof of ties to home country (employment, property, family)
- Financial evidence (bank statements, tax returns, pay slips)
- Travel itinerary and hotel bookings
- Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends or attending business meetings)
Entry conditions
- In-person consular interview required (waived in some cases for renewals)
- Biometric fingerprint scan at the embassy
- CBP officer at the port of entry determines actual length of stay
Important notes
- Indian, Nigerian, Pakistani, Philippine, and many other nationals require this visa
- Wait times for interview appointments vary by location — check the embassy website
- Visa validity can range from 1 year to 10 years depending on nationality and reciprocity
Travel tips
- Always apply for ESTA or visa well in advance of travel
- Keep all supporting documents accessible at the port of entry
- Customs declarations are required on arrival
- Tipping is customary (15-20% at restaurants)
Health information
- No universal healthcare — travel insurance is essential
- Medical costs are extremely high without insurance
- No mandatory vaccinations for entry from most countries
Canada
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Languages
English, French
Health notes
Visitors are not covered by provincial healthcare
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Visa-freeRequired for visa-exempt foreign nationals (except US citizens) flying to or transiting through Canada.
Stay limit
Up to 6 months per visit
Cost
CAD 7
Processing time
Usually approved within minutes; can take several days
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Credit or debit card for payment
- Email address
Entry conditions
- eTA is linked electronically to your passport
- Valid for 5 years or until passport expires
- Land and sea arrivals do not need an eTA
Important notes
- US citizens do not need an eTA or visa — a valid passport is sufficient
- UK, Australian, EU, and Japanese citizens are among those eligible for eTA
Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa)
Visa requiredRequired for nationals of countries not eligible for the eTA program.
Stay limit
Up to 6 months
Cost
CAD 100 (single/multiple entry), CAD 500 (family rate)
Processing time
Varies by country — typically 2 to 8 weeks
Required documents
- Completed application form (online or paper)
- Valid passport
- Two recent passport photographs
- Proof of financial support
- Travel itinerary
- Invitation letter (if applicable)
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) — CAD 85 per person
Entry conditions
- Apply online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- Indian, Nigerian, Pakistani, and Philippine nationals typically require this visa
Important notes
- Super Visa is available for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs (allows stays up to 5 years)
Employer-Specific Work Permit
Visa requiredFor foreign nationals offered temporary employment by a Canadian employer.
Stay limit
Duration of work permit (often 2-3 years)
Cost
CAD 155 (work permit) + CAD 85 (biometrics)
Processing time
2 to 16 weeks depending on country and stream
Required documents
- Employer-specific work permit approval letter (POE letter)
- Valid passport
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or offer of employment number
- Biometrics and medical examination where required
Entry conditions
- Must remain with the named employer unless a new permit is granted
- A temporary resident visa or eTA is issued with the work permit
Important notes
- Open work permits are available for some categories (spouses of skilled workers, international graduates, etc.)
Travel tips
- Canada has two official languages: English and French
- Winter temperatures can be extreme — pack accordingly
- Tipping culture is similar to the US (15-20%)
Health information
- Visitors are not covered by provincial healthcare
- Travel medical insurance is strongly recommended
- No mandatory vaccinations for most travellers
Brazil
Currency
Brazilian Real (BRL)
Languages
Portuguese
Health notes
Yellow fever vaccination recommended (required from some origins)
Tourist Visa Exemption
Visa-freeCitizens of many countries (including US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan) can visit Brazil visa-free for tourism.
Stay limit
90 days (extendable once for another 90 days)
Cost
Free
Processing time
N/A
Required documents
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
Entry conditions
- Maximum stay is 180 days per 12-month period
- No employment permitted on tourist entry
Important notes
- Brazil reinstated visa-free access for US, Canadian, Australian, and Japanese citizens in 2024
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if arriving from certain countries
Travel tips
- Portuguese is the official language — English is limited outside major cities
- Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas
- Be aware of safety in major cities — use registered taxis and avoid isolated areas at night
Health information
- Yellow fever vaccination recommended (required from some origins)
- Dengue and Zika mosquito-borne diseases are present — use repellent
- Travel insurance strongly recommended
Mexico
Currency
Mexican Peso (MXN)
Languages
Spanish
Health notes
No mandatory vaccinations
Tourist Visa Exemption
Visa-freeCitizens of 65+ countries can visit Mexico visa-free. US, UK, EU, Canadian, Japanese, and Australian citizens are exempt.
Stay limit
Up to 180 days
Cost
Free (tourism tax included in airline tickets)
Processing time
N/A
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Completed immigration form (Forma Migratoria Multiple — now digital for air arrivals)
- Return or onward ticket
Entry conditions
- Immigration officer determines actual stay length at entry (may be less than 180 days)
- No employment permitted
Important notes
- Holders of valid US, Canada, Japan, UK, or Schengen visas can also enter Mexico visa-free regardless of nationality
Travel tips
- Spanish is the official language
- Mexican Peso (MXN) is the currency; USD widely accepted in tourist areas near the US border
- Tap water is not safe to drink in most areas — use bottled water
Health information
- No mandatory vaccinations
- Travel insurance recommended
- Be cautious with food and water hygiene
Guatemala
Currency
Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
Languages
Spanish, K'iche', Kaqchikel, Mam
Health notes
Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from affected areas
Tourist Entry (CA-4 Agreement)
Visa-freeGuatemala is part of the CA-4 agreement with Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua allowing free movement between these countries.
Stay limit
Up to 90 days within the CA-4 region
Cost
Free
Processing time
N/A
Required documents
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Proof of sufficient funds
Entry conditions
- The 90-day limit is shared across all four CA-4 countries
Important notes
- Extensions may be available at the local immigration office
Travel tips
- Spanish is the official language; many indigenous languages are also spoken
- The Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) is the currency
- Altitude sickness possible in highland areas
Health information
- Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from affected areas
- Malaria prophylaxis recommended for lowland areas
- Travel insurance recommended
Explore other regions
Visa requirements change frequently. The information on this page is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate before making travel arrangements.
Last reviewed: March 2026