The Andes mountain range runs through six countries. Each one has its own entry rules. Each one has its own mandatory forms. And each one has its own wait times.
If you are planning a trip across Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile and Colombia, you need to know what to expect at every border. This guide covers visa rules for 2026. It focuses on US and EU passport holders, since they make up most travelers on Andean routes.
We also cover something many travelers miss. Several Andean countries require digital pre-registration forms. These forms are not visas. But skipping them can still get you denied boarding.
Which Countries Make Up the Andes?
The Andes stretch over 7,000 kilometers along the west coast of South America. Six countries share this mountain range: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.
Each country sets its own immigration policy. Some belong to regional blocs like the Andean Community. Others have made recent unilateral changes. Bolivia is the clearest example, as you will see below.
What US and EU Travelers Should Know First
Visa-free entry is the norm
Good news for most readers. All six Andean countries allow visa-free entry for US and EU passport holders. The same applies to UK, Canadian and Australian citizens. Stays are typically granted for tourism purposes only.
But “no visa” does not mean “no paperwork”
Several countries now require digital pre-registration. These forms apply to everyone, regardless of nationality. They are free. They take a few minutes to complete. But they are mandatory.
Skip one of these forms, and an airline may deny you boarding. You could also face delays at immigration, even with a valid visa-free passport.
Rules change fast
Bolivia removed its visa requirement for US citizens on December 1, 2025. That is a major shift from years of strict requirements. This guide reflects information current as of June 2026. Always confirm details with the official immigration website before you travel.
Quick Reference Table: Visas and Stay Limits
| Country | Visa for US / EU / UK | Stay Allowed | Mandatory Extra Form | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia | Not required | 90 days (extendable to 180) | Check-Mig | Free |
| Ecuador | Not required | 90 days per year (180 for some South Americans) | None mandatory | Free |
| Peru | Not required | Up to 183 days at officer discretion | Andean Migration Card (TAM, virtual) | Free |
| Bolivia | Not required (US since Dec 2025; EU already exempt) | 90 days within 1 year | SIGEMIG pre-registration | Free |
| Chile | Not required | 90 days (extendable for a fee) | SAG customs declaration | Free (US reciprocity fee dropped in 2024) |
| Argentina | Not required | 90 days | None mandatory for US/EU | Free (reciprocity fee suspended) |
This table reflects general policy for US, EU, UK, Canadian and Australian passport holders as of June 2026. Other nationalities may face different rules. Always check with the relevant embassy.
One policy that follows you across every Andean border
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Colombia: Visa-Free, but Check-Mig Is Mandatory
Who needs a visa?
Colombia keeps one of the most open policies in the region. US, EU, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens enter without a visa. The initial stay is 90 days.
You can extend once for up to 90 more days. That means up to 180 days total per calendar year. Apply for the extension before your first permit expires.
Cost and wait time
Entry is free for visa-exempt passports. The stamp is issued on arrival. No advance application is needed.
If your nationality does require a visa, apply online through the Colombian Foreign Ministry. Processing usually takes 5 to 15 business days. Costs vary by visa type.
Check-Mig: required for everyone
Here is the part that trips people up. Even visa-exempt travelers must complete Check-Mig. It applies to every traveler, regardless of nationality.
Check-Mig is a free digital form. Complete it within 24 hours of your flight. You cannot submit it earlier, since the system blocks early submissions.
You need a separate form for arrival and departure. Airlines can deny boarding if you skip it. Do not assume “no visa needed” means “no form needed.”
Compare routes before you lock in your itinerary
Some regional routes are cheaper to fly than to bus once you factor in time. Skyscanner compares local and international airlines in seconds, so you can decide with real numbers.
Ecuador: Visa-Free Entry and a South American Bonus
Visa-free entry for most nationalities
Ecuador is one of the easiest countries on this list. US, EU, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens enter without a visa. You receive a tourist stamp valid for 90 days within a 12-month period.
Note that the 12 months are not a fixed calendar year. They count from your first entry. The days do not need to be consecutive.
The 180-day bonus for South Americans
Ecuador grants longer stays to several South American nationalities. Citizens of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela can stay up to 180 days.
If you are traveling in a mixed-nationality group, check this carefully. Allowed stay lengths can differ between travel companions.
Costs and extra requirements
Entry is free for visa-exempt passports. There is no mandatory digital pre-registration form like Check-Mig or SIGEMIG.
However, officers may ask for proof of onward travel. They may also ask for proof of accommodation or sufficient funds. Keep these documents handy, just in case.
If your nationality needs a Temporary Visitor Visa, apply through Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry or a local consulate. Processing typically takes 10 to 30 business days.
Peru: No Visa Needed, but Carry Your TAM
Visa requirements for US and EU citizens
Peru does not require a tourist visa for US citizens. The same applies to all EU countries, the UK and Norway, among others. The standard stay is 90 days.
Immigration officers can grant up to 183 days at their discretion. If you need more time, ask politely at the checkpoint.
Cost and passport rules
Entry is free for visa-exempt passports. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. It also needs blank pages for stamps.
As of 2026, Peru has dropped all COVID-related entry requirements. No vaccination certificate or test result is needed.
The Andean Migration Card (TAM)
The TAM is a shared migration document used across the Andean Community. Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia all use versions of it.
At Lima’s Jorge Chávez airport, the TAM is now fully digital. It generates automatically when you pass through biometric controls. You do not need to fill out anything by hand.
At land border crossings, the process can differ. You may need to complete a paper TAM with basic details: name, ID number, nationality, residence and travel purpose. Keep your entry stamp or TAM record. In some cases, it is the only proof of legal entry.
Book hotels with free cancellation in case your border crossing dates shift
Immigration timelines can change overnight. Booking.com lets you reserve hotels near airports and bus terminals with free cancellation in most cases, so your itinerary stays flexible.
Bolivia: The Biggest Change of 2025-2026
The end of the US visa requirement
This is the most important update in this guide. On December 1, 2025, Bolivia dropped its visa requirement for US citizens.
Before that date, the US sat in Bolivia’s most restrictive group. Travelers had to submit hotel bookings, bank statements, flight itineraries, police clearance and proof of vaccination.
Now, US citizens only need a passport valid for at least 6 months. They must also declare their address while in Bolivia. The allowed stay is 90 days within a one-year period.
EU citizens
Most EU citizens were already visa-exempt before this change. They fall into Bolivia’s least restrictive group. They can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
SIGEMIG: pre-registration for everyone
Since mid-2025, Bolivia requires all foreign visitors to complete SIGEMIG. This applies whether you are American, European or any other exempt nationality.
SIGEMIG takes 8 to 10 minutes online. It generates a QR code. You present this code at the border.
Yellow fever certificate
Bolivia may ask for an International Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. This is more likely if you arrive from a country where the disease is present.
If your route includes jungle regions before or after Bolivia, carry this certificate. It is a good idea regardless of nationality.
Chile: No Reciprocity Fee, but a Mandatory Customs Form
Visa-free entry
Chile allows visa-free entry for citizens of about 95 countries. This includes the US, all EU countries, the UK, Canada and Australia. The standard stay is 90 days.
The end of the US reciprocity fee
For years, Chile charged US citizens a 160 USD reciprocity fee on arrival in Santiago. Canada and Australia had their fees dropped back in 2014.
The US fee was finally eliminated in 2024. Entry to Chile is now free of migration fees for American passport holders.
SAG customs declaration: easy to forget
Chile has strict agricultural and customs controls. The Agricultural and Livestock Service, known as SAG, manages this process.
Every traveler must complete a sworn declaration. This applies regardless of nationality or visa status. You declare any plant, animal, food or seed products you carry.
The fastest way is the “Electronic Traveler” system at ingresoachile.cl. Complete it up to 48 hours before arrival. It is available in Spanish, English and Portuguese.
Save the resulting PDF on your phone. Show it to officers on arrival. Each adult needs a separate declaration.
Extending your stay
Need more than 90 days? Visa-exempt visitors can apply for a 90-day extension online. The fee is approximately 100 USD.
A delay could cost you a connection or an immigration deadline
Regional flights between Andean countries face frequent delays, especially in high season. AirHelp checks for free if your delayed or cancelled flight qualifies for compensation up to 700 USD. They only get paid if you do.
Argentina: The Simplest Entry on the List
Visa-free entry
Argentina does not require a tourist visa for US or EU citizens. This exemption has been in place since 2016. Stays are granted for up to 90 days.
The entry stamp is issued directly at the border. No advance application is needed.
Reciprocity fee: suspended, not eliminated
Argentina once charged a reciprocity fee to US, Canadian and Australian citizens. This fee is currently suspended.
In practice, you will not pay anything on arrival. But this is an administrative suspension, not a permanent treaty change. Confirm the current status before you travel.
Electronic Travel Authorization (AVE)
Argentina has an Electronic Travel Authorization system, sometimes called AVE or ETA. It targets nationalities that would otherwise need a visa.
US, EU, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens are already visa-exempt. For these travelers, AVE generally does not apply as an extra step.
No extra paperwork
Unlike Colombia, Bolivia or Chile, Argentina has no mandatory digital pre-registration for visa-exempt travelers. Of the six countries in this guide, Argentina has the simplest entry process for US and EU passport holders.
Mandatory Digital Forms: Comparison Table
| Country | Form | When to Complete | Cost | Applies to All Nationalities? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia | Check-Mig | Within 24h of flight (entry and exit, separately) | Free | Yes |
| Bolivia | SIGEMIG | Before travel (generates QR code) | Free | Yes |
| Peru | Andean Migration Card (TAM) | Automatic at airports / manual at land borders | Free | Yes |
| Chile | SAG / Customs declaration | Up to 48h before (Electronic Traveler) or on arrival | Free | Yes |
| Ecuador | None mandatory | — | — | — |
| Argentina | None mandatory for US/EU | — | — | — |
Practical Tips for Crossing Andean Borders
Carry digital and physical copies
Save copies of your passport on your phone. Do the same for Check-Mig, SIGEMIG and the Chilean SAG declaration. Keep printed copies too, just in case.
In several countries, these receipts are your only proof of legal entry. You will need them again when you exit.
Check your passport validity early
All six countries require at least 6 months of passport validity from your arrival date. Renew your passport before you leave home if it is close to that limit.
A passport with less than 6 months left is a common reason for denied boarding. This applies even when no visa is required.
Have proof of onward travel ready
Ecuador and Bolivia may ask for an exit ticket. They may also ask for proof of accommodation. A hotel booking with free cancellation covers this requirement without locking in payment.
Plan for yellow fever requirements
If your route includes Amazon regions in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador or Colombia, look into the Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Some countries require it based on your travel history. Others simply recommend it.
While you sort out paperwork, line up your tours in advance
Civitatis offers guided tours across Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. Bookings confirm instantly, and most tours offer free cancellation. A great way to use any waiting time between border crossings.
Conclusion
Andean travel is open for strong passports
For US and EU travelers, the Andes are easy to access. None of the six countries require a tourist visa. Bolivia and Chile both dropped old fees in the last two years.
But paperwork still matters
Check-Mig, SIGEMIG, the TAM and the Chilean SAG form are all free. They are also mandatory. Skip one, and you risk denied boarding or delays at immigration.
The simple fix
Before each leg of your trip, spend 15 minutes checking the entry rules. Complete any required form within its time window. Save the confirmation. Then enjoy the longest mountain range on earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Colombia, Ecuador or Peru?
No. All three allow visa-free entry for US citizens for up to 90 days. Peru can extend this to 183 days at officer discretion.
Is it true that Bolivia no longer requires a visa for Americans?
Yes. As of December 1, 2025, US citizens can enter Bolivia visa-free for up to 90 days within a one-year period.
What is Check-Mig, and do I need it even without a visa?
Check-Mig is a mandatory digital registration for everyone entering or leaving Colombia. Complete it free within 24 hours of your flight.
What is SIGEMIG?
SIGEMIG is Bolivia’s mandatory digital pre-registration for all foreign visitors. Complete it online before travel. It generates a QR code for the border.
Do I need to do anything special when entering Peru?
At most airports, the Andean Migration Card generates automatically during biometric checks. At land borders, you may need to complete a paper version.
Does Chile still charge US citizens a reciprocity fee?
No. That 160 USD fee was eliminated in 2024. The mandatory SAG customs declaration still applies to everyone.
Does Argentina charge any fee to US or EU tourists?
Not currently. The reciprocity fee for US, Canadian, UK and Australian citizens has been suspended since 2016.
How long does my passport need to be valid?
At least 6 months from your arrival date, in all six Andean countries covered here.
What happens if I forget to complete Check-Mig or SIGEMIG?
You may be denied boarding by the airline. You could also face delays at immigration. Both forms take just a few minutes on your phone.
Which Andean country has the easiest entry process?
Argentina. It requires no visa and no mandatory digital form for US, EU, UK, Canadian or Australian citizens.
