Travel Documents

Make copies of all important travel documents before you leave and keep them in a place separate from the originals. Photocopy the information pages of your passport including any required visas for your trip; also have a copy of any insurance and flight details. It is also an idea to have next of kin contact details written on the reverse side of your passport copy.

Passport

It is recommended that you possess a passport that will be valid for several months after your return from your trip. Having at least one blank page for every country you visit is also important as some countries have tourist visas that take up a full page and exit and entry stamp sizes vary from country to country. In Latin America your passport is sometimes necessary for reasons other than entering and leaving countries. Sometimes you will need it to check into hotels, purchase or receive airline tickets, at police check points and for changing money. It is important that at times when it is not needed that you leave it in the hotel safe, though a copy should always be with you. Never leave it in luggage when traveling, conceal it in a money belt or other secure location on your person. In the event that it is lost or stolen then report it to local police, and then your embassy or consulate as soon as possible.

Visas

All Latin Americans countries have their own requirements for visas; these can change within short notice so it is advisable to check with the embassy or consulate in your home country about the very latest requirements for countries you wish to travel to. For citizens of the United Kingdom, European Union, United States, Australia, Ireland, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand no visa is required for many of the countries in Latin America. The exceptions are listed below according to visas needed for the citizens of countries mentioned above.

Belize	South Africa
Bolivia	Ireland South Africa
Brazil	United States Australia Canada
Chile	Australia (pay fee on arrival for visa) United States (pay fee on arrival for visa)
Colombia	Ireland
Cuba	United Kingdom European Union United States Australia Canada Ireland South Africa New Zealand
Ecuador	New Zealand
México	South Africa
Panama	United States Australia Canada Ireland South Africa New Zealand
Paraguay	United States Australia Canada Ireland New Zealand

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is always a good idea when going abroad, so make sure you are covered for medical emergencies, curtailment or cancellations plus lost or stolen belongings. You should have adequate coverage for all activities you foresee yourself doing while in Latin America.