top of page

Harder than ever: U.S. visa hurdles for Latin Americans

Updated: Mar 18

 Latin American citizens encounter significant challenges in obtaining U.S. visas due to the limited strength of their passports and the United States' stringent immigration policies.
Venezuela is among several Latin American countries facing a major refugee crisis, with millions fleeing to neighboring nations. Despite these challenges. Photo: National Police of Colombia, Wikipedia, Public domain
Venezuela is among several Latin American countries facing a major refugee crisis, with millions fleeing to neighboring nations. Despite these challenges. Photo: National Police of Colombia, Wikipedia, Public domain

These obstacles hinder personal travel, business opportunities, and international collaboration.


The United States maintains according to Nearshore Americas strict visa requirements for most Latin American countries, with Chile being a notable exception due to its inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program.


This program allows Chilean citizens to enter the U.S. without a visa for short visits. In contrast, citizens from countries like Ecuador and the Dominican Republic face extensive visa application processes, often involving lengthy wait times and substantial documentation. These stringent measures are influenced by U.S. assessments of economic stability, crime rates, and migration trends in the region.

Impact of policies

The recent reinstatement of President Donald Trump has led to a resurgence of aggressive immigration enforcement by agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In a span of just nine days, over 8,200 individuals were arrested, marking a significant increase compared to the previous administration.


This crackdown has instilled widespread fear among immigrant communities, leading many to avoid public spaces, work, and schools due to the threat of detention and deportation.


Additionally, the Trump administration's decision to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans has exacerbated uncertainties. This move compels many to face potential deportation to a country still grappling with political and economic turmoil, despite official claims of «notable improvements» in Venezuela's conditions.


Refugees in Abrigo One, Boa Vista, Brazil (2019): Amid rising U.S. visa hurdles, many migrants and refugees in shelters like Abrigo One face uncertainty. Increased fees, processing delays, and stricter policies have made obtaining a U.S. visa more difficult than ever. Photo: michael swan, Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0
Refugees in Abrigo One, Boa Vista, Brazil (2019): Amid rising U.S. visa hurdles, many migrants and refugees in shelters like Abrigo One face uncertainty. Increased fees, processing delays, and stricter policies have made obtaining a U.S. visa more difficult than ever. Photo: michael swan, Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0
Efforts to enhance mobility

Some Latin American nations are striving to improve their citizens' access to the United States. Uruguay, for instance, has implemented electronic passports and strengthened data-sharing agreements with U.S. authorities. These initiatives have led to a decrease in visa refusal rates for Uruguayans, potentially paving the way for reinstatement into the Visa Waiver Program.


The combination of limited passport strength and stringent U.S. immigration policies presents considerable challenges for Latin American travelers. Addressing these issues requires collaborative efforts to enhance regional stability, improve diplomatic relations, and reassess immigration policies to facilitate greater mobility and opportunity for individuals across the Americas.


Claudia Sheinbaum works to expand Mexico’s tourism industry while handling migration at key border regions. In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of a 25% tariff on Mexican products, Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico's sovereignty and contributions to regional security, stating that Mexico has collaborated in reducing migrant flows and combating drug trafficking, ensuring arms and drugs are secured. The United States must also address its opioid consumption crisis. Photo: Claudia Shein, Flickr Public domain
Claudia Sheinbaum works to expand Mexico’s tourism industry while handling migration at key border regions. In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of a 25% tariff on Mexican products, Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico's sovereignty and contributions to regional security, stating that Mexico has collaborated in reducing migrant flows and combating drug trafficking, ensuring arms and drugs are secured. The United States must also address its opioid consumption crisis. Photo: Claudia Shein, Flickr Public domain

1.8 million at risk of deportation

Protests against Musk and Trump on immigration are rising. This photo shows a past rally where 3,000 people gathered in Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis, to stand with immigrants and refugees, opposing Trump's immigration ban and border militarization. Photo: Fibonacci Blue, Flickr CC BY 2.0
Protests against Musk and Trump on immigration are rising. This photo shows a past rally where 3,000 people gathered in Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis, to stand with immigrants and refugees, opposing Trump's immigration ban and border militarization. Photo: Fibonacci Blue, Flickr CC BY 2.0
The current immigration and deportation dynamics in Latin America have notable implications for tourism in the region.

Latin America is facing an increasingly complex immigration crisis, with millions of migrants displaced across the region. While governments struggle to manage the humanitarian and political challenges, the tourism industry—one of the key economic drivers in many Latin American nations—is also feeling the effects. From Mexico to the Caribbean, shifting migration patterns and evolving deportation policies are reshaping the tourism landscape in ways that could have long-term consequences.


Stranded in tourist hubs

In Mexico, authorities have adopted a «dispersion and exhaustion» strategy to relocate migrants across the country, often sending them far from the U.S. border to prevent overcrowding and instability in northern regions. As a result, many migrants have found themselves stranded in major tourist cities like Acapulco, a location still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Otis in 2023. The arrival of large groups of migrants in these areas has raised security concerns and put additional strain on already stretched local resources. Businesses reliant on tourism worry that negative perceptions of instability could deter international visitors.


Immigration policies

President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum's administration has been actively addressing both immigration and tourism, recognizing their intertwined impact on Mexico's socio-economic landscape.

Under Sheinbaum's leadership, Mexico has faced significant immigration challenges, particularly with migrants stranded in southern regions like Tapachula, near the Guatemalan border. These migrants, hailing from various countries, encounter limited job opportunities and heightened risks of crime, including extortion and kidnapping. The prolonged asylum processes, sometimes extending up to a year, exacerbate their plight, leading to overcrowded shelters and minimal government assistance. This situation has prompted discussions on how to manage immigration effectively while considering its broader implications.


Welcome its citizens back

Sheinbaum has addressed immigration issues on multiple occasions. In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of stricter immigration policies, she emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and adhering to existing agreements, stating, «It's important to always keep a cool head and refer to signed agreements, beyond actual speeches.»


Regarding the potential deportation of Mexican nationals from the United States, Sheinbaum assured that Mexico is prepared to welcome its citizens back, highlighting their contributions to the U.S. economy: «We will receive Mexicans and we have a plan for it... they even benefit the economy of the United States.»


Addressing Mexicans concerned about U.S. political developments, she offered reassurance:

«To all Mexicans, there is no reason to worry... Mexico will always prevail. We are a free, independent, sovereign nation and there will be a good relationship with the United States.»


These statements reflect Sheinbaum's commitment to a balanced and humanitarian approach to immigration, emphasizing both the protection of Mexican nationals and the importance of cooperation with the United States.


Deportation pressures

Further south, Central American nations such as Panama and Costa Rica are also experiencing the effects of shifting U.S. immigration policies. Under pressure from Washington, these countries have been forced to accept deported migrants—even those who are not originally from their nations. This has led to an increase in migrant populations in shelters and border areas, raising concerns about how these nations can effectively integrate displaced individuals. As resources are diverted to manage the immigration influx, governments may struggle to maintain the infrastructure and security necessary to support tourism, a crucial source of revenue.


Bear Hugs for Venezuela – In partnership with Good Bears of the World, this initiative brings comfort to Venezuelan refugee children in Colombia. Teddy bears were distributed at Albergue Vanessa, a shelter along the Cúcuta-Pamplona humanitarian route, providing refuge for migrants. Video: Cristal Montañéz, Flickr CC BY 2.0
Changing face of tourism

The Venezuelan refugee crisis has also significantly reshaped demographics in tourist-heavy nations. Aruba, for example, has seen an estimated 17,000 Venezuelan refugees arrive, making up nearly 15% of the island’s population. Once a prime destination for Venezuelan tourists, the island is now adapting to accommodate both the economic demands of its tourism industry and the urgent needs of a growing refugee population. While some migrants contribute to the local economy by taking up jobs in tourism-related sectors, others face limited opportunities and struggle to integrate, adding to social tensions.


Ethical tourism concerns

A less visible but equally important issue is how migration intersects with labor in the tourism sector. Many Latin American nations rely on migrant workers for jobs in hotels, restaurants, and resorts. However, with deportation policies becoming stricter and migrant communities experiencing displacement, the tourism labor market is seeing instability.

Furthermore, reports of labor exploitation, particularly in Caribbean tourism hubs, are raising concerns among ethically conscious travelers who may choose to avoid destinations with poor human rights records.


Migration and tourism

Latin America's migration crisis is not just a political or economic issue—it is reshaping the very experience of tourism in the region. While immigration challenges bring undeniable strain, they also present opportunities for governments and businesses to rethink how tourism and migration can coexist in a way that benefits both migrants and the local economy. Solutions may include improved legal pathways for migrant employment in the tourism sector, investments in infrastructure to support both migrants and tourists, and international cooperation to address root causes of displacement.


For travelers, staying informed about the immigration situation can help in making ethical travel decisions while supporting destinations that handle these challenges responsibly. As Latin America navigates this evolving landscape, the intersection of migration and tourism will continue to define the region’s future.


Isolated at restricted military area

The recent U.S. policy of deporting migrants to the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, has raised significant concerns regarding human rights and legal processes.


This development is unlikely to directly impact tourism in Latin America, as Guantánamo Bay is a restricted military area inaccessible to the general public. Therefore, the deportation of migrants to this facility does not have a direct effect on tourism activities in the region.


Facts and summary

Latin American citizens seeking to visit the United States generally need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa, such as the B-1/B-2 visitor visa, unless they qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The VWP allows citizens of specific countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business purposes for stays of up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. Among Latin American countries, only Chile is currently a participant in the VWP.


For Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants:

Citizens from Latin American countries not included in the VWP must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. The general requirements include:

  • Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.

  • Nonimmigrant sisa application (Form DS-160): Complete the online DS-160 form and print the confirmation page to bring to your interview. citeturn0search0

  • Application fee payment: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee. The amount varies, so check the U.S. embassy or consulate website in your country for the current fee.

  • Photo: Provide a recent color photograph that meets the U.S. visa photo requirements.

  • Additional documentation: Be prepared to present documents that demonstrate:

    The purpose of your trip.

    Your intent to depart the United States after your visit.

    Your ability to finance all expenses during your stay.

After gathering the required documents, schedule a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. Wait times for interview appointments can vary, so it's advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.


For Chilean citizens:

As participants in the VWP, Chilean citizens can travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. However, they must obtain an authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before their trip.


Important considerations:

  • Visa Waiver Program Eligibility: The VWP is subject to change, and countries can be added or removed based on various factors. For instance, there have been discussions about Chile's continued participation in the VWP due to concerns over criminal activities by some Chilean nationals in the U.S. It's essential to verify the current status of your country's participation in the VWP before planning your travel.

  • Humanitarian programs: The U.S. government periodically offers humanitarian entry programs for citizens of specific countries facing crises. For example, there have been programs for citizens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These programs are subject to change and may have specific eligibility requirements.


US fees for applications

As of June 17, 2023, the U.S. Department of State implemented the following nonimmigrant visa application fees:


  • Visitor Visas (B-1/B-2), Student Visas (F, M), and Exchange Visitor Visas (J): Increased from $160 to

  • Petition-Based Visas for Temporary Workers (H, L, O, P, Q, R): Increased from $190 to $205.

  • Treaty Trader and Investor Visas (E): Increased from $205 to $315.

These fees are non-refundable and apply to each visa application. Additional fees, such as visa issuance fees, may apply based on reciprocity agreements between the United States and the applicant's country of citizenship.


For the most accurate and current information on visa application fees, please consult the U.S. Department of State's official website or contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's recommended to consult the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country or visit the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

bottom of page