Americas

The Americas Travel Information category provides up-to-date information on travel formalities in the countries of Central, South and North America. This category is designed to publish information on visas, passports, required vaccinations, travel restrictions and customs regulations for travelers visiting various American countries. Articles published in this category will contain useful tips for travelers, information on precautions to take, recent changes in laws and regulations, as well as updates on known incidents that could affect the safety of travelers to various U.S. destinations.

USA: "Sex at birth" now required to apply for ESTA

A recent directive from the United States concerning the indication of "sex at birth" on visa and ESTA (Electronic Travel Authorization System) applications requires special attention from our travelers. This new measure, which came into force following a presidential decree signed on January 20, 2025, stipulates that ... Read the article

USA Visa: a new procedure for Moroccans

As of March 24, the U.S. Embassy in Morocco has introduced a new requirement for visa applicants. From now on, it is imperative that the confirmation number/bar code (starting with "AA") on the DS-160 form corresponds exactly to the one used when booking an appointment online. If the confirmation number/bar code on ... Read the article

The digital arrival card in Belize

Belize is launching a new digital immigration and customs declaration system, accessible online from December 1, 2024, to facilitate travel. The free, confidential system allows inbound and outbound travelers to submit their forms prior to arrival at Philip Goldson International Airport, then progressively at all points ... Read the article

St Kitts and Nevis to get electronic travel authorisation in 2025

St. Kitts and Nevis, the Caribbean archipelago, is set to modernize its entry procedures with the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system planned for 2025 for visa-exempt nationalities. The initiative, announced by Prime Minister Terrance Drew in his December 16, 2024 budget speech, aims to simplify the traveler experience while strengthening ... Read the article

Panama simplifies entry for travellers requiring a visa

The Panamanian government has just published a decree that considerably extends visa exemption for certain foreign travelers. The measure, which will come into force on January 1, 2025, is designed to simplify entry into the country for holders of visas or residence permits issued by nations considered "safe". Until now, travelers ... Read the article

Cuba: We know the expiry date of tourist cards!

Travelers beware: if you've got a tourist card for Cuba sitting in a drawer, it's time to dust it off! The Cuban authorities have just announced an extension to the validity of these precious sesames. Originally scheduled to expire at the end of 2024, the deadline has now been set for June 30, 2025. A ... Read the article

Qatar eligible for ESTA as early as December

In a landmark announcement for U.S.-Qatari relations, the U.S. State Department has confirmed that Qatar will become, as of December 1, 2024, the 42nd country to join the prestigious U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This decision makes Qatar the first Gulf Arab state to benefit from ... Read the article

USA launches online passport renewal system

On September 18, 2024, the U.S. State Department officially launched its online passport renewal system. The announcement, made by Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma at the Skift Global Forum, is the culmination of months of rigorous development and testing. The new system is based on a secure platform accessible via the ... Read the article

Ecuador also switches to e-visa and online apostille

Ecuador has taken a significant step towards modernizing its immigration procedures by launching an electronic visa and apostille system. This initiative, implemented by Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, aims to simplify and speed up the visa process for international travelers.

Cuba finally unveils the site for applying for the new e-Visa

Cuba has officially launched its website for the transition from the traditional tourist card to an electronic visa (e-Visa). This change marks an important step in the modernization of entry procedures for international travelers. The new system, accessible via evisacuba.cu, aims to simplify and speed up the process of obtaining visas for ... Read the article

Cuba: eVisa to replace tourist cards from May 6, 2024

Starting May 6, 2024, Cuba will replace the traditional tourist card (green and pink) with a modern eVisa system. Announced at the FITCuba 2024 international tourism fair after some rumors, this initiative reflects the adaptation of Cuban consular services to the digital age.

US imposes automatic refunds for delayed flights

The Biden administration recently implemented regulations aimed at strengthening consumer protections in the airline industry. The new guidelines, which are being phased in over two years, require airlines to provide automatic refunds to passengers affected by significant delays, cancellations and other specific disruptions.

Brazil postpones e-Visa rollout to 2025

The Brazilian government has announced the postponement of the introduction of electronic visas for Australian, Canadian and American nationals until April 10, 2025. Originally scheduled for October 1, 2023, this decision had already been postponed earlier this year, and was due to come into force on April 10, 2024.

Access fees to Galapagos National Park raised

The Galapagos National Park government has decided to take steps to limit the impact of mass tourism on this fragile ecosystem. Raising the entrance fee to access these islands, located off the coast of Ecuador, should help preserve the environment while developing sustainable tourism and stimulating the economy ... Read the article

Canada raises visa requirements for Mexicans

As of February 29, 2024, the eligibility criteria for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) have been modified for Mexican nationals, accused by Ottawa of abusing the overstay in Canada or using the ETA to subsequently enter the USA.