General Travel Information    

Antarctica                      

Arctic                      

Argentina                      

Bolivia                      

Brazil - important visa information                      

Chile - important visa information                      

Colombia                 

Ecuador & Galapagos                      

Peru                      

Central America

Travellers Guides

GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

WHATSAPP

Please download WhatsApp mobile application onto your device and provide us with your mobile number. 

Once you have WhatsApp, our local team will be able to send you a welcome message prior to your arrival in their country. They will provide you with your final day to day itinerary, and they will be your contact in the case of emergencies, or if you need assistance while you are travelling. 

PASSPORT VALIDITY

Please ensure your Passport has at least 6 months validity from the date of return, is in good condition and has adequate empty pages.  

COVID 19 TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Countries in Latin America still have different requirements and regulation regarding vaccinations and testing. Please ensure you have checked and comply with all requirements. https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php is a useful resource to assist with this information.

YELLOW FEVER VACCINATIONS

If you are visiting the following countries in South America you may be required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate when returning to your home country and possibly when travelling between countries, even if transiting:                   
Argentina – Misiones and Corrientes Provinces • Bolivia  • Brazil  • Colombia • Ecuador including Galapagos Islands • French Guiana • Guyana  • Panama  • Paraguay  • Peru  • Suriname  • Trinidad and Tobago • Venezuela                    
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have any vaccinations required for travel. You can refer to the CDC website for the latest recommendations and requirements: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/preparing/yellow-fever-vaccine-malaria-prevention-by-country

DENGUE FEVER

Please note in 2024 there has been a sharp increase in risk of Dengue Fever in some Latin American Countries. Dengue virius is spread by the bite of infected mosquitos. Please see Smart Traveller (Australia) or seek local government travel advice in your country on how to limit your risk and ensure you take mosquito repellent with DEET. We suggest that you may wish to consult with your GP or a travel doctor if you have fuether questions or concerns.
 

ENTRANCE VISAS

Always check the entry requirements for each country you are visiting. These can differ depending on your passport/nationality and your flight embarkation point. Make sure to check on the consulate website for the countries you are visiting or use a Visa Processing Services in your local country to ensure you are prepared to travel. With the world opening up visa processing times have lengthened, please ensure you allow yourself enough time to get all the required documents. Chimu Adventures is not a visa Processing service, we can only provide documentation of what you have booked with us. If you fail to obtain any required visas for your trip in time any cancellations or alternation to your services may incur fees as per our Terms and Conditions.

If you hold a passport that is not on the list below, please check if you need a visa with the relevant consulate. Visa requirements can change frequently, if in doubt please check with the consulate of the country you are travelling to. We cannot be held liable if the above information is not correct at the time you are travelling. This information was last updated on 04 July 2024. Travelling without a visa may result in the cancellation of part or the whole of your tour without refund.

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ANTARCTICA

Visa

Not Required for AU/NZ/US/CA/EU/UK/SA passport holders

Avian Influenza – Update as of June 2024:

Since early 2024, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus has been detected on the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. This is a naturally occurring virus that can impact birds and marine mammals. The Avian Influenza arrival was anticipated by both IAATO and tour operator members, with increased biosecurity in place from 2022 to mitigate risk. Please be aware that any landing site suspected of being affected may require temporary closure. However, the extensive length and variety of Antarctic landing sites allow ships to flexibly avoid areas that may be potentially affected by Avian Influenza. With the help of enhanced biosecurity measures, pre-landing site inspections by your expedition team, and increased flexibility in selecting landing sites, we can safeguard the environment and preserve the wonders of Antarctica for future generations, all while ensuring a unique Antarctic experience for our travellers.             
Please refer to the IAATO website for the latest details or reach out to your booking agent or one of our Destination Specialists for more information. 

COVID19             
Some Polar Expedition Operators have mandatory requirements for COVID -19 Vaccinations. Please ask you agent to advise how this effects your booking if you are unsure.      

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ARCTIC

Visas

Please check with your booking agent.

COVID19    
Some Polar Expedition Operators have mandatory requirements for COVID -19 Vaccinations. Please ask you agent to advise how this effects your booking if you are unsure.

Svalbard: New Regulations from January 2025 
On the archipelago of Svalbard there are new regulations coming into place to protect the delicate eco systems and wildlife in the region. Tourism in Svalbard has grown enormously over the past decade, and regulations are needed.

•    There will be a limitation of 200 passengers on board ships that can cruise in nature reserves and national parks.
•    Previously it was required to keep a distance of 300 meters from polar bears around the archipelago. From 2025 it will also be required to keep a distance of 500 meters from polar bears around the archipelago between 1 March and 30 June.  
•    From 2025 there will be a speed limit of 5 knots within 500 meters from land outside bird cliffs in the period April 1 to August 31.
•    From 2025 motor traffic at sea must keep a minimum of 150 meters distance from haul out sites for walruses and the speed limit for motor traffic is 5 knots at a distance of 300 meters from haul out sites for walruses.  

Please see the below links from Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) for additional information
Guidelines: https://aeco.no/guidelines/ 
Polar Bear Viewing Guidelines: https://aeco.no/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/polar-bear-new-profile.pdf 

If you have additional questions or concerns please reach out to your booking agent. 

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ARGENTINA

Not Required for AU/NZ/US/CA/EU/UK/SA passport holders

Yellow Fever Vaccination              
Misiones and Corrientes Provinces Only. Please check requirements before travelling. 

National Park Fees 
Please note we include the fees in tours where possible, however some national park fees may need to be paid locally. Los Glaciares National Park in El Chalten has recently introduced a new entrance fee (Oct 2024) of ARS $300,000 Aprox. 30 USD (1 day) and ARS $450,000 - Approx. $45 USD (2 days). Please note that you will be required to pay this locally if you have booked prior to the entrance fee being introduced.

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BOLIVIA

Visa

Not Required for Australian, New Zealand, Canada, UK EU or South Africa Passports             
Required if travelling on a Unied States Passport

Yellow Fever Vaccination              
You may be required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate when returning to your home country and possibly when travelling between countries. Please check requirements before travelling. 

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BRAZIL

Visa - if travelling before 10 April 2025

Not Required for AU/NZ/US/CA/EU/UK/SA passport holders

Visa - if travelling after 10 April 2025

Not Required for New Zealand, Canada, UK EU or South Africa Passports             
Required if travelling on Australian, United States, Japanese and Canadian Passports

Australian, United States, Canadian and Japanese Passport Holders will be required to obtain a Brazilian tourist visa prior to travel from 10 April 2025* The visa will have a maximum stay of 90 days and can be extended for up to 180 days within a 12-month period.              
Please see the following website: https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/consulado-sydney/visas-vistos for the latest information from the Australian Consulate about the visa. You can apply for your visa through VFS Global: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/              
 

Yellow Fever Vaccination              
You may be required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate when returning to your home country and possibly when travelling between countries. Please check requirements before travelling. 

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CHILE

Visa 

Not Required for New Zealand, Canada, UK EU or South Africa Passports             
Required if travelling on an Australian Passport

IMPORTANT!

Australian Passport Holders are required to obtain a Visa when travelling to Chile or transiting for longer than 8 hours.

Transiting less than 8 hours – No visa required. If you have separate tickets and are required to check in/collect your baggage for your onward flight in Chile then you will be required to apply for a visa. 

Transit Visa  - Required If you are entering Chile once for between 8-72 hours. This has no cost but you will need to complete the application online and provide the requested documentation.

Single Entrance Visa - Required If you are entering Chile once for between 8 hours – 90 days.              
If you have separate tickets and are transiting in Santiago you will need to clear customs and collect your baggage and will require a visa.

Multiple Entry Visa – Required if you are then entering Chile more than once within 90 days.

To apply for this Visa, you must go to the following webpage: https://tramites.minrel.gov.cl/ and choose “Apply for Visa or prior authorization”. 

Processing time is currently approximately 8-10 weeks. Please submit your application within 90 days of your arrival into Chile and allow enough time for it to be processed.

The Visa currently costs approximately AUD$176.00 which must be paid via electronic bank transfer prior to your visa being issued. Costs may vary depending on the rate of exchange (USD/AUD).

You will need to fill in a Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) Affidavit form - this can be done online here: https://djsimple.sag.gob.cl/etapas/ejecutar/9250283/1 or by filling in a paper form at the point of entrance.

If you have not received your visa within 2 weeks of your anticipated entrance into Chile   

We recommend you call the consulate during their opening hours or go to the consulate to enquire with them. They accept payment by credit/debit card at the consulate and once you have an email noting your visa is approved they can process a payment with a credit/debit card and issue your visa on the spot if required. 

PDI FORM: Please note on arrival into the country you will recieve a PDI (Policia de Investigaciones) Form - whcih looks like a receipt. Please keep this with your passport as you will be required to show it at hotels to allow for tax exemptions for foreigners. If you are not able to provide it you may be charged an additional 19% VAT tax locally. You will also need to give the form to immigration on departure from the country and not having it may cause issues or delays. 

Travelling to Easter Island 

All visitors to Easter Island may stay for a maximum of 30 days. You must fill in an Immigration Form (FUI according to its initials in Spanish). This can be done only 24 hours prior your departure to Easter Island.      
You may fill out the digital Single-Entry form (FUI) and show the confirmation email to the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI) at the airport. The entry form may be filled under the following link: https://ingresorapanui.interior.gob.cl/#

The following documents MUST be presented at time of check-in at Santiago Airport for your flight to Easter Island. Failure to present all 3 documents may result in entry being denied.

• Passport      
• Return ticket from Easter Island      
• Printed copy of your hotel confirmation provided by Chimu Adventures

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COLOMBIA

Visa

Not Required

Yellow Fever Vaccination              
You may be required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate when returning to your home country and possibly when travelling between countries. Please check requirements before travelling.

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ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Visa

Not Required
Important: From 01 Dec 2024 all travellers going to the Galapagos Islands must fill in a declaration form online prior to flying to the islands. This can be done within the 48 hours prior to travel. You can access the form here: https://declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec/declaracion 

Yellow Fever Vaccination              
You may be required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate when returning to your home country and possibly when travelling between countries. Please check requirements before travelling.

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PERU

Visa

Not Required

Yellow Fever Vaccination              
You may be required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate when returning to your home country and possibly when travelling between countries. Please check requirements before travelling.

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CENTRAL AMERICA

We do not currently arrange trips to Venezuela or Cuba and we will not book trips to a destination where it is recommended by the Australian government that you 'Do Not Travel' to. 

CUBA

The USA has reclassified Cuba as a 'State Sponsor of Terrorism'. This impacts passengers' ability to enter or transit the USA on an ESTA Visa Waiver after travelling to Cuba. Customers who have travelled to Cuba on or after 12 January 2021 are no longer eligible for an ESTA Visa Waiver and will need to apply for a visa to enter or transit the USA - the current expected wait for a visa appointment with the US Embassy is 6 months. 

Please note - any future travel to the USA (whether on the same trip or a different trip) will require a physical visa for any travellers who choose to travel to Cuba. Due to this inherent logistical issue Chimu Adventures has ceased any touring in Cuba until further notice.

BELIZE

There is a departure tax. This includes a conservation tax of US$20.00. Fees are as follows:      
Departing from the Belize Int'l Airport: $55.50 USD per person +$0.75 USD per person (Domestic Security Screening).      
Departing via Land (either Guatemala or Mexico Border) or by Sea: $20.00 USD per person.      
Departure fees are payable in cash (USD currency) and must be paid by all travellers including children. Please note these taxes are subject to change.   

HONDURAS

Pre Arrival Form: Please note: Honduras has a check-in requirement for tourists entering the country by land.      
All visitors must fill out a check-in form online at least one week prior their arrival. This requirement has no extra cost. Pre-check-in can be done at https://prechequeo.inm.gob.hn/ 

MEXICO 

Additional Taxes: The State of Quintana Roo recently established a new tax for tourists (including destinations such as Cancun, Riviera Maya, Holbox and Tulum). Tax (MXN 224, approx. USD 11pp). Passengers can make the payment through the VISITAX website (www.visitax.gob.mx) which has a simple online form and allows you to pay online. A VISITAX pass will be sent out by e-mail with a barcode. Security staff at Cancun International Airport will ensure and verify that you have paid the tax.

Tourist Card: Please note there are a number of official looking websites including ones for Cancun airport and  https://www.mexicotouristcard.com/ that note you are required to fill in an immigration form prior to arrival. We have confirmed with our local partners that this is not correct and is infact a scam to collect data. Please do not fill these in in advance of travel. You will receive immigration cards on your flight or at the airport or border you are entering the country from. 

FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) or Multiple Migratory Form: Please note that there is a FMM form that can be completed online electronically before arrival into Mexico or at the border/airport on arrival. If you wish to complete this before you arrive go to the official government website to do so. https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html - You will receive a QR code and need to scan this on arrival and get your passport stamped. 

GUATEMALA

Entrance/Exit Forms: From July 2023 clients are required to complete an electronic entrance form when arriving/departing from Guatemala City International Airport. This can be done online within 3 days of arrival into the country by following this link: https://farm2.sat.gob.gt/declaDelViajeroGt-web/pages/public/declaracionJuradaDelViajero.html and within 3 days of departure. Once completed you will be given a QR code and this can be printed or saved on your phone. The airport also has computers set up to be able to complete the form on arrival. You will no longer be able to use paper forms.

SURINAME

Entrance Fee: For each entry to Suriname there is an entrance fee of $25USD or $25EUR and a USD$8/EUR8  service fee.      
The Entry fee for entry to Suriname in connection with tourism or family visits can be paid as follows:                 
a) Online via VFS Global https://suriname.vfsevisa.com/suriname (on working days 24 hours prior to the departure date).                 
b) in an emergency:                 
• upon arrival at the International Airport in Suriname                 
• upon arrival at the airport in Zorg en Hoop in Paramaribo                 
• at the Dependence of the Consulate of Suriname in St. Laurent, French Guiana                 
• at Canawaima Management NV in the Nickerie district

Travellers guides