MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

South American countries eliminate regional tourist visas

The twelve countries which make up the South American Community of Nations signed Friday an agreement for the elimination of tourist visas with the purpose of boosting regional tourism.

In practical terms this means that no visa or passport will be needed, just the presentation of the normal Identification Document, to visit any of the countries belonging to the Community. The access permit has ninety days validity but can be extended following regulations of each member country.

"We want to facilitate movement among countries of the region. We believe this should help better understand the reality of countries from the region and will enhance comprehension among our peoples", said Chilean Foreign Secretary Alejandro Foxley who hosted in Santiago a meeting of the South American Community of Nations ministers of Foreign Affairs.

The elimination of the visa does not mean travelers are exempt from complying with other sanitary, customs or fiscal regulations from host countries.

The agreement was signed by Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Further more visa exemption does not authorize people to work or be involved in any paid activities.