Do babies need passports for South America?

Yes, every person regardless of age needs their own passport for international travel to South America. No exceptions.

Can I get consent letters notarized while abroad?

US consulates abroad can notarize documents, but it's expensive ($50+ per document) and requires appointments. Get everything notarized before departure.

What if my ex-spouse won't sign consent forms?

You may need court-ordered permission to travel. Contact a family attorney at least 8 weeks before travel. Some countries accept custody agreements showing sole legal custody.

Do I need yellow fever vaccination certificates?

Required for entering several South American countries if coming from yellow fever areas. Check current CDC requirements by specific country and your travel route.

Can children use birth certificate instead of passport?

No. Birth certificates are acceptable for US-Mexico and US-Canada land borders only. All South American travel requires valid passports.

How to Get Visas for South America with Kids

Most South American countries allow US citizens visa-free entry for 30-90 days, but family travel requires extra documentation. Bring certified birth certificates for all children, notarized consent letters if traveling with one parent, and ensure passports are valid for 6+ months. Brazil requires visas for US citizens regardless of age.

Check visa requirements by country. Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay: No visa needed for US citizens, 30-90 days. Brazil: Visa required for all US citizens including infants. Venezuela: Visa required. Bolivia: Visa on arrival available. Paraguay: No visa for stays under 90 days.
Gather required documents for children. Every child needs a valid US passport (no exceptions for land borders in South America). Get certified copies of birth certificates for all children. If children have different last names from parents, bring additional proof of relationship like adoption papers or court documents.
Prepare consent documentation. If traveling with only one parent: Get a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent including full names, passport numbers, travel dates, and contact information. If you're a single parent: Bring certified copy of custody decree or death certificate. If traveling with grandparents or guardians: Bring notarized consent from both parents plus proof of guardianship.
Apply for Brazilian visas if visiting. Submit applications 2-4 weeks before travel at Brazilian consulate or VFS Global center. Required for each family member: DS-160 form, passport photo, proof of accommodation, bank statements showing $2,000+ balance, round-trip flight itinerary. Children under 18 need additional birth certificate and consent forms. Fee: $80 per person.
Organize document copies. Make 3 copies of all passports, visas, birth certificates, and consent letters. Keep one set with you, one in checked luggage, one at home with emergency contact. Scan everything to cloud storage accessible offline. Laminate consent letters to prevent damage.
Prepare for border crossings. Immigration officers may ask children direct questions about their trip. Brief kids on basic travel details: where you're going, how long you're staying, where you're from. Keep all family documents together in one folder. Allow extra time at borders when traveling with children.

Do babies need passports for South America?: Yes, every person regardless of age needs their own passport for international travel to South America. No exceptions.
Can I get consent letters notarized while abroad?: US consulates abroad can notarize documents, but it's expensive ($50+ per document) and requires appointments. Get everything notarized before departure.
What if my ex-spouse won't sign consent forms?: You may need court-ordered permission to travel. Contact a family attorney at least 8 weeks before travel. Some countries accept custody agreements showing sole legal custody.
Do I need yellow fever vaccination certificates?: Required for entering several South American countries if coming from yellow fever areas. Check current CDC requirements by specific country and your travel route.
Can children use birth certificate instead of passport?: No. Birth certificates are acceptable for US-Mexico and US-Canada land borders only. All South American travel requires valid passports.