Latin America on a US Visa: 33-Country Visa Guide, 2026 (Part 3)

In Latin America, a US visa works like a pass. For Chinese passport holders planning to travel the whole region, getting a 10-year US visa first is the most cost-effective move.

Visa summary: countries 23 to 33

No.	Country	Entry rules	Length of stay
23	Chile	Visa-free with a US or Canadian visa	90 days
24	Colombia	Visa-free with a US or Schengen visa	90 days
25	Panama	Visa-free with a visa from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia or similar countries; the visa must have been used at least once	—
26	Costa Rica	Visa-free with a US, Canadian or Schengen visa	30 days
27	Uruguay	Visa-free with a valid US, Canadian or Schengen visa that is valid for more than 6 months	—
28	Honduras	Visa-free with a valid US, Canadian or Schengen visa	—
29	Venezuela	Tourist visa required; a US visa does not exempt you; no e-visa; the process is fairly involved; you can apply in a third country	—
30	El Salvador	Visa required; US visa holders are sometimes allowed in, but the policy is unstable	—
31	Nicaragua	Visa required; e-visa available	—
32	Guatemala	Visa required; usually obtained in a third country such as Mexico	—
33	Paraguay	Apply at a Paraguayan embassy in a third country	—

Nicaragua: e-visa

1. Register an account on the official consular services website and enter your basic details, such as the purpose of your trip.
2. Upload your documents: mainly a scan of your passport’s photo page and a recent photo with a white background.
3. After you submit the application, you will receive an email with a payment link. The fee is about US$35.

Guatemala: apply in a third country

Because China and Guatemala do not currently have diplomatic relations, you cannot apply for a visa in China and must do so in a third country. The easiest route is to hold a valid visa or residence permit for the United States, Mexico or an EU country and apply there.

Popular places to apply

Each of these popular locations has its own features:

• United States (Los Angeles): no appointment needed; you can walk in. Consulate address: 1975 Riverside Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039. Open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to noon. You can usually collect your passport the next day.
• Mexico (Mexico City or Tuxtla Gutiérrez): in Mexico City, book about two weeks ahead; the visa is issued the same day you submit your documents. In Tuxtla Gutiérrez, appointments are made by email. The process is smooth and replies are quick, with about 3 days from first email to visa sticker.
• Costa Rica: arrange an appointment with the embassy by email. Email about 22 days ahead, because the review and booking can take some time.
• Panama: some applicants choose to apply in Panama, where visas are usually issued in a day or two.

Document checklist (Los Angeles example)

All Chinese-language documents must be translated into English or Spanish.

• Identity documents: original valid passport and a copy of its photo page; valid US visa page and a copy (if your US visa is in an old passport, bring the old passport too)
• Visa forms: visa application form (available on site or downloadable from the official website) and two 2-inch photos with a white background
• Travel proof: return flight booking to Guatemala and a hotel booking in Guatemala (flights and hotels can be booked first and cancelled later)
• Financial proof: bank statements for the last three months (with an English or Spanish translation) and copies of the front and back of your credit card
• Proof of US status: your Form I-94 arrival and departure record (you can print it from the US Department of Homeland Security website after entering the US)
• Other: the visa fee is US$50 (single entry) or US$150 (multiple entry), paid with a money order of the type the consulate specifies, bought with cash

Paraguay

Apply at a Paraguayan embassy in a third country. Typical documents: visa application form, passport, photo, flight and hotel bookings, and bank statements. Some applicants are interviewed.

A new trend in mutual visa exemption

In 2025–2026, China introduced trial visa-free entry for citizens of five countries: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay. This often signals that these countries may further ease their visa policies for Chinese travellers. Check embassy announcements again before you leave.

Why a US visa matters

In Latin America, a US visa works like a pass. If you plan to travel the whole region, getting a 10-year US visa first is the most cost-effective move.

For travellers with a Chinese passport, Latin American visa policies are complex, but there is one master key: a valid US visa (usually a B1/B2) or a Schengen visa.

Tips for travelling in Latin America

• Language: English is not widely spoken in Latin America (except in Brazil and parts of Mexico). Learn some basic Spanish, such as hola, gracias and ¿cuánto cuesta? (hello, thank you, how much is it?).
• Altitude sickness: Peru, Bolivia and other places sit at high altitude. Carry rhodiola with you, or buy coca leaves locally to ease the symptoms.
• Safety: safety varies widely across Latin America. The basic rules: don’t show off valuables, stay out of slums and limit going out at night.
• Money: bring plenty of US cash. In many places US dollars are more welcome than the local currency and easier to exchange.