Last updated on September 21st, 2025
The growth of tourism in Latin America makes it essential for both individuals and businesses to pay close attention to the specific rules on visas and accommodation in each country.
Recently, several countries in the region have changed their entry and stay regulations, impacting international arrivals, accommodation bookings, local partnerships, and strategic marketing decisions. Because of the wide-ranging consequences, international players cannot afford to overlook these policy shifts, as they affect both individuals and companies alike.
This article highlights the most significant recent changes to help travellers and businesses plan their journeys to the main destinations across Latin America.
Why Are Visa And Accommodation Policies So Important?
Tourism in Latin America has always been built on its unique landscapes and cultural attractions. However, as visitor numbers grow, greater regulation is needed to balance the needs of tourists with the quality of life of local communities.
It is a delicate balance. For travellers, accessible visas mean easier entry, while for host nations they can result in an influx that surpasses local infrastructure capacity or causes environmental pressure.
That is why clear rules are essential, defining visit opportunities, length of stay, and available accommodation. This creates predictability for travellers, companies, and local governments alike, helping countries to better structure policies for sustainable tourism.
Staying Updated Is Key for Tourism in Latin America
Latin America has a history of political volatility, meaning legislative changes can be both fast and significant. For tourism marketing companies, keeping track of these shifts is not optional — it is imperative.
For example, visa requirements can make certain destinations less attractive for specific markets, reducing the effectiveness of campaigns targeting those travellers. Similarly, stricter rules on alternative accommodation may make some destinations prohibitively expensive.
These examples show that monitoring regulatory changes is not simply a bureaucratic task — it can become a source of competitive advantage. Demonstrating expertise and communicating clear solutions increases client trust and strengthens a company’s market position.
Key Tourism Policy Changes in Latin America in 2025
Below are the updates expected to have the most significant impact on Latin American tourism in 2025.
1. Brazil – Reintroduction of Visa Requirements for the United States, Canada, and Australia
In 2019, Brazil suspended visa requirements for these three countries. However, with the new government that took office in 2023, the principle of reciprocity was reinstated, once again requiring visas for US, Canadian, and Australian citizens.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured that the process will be straightforward, allowing applications to be completed online and documents to be received by email.
2. Mexico – Mexico City Approves Short-Term Rental (STR) Law
In 2024, Mexico City introduced a new law to regulate short-term rental platforms, such as Airbnb. The aim is to balance tourism growth with local needs, as these rentals have been linked to higher living costs and accelerating gentrification in tourist districts.
The law may make alternative accommodation less accessible, increasing demand for hotels. This move highlights a global trend among different tourist destinations: growing concern with social and urban sustainability.
For businesses, an effective strategy is to reposition communications by highlighting legal accommodation options while keeping experiences as authentic as possible.
3. Argentina – Visa Facilitation for Travellers from China and the Dominican Republic
In 2025, the Argentine government announced that tourists from China and the Dominican Republic holding valid US or EU visas will no longer need an additional Argentine visa.
This policy opens up new opportunities for tourism businesses to create targeted campaigns for these audiences.
4. Peru – Removal of Visa Requirement for Qatari Citizens
One of the highlights of 2025 was Peru’s decision to waive visa requirements for Qatari nationals, also extending the maximum stay to 183 days.
This makes Peru particularly appealing for luxury and business tourism, as well as for developing long-stay travel packages.
Practical Guidance for International Companies
Having reviewed the main regulatory changes impacting Latin American tourism, here are some practical recommendations for global players:
- Clarity in Communication – always include up-to-date information on visas and accommodation in campaigns, promotional materials, and websites.
- Integrated Solutions – provide support during visa application processes and advise on the legal aspects of accommodation.
- Continuous Monitoring – maintain dedicated teams or partnerships with a Latin American tourism agency to remain informed on regulatory changes.
By adopting these approaches, international tourism companies will not only be better prepared for shifting conditions but will also be able to transform them into competitive advantages.
2025: A Year of Opportunities for Tourism in Latin America
Tourism in Latin America in 2025 is undergoing transformation. Destinations are no longer defined solely by landscapes or culture, but increasingly by bureaucratic frameworks that shape accessibility.
Visa and accommodation policies directly affect the traveller experience. For tourism businesses, adaptability will be the defining factor. Those who respond quickly and strategically to regulatory changes will position themselves at the forefront of the Latin American tourism market.
