US travelers visiting South America are learning an expensive lesson at border crossings: Brazil now requires Americans to obtain visas in advance, and there are no exceptions for tourists who just want to see the other side of Iguazú Falls.
A traveler recently shared their experience of being turned away at the Brazilian border when attempting to visit the waterfall from Argentina. Despite reading "so much online and on Reddit" about visiting both sides of the falls, they were caught completely unprepared by the $85 visa requirement that took effect in April 2025.
What Changed and When
As of April 2025, Brazil reinstated visa requirements for US citizens after years of visa-free access. The policy is reciprocal - since the US requires Brazilians to obtain visas, Brazil now does the same for Americans.
The visa costs $85 and must be applied for in advance through Brazil's e-visa system. This isn't something you can obtain at the border or at the airport. Processing typically takes several business days, meaning spontaneous trips across the border are no longer possible.
The Iguazú Falls Problem
Iguazú Falls, one of South America's most spectacular natural wonders, straddles the Argentina-Brazil border. Travel guides universally recommend seeing both sides - the Argentine side offers up-close walkways, while the Brazilian side provides dramatic panoramic views.
For decades, crossing between the two was trivial. The traveler described arriving in Argentina, spending a day at the park, then planning to visit the side the next morning before their evening flight. Instead, immigration officials turned them back.
