## Can You Travel to South America with a DUI?
If you’re planning on traveling to South America, you may be wondering if your DUI will affect your ability to enter the country. The answer is: it depends.
### Visa Requirements
Most South American countries do not require a visa for US citizens staying for 90 days or less. However, if you have a DUI on your record, you may be denied entry to some countries, including:
– **Argentina:** Argentina’s immigration laws state that “persons who have been convicted of a crime that involves moral turpitude or is considered a felony under the laws of the country of origin” may be denied entry. A DUI is considered a felony in many US states, so it’s possible that you could be denied entry to Argentina with a DUI on your record.
– **Brazil:** Brazil’s immigration laws do not specifically mention DUIs, but they do state that “persons who have been convicted of a crime that involves moral turpitude or that is considered a felony under the laws of the country of origin” may be denied entry. Again, a DUI is considered a felony in many US states, so it’s possible that you could be denied entry to Brazil with a DUI on your record.
– **Peru:** Peru’s immigration laws do not specifically mention DUIs, but they do state that “persons who have been convicted of a crime that involves moral turpitude or that is considered a felony under the laws of the country of origin” may be denied entry. A DUI is considered a felony in many US states, so it’s possible that you could be denied entry to Peru with a DUI on your record.
### Other Considerations
Even if you’re not denied entry to South America with a DUI on your record, you may still face other challenges. For example, you may be required to:
– **Obtain a visa:** Some countries, such as Ecuador, require US citizens with a DUI on their record to obtain a visa before they can enter the country.
– **Provide documentation:** You may be required to provide documentation of your DUI conviction, such as a court document or a letter from your lawyer.
– **Pay a fine:** You may be required to pay a fine before you can enter the country.
### What to Do If You Have a DUI
If you have a DUI on your record and are planning to travel to South America, it’s important to research the visa requirements and other restrictions for the countries you plan to visit. You should also contact the embassy or consulate of each country to get specific information about their policies regarding DUIs.
If you’re denied entry to a South American country due to your DUI, you may be able to appeal the decision. You should contact the embassy or consulate of the country to learn more about the appeals process.
### Conclusion
Whether or not you can travel to South America with a DUI depends on the specific country you plan to visit. It’s important to research the visa requirements and other restrictions for each country before you travel. If you have any questions or concerns, you should contact the embassy or consulate of each country to get specific information about their policies regarding DUIs.
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