## Can You Travel to South America with a DUI?
Introduction
Traveling to South America is a dream for many, but if you have a DUI on your record, you may be wondering if you will be able to enter the country.
Visa Requirements
The visa requirements for South America vary from country to country. Some countries, such as Argentina and Chile, do not require a visa for US citizens staying for less than 90 days. However, other countries, such as Brazil and Peru, do require a visa.
If you need a visa, you will need to apply for it at the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting. The application process can take several weeks, so it is important to start the process as soon as possible.
DUI Convictions and Visa Applications
When you apply for a visa, you will be asked if you have ever been convicted of a crime. If you have a DUI conviction, you will need to disclose it on your application.
Whether or not a DUI conviction will affect your visa application depends on the severity of the offense and the country you are visiting. In general, a first-time DUI conviction is unlikely to prevent you from getting a visa. However, a more serious DUI conviction, such as a felony DUI, may make it more difficult to obtain a visa.
Additional Factors
In addition to your DUI conviction, there are a number of other factors that can affect your visa application, including:
The length of time since your DUI conviction: A DUI conviction that occurred many years ago is less likely to affect your visa application than a recent conviction.
The country you are visiting: Some countries are more strict than others when it comes to DUI convictions. For example, Brazil is known for being very strict on DUI convictions.
Your criminal record: If you have other criminal convictions, this could also affect your visa application.
What You Can Do
If you have a DUI conviction and you are planning to travel to South America, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting a visa:
Apply for a visa as early as possible: This will give the embassy or consulate plenty of time to process your application and make a decision.
Be honest about your DUI conviction: Do not try to hide your conviction on your visa application. If you are caught lying, it could result in your visa being denied.
Provide documentation of your rehabilitation: If you have completed any DUI rehabilitation programs, be sure to provide documentation of this with your visa application. This will show the embassy or consulate that you are taking steps to address your DUI conviction.
Consider getting a lawyer: If you are having trouble getting a visa, you may want to consider getting a lawyer to help you with your application. A lawyer can help you navigate the visa process and ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
Conclusion
Traveling to South America with a DUI conviction is possible, but it may require some additional planning and preparation. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of getting a visa and enjoying your trip to South America.
Additional Resources
[US Department of State: Visa Requirements for South America](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/South-America/index.html)
[Brazil Embassy: Visa Information](https://brasilemb.org/apply-for-a-visa)
[Peru Embassy: Visa Information](https://www.embassyofperu.org/consular-services/visas/)