Obtaining a visa while abroad
 

I plan on backpacking South America for about six months and Brazil and Argentina will most likely be my last two stops. However, I am unsure of the dates that I will be entering and leaving the country. In terms of applying for a Visa, should I still go through the process before I leave the USA, or can I apply while I am in South America as I get a better idea of the dates I will be there?
Thanks for your help!

I could be wrong but, assuming you are a US citizen, I am pretty sure you do pm not need a visa for either country for stays of less than 90 days. Check out your state dept website for current requirements

http://travel.state.gov/content/pass...argentina.html

I would also check out the situation on reciprocity fees as many countries seem to charge Americans for entering their countries

For a USA citizen entering Brazil, you do not have to apply before you leave the USA and can usually get the visa in a third country, but time frames vary depending on the consulate. The visa starts when you cross the border, so you might want to get it before you go unless you don't mind waiting around for it to be processed. Remember that you must leave your passport to have it done and you may not be comfortable with that in a third country.

The Argentine one you can get any time before you start heading for Argentina as you get it online. Make sure that you can immediately print out some copies wherever you are accessing the internet to pay online. There are always risks using a public computer when entering credit card information. The fee is good for 10 years, even in an expired passport.

As Huentetu says, Argentina is not a visa, but a reciprocity fee, which you must pay in advance and online. I'd take care of that before leaving rather than risking entering credit card numbers in a computer on the road in South America. Save the printouts.

Bolivia and Paraguay also require visas of US citizens if you're going to pass through either of those countries:

Bolivia - You can obtain a visa on arrival, but you have to meet specific conditions for that option.

Paraguay - You must obtain a visa in advance, in person, at a Paraguayan consulate.

Thanks everyone, all vital information that I will take into account.

Hola,

Speaking from personal experience, you will be completely fine to take care of both Argentina and Brazil's entry requirements from a third country in South America. Argentina's, as has already been stated, is really easy and only requires that you print a receipt to show you paid the reciprocity fee. Brazil's is a little more complicated, but still very possible to acquire from a third country. I am a US citizen living in Argentina and got my Brazilian visa a few months ago in Buenos Aires. The process took around a week and was fairly simple. Good luck with the rest of your planning and enjoy your trip!

Saludos,

Will
Say Hueque

The Brazilian visa for a US passport holder, obtained at your "home" Brazilian Consulate, is good for 10 years from date of issue. (There is no longer any requirement to use a new visa by entering Brazil within 90 days of issue.) Visas issued at some Brazilian Consulates in other countries may be valid for only 90 days (or other period shorter than the 10 years), for the same fee, and require that you give up your passport to the Brazilian Consulate for whatever the processing time is, leaving you without an official identity document while in a foreign country.

Regarding getting your Brazilian visa in a third country, I can't speak about each country individually but I can tell you that if you plan to visit Argentina first, you'll be fine to get your Brazilian visa here. Additionally, this visa will be the same type of visa that you would get in your 'home' consulate, meaning it will be good for 10 years and not just 90 days. I did the same thing a few months ago and had no problems at all. They did not require me, or even ask me, to leave my passport (something I would never agree to for sake of security)and had my visa ready for pick-up less than a week after my original appointment date. You should make an appointment online that allows you at least a week for processing time, but if you do that you should be all good!

Will
Say Hueque

"Here" meaning in Buenos Aires? Because for "here" meaning Puerto Iguazu, which is certainly part of Argentina, what you have written may be misleading.