The United Kingdom government confirmed on July 3 that passport holders from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela can enter without a visa for stays up to 180 days starting September 15. The measure applies to all major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. Officials expect 1.4 million additional arrivals in the first year.
Applications for the new Electronic Travel Authorisation remain mandatory at a cost of 16 pounds and must be completed online 72 hours before departure. The scheme excludes employment or study longer than six months.
Background negotiations began after the UK-Australia free trade deal in 2023 and expanded to Mercosur nations in early 2026. Tourism boards in Buenos Aires and São Paulo have already launched joint marketing campaigns with VisitBritain.
London expects the policy to increase direct flight demand on routes operated by British Airways and LATAM. Hotel occupancy in Edinburgh and Manchester is projected to rise 15 percent during the autumn shoulder season.
What this means for you
Book flights now for September departures to lock in fares before the expected 18 percent price surge. Complete the Electronic Travel Authorisation immediately after ticket purchase and carry a printed copy. Avoid overstaying the 180-day limit to prevent future entry bans.
Travellers should verify passport validity exceeds six months beyond their return date. Families with children under 18 must carry birth certificates showing parental consent for solo travel.
The change positions the UK as a more accessible gateway to Europe for South American visitors and opens new multi-destination itineraries through the Channel Tunnel.