LATAM
Key trends shaping LATAM's labor and immigration landscape
Selective liberalization of visitor access tied to third‑country visa status
Across the region there is a cautious loosening of visa restrictions for some nationalities, often contingent on holding a valid US visa (or equivalent). Argentina’s new visa‑exemption scheme for Chinese and Dominican nationals is one example. At the same time, some countries remain vigilant, dynamically adjusting their consular visa policies in response to operational or security considerations—Mexico, for instance, has recently suspended or delayed visa appointments for several nationalities without formal notice. These differential visa relaxations, tied to third‑country visa standing, reflect a nuanced approach: facilitating mobility for lower‑risk travelers while maintaining flexibility in border control.
Growing focus on reporting, registration, and compliance enforcement
Immigration regimes are ramping up enforcement of formalities such as address reporting, documentation accuracy, and retroactive compliance. In Panama, for instance, migration authorities have begun stringently enforcing address and personal data notifications. In Ecuador, delays in identity card processing and stricter customs declarations for travelers also signal rising administrative pressure. For employers, ensuring that assignees and dependents adhere to these administrative formalities is becoming as critical as visa/work permit compliance.
Process simplification and system digitization gains traction
Some countries are actively streamlining immigration procedures, removing legacy burdens, and introducing digital mechanisms. Mexico, notably, is rolling out an electronic visitor visa (QR‑based, single entry, valid for 180 days) and shortening resolution times for internal processes like card renewals and personal-change notifications. These efforts underscore a gradual shift toward more agile, employer‑friendly operations, particularly for non-work visa categories and in‑country formalities.
Argentina
Visa liberalization paired with stricter status control
Argentina has eased entry for select travelers by implementing visa exemptions for Chinese and Dominican nationals holding valid US visitor/business visas. While this enhances short-term mobility—permitting stays of 30 to 90 days depending on nationality—beneficiaries are explicitly barred from changing immigration status while in-country, preserving a rigid distinction between visitor and residence categories. In parallel, procedural changes affecting provisional certificates have extended the permissible timeframes for individuals awaiting full work or residence permits, offering more operational flexibility for employers managing in-country transitions.
Mexico
Digitalization efforts offset by selective restrictions and processing volatility
Mexico is taking steps to modernize its immigration framework through the introduction of an Electronic Visa system for non-working visitors, which will be delivered via QR code and valid for 180 days. In addition, several documentary requirements for in-country processes have been streamlined, such as eliminating the need for physical photos and easing deadlines for card renewals and replacements. However, these positive reforms are contrasted by inconsistent enforcement patterns: visa issuance and appointment scheduling have been abruptly suspended for several nationalities—including Venezuelan, Cuban, Haitian, and Chinese citizens—without formal notice or timeline for resolution. The reintroduction of a visitor visa requirement for Peruvian nationals further reflects a shift toward more selective admission policies.
Chile
Selective visa relaxations and revised entry list
Chile has adjusted its visa policy framework to facilitate easier entry for certain travelers while tightening controls for others. Australian nationals are now exempt from entry visa requirements, supporting simplified tourism and business mobility. At the same time, the government has revised its list of countries requiring prior consular authorization, reflecting a recalibration of visa-exempt privileges and a more granular approach to risk-based entry management.
Colombia
Reintroduction of visa requirement for Israeli nationals
Colombia and Israel have both withdrawn visa exemptions for each other’s citizens, marking a significant reversal in prior mobility arrangements. As of July 2025, travelers between the two countries must now apply for visitor visas, adding new administrative burdens and potentially extending lead times for cross-border business or tourism.
Panama
Stricter enforcement of compliance obligations and front-loaded application requirements
Panama has begun retroactive enforcement of long-standing rules requiring foreign residents to report changes in address or personal information to immigration authorities within 30 days. Penalties range from monetary fines to cancellation of status or even deportation for repeat violations, signaling a broader emphasis on data integrity and compliance tracking. Additionally, pandemic-era flexibilities for SEM visa applicants have been withdrawn, requiring all documentation to be complete and submitted in person. Conversely, the government has extended access to a lower investment threshold for qualifying permanent residence applicants, preserving incentives for foreign investors.
Ecuador
Operational delays and increased entry compliance
Ecuador continues to face administrative slowdowns, particularly in identity card processing, complicating onboarding for foreign assignees and their families. In addition, a new mandatory online customs declaration form for all incoming travelers adds a further compliance layer to the entry process. While relatively minor in scope, these developments highlight the importance of planning around bureaucratic delays and new procedural requirements when managing inbound mobility to Ecuador.
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Manish Daftari
Partner