Long Stay Travel in the Americas and Caribbean for U.S. Citizens | Tips & Guide
- warrenjulietravel
- Jun 15
- 4 min read
Are you looking for ways to enjoy long stay travel in the Americas for U.S. citizens? Whether you're chasing sunshine in Mexico, culture in Colombia, or island time in the Caribbean, there are plenty of destinations where you can stay longer than 90 days — legally and stress-free.
Warren put together this list for our community of slow travelers and digital nomads — and it's packed with info on where long-term travel is possible without the hassle of complicated visa processes.
Countries That Make Long Stay Travel in the Americas for U.S. Citizens Easy (180 Days or More)
If you're planning long stay travel in the Americas, these countries let U.S. citizens settle in for six months or more, usually with no visa required.!
🇲🇽 Mexico – 180 days with a Tourist Card (FMM), available at the airport or online.
🇧🇿 Belize – Start with 30 days, extendable monthly up to 6 months or longer with permission.
🇵🇦 Panama – 180 days visa-free for U.S. citizens.
🇩🇴 Dominican Republic – Tourist card good for 30 days; extensions up to 180 days possible (or pay a small fine when you leave).
🇯🇲 Jamaica – Generously allows U.S. tourists to stay up to 180 days.
Countries with Easy Extensions for Long Stay Travel in the Americas for U.S. Citizens
These destinations are ideal for slow travelers looking to stretch their stay 120 days or more with simple tourist visa extensions.
🇨🇴 Colombia – 90 days on arrival + 90-day extension = 180 days/year.
🇵🇪 Peru – Technically allows up to 183 days per calendar year.
🇧🇧 Barbados – Another easy-breezy island letting you stay up to 180 days.
🇧🇸 Bahamas – A rare gem: up to 240 days (that’s 8 months) with proof of funds and onward travel.
Many Caribbean countries like Barbados and the Dominican Republic allow extended tourist stays.
Countries in the Americas and Caribbean That Reset Your Tourist Time After a Quick Exit Allowing You to Stay Longer
Some travelers stay long-term by doing border runs — briefly exiting and re-entering the country. It’s not officially endorsed, but it's commonly done.
🇨🇷 Costa Rica – 90 days, but border-hop to Panama or Nicaragua and come back.
🇬🇹 Guatemala – 90 days under the CA-4 Agreement, extendable once.
🇪🇨 Ecuador – 90 days + optional 90-day extension = 180 days per year.
Long Stay Travel for U.S. Citizens Using Digital Nomad Visas
Some travelers opt for digital nomad or long-stay visas instead of standard tourist stays. These options support long stay travel in the Americas for U.S. citizens who work remotely or want a base abroad for 6–12 months (or more).
These usually require proof of income, health insurance, and a bit of paperwork.
Popular digital nomad-friendly countries in the Americas:
Costa Rica
Panama
Mexico
Barbados
Dominican Republic
Brazil
Countries in the Americas and Caribbean with a 90-Day Cap (But Read the Fine Print)
Some places stick to a hard 90-day max, but a few offer one-time extensions:
🇧🇷 Brazil – 90 days + extendable once (180 max/year).
🇦🇷 Argentina – Renewable once for a small fee.
🇨🇱 Chile – 90-day extension available (approx. $100).
Why Focus on Long Stay Travel in the Americas for U.S. Citizens?
The Americas offer diverse climates, affordable living, and excellent connectivity. Whether you’re retired, working remotely, or exploring the slow travel lifestyle, these countries offer incredible opportunities for long stay travel for U.S. citizens — without needing to hop continents or navigate complex visa regimes.
What About Canadians, EU, and UK Passport Holders?
For the most part, the rules are similar. But there are a few key differences:
Panama gives 180 days to Americans, but only 90 days to Canadians and most Europeans.
Jamaica & Bahamas also give longer stays to U.S. citizens.
Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Barbados, Ecuador? All pretty much the same for U.S., Canadian, and EU travelers.
UK Citizens may have shorter stays in some Caribbean nations but generally enjoy similar access elsewhere.
Tell Us Your Experience!
Want to share your experience with long stay travel in the Americas and Caribbean for U.S. citizens? Or swap tips on visa extensions, border runs, and digital nomad visas? Let’s swap stories!
Join the conversation in our Facebook group: Expat Slow Travel Nomad Network — and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for real-life travel tips, destination deep dives, and our full-time nomad adventures.
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