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Traveling to the US Now: Is It Safe or Should You Wait?

Fgrom the Andes to the Caribbean, many Latin Americans feel the urge to travel to the United States, whether to study, work, reunite with family, or simply explore its iconic cities. However, a recent change in U.S. immigration policy has raised concerns: starting January 21, 2026, the U.S. government will pause the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including several Latin American nations such as Colombia, Brazil, Guatemala, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Uruguay. This adjustment will not directly affect tourist, student, or business visas, but it will profoundly impact those who planned to settle there permanently or apply for residency-based visas.

The announcement of this measure has generated uncertainty and urgent questions: Should Latin American travelers postpone their travel plans to the U.S.? What factors are behind this recommendation? What does it mean on an economic and personal level? And above all: Are there alternatives that can offer equally valuable experiences? In this article, we explore these questions, keeping in mind the realities of millions of families and travelers in our region.

Why Postpone Travel to the US?

What is happening is the result of a series of political and diplomatic decisions in the U.S. whose effects are felt far beyond consular offices. In the United States, the current administration has adopted a stricter immigration policy that includes a thorough review of visa granting criteria, with particular attention to those who could become a “public charge.” This approach is based on variables such as financial situation, age, health status, language proficiency, and the actual earning potential once in the U.S. factors that now carry more weight in the evaluation of permanent immigration applications. Along the same lines, and according to official information from the State Department, citizens of certain countries considered “high-risk for immigration,” such as Venezuela and Cuba, are now required to post a mandatory bond, which can range from $5,000 to $15,000, even for tourist visas, significantly increasing the cost and financial risk of travel.

Additionally, this political framework has had broader effects on the perception of the US as a tourist and cultural destination. According to the BBC, some travelers and tour operators have stated that “tourism to the US has fallen because many are reconsidering whether it is safe or desirable to visit a country whose immigration and social policies seem increasingly restrictive.” This environment can generate uncertainty not only in visa processes but also in the traveler's experience: stricter border controls, potential delays, additional questioning, and a climate of tension not found in other destinations.

The recommendation to postpone a trip is not universal or definitive, but for many Latin Americans it could be prudent, especially for those who do not have specific academic, work or family commitments that require immediate physical presence in the U.S.

Economic and Personal Impacts on the Latin American Community

Postponing a planned trip to the United States not only disrupts itineraries and personal dreams, but also has tangible economic repercussions. For families planning to reunite with loved ones, each day of waiting can mean additional costs for storing belongings, children's education in their home country, dual rents, and even lost job opportunities. Many compatriots had planned temporary jobs or even investments in small, income-generating businesses in the U.S.; postponing these plans can represent weeks or months of lost income.

The impact is also being felt in the tourism and service sectors. Before this situation, the United States was one of the top destinations for Latinos, both for leisure and personal reasons, generating foreign currency for travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and businesses. The perception of political or administrative risk could lead to a drop in demand, which discourages flights and tour operators that depend on that steady flow of Latin American travelers.

On a personal level, the frustration of seeing dreams postponed can have lasting emotional effects, from anxiety about the uncertainty to fatigue from seemingly endless bureaucratic procedures. However, there is also a narrative of resilience: travel is a transformative experience, and for many Latin Americans, this moment can be an invitation to rethink priorities and explore new horizons without losing their enthusiasm for discovering the world.

Travel Alternatives for Latin Americans

While the US remains a valuable destination, alternative experiences exist that can offer enriching cultural encounters without current barriers. Latin America and other regions share an enormous diversity of landscapes, history, and gastronomy that are often underestimated by the global narrative focused on Anglo-Saxon destinations.

For example, countries like Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica, Argentina, and Chile combine cosmopolitan cities with lush nature and are accessible to travelers with varying budgets, without the complex immigration procedures that characterize the United States. The Andean region, with its ancestral routes and indigenous communities, can be a fascinating alternative for those seeking profound cultural meaning.

These alternatives not only have aesthetic or recreational value, but they can also be more affordable and offer meaningful experiences without the hassle of lengthy consular processes. Travel is a means to learn, broaden perspectives, and strengthen identities; and each new destination can become a space for personal and collective growth.

When and How Might this Recommendation Change in the Future?

Immigration policies are not static. Their evolution depends on global factors, from electoral cycles to diplomatic agreements and domestic economic needs. The suspension of immigrant visa processing (at least in the short term) responds to security and domestic policy criteria of the U.S. government, which may be reviewed if the administration changes or if more cooperative international agreements are reached.

Historically, visa and border policies have responded to geopolitical and economic events, adjusting over time in response to internal and external pressures. For example, more restrictive policies may be relaxed if bilateral agreements mitigate security concerns or if economic sectors demand skilled foreign labor.

For Latin American travelers, staying informed through official sources, embassies, and reliable media is essential to understanding when these recommendations might change. Recent history shows that immigration and travel practices can be modified in a matter of months if there are economic incentives or leadership changes that favor openness.

A Historic Opportunity for Latin America

The decision to postpone a dream trip, whether for family, financial, academic, or adventure reasons, is always difficult. The political and administrative reality of the United States in 2026 presents concrete challenges that deserve careful analysis from Latin America, where human mobility has historically been a source of hope, opportunity, and growth. However, this situation also invites us to look inward at our region and the world with curious eyes and a resilient spirit.

Latin America boasts unique destinations, cultures, and experiences that not only deserve to be rediscovered by our travelers, but can also become catalysts for local development and collective pride. Postponing a trip isn't giving up, but rather rethinking it: it's an opportunity to make new plans, strengthen regional ties, and explore a world of possibilities that surrounds us right here.

By Estefanía Muriel for Ruta Pantera on 1/19/2026 11:36:15 AM

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