S American 12 cut travel red tape:
The governments of 12 countries in South America have signed an agreement to allow their citizens to travel between them without passports.Posted on 03 December 2006 @ 17:26 GMTThe measure, designed to boost tourism and business activity, allows travellers to cross borders for up to 90 days, with only an identity card.
It was agreed at a meeting of the South American Community of Nations in the Chilean capital, Santiago.
Cooperation will also be extended on other social and political issues.
Visa-free travel "represents a step in our efforts to eliminate our traditional divisions," said Chilean Foreign Minister Alejandro Foxley.
Mr Foxley said that three basic areas were important to boost regional integration - transport, energy, and the reduction of social inequalities.
The countries covered by the new agreement are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam, Uruguay, and Venezuela.