Argentina: visa and entry rules

Argentina's borders: every crossing point

Argentina's land border crossings, listed by neighbour:

With Chile there are more crossings than anywhere else; the main one is Cristo Redentor, also known as Los Libertadores, on the Mendoza — Santiago road through the Andes. Further south, Cardenal Samore and the crossings around Bariloche are open, and in Patagonia there are several local ones, some of which close in winter because of the weather.

With Brazil: Puerto Iguazu — Foz do Iguacu, by the waterfalls.

With Uruguay: the bridges over the Uruguay river — Fray Bentos, Paysandu, Salto.

With Paraguay: Clorinda — Asuncion and Posadas — Encarnacion.

With Bolivia: La Quiaca — Villazon in the north.

Andean crossings depend on the weather. Cristo Redentor is closed during snowfalls, and in winter that is a regular occurrence rather than a rarity.

Driving to Argentina

Land routes are well developed, especially the links with Chile, Uruguay and Brazil.

How long a car may stay in the country, and whether a carnet is required to bring it into Argentina, is decided by local customs. You cannot go by the rules of the neighbouring countries.

Mercosur insurance is valid across the region, and it is asked for at the crossings.

An International Driving Permit is required.

A rental car can be taken across the border only with the rental company's permission, arranged in advance — at the crossings with Chile this is checked.

Travelling to Argentina with a pet

An international veterinary certificate is required, endorsed by the state veterinary service of the country you are leaving.

The rabies vaccination must be valid on the date of entry.

On arrival the animal is inspected by the SENASA service.

Parasite treatment is required, recorded in the documents.

Check the vaccination deadlines and whether a microchip is required for entry into Argentina with your country's veterinary service before you buy tickets.

Overstaying your visa in Argentina

The fine is paid on departure, at the immigration desk in the airport.

You will have to pay at the border, and that is where they will tell you the amount. There is no way to find out the sum in Argentina in advance, so do not book a tight connection and keep cash on you.

Extending is cheaper than overstaying, and it has to be arranged before your permitted stay expires.

Systematic border runs raise questions. Formally, leaving the country resets the clock, but if you repeat it often the officer is entitled to refuse you entry.