Requirements to travel to Argentina: by car, plane, cruise ship and ferry

Traveling to Argentina is an exciting experience, this country is full of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and diverse, world-class gastronomy. To make your sightseeing trip memorable, it's paramount that you know the requirements to travel there, whether you're entering by car, plane, cruise ship, ferry, or any other means across the border.

Do you dream about tasting the best wines in Mendoza, touring Buenos Aires, skiing in the snow in Ushuaia, seeing the impressive Iguazu Falls or soaking up the culture and landscapes in the North of Argentina? Get your luggage ready and meet these requirements. Here's a detailed guide to start preparing for your adventure in the most beautiful country in the world.

Requirements to enter Argentina: the essentials

To arrive in Argentina as a tourist, you must enter the country with the purpose of rest or recreation for a maximum period of up to 3 months. This stay can be extended by means of a procedure and the payment of a fee.

·        Read more: Snow has arrived in Argentina: where to ski in Patagonia

Passport, Identity Card or Travel Document

• ·Valid passport for at least six months from the date of entry into Argentina.
• Citizens of MERCOSUR member countries and associated states may also enter Argentina with a valid identity card, or a valid travel document from Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia.

International Visa for Argentina

One of the great advantages of traveling to Argentina is that its visa regime allows citizens of more than 120 nationalities to enter without having to apply for a tourist visa. However, there are a hundred countries that do require a visa. You can check which foreign tourists must apply for an Argentine visa to travel for tourism, what the requirements are and how to process it in this article.

Traveling to Argentina with minors

Argentina is ideal for traveling with children and teenagers. From the vibrant City of Buenos Aires with parks, interactive museums, and shows, to majestic Patagonia, where you can explore glaciers and watch whales, there's something for everyone. Youngsters will enjoy the thrill of visiting Iguazu Falls and outdoor activities in Bariloche, such as skiing or hiking trails surrounded by nature. Argentina is the perfect destination for an unforgettable family trip.

Basic requirements that you must add if you are traveling with children and teenagers: 

• Own passport: Minors must have their own valid passport.
• Permission from both parents: If traveling alone with one parent or a third party, notarized permission from both parents or legal guardian is required.

Pets: requirements to enter Argentina with cats and dogs

Argentina is pet-friendly and that's why traveling with pets is an incredible experience. The country offers a wide variety of destinations and activities where your four-legged companion will be welcome. Many accommodations and restaurants across the country are pet-friendly, ensuring that they feel as comfortable and welcome as you.

Basic requirements to meet if you travel with pets:

·        International Veterinary Certificate (IVC) issued, signed and sealed by the veterinary authority of the country in which the animal is located (one of the languages of this IVC must be Spanish).

·        An official passport is accepted in lieu of the IVC. This passport must be valid, contain all the required health information (rabies vaccination, antiparasitic treatment and health examination) and must be countersigned, endorsed, or validated by signature and stamp of an official veterinary of the country's health authority prior to boarding.

• Passports that do not contain validation by the official health authority will not be accepted to enter Argentina.

Learn more about bringing pets

·        Read more: Traveling with pets to Argentina: 6 pet-friendly destinations for animal lovers

Requirements to travel to Argentina by car, motorcycle or any other vehicle by land

Drivers of cars, motorcycles, motor homes, trailers, recreational and sports boats that circulate to Argentina through border crossings must have the following documentation:

·        Valid identity document to circulate in MERCOSUR.

·        Driver's license issued by a member country (or state party) of MERCOSUR. The driver must be a resident of the MERCOSUR state of registration of the vehicle.

·        Document that qualifies them as a tourist issued by the immigration authority.

·        Title or other official document proving ownership of the vehicle.

·        Proof of current insurance in MERCOSUR.

For vehicles driven by third parties (not owners of the vehicle):

• Blue card issued in the name of the person driving the vehicle or authorization issued by a public authority (power of attorney granted before a notary public) to drive and remove the vehicle from the country. In this case, the Green card will be required to prove the ownership of the vehicle, regardless of its validity.

·        In each state party, private community vehicles may be driven by the owner's spouse or other relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity without the need of express authorization, provided that it is as a tourist and the bond is proved with the corresponding documentation.

Learn more about border procedures

Things to keep in mind when traveling to Argentina for tourism

Currently, Argentina does not require any mandatory vaccinations for tourists, but it is advisable to be up to date with the usual vaccinations such as tetanus and hepatitis. In addition, the yellow fever vaccine is recommended if you plan to visit rural or jungle areas in the north of the country, such as Iguazu Falls. 

It is also sensible to have travel insurance that covers any medical eventuality, although it is not a mandatory requirement.

Additionally, it is recommended to have on hand a copy of your travel itinerary, accommodation details, return ticket, and sufficient funds for your trip, as immigration authorities may request them upon entering the country. Compliance with the requirements does not guarantee entry into the country because the final decision rests with the Argentine immigration authority.

The information provided is general and may be subject to change. We recommend that you check the latest information on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Argentina or at the Argentine Embassy or Consulate in your country.

With all these requirements in order, you'll be ready to explore and enjoy Argentina worry-free. Have a nice trip, we are waiting for you!