When talking about international travel, Argentina may be a wonderful destination because it is full of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and distinctive experiences. If you are a Brazilian citizen who plans a trip to Argentina, there is no need to carry a visa with you. However, you should bring your Passport or Identity Card (RG), as they are the only documents required for entry. This article serves as a comprehensive guide providing detailed information for Brazilians planning to travel to Argentina.
Do Brazilians Need a Passport for Argentina?
It is not necessary to have a passport for Argentina if you hold an identity card in good condition. They are both documents provided for entry by an agreement between the States Parties to MERCOSUR.
Since March 2021, Argentine migration authorities no longer stamp passports or issue documents proving entry into the country, with the entire trip being recorded in the local system.
You should be aware of theft and loss of documents, especially in areas with a higher concentration of tourists. So it is recommended not to carry both a passport and identity card alternatively, just keep them in a safe place.
What Documents Do Brazilians Need to Travel to Argentina?
To travel to Argentina and ensure you can reach your destination successfully, you need the following documents.
- Identity Card or Valid Passport
Brazilian citizens must have an identity card with a photo that can be recognized or use the new digital identity card to enter the country. Please pay attention that it is not allowed to use the ID issued more than 10 years ago.
If your identity card is in bad condition or its appearance has changed, then it is suggested to bring your passport within the valid period.
- Financial Proof
You should prove that you can afford the trip through some documents such as credit cards, bank statements, or cash.
- Accommodation Proof
If you choose to live in the hotel, provide information about the accommodation reservation. If you are going to stay at someone’s home, please offer the invitation letter.
- Return Ticket
You should present your return ticket to confirm the date you go back to your country.
- Travel Insurance
Although travel insurance is not required to enter Argentina, it is highly recommended as it can cover medical expenses, flight cancellations or delays, and lost luggage.
💡NOTE:
Due to the risk of theft or loss of personal documents, Brazilian tourists are advised to carry copies of their personal documents, according to Itamaraty. You can also keep these copies in digital format.
What to Prepare Before Travelling to Argentina?
Before starting an exciting journey, you need to have a thorough preparation for it. Beyond carrying some necessities for traveling, there is something you need to know for Brazilian travelers entering Argentina.
Traveling with Minors to Argentina
If you are traveling with minors to Argentina, the requirements are slightly different. When the minor is traveling without the company of one or both parents, they must present a written travel authorization document in addition to their ID or passport. This document must be obtained from a notary public and then notarized. You should note that an official photo ID is also required for babies.
Enter Argentina with a Private Vehicle
If you are planning to drive to Argentina with your vehicle, keep in mind that the National Driving License (CNH) cannot be used as an identification document to enter Argentina.
Therefore, you need to take your ID or passport. Also, prepare the documents as shown below:
- National Driving License: only for the driver, to enter Puerto Iguazu.
- Vehicle Certificate: vehicle document with the same name as the driver or with authorization completed by the owner.
- Green Card Insurance: it is mandatory to drive on Argentine highways.
International Medical Insurance
Generally, travel insurance can only cover the cost of emergency medical treatment. If you need to work or study in Argentina for a long period, then international medical insurance may be required. It ensures your healthcare benefits in this country, including hospital stays, medical check-ups, coverage for pre-existing conditions and chronic conditions, selection of medical providers, and so on.
Can I Use My Driver’s License (CNH) to Enter Argentina?
The National Driving License (CNH) cannot be used as an identification document to enter Argentina. You can use an ID in good condition or a passport within a valid period.
How Long Can Brazilians Stay in Argentina Visa-Free?
You can stay in Argentina without a visa for up to 90 days, after which you have to leave the country unless you’ve got a visa authorized by the local immigration office.
How Can Brazilians Stay in Argentina for More Than 90 Days?
If you want to stay in Argentina for more than 90 days, you should apply for a visa at the immigration office in Buenos Aires (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones). For Brazilians, you can apply for a resident visa, work visa, or study visa.
Types of Visa for Argentina
Residence Visa
In order to legally live in Argentina, you must first obtain a temporary residence visa that is valid for up to 2 years. To get this visa, it is not necessary to prove that you have engaged in any specific activity, such as work or study.
By the way, the visa acquisition process is relatively easier for citizens of Mercosur countries, such as Brazil, when compared to citizens of other countries.
Once the 24-month period has elapsed, you will be eligible to apply for a permanent residence visa, allowing you to have the same rights as Argentine citizens, including the ability to work, study, and live in the country.
Work Visa
As mentioned above, Brazilians who obtain permanent residence in Argentina can also work there. With a residence permit, you will be legally permitted to:
- Engage in any work activity allowed by law.
- Move freely within the country, including entering, staying, and leaving.
- Collaborate with other businesses for lawful purposes.
- Transfer funds to Brazil.
- Submit official requests to the government.
Study Visa
Obtaining a study visa will take longer since the process steps are carried out in both Brazil and Argentina, but it is still possible to enroll in Argentine educational institutions only with your ID or Brazilian passport.
However, the period is limited and without presenting the National Identity Document (DNI) the registration may be cancelled. In this case, it is allowable to use a tourist permit (90 days) and apply for the DNI as soon as you enter Argentina.
What Countries Can Brazilians Travel Without A Passport?
Brazilian citizens who hold an ID card can enter the following countries without a passport:
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
Bonus Tips for Travelling in Argentina
Carry your ID or passport
As mentioned previously, it only requires an identity card or a passport for Brazilian citizens to stay in Argentina for a period of less than 90 days. Whether presenting an ID card or a passport, make sure they are valid as the guide shown above.
Bring some cash
The official currency used in Argentina as a medium of exchange is known as the Argentine peso and ATMs allow 24/7 local currency withdrawal. Although Credit/debit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants, bringing some cash with you will be more convenient, especially in rural areas.
Explore other cities in Argentina
If you plan to explore other cities beyond Buenos Aires, air travel and land travel are alternatives. Taking airlines is the optimal choice to cover long distances throughout the nation. Domestic flights leave from Jorge Newbery Airport in northern Buenos Aires.
Regarding land travel, Retiro Bus Station in Buenos Aires offers dozens of daily bus departures to most of the country’s major cities. Long-distance buses are equipped with onboard toilets, air conditioning, and a bar for the comfort of passengers.
About VAT Refund
As foreign visitors, you can receive an automatic refund of the 21% VAT charged for accommodations, which makes traveling to Argentina more affordable. Also, you can reclaim VAT on purchases over ARS $70 of locally made goods at participating outlets.
Telecommunication
Prepaid phone cards can be purchased from kiosks and locutorios, which offer phone booths and internet access in various locations throughout the city.
For local SIM cards, you can buy them from mobile phone stores and kiosks. Personal, Movistar, and Claro are leading networks in Buenos Aires.
Talking about the Internet in Argentina, most hotels and restaurants have free Wi-Fi.
It is good news that there are over 250 free Wi-Fi hotspots in Buenos Aires. Once you download the BA Wi-Fi app, you will enjoy free Wi-Fi surfing.
FAQ
Can Brazilian permanent residents enter Argentina visa-free?
The visa-free policy only applies to those who have got Brazilian citizenship. You can get Brazilian citizenship if you live in the country for, at least, 4 years under residence authorization for an indefinite term (permanent residency). But if you are married to a Brazilian citizen or have Brazilian offspring, then the 4 years fall for 1 year living in the country with permanent residency.
Do you need a passport to go to Buenos Aires by plane?
If you have a valid ID card, then you don’t need it, because a Brazilian civil identity card (RG) is also accepted as a travel document.
What can’t you bring from Argentina?
For some heritage-listed goods including works of art, stamps, coins, archaeological objects, and mineral specimens, you should ask for a permit.
Can I go to Argentina with an expired ID?
No, you can’t. You should check if your ID is within the validity period. If the ID expires within 3 months, it is recommended to renew your ID to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Conclusion
For Brazilian citizens, Argentina will be a perfect choice for short-term international traveling. Not only it is a stunning country with diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, fabulous food, and hospitable people, but also it is convenient to enter this country with just your identity card or passport. Before going, follow the guides mentioned previously, and nothing to worry about. Start your journey right now!
Dolores Xiao