Argentina is one of the favorite international destinations for Brazilians. Vibrant culture, incredible gastronomy, and the magic of Buenos Aires. But before you pack your bags, a classic question comes up: what documents are needed to enter the country?
The good news is that the bureaucracy is minimal. Read carefully and travel without any hassle.
ID card or passport: which document can be used?
You don’t need a passport to enter Argentina. Since Brazil and Argentina are part of Mercosur, a Brazilian ID card (RG) is enough, but with important conditions:
- The document must be in good condition (no tears, stains, or homemade lamination)
- The photo must allow for clear identification
- The issue date cannot be more than 10 years ago
Have an old ID from when you were a child? Update it in advance. There are several reports of travelers being stopped at immigration for this reason.
The National Identity Card (CIN), the new identity model, is also normally accepted. There’s just one important detail: the digital ID on your phone is not valid. Argentine immigration requires the original physical document.
A passport, of course, is also accepted and can be a good choice if your ID is outdated or if you have connections in other countries during your trip. Just don’t forget to check if your passport is still valid.
What is NOT accepted as a travel document
Pay special attention to this list, as it often causes confusion:
- ❌ Driver’s License (CNH)
- ❌ Birth Certificate (even for newborns)
- ❌ Professional association cards
- ❌ IDs issued by Ministries, Armed Forces, or the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches
- ❌ Digital ID (mobile app)
In summary: only the ID/CIN issued by state civil police or a passport are accepted at the Argentine border.
The latest: travel insurance with health coverage is now mandatory
Since May 2025, travel insurance has been mandatory for all foreign tourists entering Argentina, including Brazilians.
The measure was formalized by Decree 366/2025 of the Argentine government and is already being applied at airports and land border posts. We recommend that you take out a policy before your trip and keep the proof, printed or digital, to avoid problems at immigration.
The insurance must cover medical and hospital expenses for the entire duration of the trip. There is no official minimum amount defined, but experts recommend at least US$30,000 in medical coverage. Basic plans for a week start at around R$90—a small investment compared to the risk of hospitalization abroad.
Get your insurance with a discount using the coupon ONDAS8BUENAS at Seguro Viagem Real.
Do I need a visa to enter Argentina? Are there mandatory vaccines?
Double good news:
- Visa: Brazilians on a tourist trip do not need a visa to enter Argentina. The stay as a tourist is up to 90 days, and can be extended for another 90 days with the local authorities.
- Vaccines: no vaccinations are mandatory to enter the country. The yellow fever vaccine is only recommended for those going to border regions with Brazil, but it is not required at immigration.
Traveling to Argentina with minors under 18
Here the rules are a bit more specific. Check what applies to your case:
- With both parents: just the minor’s ID/CIN or passport. No additional authorization is required.
- With only one parent or unaccompanied: a Travel Authorization issued by a notary or the Juvenile Court in your city is mandatory, in addition to the identity document.
Practical tip: since November 2014, the Federal Police has allowed the inclusion of a permanent authorization page in a minor’s passport for unaccompanied travel or travel with one parent, which eliminates the need to renew the authorization for every trip.
Quick checklist: documents for traveling to Argentina
✅ Physical ID (issued less than 10 years ago and in good condition) OR CIN (physical or official digital) OR Valid passport
✅ Travel insurance with medical coverage (mandatory since May 2025)
✅ For minors with one parent: notarized Travel Authorization
⬜ Proof of accommodation (may be requested at immigration)
⬜ Return ticket (may be requested at immigration)
Frequently asked questions
Can I enter Argentina with a driver’s license? No. A driver’s license is not a valid travel document in Argentina.
Is a digital ID on a phone accepted? No. Only the original physical document is accepted by Argentine immigration. However, the new version, the CIN, is accepted in both formats.
Do you need a visa for Argentina? Not for tourism up to 90 days. For work, study, or a longer stay, a visa is required.
Is travel insurance really mandatory? Yes. Since Decree 366/2025, travel insurance with medical coverage is required for all foreign tourists in Argentina.
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