The second-largest country in Latin America, Argentina is one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth. With hundreds of miles of coastline bordering the country on the east and the majestic Andes Mountains creating a border to the west, the country's natural landscapes are some of its best features. Whether you're relocating to Argentina for employment, family or a change of scenery, you'll need to be properly prepared when entering the country through customs.
Here's what you need to know when preparing to travel to Argentina from the United States:
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When traveling to Argentina, you're required to be in possession of certain documents to gain entry into the country through customs. In addition to the usual documents required when traveling abroad (passport, visa, etc.) there are several other important documents you'll need if you're going to be relocating to Argentina:
- Detailed inventory of your shipment translated in Spanish (list must be detailed and must contain complete itemizations of all of your belongings - in other words, including PBO (packed by owner) and misc. in the list will not suffice)
- Certificate of Residence from your origin country (required for returned Argentine citizens ONLY)
- Valid passport showing that the bearer has resided in another country for a period of no less than 12 months and that such residence has not been interrupted with entries into Argentina for more than 40-60 days in the last 12 months prior to entering the country (required for Argentine citizens ONLY)
- Foreign Citizens must provide a valid passport with a Resident Visa (minimum period of one year) issued at the country of origin and a Permanent Entry Visa stamped on the passport by immigration authorities at the airport of entry
- Customers importing household goods with a temporary visa must deposit a Guarantee based on the value of the goods
- Customers should declare and note on their passport upon arrival at customs that they will be expecting a shipment of household goods
- ALL DOCUMENTS must show the customer's name as it appears on the passport -- abbreviations or nicknames are NOT acceptable
SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
When moving to Argentina, you may have a shipment of belongings that will be coming with you. Whether the shipment arrives at customs with you or you have it shipped via an international moving company, your goods may be subject to the Argentine government's shipping regulations. Here are some of the customs regulations currently in place for people entering Argentina:
- Customers must be present at customs clearance to sign all required papers and supply their passport to the customs officials
- Foreigners with a permanent residence visa and/or returning Argentine citizens who have been living abroad for over one year can import used household goods and personal effects duty-free
- Foreigners without a permanent residence visa may import used household goods and personal effects on a temporary basis
- One air and one sea shipment is allowed
- Shipment must arrive within six months after the customer arrives in the country, or at least three months before the customer arrives
- If a shipment arrives over six months after the customer, a special permit must be obtained from the Director General of Customs in Argentina
- These and other regulations may vary according to the customer's immigration status
- All items must be USED and have been in possession of the shipper for at least one year. New items are subject to high duties and may cause delays in customs clearance.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Although your items may be legal in your origin country, some of them may not be permitted in your destination country. The following items are prohibited from entry into Argentina through customs and may be seized upon arrival:
- Heavy weapons, ammunition and explosives
- Firearms need a special permit from the local authorities
- All firearms should be numbered separately on your shipping inventory and loaded near the container doors for easy access
- Drugs and narcotics
- Pornographic material
- New computers
- Color TVs and new TVs
RESTRICTED ITEMS
While the items on this list are not completely prohibited from entering the country through customs, there may be a tax or duty placed on them upon arrival, or other restrictions. The following items are dutiable and/or restricted:
- New items (less than six months old) are subject to high duties
- Gifts
- Only one of each major appliance is allowed
- Sports weapons allowed with proof of ownership
- Alcohol, tobacco and food products (large amounts are subject to confiscation)
- Only two bottles per adult may be imported tax-free
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you're relocating to Argentina, you may want to have a car with you in your new country. If you already own a car and you are considering having it shipped to Argentina, you should pay close attention to the rules and regulations regarding motor vehicle shipments. If you will be shipping your car to Argentina, the following guidelines and regulations will apply:
- Diplomats are permitted to import used or new autos
- Used vehicles can be imported by returning Argentinean citizens (abroad for at least two years) or immigrants with a residence in Argentina
- Importation of new vehicles is subject to Ministry of Commerce Administrative regulations and are limited to certain makes and models (consult your Destination Agent for specifics prior to forwarding)
- Vehicles for private use are subject to duty
- One vehicle per adult (21 years old or older), two per family
- Vehicles must have been registered in the customer's name and must have been purchased or transferred to the customer a minimum of three months prior to the arrival of the customer in Argentina
- Vehicle must not be sold for at least one year after clearance
- Vehicle must be imported within six months of the customer's arrival
- Documents required:
- Original Purchase Invoice
- Title
- Certificate of Residence
- Original Passport
- Original license
- Certification from an Argentine Consulate, establishing that customer has been living in the country of origin during the last 12 months (this certificate is mandatory)
- A CERTIFICADO DE PRE-EMBARQUE (Pre/Shipment Inspection Certificate) is required for the importation of automobiles and/or motorcycles.
- 2 original Ocean Bills of Lading must be in the shipper's name
- Separate Ocean Bills of Lading are required -- one for household goods and one for the vehicle (even if the household goods and auto are both in container)
- Returning citizens or importers with a permanent visa will pay duties of 78.20% on CIF value. The vehicle cannot be picked up from customs unless the duties have been paid.
- Argentine citizens returning who might have entered a move a long time ago, or importers with old residence in Argentina, may not import a motor vehicle.
- An Argentine citizen who has already imported an auto previously may not import a second auto.
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
You're welcome to bring your pet (or pets) along with you when you relocate to Argentina, but first you should familiarize yourself with the regulations regarding traveling with pets to Argentina, and the documents you'll need to clear customs:
- Air Waybill/Original Bill of Lading
- Veterinary certificate attesting to the animal's good health and issued by the Argentine consulate of the owner's country of origin.
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moves are unique in the amount of preparation and planning that is required to relocate from one country to another. In addition to securing the services of an international moving company to handle your shipment, packing your belongings and planning your moving budget, you must also consider the customs regulations in your destination country.
These regulations often vary from country to country and are subject to change.
To help you prepare for your move and ease you into your transition, we've provided you with a few helpful links to learn more about the complicated international moving process: