Immigration & Customs Control

Traveling through Ezeiza Buenos Aires International Airport (Ministro Pistarini) in Buenos Aires is a key step when entering or leaving Argentina. Understanding the border control process can save you time and reduce stress. This guide covers everything from arrival procedures, what immigration officers will ask, customs regulations, to departure formalities, with tips to make your experience smoother.

Upon landing at Ezeiza, all passengers must pass through border control to enter Argentine territory. The process is divided into several stages: immigration, luggage pickup, and customs inspection.

Immigration Control

The first checkpoint is passport control, where immigration officers will verify your identity and eligibility to enter Argentina. Be prepared to present:

• Your passport valid for at least six months
• Proof of your address or accommodation in Argentina (hotel booking, rental agreement, or invitation letter)
• A return or onward ticket, if required, to confirm your planned exit from Argentina
• Proof of health insurance

The immigration officer’s primary goal is to confirm your intent and ability to stay legally within the country. Visitors traveling on tourist visas typically receive authorization to stay for 90 days, which may be extendable for an additional 90 days in certain cases. Note that some tourists are visa-exempt and must respect the 90-day limit, while others may have a maximum stay of 180 days per calendar year depending on their nationality.

Wait Times and Crowd Levels

Ezeiza airport can experience varying levels of passenger flow depending on the time of day and season. For real-time updates on crowd levels and estimated processing times, consult the Crowd Levels Page. This resource helps travelers anticipate how long immigration and customs might take, allowing better planning especially if you have connecting flights or tight schedules.

Luggage Pickup

After clearing passport control, passengers proceed to the baggage claim area to collect checked luggage. Keep your baggage tags handy in case officers request verification.

Customs Control

Next, all passengers must go through customs. Argentina enforces strict regulations regarding what travelers can bring into the country, with clear limits on duty-free purchases and cash declarations.

• Each passenger is allowed duty-free purchases up to USD 500 or equivalent in other currencies.
• If your purchases exceed this amount, you must pay a 50% customs tax on the surplus. For example:
• If you bring in an item valued at USD 600, subtract the USD 500 allowance leaving USD 100 surplus. The customs tax will be 50% of USD 100, so you pay USD 50.
• Cash up to USD 10,000 (or equivalent) can be brought in without declaration; minors under 16 years old are limited to USD 5,000.
• Personal electronics like phones and laptops are exempt from the duty-free purchase limits.

Prohibited Items

Argentina strictly prohibits the import of:

• Archaeological or cultural artifacts
• Merchandise intended for commercial or industrial purposes
• Narcotics and illegal substances
• Weapons and explosives (unless authorized by the National Arms and Explosives Registry, ANMAC)
• Household white goods (large appliances)

Failing to comply with these regulations can result in confiscation, fines, or legal consequences.

When leaving Argentina, travelers must complete border control formalities before boarding their flight.

Passport Control on Departure

You will go through exit immigration where your passport and travel documents will be checked. Make sure you comply with the authorized length of stay. Tourists traveling visa-free must not exceed 90 days, while the general maximum for tourists is 180 days per calendar year.

Customs Regulations for Exiting Passengers

Before departure, it’s important to check the customs and currency regulations of your destination country regarding the cash and goods you are carrying. Argentina does not restrict cash export except as noted, but your next country may have strict rules.

General Stay Limits

Argentina allows tourists to stay up to 90 days for rest or recreation, with a possible extension of an additional 90 days. Exceeding these limits can cause problems at departure or future re-entry.