What to pack for Patagonia
Our advice on what to pack in order to be prepared for the unpredictable weather of Patagonia, including a video guide on packing for the W Trek in Torres del Paine.
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Passports
We recommend that all visitors to Chile and Argentina have a valid passport for at least the entire duration of your trip, considering any possible delays that could occur on your trip.
Please check with the relevant authority (embassy and/or airline) for any specific requirements or restrictions, if you are in any doubt and/or if your passport will be close to expiring at the return date of your trip.
VAT payments in Argentina
At present, in both Chile and Argentina, tourists are not charged VAT (19% in Chile, 21%, in Argentina) for their hotel/accommodation rates. This is controlled by the hotel itself, via the customer's passport stamp and/or immigration paper receipt.
Please be aware, however, that the Argentine immigration office is no longer stamping passports and are issuing travellers with an immigration QR code instead.
This QR code will be sent via email to each traveller and will act as proof that they are not required to make VAT payments at their accommodation.
For the avoidance of doubt, neither Swoop nor our local partners will be held liable for any surcharges or any taxes, including VAT or its equivalent, that may be applied as a result of national or regional government policies.
Please note that such governmental policies can be modified at short notice and without prior notification.
Carys says
Make sure you have spare pages in your passport, not only for any visas or stamps you might need but also for getting stamps in the numerous southernmost sights that you might visit such as post offices in Chile or Argentina.
Carys Siney Senior Patagonia & Polar Regions Specialist
Visa requirements for Argentina
Citizens of the European Union, the UK, the United States, Canada and Australia (among other countries), will not be required to apply for a visa when travelling to Argentina. Some of these citizens, however, may be required to pay a reciprocity fee.
If you are travelling from certain countries not mentioned above, you may need to apply for a tourist visa. Please see the Argentinian embassy website for full details of visa-exempt countries.
If you're visiting Iguazu falls, please be aware that you may need a visa to visit the Brazilian side of the falls. Please check with your local embassy.
Glacier Huemul hike
Visa requirements for Chile
Citizens of the European Union, the UK, the United States and Canada (among other countries), will not be required to apply for a visa when travelling to Chile. Some of these citizens, however, may be required to pay a reciprocity fee.
If you are travelling from certain countries not mentioned above, including Australia, you may need to apply for a visa - check with your local embassy.
If you are not required to apply for a visa, you will instead be issued with a tourist card, or 'Tarjeta de Turismo', on arrival in Chile, which will last for 90 days. This is an A5-sized white piece of paper - you must retain this document and present it to immigration when you leave.
Australians travelling to Chile
Australian passport holders are required to obtain an e-visa to enter Chile. There will be single entry and multiple entry visas available.
US traveller visa requirements for Brazil
The requirement for US citizens to obtain a visa to travel to Brazil for tourism or business has been postponed.
The new effective date for this change is January 10th, 2024. This means that US citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Brazil for tourism or business from that date onward.
If you are a US citizen travelling to Brazil for tourism or business before that date, you do not need a visa.
Applications for the electronic Visa for visits (eVisa) for US citizens will be electronic. Applications are not open yet. Updates and instructions will be published once available.
Sunset over the Iguazú Falls
Swoop says
If you are not required to apply for a visa, you will be issued a tourist card, or 'Tarjeta de Turismo', on arrival in Chile, which will last for 90 days. This is an A5-sized white piece of paper. You must retain this document and present it to immigration when you leave!
Note for travelling families
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, Chile has put in place strict requirements for the entry/exit of minors under the age of 18. Even when the minor is travelling with both parents, the parents will be required to show evidence of their relationship to the child when departing the country. Please carry an original, certified or authenticated birth certificate.
If only one parent is travelling with a minor, or neither parent is travelling, legal authorisation to take the child abroad will be required, too. This permit must be signed by the parent or parents that are not travelling.
Enjoying expansive views whilst road tripping in Chile's Aysen region
Swoop says
Need support for your visa application? We are happy to provide any documentation you may require for your visa. We ask for £25 GBP per visa to cover the administration costs involved, please ask your Customer Experience Coordinator for more details.
Reciprocity Fees: FAQs
The amount payable depends on your nationality, and only residents of certain countries have to pay it. The Chilean fee can be paid on arrival at the airport, whereas the Argentinian fee must be paid in advance.
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What are the reciprocity fees for US citizens?
Chile
US citizens are no longer required to pay a reciprocity fee.
Argentina
US citizens are no longer required to pay a reciprocity fee.
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What are the reciprocity fees for Canadian citizens?
Chile
Canadian citizens are no longer required to pay a reciprocity fee.
Argentina
As of 2018, Canadian citizens are no longer required to pay a reciprocity fee.
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What are the reciprocity fees for Australian citizens?
Chile
Australian citizens are no longer required to pay a reciprocity fee.
ArgentinaAustralian citizens are no longer required to pay a reciprocity fee.
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What are the reciprocity fees for UK citizens?
Chile
UK citizens are not required to pay a reciprocity fee.
Argentina
UK citizens are not required to pay a reciprocity fee.
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What are the reciprocity fees for Mexican citizens?
Chile
$23 USD reciprocity fee is to be paid on arrival to Chile (at the airport) in either US dollars cash or by credit card. The payment is not required when entering the country by land or vehicle.
Argentina
No reciprocity fee required.
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What are the reciprocity fees for citizens of other countries?
Chile
Please refer to your respective country’s consulate for requirements.
Argentina
Please refer to your respective country’s consulate for requirements.
Swoop says
US Citizens are no longer required to pay a reciprocity fee on entry to Argentina.
Driving licences
Most nationalities visiting Argentina and Chile will just need a regular driving licence to rent a car, however, you will be required to purchase an international driving licence if your driving licence does not have a photograph.
You may also be required to get an international driving licence if you have a licence that does not use Roman script (such as a Russian licence) or you have a photocard licence.
What our customers think of Visas & travel documentation
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More important information
Arranging insurance
Although it's not included in the price of your trip, travel insurance is a mandatory requirement that every traveller is responsible for arranging themselves.
Discover MoreBooking flights
Getting to your trip starting location will most likely involve some air travel. Here is our brief guide on flights; including reservations, taxes and baggage.
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