The latest from Argentina
Argentina currently has no entry requirements in place that relate to Covid-19 (including vaccination, which is not mandatory to enter the country). However, please also be aware that your Patagonia operator(s) may have requirements relating to Covid-19 that you need to comply with.
Travel insurance is extremely important when visiting Patagonia and is a mandatory requirement for everyone. We strongly recommend that you take some time to read through our guide to arranging insurance for your adventure. You can read more about other requirements in our guide to visas and travel documentation.
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.
Flights, airports & connections
Getting to your trip starting location will most likely involve some air travel. Since Patagonia is a vast region encompassing parts of both Chile and Argentina, you will need some time to arrive and depart from different airports. We've compiled a brief guide on flight information for both countries, including suggested travel times, airport taxes and baggage allowances.
Travel insurance
Whilst travel insurance with specific coverage for Covid-19 is no longer an official requirement of the Argentine government when entering Chile (official source), all international travellers are strongly recommended by the Argentine authorities to have medical insurance that covers any expenses relating to this.
Bear in mind that Argentina has previously required a fixed level of medical insurance for Covid-19, so although they have currently dropped this requirement, we are conscious that it could be brought back if the situation changes.
Here at Swoop, we require all customers to have adequate insurance and your Patagonia operator(s) will also have requirements that you need to comply with.
Finally, we recommend that you carry a printout of your policy (and possibly a spare copy in case you lose one).
Visas & travel documentation
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.
Visas
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. If you are travelling from certain countries not mentioned above, you may need to apply for a tourist visa - check with your local embassy.
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.
Reciprocity fees
Some nationalities may have to pay a reciprocity fee in order to enter Argentina. You should verify this with your local Argentine embassy.
Swoop says
We recommend bringing printed copies of all essential documents where possible. If you are relying on your phone, only to discover the battery has drained, or you don't have a signal or WIFI when you need it, this might add unnecessary stress to your journey.
Disclaimer
Information provided by Swoop is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time only, but we cannot be held responsible for changes not immediately reflected on this website or in information shared with you. Customers should undertake research appropriate to their circumstances before making final decisions.
Where links to government, operators or other third-party sites are provided, again this information is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge, but we cannot be held responsible for third-party content.