Argentina - Customs

Arriving by Yacht:

Before Sailing to Argentina, check with the Argentine consulate with regards to what one needs to do with regard to exit and entry papers, leaving the boat, hauling your vessel, having work done on your vessel or anything that may create a potential problem with Customs.  If you can get this in writing, even better.

Using a shipping agent for clearance etc. appears to prevent any problems with Customs, for now.

For the latest on Customs rules and fines being imposed for perceived infringements, see cruising reports.

Length of Stay:

Most foreign flagged yachts are permitted to stay in Argentina for the duration of the crew's visa (in most cases 90 days) and a customs document pertaining to this will be issued on arrival. However, foreign flagged yachts are allowed to be temporarily imported for a maximum period of eight months except for those coming from a Mercosur country, (ie. Uruguay, Brazil). In this case, the period of importation is reduced to three months.

A vessel may not visit Argentina for the purpose of carrying out repairs without importing the vessel. Repairs may only be carried out for damage sustained within the country for the purpose of allowing the vessel to leave under the conditions of the temporary import. Any repair work should be cleared with the local Customs office ahead of time (See "Further Possible Fines" below).

Note that Argentine Customs now state:

No vessel may be left unattended in Argentine waters without the written application to, and consent of, the local Customs authority.

A power of attorney must be granted to a resident living within a certain radius from the boat and a notarized letter produced to communicate this information to customs and coast guard. The penalty for infringement is 1% of the value of the vessel.

No vessel may breach the terms of their conditions of entry into the country by using their boats for commercial activities while in Argentina.

If a yacht is deemed to be chartering in Argentina waters by Customs, they are liable to a fine of 30% of the value of the vessel. Remember, even if you make a voyage in Argentina waters with people paying costs aboard, you could then be construed to be a charter vessel.

Further Possible Fines:-

The local Customs have come up with all sorts of ways one could be considered to be breaking the rules. This includes but is not limited to:

Modifying or repairing the boat, purchasing goods or equipment locally, leaving the vessel and travelling overland, even purchasing fuel can be considered an infraction without going through the laborious process of completing paperwork. Any infraction could lead to boat arrest and a spot fine of 1%.

Other items:

Firearms must be declared to customs.

Importing Parts/Spares:

This is best avoided. Cruisers recommend having spares sent to Punta Arenas, Chile instead: even the locals do.

Last updated:  August 2020