Argentina customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Argentina's customs enforcement is notably strict on cash declarations and biosecurity. Travelers should expect thorough inspections of food and animal products due to foot-and-mouth disease concerns. Electronic goods are frequently scrutinized to distinguish personal use from commercial intent.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare if carrying ARS equivalent of US$10,000 or more (approx. ARS 3,500,000 at 2026 rates). Use the 'Declaración Jurada de Ingreso de Efectivo' form at customs.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods up to US$800 (retail value). Above that, a 50% flat duty applies on the excess. Items over US$300 must be declared.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, even for medical use without prior authorization)
  • Fresh meat, poultry, and dairy products (risk of foot-and-mouth disease)
  • Firearms and ammunition (except with special permit from RENAR)
  • Explosives, fireworks, and flammable materials
  • Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, turtle shells, caiman leather) without CITES permit
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated media

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require ANMAT authorization)
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals (require SENASA permit)
  • Drones and radio transmitters (require approval from the National Communications Agency)
  • Satellite phones and GPS equipment with military-grade encryption (require prior authorization)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require export permit from the National Institute of Anthropology)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, all passengers must present a completed 'Declaración Jurada de Aduana' (customs declaration card). There is no separate red/green channel; hand the card to the officer and proceed. Random inspections occur.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Argentina does not offer a tourist VAT refund scheme for purchases made in the country.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 30 days are allowed without a prescription, but bring a doctor's note for controlled substances. Some common medications (e.g., certain ADHD drugs) are banned; check with ANMAT (health authority) beforehand.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Meat, dairy, and fresh produce are generally prohibited unless accompanied by a sanitary certificate. Honey and processed foods in sealed packaging may be allowed in small quantities.

Rules worth knowing

Cash Declaration Form

You must fill out the 'Declaración Jurada de Ingreso de Efectivo' if carrying over US$10,000 (or equivalent). Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines up to 50% of the amount.

Electronic Goods Scrutiny

New electronics (laptops, tablets, cameras) are often questioned. If you bring more than one of each, customs may consider them commercial goods and charge duty. Keep receipts to prove they are used.

Per Person Allowance

Duty-free allowances are per individual, not per family. Children under 16 have a reduced allowance of US$400 for goods and no alcohol/tobacco.

Temporary Import of Vehicles

If entering by car, you must complete a 'Temporary Import Permit' valid for 90 days. The vehicle must leave with you or face seizure.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you should declare it on the customs form. If it's clearly used (no box, signs of wear), it's usually allowed duty-free. A new-in-box laptop may be treated as a purchase and subject to duty if over US$800.
Yes, sealed commercial packages of yerba mate are allowed in small quantities for personal use. Loose leaves or homemade mate may be inspected for pests.
You can request a replacement at the customs office before exiting the baggage area. Without it, you may face delays or a fine.
No limit on bringing pesos, but amounts over the equivalent of US$10,000 must be declared. Exchanging large sums at the airport may require proof of origin.
Yes, but you need prior authorization from the National Communications Agency (ENACOM). Drones over 250g must be registered. Without a permit, customs may confiscate it.
Yes, but purchases at the airport duty-free are included in your US$800 allowance. Items bought there count toward the total.
If you stay in the international transit area and do not clear customs, you don't need to declare. If you leave the airport, you must go through customs and follow all rules.

Official source

Dirección General de Aduanas (Argentine Customs)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Dirección General de Aduanas (Argentine Customs) before travelling.