Argentina customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Argentina's customs authority (ARCA) enforces one of South America's lowest duty-free allowances for goods, and the green channel is a genuine gamble: undeclared excess is taxed at 50% and can be seized outright. Biosecurity is equally unforgiving — a forgotten apple in a carry-on can trigger a fine.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
2.0 L
2 litres of alcoholic beverages duty-free, any type. No separate wine or beer allowance. Must be 18+ to import alcohol.
Tobacco
400 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / — g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare if carrying US$10,000 or more (or the equivalent in any currency). Use the 'Declaración Jurada de Divisas' form at customs. There is no limit on the amount, but undeclared amounts can be seized.
Goods duty-free
$300
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is US$300 per adult (US$150 for minors under 16). Above that, a flat 50% duty applies to the excess value. This includes new items such as electronics, clothing, and perfume.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances
  • Fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants
  • Meat and meat products (including cured meats)
  • Dairy products
  • Honey and bee products
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated media

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Firearms and ammunition (require special permit)
  • Prescription medications (up to 90 days with prescription; controlled substances need permit)
  • Live animals and pets (require health certificate and import permit)
  • Drone cameras (may require permit from ANAC)
  • Satellite phones (require permit from ENACOM)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After baggage claim, choose the red or green channel. If you have nothing to declare and are within all allowances, use the green channel. If you exceed any allowance or carry restricted items, use the red channel and present a completed customs declaration form (available on the plane or at the airport).

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Argentina offers a VAT refund for tourists on purchases of goods over ARS 70 (approx. US$0.20) at participating stores. Look for the 'Tax Free' sign. Claim at the Global Blue or Tax Free refund desk in the international departures area before check-in. You must show the goods, receipts, and your passport. Refund is 21% VAT minus a service fee.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 90 days are allowed with a prescription or doctor's letter. Controlled substances (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, amphetamines) require a special permit from the Argentine Ministry of Health. Some common Western meds like pseudoephedrine are restricted. Always carry in original packaging.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and honey are prohibited. Processed and packaged foods may be allowed if declared. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation.

Rules worth knowing

Low duty-free limit for goods

The US$300 allowance is per adult and includes all new items. If you buy a laptop or phone abroad, it counts. Anything above US$300 is taxed at 50% of the excess value.

Strict food and plant bans

Argentina is very strict about biosecurity. Even a single apple or sandwich can trigger a fine. Declare all food or risk penalties.

Cash declaration threshold

You must declare if you carry US$10,000 or more in cash or equivalent. This includes all currencies combined. Undeclared cash can be confiscated.

Minors have lower allowance

Travellers under 16 years old have a duty-free goods allowance of only US$150, half the adult limit. Alcohol and tobacco allowances do not apply to minors.

Frequently asked questions

All personal goods, including electronics, are combined under the US$300 allowance. If the total value of your new items exceeds US$300, you pay 50% duty on the excess. For example, a US$500 laptop would incur 50% of US$200 = US$100 duty.
Drones are restricted. You need a permit from the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) for recreational use. Without it, customs may seize the drone. Apply well in advance.
You can bring up to US$10,000 (or equivalent in any currency) without declaring. If you have more, you must fill out a currency declaration form at customs. There is no limit on the amount, but undeclared excess can be confiscated.
Yes. Personal medications for up to 90 days are allowed with a prescription. Controlled substances like opioids or benzodiazepines require a special permit from the Ministry of Health. Always carry medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter.
If caught, you will be required to pay the 50% duty on the excess, plus possible fines. In serious cases, goods may be seized. It's always better to declare.
Most food items are prohibited, including fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy. Packaged snacks may be allowed if declared. Cheese is considered a dairy product and is banned. Declare all food to avoid fines.
Yes, tourists can claim a VAT refund on purchases over ARS 70 at participating stores. Look for the 'Tax Free' sign. Claim at the refund desk in the international departures area before check-in. You need receipts, passport, and the goods.

Official source

Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos (AFIP) - Dirección General de Aduanas

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