Argentina customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Argentina allows non-resident adults a duty-free allowance of USD 800 for personal goods, plus 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 liters of wine/beer, and 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250 g of tobacco. Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared. Strict bans on narcotics, certain meats (due to foot-and-mouth disease/avian flu), and unregistered electronics apply in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of alcoholic beverages over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Traveller must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Amounts of USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the Customs Declaration Form (OM-164) upon arrival.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to a 50% flat duty on the excess amount.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with a medical prescription and prior ANMAT authorization)
  • Fresh or processed meats (beef, pork, poultry) from countries with foot-and-mouth disease or avian flu
  • Unregistered firearms, ammunition, and explosives
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated products
  • Endangered species products (e.g., ivory, turtle shells, caiman leather) without CITES permit
  • Plants, seeds, and soil without phytosanitary certification

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing psychotropic substances (require a medical prescription and prior ANMAT authorization)
  • Drones (must be registered with ANAC; commercial use requires additional permits)
  • Satellite phones and encrypted communication devices (require prior approval from ENACOM)
  • Cultural heritage items (antiques, art over 50 years old) require export permit from the National Institute of Anthropology
  • Cash or monetary instruments over USD 10,000 (must be declared; failure to declare results in seizure)

Rules worth knowing

Temporary Import of Electronics

Laptops, tablets, and cameras are allowed duty-free for personal use, but you may be asked to prove they are not for resale. If you bring more than one of each, customs may treat them as commercial goods and charge duty.

Duty-Free Shops in Argentina

Arriving travellers can purchase duty-free goods at the airport after clearing customs, but the total value of goods (including those bought abroad) cannot exceed USD 800. Alcohol and tobacco limits still apply.

Customs Declaration Form

All arriving passengers must complete the electronic Customs Declaration Form (OM-164) before passport control. Failure to declare restricted or prohibited items can lead to fines up to 5 times the value of the goods.

Mercosur Residents

Residents of Mercosur countries (Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay) have a reduced duty-free allowance of USD 300 for personal goods, not USD 800.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, as long as it is for personal consumption and within the 2-liter allowance for wine or beer. No permit needed for wine under 22% ABV.
No, laptops for personal use do not need to be declared, but you may be asked to prove it is not for resale. If you bring more than one, customs may treat the extra as commercial goods.
You must declare it on the Customs Declaration Form. If you declare, it is allowed. If you fail to declare, the excess can be seized and you may face a fine of up to 50% of the undeclared amount.
Yes, but it must be registered with ANAC (National Civil Aviation Administration) before arrival. For recreational use, no additional permit is needed, but you cannot fly near airports or crowds. Commercial use requires a special permit.
Yes. Fresh meat, dairy, and products containing meat are generally prohibited. Packaged, sealed snacks (like cookies or chocolate) are usually fine. Declare all food items on the form.
A flat 50% duty is applied to the value exceeding USD 800. For example, if you bring goods worth USD 1,000, you pay 50% of USD 200 = USD 100 in duties.

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.