Confusion at the border
There’s been a lot of confusion recently about how long a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) you can get for your vehicle when entering Argentina. Some travellers have only been given 3-month TIPs, and a few social media posts claimed the law had changed and 8-month TIPs were no longer available.
That is not true. The regulations potentially changed, but not to remove the 8-month TIP.
Changes to the TIP Length
In fact, a January 2025 update was made presumably to standardise TIP durations and reduce confusion at border crossings. Here’s what changed:
Before January 2025: TIPs were inconsistent and at the discretion of the Aduana official. Some travellers got 90 days, but some received up to 8 months at certain borders (like Buquebus or Cardenal Samoré). It often depended on the officer you got, which made planning hard.
After January 2025: TIP lengths are now officially based on your nationality, making the process clearer and more predictable.
The Official Aduana Website Info about the 8 Month Tip
We entered Argentina at La Quiaca (from Bolivia) and were only given a 3-month TIP. We asked for longer, but the border officials refused, saying it should match the length of our visas – which makes sense.
After doing some digging, we found the official Aduana (Customs) website confirms the rules — and we should have received 8 months. Claire contacted the Aduana through their portal and they confirmed that this was now the case.
[EDIT: As of November 2025 the original link >> HERE <<does not work. But, searching their website for “Cuál es el plazo de permanencia?” does bring up the page. Whether this is because they have changed their mind or not we have no idea. The link shown below is the working link to that hidden page.
We have now process through a number of her of Argentinian borders throughout November. In Las Libertadores and also numerous times in Patagonia. All have given us an 8 month TIP without us asking for it. Only the border with Bolivia refused an 8 month TIP.]
Here’s the official link with the details:
CLICK HERE and open the toggle section towards the bottom titled:
“Cuál es el plazo de permanencia?“
It says:
- Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay citizens get a TIP that matches their tourist visa
- Chilean citizens get 180 days (6 months), which can be extended once for another 6 months
- All other nationalities (like Canadian, American, European, Australian, etc.) get 8 months — and it can be extended once if requested at an Aduana office before the TIP expires
In our case, we exited Argentina at Paso Los Libertadores (on the Chile border) and then re-entered. On re-entry, we were correctly given the 8-month TIP.
Key tips to get an 8 Month TIP
- Not all border officials apply the rules correctly — especially at smaller crossings
- Bring a copy or screenshot of the official Aduana page to show if needed
- Be polite but firm — the 8-month TIP is part of the national regulations
Hope this clears up some confusion for other travellers. Safe riding/driving and happy travels!
Thanks for sharing. I concur with your research. At wwwxfiltrate.com motorcycle parking in Buenos Aires we are often asked for current TVIP
regulations.
We have been in business since 2006, let me know if we can help in any way. We also have hooked up with Honda offering a Buy and Sell program in Argentina.
Sorry, I only received a notification about this reply this morning for some reason. Thanks for the info and your website, I will keep that in case we plan on storing in Buenos Aires on the way back up …. if we go back up!