Passports, but not Visas, are required for travelers to Argentina. Foreign travelers do not need visas for stays less than 90 days, but should be careful not to stay longer, or they may be subject to a fine. For current updates on entry-requirements to Argentina the government's webpage offers helpful information.

If you are a US, Australian or Canadian citizen, you will need to pay a reciprocity fee before you enter Argentina. This fee may vary depending on your nationality.

The Argentine National Immigration Directorate (DNM) has launched a new online method of payment to enable payment of the reciprocity fee via credit card. Travelers can now pay this fee through the Provincia Pagos payment system, by accessing the following websites: www.provinciapagos.com.ar and www.migraciones.gov.ar.

Steps to process the payment of the Reciprocity Fee online

1. Register at www.provinciapagos.com.ar and obtain an entry code.

2. Complete the form including personal and credit card details . This information and the entry code will be sent electronically to the DNM.

3. After payment is processed, print the receipt. You MUST have this receipt with you in order to enter the country. Many times they will also ask you for it at your departure city.

4. Upon arrival in Argentina, go to the DNM Office and present the printed receipt.

5. The receipt will be scanned by DNM staff and the data will be validated to enable entry to Argentina.

The generated proof must be printed and presented to authorities along with documentation for immigration control (in Argentina as well as countries outside of Argentina during your journey.) Note that while in the past this was only required when entering Argentina from EZE or AEP airports in Buenos Aires, this is now required for all points of entry.

Customs & Bus Travel

Many visitors to Mendoza will take a bus to or from Chile as a part of their South American adventure, and border crossing is an important step to keep in mind, whether you are coming from or going to Chile.

A few tips:

-Be patient – Waiting to go through customs in Chile can take from 30 minutes to five hours. Eat beforehand (no food is allowed to pass through ), and bring some good reading material.

-Throw away your food – Chile charges a very costly fine for any fruit that you may try to bring through, and frowns upon bringing through any other types of food. Be sure to read your immigrations form thoroughly and check your bag before going through immigrations.

-Keep your valuables with you at all times. Better safe than sorry.