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Argentina ↔ Chile

Guide to crossing the Andes

Practical information with source and verification date. Before you leave, check the status of the pass at the official source: hours and conditions change.

8:00 – 19:00Cardenal Samoré crossing (Villa La Angostura ↔ Osorno). The time is the same in Argentina and Chile. In effect since Sunday 6 September 2026.
Source: Centro de Frontera via ANBariloche, 4 Sep 2026 · Verified on 9 Oct 2026

If you travel from Argentina to Chile

Personal documents

  • Digital DNI (card or light-blue booklet) or passport. Green- or burgundy-cover DNIs are no longer valid for leaving the country, and neither are receipts for a DNI in process.
  • Minors under 18: with both parents it is enough to prove the relationship (family booklet, birth certificate or the minor's DNI with the parents' details). If traveling with only one, the absent parent's authorization is required.
  • Cash and securities: up to USD 10,000 per traveler over 16 and up to USD 5,000 for those under 16.

If you cross by car

  • Valid driver's license and insurance with international cover.
  • If you are the owner: green card or title deed. If you are not: a valid blue or green card and an authorization from the owner, with a certified signature or by power of attorney before a notary.
  • The plate number must be engraved on the windshield and on the rear window.
  • Rental car: Mercosur travel authorization issued by the company, which must be cleared to leave through the chosen crossing.
  • On entering Chile you fill in the vehicle exit and temporary admission form.

Products and checks in Chile

Animal or plant products must be declared to the Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG). Some products need special authorization from Customs.

If you travel from Chile to Argentina

Part of this information comes from Chile's official border crossings site. What appears as "according to a commercial source" comes from travel and insurance guides: check those points with Argentine Migration and Customs before you leave.

Personal documents

  • Valid identity card or passport in good condition. To enter as a tourist by land, the identity card is enough, according to Chile's Customs advice page.
  • Tourist stay of up to 90 days, with the option to request an extension from Argentine Migration (according to commercial sources).
  • At the border you may be asked for a return ticket, an address where you will stay and proof of funds (according to a commercial source).
  • Download and fill in the SAG and Customs declarations in advance.
  • Minors under 18: with both parents, their ID and proof of the relationship (for example, the birth certificate). With only one, a notarized authorization from the parent who is not traveling. With a third party or alone, a notarized authorization from both parents (according to a commercial source; the official site mentions the notarized authorization).
  • Carry a digital copy of your documents and check that they have not expired.

If you cross by car

  • ID card or passport, vehicle registration and driver's license.
  • "Vehicle Exit and Temporary Admission" form, which for Argentina is electronic.
  • International vehicle insurance. The Chilean SOAP is not valid in Argentina: you need civil liability insurance that is valid there (according to commercial sources).
  • Owner's authorization if the car is not yours.

Products and checks in Argentina

  • Declare all plant and animal products. The guides we consulted say that fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, unpasteurized dairy, seeds, plants, soil and honey are usually prohibited or restricted.
  • Goods that exceed your luggage allowance in quantity or value are subject to the applicable regime. A commercial source mentions declaring purchases above USD 300 by land: check the amount with Customs.
  • Do not accept errands or belongings from strangers.

Crossing at night or in winter

  • The route is high mountain, with sudden weather changes, ice, whiteouts, avalanches and landslides. It can snow up to 2 meters in less than 24 hours.
  • On holidays, long weekends and in summer, bring warm clothes, food, water and fuel.
  • Bring chains, a shovel, a tow rope, a flashlight, a first-aid kit and dark glasses.
  • Give way to vehicles going uphill, slow down and use your lights. If the car skids, do not brake with the pedal: turn the wheel toward the side of the skid.

Check each crossing's hours at pasosfronterizos.gov.cl before you leave.

Crossings in the Neuquén and Los Lagos area

  • Cardenal SamoréVilla La Angostura ↔ Osorno
  • Hua HumSan Martín de los Andes ↔ Panguipulli
  • Mamuil MalalJunín de los Andes ↔ Curarrehue
  • IcalmaVilla Pehuenia ↔ Icalma
  • Pino HachadoLas Lajas ↔ Liucura

The hours of these crossings change by season. We verified Cardenal Samoré and, on the Argentine side, Pino Hachado. Mamuil Malal is usual 2025 hours. For Hua Hum and Icalma we have no data: check the official source.

Verified on 9 Oct 2026
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Sources