Documents for travelling to Argentina (Bariloche) in 2026

To travel to Argentina and visit Bariloche in 2026, Brazilians need their original physical ID card, in good condition and issued less than 10 years ago, thanks to the Mercosur agreement. A passport is optional. It's also worth bringing travel insurance, a notarised authorisation for minors travelling without both parents, and US dollars so you can exchange money at your own pace on arrival.

Do Brazilians need a passport for Argentina?

No. Argentina is a Mercosur member state, and Brazilians travelling as tourists enter the country presenting only their identity card, with no visa and no passport. In other words, you can land in Bariloche carrying just your ID. A passport remains an option, useful in two cases: when the flight connects or transits through a country that requires it, and when you simply prefer to travel with it for convenience. If you go with a passport, check that it's valid, ideally with at least six months to spare before expiry. For most people flying straight to the Andes, the ID card covers everything.

Does the ID card work for entering Argentina in 2026?

It does, as long as you respect a few details that often catch travellers out. It must be the original physical document, in good condition, and issued less than 10 years ago. That 10-year window isn't a legal expiry date in Brazil, but airlines, border authorities and the Federal Police itself can turn away anyone presenting a very old ID or one whose photo no longer matches their face. So if your ID is more than 10 years old, the safest move is to get a new copy issued before you fly. Two important points: the digital ID in the Gov.br app is not accepted at immigration, and a driving licence doesn't count as an entry document either, even if you plan to drive there. Always carry the printed document.

How does travel authorisation for minors work?

When a child or teenager travels with both parents, it's enough to bring the minor's ID or passport, bearing in mind that a birth certificate is not accepted as an entry document. Authorisation comes into play in every other situation. If the minor travels with only one parent, with another relative or entirely alone, you need a travel authorisation signed by both parents (or by the absent guardian), with the signature notarised. It's best to carry two original copies, since the Federal Police usually keep one at check-in, along with a copy of the child's ID. The authorisation should state the destination, the dates and, where applicable, the name of the accompanying adult. If the authorisation already appears in the minor's passport, no extra document is needed. Sort this out well in advance so you don't risk missing the flight.

Is travel insurance mandatory in Argentina?

Here's a warning that has become a hot topic. Since May 2025, through Decree of Necessity and Urgency number 366 of 2025, Argentina requires travel insurance with medical cover for foreigners entering the country, Brazilians included. In practice, many travellers and tourism sources recommend taking out the policy before flying and keeping proof to hand, both to avoid being denied boarding and to avoid surprises at Argentine immigration. Suggested cover usually sits between 15,000 and 30,000 dollars in medical and hospital assistance. More than a bureaucratic requirement, insurance is real protection: in a mountain and snow region like Bariloche, private medical care can be very expensive. Since rules can change, confirm the details with your airline and official sources close to your travel date.

How should you carry money and exchange it in Bariloche?

The local currency is the Argentine peso, but the advice most repeated by those who know the city is not to buy pesos before you travel, because the rate is unfavourable. The best strategy combines three fronts: bring US dollars in cash to change at Bariloche's formal exchange houses, use an international credit card in restaurants and hotels (since 2023, tourist card spending is converted at a more favourable rate) and, if you like, send money through services such as Western Union to collect pesos once in Argentina. It's worth always having some cash in pesos for daily life (taxis, cafés and small purchases) and putting larger expenses on the card. That way you enjoy the trip without losing money to a bad exchange rate.

If you are planning the whole trip, the complete guide to travelling in Argentina covers documents, the best season, how many days and how to pair it with Santiago.