Visa-free regime between Russia and Argentina

Since 2009, there has been a bilateral visa-free agreement between Russia and Argentina. Russian citizens with a regular passport can stay in Argentina up to 90 days during each 180-day period without applying for a visa. Trip purpose — tourism, business meetings or visiting relatives.

This means that for a trip to Ushuaia, Patagonia or Buenos Aires you don't need to go to a consulate, pay a visa fee, or wait for approval. You just need to gather a document pack and buy a ticket.

Documents needed to enter Argentina

At passport control at Ezeiza airport (EZE, Buenos Aires) or when crossing a land border you may be asked for the following:

Mandatory document checklist

  • Passport — valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry
  • Return ticket — or ticket to a third country, confirming you'll leave Argentina
  • Proof of accommodation — hotel booking, Airbnb address, or invitation from a host
  • Proof of financial means — cash, bank statement or credit card
  • Migration card (Tarjeta de Ingreso) — filled out at the border

Additional documents in special cases

  • Children under 18 with one parent — notarized consent from the second parent for travel, translated into Spanish and apostilled
  • Medical insurance — not legally required, but strongly recommended. Treatment costs in Argentina without insurance can be very high

Migration card — don't lose it

When passing passport control you'll be given a migration card (Tarjeta de Ingreso). They stamp it on entry. Keep the card until you leave the country — they'll take it at the exit passport control. Losing the card can lead to delays at the border and a fine.

Yellow fever vaccination

For entry into Argentina directly from Russia, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is not required. In Ushuaia and Patagonia there's no infection risk — this is the southernmost region of the continent.

However, if you arrive transit via Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Colombia or Peru, Argentine authorities may request an international vaccination certificate. The vaccine must be done at least 10 days before entry.

How to get to Argentina from Russia in 2026

After changes in the route network, there are no direct flights from Russia to Argentina. The most popular flight options in 2025–2026:

Via Doha (Qatar Airways)

The most in-demand route. Qatar Airways operates Moscow (DME) → Doha (DOH) → Buenos Aires (EZE). Total travel time — about 22–24 hours with a connection. Transit visa for Qatar isn't needed for Russians for connections under 24 hours.

Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)

Alternative route: Moscow → Istanbul (IST) → Buenos Aires. Comparable travel time, but the Istanbul → Buenos Aires flight doesn't run every day.

Via Santiago (Chile)

If you fly with a connection in Santiago (SCL), useful to know: Chile also grants Russians visa-free entry for up to 90 days. From Santiago to Buenos Aires — 2 hours of flight, and from Punta Arenas you can reach Ushuaia overland.

Domestic flight to Ushuaia

From Buenos Aires (EZE or Aeroparque AEP) to Ushuaia — 3.5 hours on Aerolíneas Argentinas or Flybondi. Immigration is done in Buenos Aires, in Ushuaia — just baggage claim.

Currency and money exchange

Official currency — Argentine peso (ARS). The peso rate is unstable, so we recommend:

  • Bring US dollars in cash — at money changers (casas de cambio) the rate is significantly better than paying by card
  • Visa and Mastercard are accepted in large shops and restaurants, but conversion rate is unfavorable
  • MIR cards don't work in Argentina
  • In Ushuaia there are fewer exchange points than in Buenos Aires — change the main amount in the capital

Customs rules

When entering Argentina you're allowed to bring goods for personal use up to $500 USD duty-free (for arrivals by air). Above that — customs duty 50% on the excess.

Prohibited to bring: fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products without phytosanitary certificate.

Extending your stay

If 90 days isn't enough, you can apply for an extension at Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (National Migration Directorate). Offices are in Buenos Aires and major cities. Extension is possible for another 90 days, but decisions are made individually. Alternative — leave to a neighboring country (Uruguay, Chile) and re-enter.

Frequently asked questions

Do Russian citizens need a visa for Argentina?

No. Since 2009 there's a visa-free regime. Russian citizens can stay in Argentina up to 90 days without a visa.

How long must my passport be valid?

At least 6 months from the date of entry. If your passport expires earlier — you may not be admitted to the country.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for a trip to Ushuaia?

No, if you fly direct from Russia or transit through countries where yellow fever isn't widespread (Qatar, Turkey, Chile). Vaccination is needed for transit through Brazil, Bolivia and several other countries.

Is medical insurance mandatory?

By law — no. But we strongly recommend getting a policy. Ambulance call and hospitalization in Argentina are expensive, and access to medical facilities is limited in Patagonia.

Can I pay with MIR cards in Argentina?

No, MIR cards aren't accepted. We recommend bringing US dollars in cash and changing them at exchange points (casas de cambio) at a favorable rate.

What to do if I lose the migration card?

Go to the nearest Dirección Nacional de Migraciones office to get a duplicate. Without the card there may be problems at exit. Photograph the card right after receiving it.

How to fly from Russia to Argentina in 2026?

The most convenient route — via Doha on Qatar Airways flights. Also available via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) and Santiago (LATAM). There are no direct flights from Russia.