Can I drive in Argentina with a foreign licence, and for how long?
Verificado:
Yes. As a foreign visitor you can drive in Argentina on your national licence together with your passport — as a general rule for up to 1 year from your date of entry. For Russian citizens the benchmark is stricter: the first 3 months as a tourist (the visa-free stay and the rental company’s rules); we found no separate official rule, so check with the rental company and the Ministry of Transport. RS AVTO does not require an International Driving Permit, but one can make roadside checks in the provinces easier.
Which licences does Argentina recognise?
According to the Ministry of Transport page on argentina.gob.ar, a foreign visitor who wants to rent or drive a car must carry a passport (or a MERCOSUR ID) showing entry to Argentina and a valid driving licence. Recognised licences are:
- national licences from countries that signed the 1949 Geneva or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic
- national or international licences issued under the 1943 Washington Convention
- where the national licence alone is not recognised — an International Driving Permit (IDP). The US and the UK are parties to the 1949 Geneva Convention; the UK, Ukraine and Kazakhstan are parties to the 1968 Vienna Convention (UN Treaty Collection). Argentina itself has been a party to the Geneva Convention since 1960.
How long can I drive on a foreign licence?
As a general rule, up to 1 year from your date of entry into Argentina. The period comes from the international conventions cited by the Ministry of Transport (Geneva 1949 and Vienna 1968), not from Ley 24.449 itself. An IDP, if you have one, is valid for 1 year from its date of issue. Russian citizens: as a benchmark, the first 3 months as a tourist; after that you need an Argentine licence. There is no separate Argentine rule for Russian licences; the limit follows the length of stay — under the Argentina–Russia visa waiver agreement, Russian citizens may stay without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period (cancilleria.gob.ar). RS AVTO does not rent to Russian citizens who have been in Argentina for more than 3 months without an Argentine licence. Licences from Spain, Italy, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia and Chile can be exchanged for an Argentine one (canje); everyone else takes the tests — see Car: VTV inspection & driving licence.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
If your licence was issued by a country that is party to the conventions, a separate IDP is not legally required. But on provincial highways a police officer may not know the conventions, and an IDP (which includes a Spanish translation) can save you time. RS AVTO does not require an IDP.
What should I carry when driving in Argentina?
- Your passport with the entry stamp (it shows how long you have been in the country).
- Your valid driving licence.
- The car's papers and proof of insurance — required by Ley 24.449, art. 40 (in a rental car, the company provides them).
What to do with a foreign licence if I stay in Argentina longer?
When your foreign-licence period ends (1 year from entry; 3 months for Russian citizens), get an Argentine licence. RS AVTO rents to holders of an Argentine licence with no time limit.
Can I drive on to Uruguay with a foreign licence?
If you plan to cross the border: under ARCA rules for MERCOSUR-registered cars, the driver must hold a licence from a MERCOSUR country. If yours is from elsewhere, check with the rental company and customs beforehand; the details are in the article on driving to Uruguay.
Perguntas frequentes
How long can I drive in Argentina on a foreign licence?
As a general rule, up to 1 year from your date of entry, with your passport and a valid licence.
Can I drive with a US, UK or EU licence?
Yes, under the general rule (up to 1 year from entry).
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
Not legally, if your country is party to the Vienna or Geneva Convention; it can help at roadside checks. RS AVTO does not require one.
Can I exchange my licence for an Argentine one?
Only licences from Spain, Italy, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia and Chile.
What will the police check?
Your licence, passport with entry stamp, the car's papers and proof of insurance.
Can I rent a car on a foreign licence?
Yes. RS AVTO does not require an IDP; with an Argentine licence you can rent with no time limit.