Antarctica
A visa is not required for Antarctica, however you must have a valid passport. Your operator will collect your passport at embarkation and return it to you on disembarkation.
Argentina
Visas
Citizens of certain countries may require a tourist visa to enter Argentina. Requirements vary by nationality and change without notice. Check with your government's official foreign travel advice service or the nearest Argentine consulate to confirm what you need before you travel.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the entirety of your intended stay in Argentina. Airlines may apply their own validity standards beyond what Argentina officially requires. Check before you fly.
Health insurance
As of July 2025, Argentina requires all foreign visitors to carry valid travel health insurance covering medical care, hospitalization, emergency evacuation, and repatriation for the duration of their stay. Proof may be requested at entry points including airports, ports, and land border crossings. Enforcement has been inconsistent since the rule was introduced, but the requirement is in effect. Carry proof of coverage in printed or digital form. If your existing health plan does not provide international coverage, purchase a supplemental policy before you travel.
Chile
Visas
Citizens of certain countries may require a visa to enter Chile for tourism. Requirements vary by nationality and change without notice. Check with your government's official foreign travel advice service or the nearest Chilean consulate to confirm what you need before you travel.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the entirety of your intended stay in Chile. Airlines may apply stricter validity standards. Check before you fly.
Health insurance
Chile does not currently require proof of health insurance for entry, but medical facilities in Punta Arenas and remote Patagonia are limited. Make sure you have coverage that works internationally before you travel.
Tourist card
On arrival in Chile you’ll be issued a tourist card, a small paper form. Keep it and don’t lose it! You will need to surrender it when you leave the country. If you do lose it, request a duplicate online through the Chilean police investigations website (PDI) before your departure.
VAT exemption on accommodation
Foreign travelers are legally exempt from Chile's 19% VAT on hotel accommodation. To claim this exemption, present your passport and tourist card at check-in. If you do not present them, the hotel may charge the tax.
Agricultural declarations
Both Argentina and Chile take biosecurity seriously. On arrival you will be asked to declare any animal or plant products you are carrying. Do not underestimate this. Failing to declare items, particularly in Chile, can result in significant fines. If in doubt, declare it. An officer will assess whether it poses a risk.
The practical bottom line
For most travelers, the preparation required for Argentina and Chile comes down to three things: confirm your visa status, check your passport validity, and sort out your health insurance before you fly. The insurance question is the one most people overlook, and in Argentina it is now a legal requirement.
IMPORTANT: The information above is a guideline of what to look for and is subject to change. You must verify your own entry and migration requirements from official government sources. We assume no liability for information on this page - it is not official guidance.
Last reviewed: June 17, 2026
