Crossing the Mercosur borders by land, watching the Andes loom larger in the coach window and getting off to enjoy a barbecue in Buenos Aires or a glass of wine in Mendoza and Santiago is one of South America's great road adventures. But for the experience to be pure enjoyment, getting your documents in order is the first essential step.
Many travellers still have questions about what to bring: "Do I need a passport?", "Is my driving licence accepted?", "Can my ID be old?". At Mundo a Passeio, we guide our passengers in advance so that the moment at customs is quick, simple and entirely calm.
Which document is accepted in Argentina and Chile?
Thanks to the Agreement on Travel Documents of the Mercosur States Parties and Associated States, Brazilian citizens travelling as tourists do not need a visa or a compulsory passport. You can choose one of the following original documents:
- Identity card (RG civil): Issued by the state Public Security Secretariats or by the Federal District. The document must be in excellent condition, with no tears, damaged lamination or alterations, and with a photo that allows the holder to be easily identified. It is strongly recommended that it was issued less than 10 years ago.
- Valid Brazilian passport: If you already have a passport within its validity period, you can use it as normal to have your entry stamped at the immigration posts.
What is NOT accepted at international immigration
This is one of the points that causes the most confusion among unprepared travellers:
- CNH (Carteira Nacional de Habilitação, the Brazilian driving licence): It is not accepted for international migration control, even in its digital version.
- Professional cards (OAB, CRM, CREA, military): Although they are valid as identification documents within Brazil, they are not valid for entering other Mercosur countries.
- Birth certificate or plain/certified copies: Only the original, physical identity document or the passport is accepted by border officers.
Travel by minors
For travellers under 18 who are not accompanied by one or both parents, Brazilian law requires court authorisation or express authorisation on a standard Polícia Federal form with a notarised signature, in addition to a photo identification document.
Peace of mind when travelling with Mundo a Passeio
When you travel on our Grand Tour Andino caravan, you do not have to deal with customs procedures on your own. Our guides and travel agents check the documents of all passengers before boarding, organise the control lists and help at every stage of the border inspection. While the papers are being checked, you can relax and enjoy the comfort of the leito (full-sleeper) coach and the company of your travelling group.
Do you dream of seeing Argentina and Chile by coach with full support on the road? Take a look at our international itineraries and upcoming departures or message Ana Carla directly on WhatsApp to plan your trip.
Sources and references
- Ministério das Relações Exteriores (Itamaraty), Consular Portal: travel guidance for Argentina and Chile.
- Agreement on Travel Documents of the Mercosur States Parties and Associated States.
- Polícia Federal do Brasil, migration control rules and travel authorisation for minors going abroad.
- Border operating procedures of Mundo a Passeio's international caravans.
