If you’re enjoying Argentina and want to stay longer, extending your tourist visa is a straightforward process—provided you know what to expect.
If you’re visiting Argentina on a tourist visa, you’ll typically be granted 90 days upon entry.
But what happens when those three months are up?
You have two main options: renewing your visa at Migraciones or taking a quick trip across the border.
Both approaches have their pros and cons, and which one you choose depends on your travel plans and personal preferences.
Many of us at Wander Argentina have gone through this experience and have compiled this guide to help others navigate the system efficiently.
When to Go
Officially, you’re supposed to apply for an extension between 3 and 10 days before your visa expires, but it’s unclear if this rule is strictly enforced.
The best advice is to follow the rules and go within this time frame.
Where to Go
You’ll need to visit Migraciones (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones) in Buenos Aires. The office is located here:
📍 Migraciones Argentina
They open at 8:00 AM, and it’s a good idea to arrive early. There are typically a few dozen people already there waiting at 8:00 a.m.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Entering Migraciones
- There are two queues at the entrance, but if you’re unsure which one to take, just follow the crowd.
- The security checkpoint starts moving after all the employees have a few rounds of mate, and by about 9:00 a.m. you’ll hopefully reach the front
- Tell the staff member:
“Quiero hacer una prórroga para extender mi estadía en Argentina.” - They’ll direct you to another staff member who will then point you to Building 3.
2. Checking In at Building 3
- Wait in a short line outside. When you reach the front, repeat the same phrase.
- You’ll be directed inside to a triage desk.
- A staff member will then send you to a specific line inside the building.
3. Processing Your Request
- A desk officer will ask for your passport and enter your details into the system.
- After a few minutes, they’ll hand you a receipt with a number and direct you to the waiting area.
4. Interview & Biometrics
- After about 5–10 minutes, a staff member will call your number.
- They’ll ask basic questions such as:
- Marital status
- Are you a student?
- Phone number, email, and address in Argentina
- They’ll take your photo for biometrics and fingerprints before handing you a paper to bring to the payment counter.
5. Paying the Fee
- The extension fee is 4,000 ARS (2025, subject to change).
- Payment is made at a designated caja (cashier) in the back corner of the room.
- Once you pay, you’ll receive a stamped receipt as proof.
6. Finalizing the Extension
- Return to the same official who collected your biometrics.
- Hand over your proof of payment and wait a few more minutes.
- Instead of a separate document, your passport will now be stamped with your new extension.
7. You’re Done!
If you’re lucky, within two hours, you’ll be walking out with three more months added to your stay.
The entire process takes about 1.5 hours, though wait times may vary.
Final Tips
✔ Arrive early to avoid long waits.
✔ Know the phrase “Quiero hacer una prórroga para extender mi estadía en Argentina.”
✔ Bring cash in case card payments aren’t accepted.
✔ Have your local address and contact details ready for the form.
Extending your tourist visa in Argentina is fairly painless — just follow the steps, be patient, and enjoy your extended stay. 🇦🇷✈️
Extra Credit Excursion:
After you’re done at Migrations, reward yourself by visiting the back of the shopping gallery across the street from the immigration building to find some homemade Sopa Paraguaya.
It’s a delicious and nutritious cornbread stable of Paraguay filled with cheese and onions. It’s sold here for hungry immigrants looking for a taste from home.
Renewing the 90-Day Argentina Tourist Visa Outside of Buenos Aires:
The Dirección Nacional de Migraciones in Buenos Aires is the country’s primary office but some provincial DNM delegations (e.g., Mendoza, Córdoba, Salta) can process extensions too.
You still need to visit within 10 days of your visa expiring, bring your passport, and pay a fee.
This is a typical ‘your milage may vary’ situation, so your best best is to check www.migraciones.gov.ar or go to the office in your locality and check ahead of time.
