Argentine passport

An Argentine passport (Spanish: Pasaporte argentino, pronounced [pˌasapˈoɾte ˌaɾxentˈino] ^ⓘ) is an identity document issued to nationals of Argentina for the purpose of international travel. An Argentine passport is, besides the Argentine ID card and the Argentine Emergency Travel Document (called "Pasaporte de Emergencia de Lectura Mecánica"), the only other officially recognised document that Argentine authorities will routinely accept as proof of identity from Argentine citizens. Besides serving as proof of identity and presumption of Argentine nationality, they facilitate the process of securing assistance from Argentine consular officials abroad (or other Mercosur members in the case that a Argentine consular facility is absent). Argentine passports are valid for ten years (for people aged 18 and older) or five years (for people under the age of 18) and share the standardised layout and navy blue design with other Mercosur passports. Every Argentine citizen is also a citizen of the Mercosur. The passport, along with the national identity card, allows for free rights of movement and residence in any of the states of the Mercosur, Andean Community and Chile (with the exception og Guayana and Suriname).

Argentine passport Pasaporte argentino
The front cover of a contemporary Argentine biometric passport (with chip ) from 2023
Type	Passport
Issued by	National Registry for People (ReNaPer) (In Argentina) Argentine embassies or consulates (Aboard)
First issued	2012 (First biometric version) 2018[1] (smart case) 2023 (accent on "República" in the cover)[2]
Purpose	ID
Eligibility	Argentine citizenship or special cases[3]
Expiration	5 years after issuance (people aged 0-17) or 10 years after issuance (people 18 or older)
Cost	AR$70,000 regular AR$150,000 express AR$250,000 instant [4]

The back cover of the current version^[5] of the Argentine passport

Issuance

In accordance with Presidential Decree 2015–66, in order to get an Argentine passport, a person must go to the nearest civil registry office and present his/her national identity document, birth certificate and a proof of marital status (unless single). If the person is an Argentine citizen by naturalisation rather than by birth, a citizenship certificate (carta de ciudadanía) must also be presented. Citizens under the age of 18 may get a passport only with parental authorization. Argentines living outside the country must follow the same procedure at an Argentine embassy or consulate.

Since January 2011, Argentine passport are valid for 10 years. Beforehand, they were valid only for 5-year periods.

Passports are not issued to persons who are under arrest because of criminal offenses, or to those labeled 'dangerous' as per the South American Police Agreement of 1920.

Time of processing

Processing time for an Argentine "Regular" passport is usually 15 days,^[6] but one can be issued in 96 hours by using the Express service if paying ARS 150.000.^[7] Or from 2 to 6 hours, if ARS 250.000.^[8]

Physical appearance

Passport card cover page of the Argentine passport in the version issued since 2023

Passport card cover page of the Argentine passport in the version issued since 2023

Argentine passports have, since 2004, followed the standard Mercosur passport design, with navy blue cover and the Phrygian cap emblazoned in the centre of the front cover. On 12 June 2012, Argentina unveiled a new passport design to be issued from that year. The changes included a new bicontinental map on the back cover according to the disposición 3656/2018. The new passport contains new security features and graphics. For example, an large depiction of the worldmap and the map of the country is visible under UV light.

The words MERCOSUR and REPÚBLICA ARGENTINA (Spanisn for "Argentine republic") are inscribed above the coat of arms. The words Pasaporte (Spasnish for "Passport") appear below.

Argentine passports are normally 32 pages long; They cannot extended.

It has a data page with a machine-readable zone and a digital photograph of the passport holder.

• Surname
• Name at birth
• Given names
• Date of birth
• Sex
• Nationality Argentina (In the Exceptional Passport for Foreginers any other)
• Place of birth
• Date of issue
• Date of expiry
• Authority that issued the passport
• DNI number (known officially in English as “personal number”)^[9]
• One visible fingerprint
• Owner's signature (_______)

The previous version also included:

• Passport copy (i.e., the number of passports the bearer had before the current one)
• Marital status
• Police-registry Number

A map of South America appears on the back of Argentine passports, showing the country's location within the continent, with the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Sandwich Islands, and the Argentine Antarctic Claim (Antártida Argentina).

The page ends with a 2-line machine readable zone, according to ICAO standard 9303. The country code is not DEU as is the standard country code for Germany (according to ISO 3166-1 alpha-3), but D. This is the only country/citizen code which does not consist of 3 letters. The MRZ also includes a version number (YYMM).

Between 2017 and 2019, the so-called security laminefeature was added – a number of holographic security elements, including a bright, prominent hologram in the upper right corner (the so-called Holographic Shadow Picture), a holographic copy of the machine-readable zone, holographic microprinting, and kinematic elements.^[10]

Following page

The following page (page 5) have a remarks page, this parts can be used for instace if:^[11]

• They were children of native Argentine citizens who, having been born abroad, opted for citizenship of origin (Article 1, Inciso 2, Law No. 346 and its amendments).
• They were born in the legations or on warships of the Argentine Republic (Article 1, Inciso 3, Law No. 346 and its amendments).
• They were born in neutral seas, under the Argentine flag (Article 1, Inciso 5, Law No. 346 and its amendments).

Languages

The data page/information page is printed in Spanish, English. There are also parts described in French and Portuguese (see below).

RFID chip with biometric certificate

Since 2012, Argentine passports have had a contactless smartcard (proximity card) chip and 13.56 MHz loop antenna embedded into the front cover page,in accordance with ICAO standards. The chip and antenna are not easily visually recognisable, but their presence is indicated using the ICAO biometric passport symbol at the bottom of the front cover. It carries all the data printed in the passport, including a JPEG file of the photo, protected by a digital signature.^[12] Since 1 November 2005, German passports have had a contactless smartcard (proximity card) chip and 13.56 MHz loop antenna embedded into the front cover page,^[13] in accordance with ICAO standards. The chip and antenna are not easily visually recognisable, but their presence is indicated using the ICAO biometric passport symbol at the bottom of the front cover. It carries all the data printed in the passport, including a JPEG file of the photo, protected by a digital signature. Germany therefore became only the fifth country in the world (after Malaysia, Thailand, Sweden, and Australia) to introduce biometric passports.

In addition the passport has the following historical milestones:

• Previously the ten fingerprints were taken physically with ink, but later were digitally by the ReNaper.
• The previously nine-digit, all-numeric, sequentially assigned serial number was replaced with a new alphanumeric pseudorandomly assigned higher-entropy serial number, to increase the entropy of the serial number from the previous 35 digits to 45 bits. This improves the cryptographic key strength of the Basic Access Control mechanism of the RFID chip by 10 bits, which makes a brute force attack approximately 1000 times more expensive.
• The Argentine passport initially has had a validity of five years for all ages.^[14] Then by 2 May 2011 the validity of the passport was ten years for adults, five years for minors.^[15] Later it was changed for 10 years for everyone and then it was reverted to the previous.^[16]

Different spellings of the same name within the same document

• Names of Cyrillic origin (such as Russian): In Argentine passport, names which originally appeared in non-Latin scripts are transliterated in keeping with international standards such as ISO 9, to give a standard and accurate representation in the Latin alphabet. For example:
  • Ж → Ž
  • Ч → Č
  • Ш → Š
  • Щ → Šč
  • Ю → Û
  • Я → Â

For example, the Russian surname Горбачёв is transcribed

"Gorbatschow" in German,

"Gorbachev" in English (also ICAO standard),

"Gorbatchov" in French,

"Gorbachov" in Spanish,

"Gorbaczow" in Polish, and so on.

This causes Russian surnames and given names appear uniformly on the DNI, allowing identification and avoiding confusions between writing systems. Although there are no strict standards by law, these regulations are traditionally adhered to in practice for Argentine identification cards.^[17]

• Use of diacritics: The Argentine passport has historically often been issued without diacritics such as acute accents (tildes) in personal names. However, if the omission can be verified against the official birth certificate —the primary source for identity data— a rectification may be requested. Such corrections are considered an issuance error and can be processed without cost if claimed within 90 days of delivery of the document.^[18]

Issuing process

Argentine passport are issued, just like Argentine DNIs, by Renaper Documentation Centers or in the Civil Registries. Applicants have to apply for a new passport in person and the data in newly issued passports is essentially an authenticated copy of the personal data found in locally stored registration documents.^[19] Argentine passport can be processed in Shopping centers.^[20]

Passport message

Passports of many countries contain a message addressed to authorities of other countries identifying the bearer as a citizen of the issuing country, requesting that he or she be allowed to enter and pass through the other country, and requesting that, when necessary, he or she be given assistance consistent with international norms. In Argentine passport, the message is in Spanish, English, Portuguese and French. The message is:

In Spanish:

En nombre del Gobierno de la República Argentina, la autoridad que expide el presente pasaporte ruega y solicita a todos aquellos a quienes puede concernir, dejen pasar libremente a su titular y prestarle la asistencia y protección necesaria.

In English:

The Government of the Argentine Republic hereby requests all whom it may concern, to permit the bearer to pass without delay or hindrance and in case of need, to give all lawful aid and protection.

In Portuguese:

Em nome do Governo da República Argentina, a autoridade que concede o presente passaporte roga e solicita às autoridades competentes, deixar passar livremente o titular e prestar-lhe toda a assistência e proteção necessária.

In French:

Au nom du Gouvernement de la République Argentine, l'autorité qui délivre le présent passeport demande à tous ceux qui pourraient être concernés, de laisser passer librement son titulaire et lui prêter l'assistance et la protection nécessaire.

Required Documents to Apply for Passport in Argentina

Individuals applying for an adult passport in Argentina need to adhere to specific document requirements. The following outlines the necessary documents for those aged 18 and above:

• Valid DNI Card: A current, valid DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) card is required.
• Previous Passport (Recommended but Not Mandatory):
  • While it is recommended, presenting a previous passport is not obligatory.
    • For Incapacitated Individuals:
• Judicial Testimony of Guardianship or Authorization:
  • In the case of incapacitated persons, a judicial testimony designating the guardian(s) or authorization must be provided.
  • If no designated guardian is available, the accompanying person(s) should present the corresponding judicial authorization.
• DNI of Guardian(s) or Authorized Person:
  • The DNI of the person(s) designated as guardians or authorized judicially must be presented.
• Express Consent from Legal Guardian:
• The explicit consent of the legal guardian, indicating that their authority is not restricted, is required. If restricted, judicial authorization is necessary.

For Applicants Below 18 Years

• In addition to the above requirements, applicants under 18 must fulfill the following:
• Accompanying Parent or Legal Representative:
• The presence of a parent, mother, or legal representative along with their valid DNI is mandatory.
• Permission for Passport Processing Without Parental Presence:
• A written permission, certified by a relevant authority (notary or judge), explicitly stating that the authorization extends to passports, DNIs, travel documents, or similar specific references.
  • Emancipated Minors:
• Emancipated minors need to provide judicial testimony signed by the competent authority as per applicable laws.For Accreditation of Legal Representative:
• Judicial Document or Guardianship Testimony:
• A judicial document or testimony of the minor's guardianship, issued by the court and bearing the seal and signature of the judge or authorized official.
  • Authorization for Minors in Institutions:
• If the minor is in an institution, an authorization for representation signed and stamped by the relevant competent authority is required.
• Judicial Document or Testimony of Temporary Guardianship for Adoption:
• For cases of temporary guardianship with adoption purposes, a judicial document or testimony is needed, signed and stamped by the judge or authorized official.^[21]

Photography

The process of capturing images for the Ordinary Passport for Argentines, the Travel Document for Stateless or Refugee individuals, as well as the Exceptional Passport for Foreigners, is regulated by Argentine legislation, specifically in articles 30 and 31.

Requirements according to Article 30

According to Article 30, the photographic image to be included in the mentioned documents must meet certain standards. The photograph must be recent, taken from the front and in mid-bust, with the head completely uncovered. The image must be in color, with a white and smooth background of dimensions 4 cm x 4 cm. This format allows a faithful visualization of the facial features of the holder when processing the issuance of the document. It is essential that the image lacks alterations or falsifications of facial characteristics, respecting the right to identity in its aspects of gender, culture, or religion.

Additionally, it is specified that the eyes must be open, and no hands of third parties holding the photograph can be observed.

Exceptions according to Article 31

Article 31 establishes exceptions to Article 30, allowing for adjustments to the photograph under certain circumstances. For religious or health treatment reasons, hair coverage may be required, as long as the main facial features are visible. Also, in cases where, for religious reasons, the face is partially or totally covered, the holder may request that the procedure and photography be carried out in a reserved place and by agents of the same gender, maintaining the characteristics mentioned in Article 30.

Holding multiple passports

The issuance and possession of passports in the Argentine Republic are governed by Article 9 of the relevant law. According to this article, each individual has the right to possess only one Ordinary Passport for Argentines, Travel Document for Stateless or Refugees, or Exceptional Passport for Foreigners. The exception is for individuals holding a diplomatic, official, or special passport granted by the MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND WORSHIP.

For international travel, Argentine citizens must compulsorily possess the Ordinary Passport for Argentines, unless exceptions established in International Agreements or specific regulations apply. Stateless individuals or refugees must carry the corresponding Travel Document, while foreigners residing in the ARGENTINE REPUBLIC who can prove humanitarian or force majeure reasons must carry the Exceptional Passport for Foreigners.^[22]

Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship refers to the legal status of an individual being recognized as a citizen of two or more countries simultaneously. In the case of Argentina, it is possible for individuals to hold Argentine citizenship alongside citizenship of other nations.

There are two distinct scenarios concerning dual citizenship: countries with bilateral agreements regarding recognition of citizenship and those without such agreements.

Bilateral Agreements on Dual Nationality with Argentina

Under bilateral agreements on dual nationality with Argentina, citizens who have acquired nationality in another country may possess travel documents from that acquired nationality. These agreements are in place with various countries including Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain, the United States (up to October 20, 1981), Honduras, Italy, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, and Sweden.

Argentine citizens residing outside the country fall under this category. Those who have naturalized in countries with which Argentina has signed agreements on dual nationality and hold travel documents from the acquired nationality are subject to the following regulations:

• Upon entry:
  • They are initially considered foreigners and their admission to the country is assessed based on the rules applicable to their acquired nationality.
  • If they express an intention to permanently reside in Argentina, they are automatically recognized as Argentine citizens. In such cases, appropriate documentation will be stamped with the notation "ARGENTINE UPON REQUEST OF THE INTERESTED PARTY."
• Upon exit:
  • Naturalized Argentines from the aforementioned countries exit Argentina as foreigners and must carry and present the required documentation for foreign nationals.
  • Those expressing an intention to permanently reside in Argentina upon entry must present Argentine travel documents upon exit from Argentine territory.
• Requests for immigration regularization within Argentine territory:
  • Requests such as exit permits, stay extensions, work authorizations, and other immigration regularization requests are processed and granted as they would be for any other foreign national.
  • Requests for "Temporary Residence" permits are limited to a maximum duration of two (2) years, with requests for "Permanent Residence" not considered. In such cases, individuals are informed that relocating their domicile to Argentina with the intention of permanent residence automatically entails the reassumption of Argentine citizenship.
• Admission requests to Argentina from abroad:
  • Admission requests for "Transitory Residents" requiring Argentine visas due to their immigration status or acquired nationality are granted upon meeting relevant regulatory requirements.
  • Admission requests for "Temporary Residents" are granted with a maximum stay of two (2) years, subject to compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Admission requests for "Permanent Residents" are not considered. Applicants are notified that relocating their domicile to Argentina with the intention of permanent residence automatically entails the reassumption of Argentine citizenship.

Countries without Bilateral Agreements on Dual Nationality

For Argentine citizens who have naturalized in countries with which Argentina has not signed agreements on dual nationality, they are considered Argentine citizens for all intents and purposes.

• Upon entry:
  • If they present only valid travel documents from the acquired nationality, their documents will be stamped with the notation "ARGENTINE - 180 DAYS" upon entry.
  • If their Argentine citizenship is not indicated on foreign documentation and they claim Argentine citizenship, they must provide Argentine identification.
• Upon exit:
  • To exit Argentina, they must possess valid Argentine travel documents, unless their stay in the country has not exceeded one hundred and eighty (180) consecutive days, in which case they may exit with travel documents from their acquired nationality.
• Reentry:
  • When reentering Argentina, they must present valid Argentine travel documents.
  • If they present only valid travel documents from the acquired nationality indicating their Argentine citizenship, their documents may be stamped with the notation "ARGENTINE" without specifying any duration.
  • If their Argentine citizenship is not indicated on foreign documentation and they claim Argentine citizenship, they must provide Argentine identification for recognition as such, unless their travel document was stamped with the notation "ARGENTINE" upon exit.^[23][24]

Visa requirements map

Main article: Visa requirements for Argentine citizens

Visa requirements for Argentine citizens holding ordinary passports

  Argentina

  Freedom of movement

  ID card valid

  Visa not required / ETA^{[Note 1]}

  Visa on arrival

  eVisa

  Visa on arrival

  Visa required prior to arrival

Visa requirements for Argentine citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of Argentina. As of 2025, Argentine citizens have visa-free or visa on arrival access to 172 countries and territories. Ranking the Argentine passport 15th in terms of travel freedom (tied with the passports of San Marino), and tied with the second greatest access of all Mercosur single market member states, according to the Henley Passport Index.^[26]

Argentine citizens can live and work in any country within the Mercosur as a result of the right of free movement and residence granted in Article 1 of the Acuerdo sobre Residencia para Nacionales de los Estados Parte del Mercosur, Bolivia y Chile (2002).^[27]

Other types of passport

Argentine diplomatic passport

The Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issues diplomatic passports (blue-covered) to Argentine diplomats accredited overseas and their eligible dependents, and to citizens who reside in Argentina and travel abroad for diplomatic work. The ministry also issues official passports (blue-covered) to government employees assigned overseas, either permanently or temporarily, and their eligible dependents, and to members of Congress who travel abroad on official affairs.

Argentine Official Passport

Under special circumstances, if a woman is stateless but married to an Argentine citizen, the federal police will issue a Pasaporte de Esposa de Argentino (Argentine wife's passport) in order to leave the country. The same applies for persons under the age of 18 who were adopted by Argentine parents.

Additionally, an "Exceptional passport for foreigners" can be issued in Argentina to non-citizens who cannot obtain their national passport. This exceptional passport is identical to those issued to Argentine nationals, without any discernible differences in its appearance or features.^[28] This unique provision ensures that foreign residents in Argentina who face difficulties in obtaining their home country's passport have a valid travel document that is on par with the regular Argentine passport.

Gallery

• 
  Argentine travel document for Stateless people (this is separate to the "Exceptional passport", which is the same for citizens)
• 
  Old Argentine passport
• 
  Front cover of a machine-readable, non-biometric Argentine passport issued until 2012
• 
  Argentine passport stamps (no longer issued)^[29]
• 
  Old country exit stamp from 1975.

See also

• Visa requirements for Argentine citizens
• Visa policy of Argentina
• Documento Nacional de Identidad (Argentina)