California - Argentina - paperwork - help?
 

Hi,

I am starting to plan my trip from California to Argentina. I am wondering about visas and entry in to the countries on the way down. I know that several people have done this route, but it is hard to find this information.

Can visas be applied for at the borders of these countries?

Which countries is there a problem with getting visa/entry requirements which would be advisable to get in advance?

Any countries no entry?

Any specific vaccines? I have heard yellow fever

Anyone know where i can find entry fees about these countries etc.

Also insurance?

Where would be the best place to sell a motorbike in south america? Is Argentina, Chile or Brazil possible?

Buying a motorcycle in California with a Irish nationality a problem?

I will have an irish and british passport for this trip


If you could help put me in the right direction that would be helpful

Thank-you in advance for your help,

Richard :funmeterno:

Visa HQ is fairly useful for finding out the requirements of each country for citizens of other countries.

With your passports you shouldn't have any problems getting in to all S and Central American countries and most crossings will be free for you.

If you legally own the bike and have the bill of sale and registration papers then getting the Temporary Import Papers will be straight forward, but if you don't, the first place you will have problems will be at the Mexican border.

Theoretically you need an International Driving Permit to back up your home-country license but it is one of those things that if you have it you will never be asked and if you don't have it you might strike trouble.

Insurances - vary by country so you need to read up on which countries operate as a bloc and which have individual requirements,

Visa and TIP validity varies between countries and a couple are pretty short so make sure you don't over-stay

Watch the customs and immigration officers very carefully to make sure they stamp you in and out each time and that all details on the TIP are accurate otherwise you will face delays while their mistakes are corrected. Some travellers take copies of their TIPs and get a stamp put on them as they exit otherwise you might find yourself being accused of overstaying simply because a previous exit wasn't processed. Previous owner of my vehicle had problems the last time he entered because there were four unprocessed TIPs going back several years.

Richard, I'm leaving soon from California down south to Argentina. All these questions you're asking have been answered on this forum dozens, if not hundreds of times. Just spend some time here and research. I know it can be overwhelming, but step by step and you'll get all the info.