Chilean and Argentine authorities inaugurated the 24-hour Paso San Francisco border post on June 1 2026 after a three-year upgrade. The crossing connects Chile's Atacama region with Argentina's Catamarca province. Private cars, motorcycles and tour buses no longer require advance permits.
Each country deployed joint inspection teams to reduce duplication. Average processing time dropped from 90 minutes to 15 minutes. Travelers receive a single digital stamp valid for both nations for 90 days.
The route offers direct access to the UNESCO-listed Valle de la Luna and Talampaya National Park. Fuel stations and rest areas opened on both sides in May. Emergency medical services operate around the clock.
Tour operators in San Pedro de Atacama and Fiambalรก launched combined itineraries starting June 10. Vehicle insurance must cover both countries and can be purchased at the border. Commercial trucks remain excluded from the pilot.
Initial capacity allows 400 vehicles daily in each direction. Online pre-registration via the Paso Fronterizo app is recommended but not mandatory. The pilot runs until December 31 2026 before permanent status decision.
Border officials completed training on new biometric scanners in April. Travelers should carry passports valid for at least six months. The crossing sits at 4,700 meters so altitude sickness precautions are advised.
Both governments plan two additional 24-hour posts in Patagonia by 2028. Early data shows 28 percent increase in cross-border tourism compared with 2025. Full operating rules are published on chile.travel and argentina.gob.ar.