Chile announced on July 8 that enhanced land border checks with Argentina will continue until June 30 2027. The policy covers the six busiest crossings including Los Libertadores and Pino Hachado. Additional officers and vehicle scanners have been deployed at each site.
Wait times at Los Libertadores already average 90 minutes during peak summer months. The extension follows a 22 percent increase in seized contraband reported in the first half of 2026. Argentina has agreed to reciprocal checks on its side of the border.
Similar controls were first introduced in March 2025 and were due to expire in December 2026. Bus companies operating between Santiago and Mendoza have added extra time to schedules. Cargo traffic has shifted toward the less-monitored San Francisco pass.
What this means for you
Allow at least three hours for border formalities when driving between Chile and Argentina. Carry original vehicle registration documents and proof of insurance for both countries. Avoid crossing on weekends when queues exceed four hours.
Book bus tickets directly with companies that include border wait time in their timetables. Travelers with pets must present updated vaccination records at the animal control desk.
The controls are expected to remain in place through the 2027 ski season in the Andes.