Shipping Motorcycles To Argentina


How To Ship Your Motorcycle To Or From Argentina
Typical Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- Average motorcycle shipping costs to Argentina from the United States are about $1200 to $1900.
- Enhancements in import duties and taxes on cars and motorcycles have been made, so consider that when calculating the total cost.
Argentina is located in the southern regions of South America. It shares its borders with Bolivia, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay, while it has a long coastline on the east with the South Atlantic Ocean. If you are planning to stay in Argentina for professional or personal reasons or intend to travel, it is best to import your motorcycle from the USA to Argentina. However, shipping internationally is a cumbersome process marred with plenty of procedures and legal formalities that have to be completed. That is why working with us is cost-effective and hassle-free. We are A-1 Auto Transport, and we understand all aspects of shipping to Argentina. We have shipped hundreds of vehicles in the last few years.

Cost of Hauling
To ship a motorcycle from the United States, you must determine the total cost before shipping. Since Argentina is a member of Mercosur, the Common External Tariff, or CET, is between 0% and 20%, with some vehicles or motorcycles charged 35%. Additionally, there is a total VAT of 10.5% or CIF of 21%. You can call us, and one of our shipping agents will give you a customized quote based on the motorcycle you own. The weight and size of the bike will affect the total shipping price.
When you need to ship your motorcycle to Argentina, you can do it temporarily or permanently. The laws differ, and you may want to know more about them.

Temporary Permit
A temporary permit will be issued at the point of entry once in Argentina. First, You must contact the Argentina Consulate in the United States to begin the procedure. The following people are allowed to import motorcycles:
- Expatriates with PR and want to move to Argentina permanently,
- Returning citizens coming back to Argentina after living abroad
- Those who have a temporary visa
- Diplomats and members of the military
You will need to obtain a temporary visa that can be renewed as often as needed. Once the visa has expired, the import permit will expire also.

Permanent Residency
A permanent resident visa can be issued if you plan to stay for good. You can import one vehicle and one motorcycle or two vehicles per family. There are a few rules that must be followed:
- The driver of the bike must be at least 21 years old
- The motorcycle must be registered in the driver’s name for at least three months before arriving
- The permanent resident visa must be granted before the motorcycle's arrival.
If you have chosen to obtain a temporary permit, you can convert that permit as needed. The motorcycle is only handed over to the shipper or the owner. You cannot sell the bike for two years after the import process.

Documents and Registration
Plenty of documentation needs to be done before the import is allowed. Additionally, To import and register your motorcycle, you will need to make copies of the following documents:
- Passport or driver’s license
- National Directorate of Migration Permanent Residence certificate
- Original purchase invoice of your motorcycle
- Ocean Bill of Lading in your name
- Certificate of residency in Argentina
- Pre-shipment Inspection certification
Returning citizens must submit proof of living abroad for at least 2 years, while foreigners must state their stay in their country of origin for at least 1 year.

Types of Moving
If you're transporting via container, you can fit between six and eight motorcycles in a 20-foot container. Sixteen to eighteen motorcycles can fit within a 40-foot container. The battery is removed for safe transit, and the fuel tank is drained. This method can ship any bike, regardless of its condition or functionality. Motorcycles are sometimes transported by cart to avoid dings and scrapes. It's a more secure and safe option.
However, if you are on a budget and the motorcycle is operational, we can help you ship it by RORO. Only minimum fuel is needed in the fuel tank, and the battery is not disconnected. However, the tires are screwed and immobilized in the metal plates so that there is no rolling out during freight shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a motorcycle to Argentina?
Most riders pay $1,200–$3,000 to ship a motorcycle to Argentina, depending on whether they choose RoRo, shared container, or air freight. Pricing is shaped by distance, bike weight, export handling, port fees in Buenos Aires, and seasonal vessel space. Air freight is significantly faster but can reach the high end of the range. For a U.S. estimate, see our international motorcycle shipping overview.
How long does motorcycle shipping to Argentina take?
Transit is typically 18–35 days when departing major U.S. ports, but timing varies with vessel frequency, port congestion, customs inspection windows, and whether a container is consolidated with other bikes. Air freight can arrive in 3–7 days but still requires export and import processing. Factors like weather along Atlantic routes and Argentina’s customs schedule may add extra days.
What shipping methods are available for motorcycles going to Argentina?
The two most common options are RoRo and container shipping, while air freight is chosen when time is critical. RoRo is often the lowest-cost, whereas containers offer added protection and allow gear to travel with the bike. Air freight is ideal for adventure riders beginning in Patagonia during narrow weather windows. Learn about common approaches in our motorcycle shipping guide.
Can I ship a motorcycle to Buenos Aires specifically?
Yes. Most international motorcycle shipments into Argentina clear through Port of Buenos Aires, which has established processes for RoRo and container arrivals. Costs can be lower when choosing high-frequency U.S. departure ports such as Houston or New York. Riders heading onward to Patagonia often use local bonded carriers. For cost planning, review our rate estimate resource.
What documents are required to ship a motorcycle to Argentina?
You will need the original title, passport, a commercial invoice/bill of sale, and a temporary import authorization issued upon arrival in Argentina. Customs may request proof of ownership for at least 90 days and verification that the motorcycle meets Argentina’s temporary import rules. Having accurate VIN documentation and shipper paperwork avoids delays.
Is air freight a good option for shipping a motorcycle to Argentina?
Air freight is ideal when speed and predictability matter. Shipments often arrive within a week and avoid vessel delays, but rates typically run $2,000–$5,000 depending on crated weight and airline surcharges. Adventure riders beginning seasonal routes or touring events often choose it. Learn more about aviation transport in our motorcycle air transport page.

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