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?
As of August 11, 2026, shipping a standard motorcycle from the U.S. to Argentina typically costs about $1,200-$1,900 for the core transport service. Air freight, a large touring bike, specialized crating, inland pickup, or destination handling can push the total higher. Argentine terminal, storage, customs, and inland-delivery charges may also sit outside the freight quote. Compare written estimates by what they include, especially when one price covers port-to-port shipping and another includes service at either end.
What shipping methods are available for motorcycles going to Argentina?
Motorcycles going to Argentina can move by RoRo, containerized ocean freight, or air freight, although the available method depends on the departure port and destination service. RoRo can suit an operable motorcycle when the sailing accepts bikes, while a container provides enclosed protection and works well with a properly secured or crated motorcycle. Air is the faster option but usually costs more. A1's international motorcycle shipping guide explains the main overseas transport choices in more detail.
How long does motorcycle shipping to Argentina take?
Motorcycle shipping from the U.S. to Argentina usually takes about 4-5 weeks by ocean freight or roughly 5-10 days by air freight for the main transport leg. Customs release, consolidation, sailing or flight schedules, and inland delivery can add time after the motorcycle reaches Argentina. Air freight therefore works better when the arrival schedule matters more than the lower cost of ocean service. A1's motorcycle air freight guide covers the handling involved with flying a bike internationally.
What documents are required to ship a motorcycle to Argentina?
For a used U.S.-titled motorcycle, the export process starts with ownership documents and the motorcycle's VIN. U.S. Customs and Border Protection treats motorcycles as self-propelled vehicles, and 19 CFR 192.2 requires the vehicle and required documents to be presented at least 72 hours before export by vessel or aircraft. For temporary traveler entry, Argentina's ARCA lists proof of ownership or authorization, a driver's license valid in Argentina, and Argentina-valid liability insurance. A1's international motorcycle FAQ covers additional shipping-side preparation.
Can I ship a motorcycle to Buenos Aires specifically?
Yes, a motorcycle can be shipped to Buenos Aires, and Puerto Buenos Aires remains an active cargo gateway for ocean shipments. Argentina's national port authority continues to publish 2026 cargo and containerized-cargo statistics for the port, confirming ongoing commercial operations there. The exact terminal and available RoRo or container service still depend on the carrier and sailing, so confirm the destination terminal before booking. Air-freighted motorcycles use airport cargo facilities instead of Puerto Buenos Aires and follow a different local handoff process.
How long can a foreign-registered motorcycle stay temporarily in Argentina?
A traveler who lives outside Argentina may keep a temporarily admitted foreign vehicle in the country for up to 8 months, subject to the temporary stay authorized by Argentina's immigration authority. ARCA applies a different rule to Argentine citizens who have lived abroad for at least one year: their vehicle may remain for up to 90 days on occasional trips, without extension, per calendar year. The motorcycle must leave Argentina before its authorized temporary-admission period expires. These rules apply to temporary traveler use rather than permanent import and registration.

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