Border Crossing Guide for Travelers Driving from Chile

Planning to cross borders with your campervan? Whether you're heading to Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, or Brazil, there are some essential legal steps and documents you'll need. Here's everything you need to know to travel safely and legally across South America.

📝 Title Transfer & Padrón: What You Need to Know

After buying a vehicle in Chile, you must legally transfer ownership. This involves signing the Contrato de Compraventa and registering it with the Registro Civil.

• 🕐 The Padrón (official ownership document) takes about 8 weeks to be issued after the title transfer is signed.

• ✅ You are still the legal owner during this time, even if the final document hasn’t arrived.

🇦🇷 Crossing into Argentina (Flexible)

You can cross into Argentina from day one, even if you don’t have the padrón yet. You'll need one of the following:

• ✅ A notarized authorization from the seller

• ✅ Or a rental permit (we provide this if you're renting from us)

Argentina is very traveler-friendly with paperwork and is a great first destination after purchasing or renting a vehicle.

🇧🇴 Bolivia (Sometimes Accepts Authorizations)

Bolivia is less predictable:

• ⚠️ Some travelers have crossed using a notarized authorization

• ❌ But acceptance varies by border and by officer

We recommend waiting for the padrón before entering Bolivia to avoid issues.

🇵🇪 Peru (Strict)

Peru requires full legal ownership:

• ❌ No seller authorizations accepted

• ✅ You must have the padrón in your name

🇧🇷 Brazil (Authorization Works)

Brazil allows entry without the padrón if you have:

• ✅ A notarized authorization from the former owner

• 📄 International vehicle insurance (Carta Verde) may be required

✅ Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Border Crossings

📋 Use Our Real-Time Border List

We maintain a live-updated list of successful crossings by Suzi Santiago customers, including:

• Current open/closed status

• Documents accepted at each location

• First-hand traveler reports

➡️ Ask us for access before your trip.

📜 Bring a Copy of the Customs Law

Having a copy of the Chilean Aduanas law regarding temporary vehicle export can be helpful at uncertain crossings.

➡️ We’ll send you a digital copy on request.

✍️ Get a Declaración Jurada de Retorno

Some border agents may ask for proof that your vehicle will return to Chile. A Declaración Jurada (sworn statement) from a notary solves this.

• 📝 It states you plan to return the vehicle to Chile

• 💰 It’s quick and affordable to obtain from any notaría

🚐 Travel Smarter with Suzi Santiago

Whether you're buying or renting, we make it easy to:

• Handle paperwork

• Cross borders legally

• Stay informed with real-time updates

• Resell your vehicle after your trip

👉 Visit our Camper Rentals page to start your adventure today!