Guide · Updated October 2026
Driving Your Own Vehicle in South America: Temporary Import Country by Country
The South American countries we ship to let tourists bring their own vehicle in temporarily, mostly free of charge, for a set period or for the length of their immigration stay. You do not normally need a carnet: Colombia lists it as optional and Peru accepts one or its own permit. What you cannot do is leave the vehicle behind for good: Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Colombia and Brazil restrict or ban the import of used vehicles, so plan to ship it home or onwards.
Cost
Usually free; agent fees may apply
Period
Usually tied to your immigration stay
Carnet
Optional in Colombia; accepted in Peru
Insurance
Local liability cover required in Argentina and Uruguay
Selling the vehicle
Not allowed, and used imports are widely banned
Transit
Mexico needs a Banjercito permit and deposit
What are the rules in each country?
- Colombia
- DIAN temporary import, applied for, extended and closed online: 6 months, extendable by up to 3. Carnet optional.
- Ecuador
- A sworn tourist declaration (DJT) with SENAE, free; carried while you are in Ecuador. We confirm the period for your trip.
- Peru
- A carnet (Libreta de Pasos por Aduanas) or SUNAT's free temporary entry certificate (CIT), which lasts as long as your immigration stay. Overstays risk seizure.
- Chile
- Free temporary import title (TITV) at the border or online, valid for your immigration stay; the owner or a person with notarised authorisation may drive. Extensions online or at Aduana.
- Argentina
- Up to 8 months, extendable if immigration extends your stay. You need the title or a power of attorney from the owner, a valid licence and local liability insurance.
- Uruguay
- Free online procedure for vehicles from outside Mercosur: 1 year from entry. Overstays are fined US$20 a day. Liability insurance valid at entry is required.
- Brazil
- Temporary admission for tourists; we confirm the current rules for your trip when we quote.
Passing through Mexico and Panama
In Mexico only Banjercito may issue the temporary import permit, online 10 to 60 days before entry or at the border. The permit fee is about US$45 online or US$51 at the border plus VAT (fees change, so check with Banjercito), and there is a refundable deposit of US$200 to US$400 depending on the model year. Cancel the permit at a Banjercito border office when you leave, or you lose the deposit. Panama issues free tourist vehicle permits; we confirm the period for your trip. Between Panama and Colombia there is no road, so vehicles cross the Darien Gap by sea.
Can I sell or leave my vehicle in South America?
No. A temporary import must leave the country, and most countries restrict used vehicle imports. Chile bans them except through free zones and for Chileans returning after a year abroad. Peru allows used vehicles only up to 2 years old and bans used diesels, with an exception for collector cars 35 years or older. Uruguay's ban has had no end date since 2013, and Colombia has long limited used imports to antique and classic vehicles under licence. Brazil does not allow used consumer goods to be imported.
How IVSS helps
- RORO and container shipping from Europe and the USA to Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Mexico
- Darien Gap crossings between Panama and Colombia
- Customs clearance through our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own
- Shipping home or onwards at the end of your trip
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a carnet for South America?
Usually not. Colombia lists it as optional, Peru accepts a carnet or its own free permit, and Chile, Argentina and Uruguay use their own temporary import permits.
How long can my vehicle stay in Colombia?
Six months, extendable by up to three, through DIAN's online temporary import procedure.
How long can my vehicle stay in Argentina?
Up to 8 months, extendable if immigration grants you a longer stay.
Can I sell my vehicle at the end of my trip?
No. A temporarily imported vehicle must leave, and Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Colombia and Brazil restrict or ban used vehicle imports.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. Argentina and Uruguay require civil liability insurance valid there, and we recommend cover for every country on your route.
Official sources
- DIAN (Colombia): tourist vehicle temporary import
- SENAE (Ecuador): tourist vehicle procedure
- SUNAT (Peru): temporary entry of vehicles
- SUNAT (Peru): used vehicle age rules
- Aduana (Chile): temporary vehicle entry
- Aduana (Chile): used vehicle imports
- ARCA (Argentina): travellers from other countries
- gub.uy (Uruguay): temporary entry of tourist vehicles
- Uruguay: Ley 19.171
- gob.mx (Mexico): Banjercito temporary import permit
This guide summarises the rules as published in October 2026. Rules change; we confirm what applies to your vehicle when we quote.
Related routes and guides
Member of
IVSS is a member of BIFA, the British International Freight Association, and FIATA, the international federation of freight forwarders.
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Questions about your import? Call +44 203 787 4201, Monday to Friday.