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Bring your own guns

Can I Bring My Own Gun?

Bringing Personal Firearms to Chile

Entering firearms into Chile is possible, but it is a long, complex, and costly process. For that reason, we recommend using our rifles.
We have high-quality, accurate rifles with excellent scopes available at the ranch for our clients. Using our equipment is much simpler and completely hassle-free.
If you prefer to bring your own firearm, please contact us at info@redstagpatagonia.com. We will provide detailed instructions and assist you throughout the process.

Bringing Personal Firearms to Argentina

Your requirements depend on your country of origin. Bringing personal firearms into Argentina requires completing several steps both before departing your home country and upon arrival. Travelers may also face significant transport fees and must comply with airline, customs, and Argentine regulations. Please read this information carefully before deciding whether to travel with your own firearms or rent those available at our lodges. Due to the number of required procedures and formalities, we strongly recommend not bringing guns into the country and instead using our fine selection of lodge firearms.

Phase 1: Before Departure

Step 1: Identify Your Profile

The Argentine government categorizes visitors into two groups, regardless of nationality:

        • Returning Visitors: Your second or any subsequent visit to the country (with or without firearms).
        • First-Time Visitors: Your first trip to Argentina (with or without firearms).

Step 2: In your country of origin – Secure Your Regional Documentation

For United States Travelers
You must comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, which require mandatory firearm pre-registration.

      • Form 4457 – Mandatory: Obtain the Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad. – Click to see form
      • The Process: You must visit a U.S. Customs office in person before your trip to present your firearms for inspection and registration.

Tip: Bring the Form 4457 together with your passport. Always keep a photocopy inside your gun case and leave one additional copy at home. This documentation ensures a smooth re-entry into the United States after your international hunting trip.
(Note: This regulation applies only for re-entry into the U.S.)

 

For European Travelers
Procedures may vary slightly by country, but generally follow these steps:

      • Notify Airline: Inform your carrier well in advance that you are transporting firearms.
      • Airport Declaration: Declare all firearms at check-in.
      • Customs Escort: An airline representative will escort you to Customs for registration.
      • Return Process: Upon your return, retrieve firearms at the airline service desk. You will be escorted through the “Red Channel” to re-register them with Customs.

 Step 3: Prepare Argentina-Specific Paperwork

Regardless of your nationality, you must prepare the following based on your visitor status:

DOCUMENT

FIRST-TIME VISITOR

RETURNING VISITOR

PASSPORT COPY

Required

Required

ANMAC - HUNTING FORM
Click to see form

Required
(can be completed with our help)

Required
(can be completed with our help)

CONSULATE PERMIT
Click to see permit

Not Required

Required
(for specific firearms only)*

*Note on the Consulate Permit (Returning Visitors Only): This permit is only required for pump-action or semi-automatic shotguns. It must be obtained in person, by appointment, at the Argentine Consulate in your home country. Exception: Over/under or side-by-side shotguns with barrels longer than 24 inches do NOT require a Consulate Permit on any visit.

Phase 2: At the Airport & Packing

Step 4: Pack According to Airline Regulations

Most airlines allow two checked bags at 50 lbs (23 kg), but you must verify this with your specific carrier.

Firearm & Ammunition Checklist:
      • Must be declared at check-in
      • Firearms cannot be transported in carry-on luggage
      • Must be unloaded
      • Must be secured in a hard-sided, locked case
      • Must comply with all packaging rules set by the airline
 In most cases:
      • A firearm case counts as one regular checked bag
      • Weight limits apply
      • Firearm-handling fees may be charged, separate from excess baggage fees.
Because policies differ widely (including limits, advance notice, packaging standards, and fees), travelers must verify all requirements directly with their airline well in advance.
 
Ammunition may only be brought into the country if it is intended for use with your rifle, and calibers must match. 
Ammunition must:
      • Be securely packed in original or appropriate packaging
      • Be declared during airline check-in
      • Be transported in accordance with airline and IATA regulations
Additionally, travelers must comply with local firearm import laws, including the temporary import permit issued by Argentina.

Phase 3: Arrival in Argentina

Upon arrival in Argentina, all firearms must undergo inspection, registration, and formal entry procedures with the relevant authorities.

Step 5: Customs & ANMAC Procedures

Do not attempt to exit the airport until these steps are completed.

Customs Declaration

All firearms must be declared upon entry.

You must present:

    • Your passport
    • ANMAC Hunting Form
    • (If required) Consulate Permit
    • Your firearm case for inspection

Customs officials will verify serial numbers, ammunition, and compliance with your pre-submitted documentation.

ANMAC Temporary Firearm Import Procedure
Argentina requires all firearms brought into the country by non-residents to receive a temporary import authorization issued by ANMAC (Agencia Nacional de Materiales Controlados).

 

Upon arrival:

    • Submit your ANMAC documentation
    • Present your firearm for verification
    • Pay the applicable fees (amounts may vary and are subject to change)
    • Receive your temporary import permit

This permit must be kept with you at all times while traveling in Argentina with your firearm.

Step 6: Inspection & Clearance

After paperwork and payment, your firearm will be inspected, registered, and cleared for temporary use within the country.
Your firearm may only be transported to the lodge(s) indicated in your paperwork and must remain under your responsibility during your stay.

 

Important Notes for Arrival:

    • Do not attempt to exit the airport with firearms before completing ANMAC procedures.
    • Ensure your firearm case remains locked until instructed otherwise by authorities.
    • Keep copies of all forms accessible (not packed inside checked luggage).
  1. A copy of your passport
  2. ANMAC Gun Entry Form – Prepared and presented by either clients themselves or our organization, if they decide to hire assistance from our Concierge Travel Department.
  1. Consulate Permit ** – Must be obtained in person, and by appointment, by the hunter/gun owner in the country of origin.
  2. A copy of your passport 
  3. ANMAC Hunting Form – Prepared and presented by either clients themselves or our organization, if they decide to hire assistance from our Concierge Travel Department.

** Important Note: All over/under or side-by-side shotguns with longer barrels than 24 inches are exempt of the Consulate Permit at all levels. The only guns requiring a consular permit are pump or auto-loading shotguns, to be carried by a hunter who is entering Argentina for his second visit, or any subsequent visit.

Further explanation of requirements as outlined above

    • PASSPORT — A copy of your passport is requested at the Argentine airport. Please make sure to send us one prior to your trip and we will handle this on-site at the airport.
    • ANMAC — Clients will be responsible to complete the ANMAC Hunting Form. In the event you want to download this form and complete it yourself, click here. You may hire gun-clearance assistance from our Concierge Travel Department, who will guide you through the complete entry and departure procedure.
    • CUSTOMS — We will also complete the customs guarantee form. Click here to view it.
    • CONSULAR INFORMATION – The Consulate Permit is only required of those who have VISITED ARGENTINA BEFORE. Please note that it is MANDATORY to appear in person at the Argentine Consulate in your jurisdiction (except for Atlanta residents, who are exempt).
    1. Hunting permit form issued by the consulate (signed in original) – Please do not leave any fields unanswered and write clearly. (link below)
    2. Copy of the first page of your valid passport.
    3. Three passport size photos, light background. No Computer generated photos are accepted (do not glue/staple them to the form).
    4. Copy of valid gun permit by the authorities in the state of your residence in the event your state requires one (not mandatory for all travelers).
    5. Copy of your airline itinerary.
    6. A money order or cashier’s check in the amount of $40.00 payable to the Argentine Consulate of your jurisdiction.
    7. Proof of gun ownership either by receipt, insurance record, or commercial bill showing the purchase of the weapon and its owner (with serial number of the gun).
    8. Copy of form 4457 (Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects taken abroad) – Click here to view it.
      To avoid unnecessary trips to the Consulate, it is highly advisable that you mail all the above documents in advance to make sure all is in order prior to your appointment. Argentina Consulates are closed on U.S. and Argentine Holidays.

 For appointments, please contact the consulate of your jurisdiction by email:

    • HOUSTON: info@consuladoargentino.net
      Jurisdiction: Texas, New México, Colorado, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana

    • LOS ANGELES: clang@mrecic.gov.ar
      Jurisdiction: Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Hawaii and Pacific Islands

    • ATLANTA: catla@mrecic.gov.ar
      Jurisdiction: Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee

    • MIAMI: ttv@mrecic.gov.ar
      Jurisdiction: Florida, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, US Virgin Islands, Anguilla and Montserrat, Cayman Islands,  Guadalupe and Martinique (France)

    • NEW YORK: cnyor@mrecic.gov.ar
      Jurisdiction: New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont

    • CHICAGO: visaschicago@mrecic.gov.ar
      Jurisdiction: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North y South Dakota, Ohio y Wisconsin

    • WASHINGTON: eeuu@mrecic.gov.ar
      Jurisdiction: DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, North Carolina, Pennsylvania
      You can check here on this website all the respective Argentine consulates in the US taking into account your jurisdiction.

Gun Import Fees

  • If entering with guns via COR (Córdoba) airport price is US$160 per person p/gun.
  • If entering with guns via EZE (Buenos Aires) airport price is:
    1 person (up to 3 guns per person): U$S 420.00
    2 people: U$S 380.00 per person
    3 people: U$S 320.00 per person
    (Price includes full guidance throughout the entire procedure and all gun-entry fees)

Up to 3 guns or 1 gun with 3 extra sets of barrels.

The process length will be basically determined by how many people are in the line before you.

  • Via CÓRDOBA – about 35 minutes
  • Vía EZEIZA Buenos Aires– about 2 hour

Yes, travelers must present the gun-paperwork copies received in during arrival to airport A to the officers on duty on airport B. Simple as that.

Travelers must present the gun-paperwork copies received in during arrival to the officers on duty.

You need to make sure to tell your airline your final destination is Argentina. It is important to reconfirm with the airline that your guns are in transit through those countries.

Prior to travelling, and case them in accordance with international airline standards.

It won’t happen, but if for any reason it does happen, the guns will be sent to storage in the airport and may be withdrawn by the owner on his return to the U.S. Storage fees may apply.

Need further information?

At Red Stag Patagonia we have been assisting hunters and sportsmen traveling with guns for over 30 years and we are very familiar with the process; so if you are looking to bring your own gun please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information or with questions you might have. Contact us at 1-877-260-4332 or via e-mail at info@redstagpatagonia.com

 
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