Buenos Aires to Colonia Ferry: Argentina Visa Run Guide 2026
The ferry across the Río de la Plata from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento is the classic Argentina visa run. It takes about an hour on the fast boats, and Colonia’s UNESCO-listed old town makes it a genuinely pleasant day out.
Quick Facts
- Departure: Buenos Aires port terminals in Puerto Madero
- Arrival: Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
- Time: about 1 to 1.25 hours on fast ferries; slower boats are cheaper
- Operators: several companies run daily services, some continuing by bus to Montevideo
How Immigration Works
Argentine exit and Uruguayan entry are both done at the Buenos Aires terminal before you board, at side-by-side desks. Coming back, both are handled in Colonia. Arrive at least an hour before departure, longer in summer and on holiday weekends.
Uruguay Entry
Most Western passports get 90 days visa-free in Uruguay. Officers can ask how long you plan to stay and how you will leave. At the ferry terminals, officers from both countries sit side by side.
Argentina’s Tourist Stay And Visa Runs
Most Western visitors get up to 90 days in Argentina on arrival. You can apply once for a 90-day extension at a Dirección Nacional de Migraciones office, but most long-stay visitors cross into Uruguay or Chile and come back instead. That still works, but it is not a right. Under Decree 366/2025, border officers can refuse entry if they have good reason to believe a “tourist” is really living or working in Argentina, and they can give fewer than 90 days. Since mid-2025, visitors without permanent residency may also be asked for health insurance covering their stay.
Tips For A Smooth Run
- Book ferries ahead. Prices rise close to the date
- Stay a night in Colonia or Montevideo rather than turning straight around
- Carry proof of onward travel and, if you have it, health insurance
- Check your new entry and the days granted before you leave the desk
Bring Proof Of Onward Travel
Border officers on a visa run are deciding one thing: will you leave again on time? A confirmed onward or return booking is the quickest way to answer that. It matters most when you are re-entering a country you only just left, and on the flight leg if your run involves one.
If you do not want to commit to a real ticket yet, Fast Onward Tickets issues an onward flight reservation in minutes. See our complete guide to proof of onward travel for what officers and airlines accept.
FAQs
Is the ferry cheaper than a land crossing?
Not usually. Bus via Fray Bentos is cheaper but much slower.
Can I do it as a day trip?
Yes, and many people do, but frequent day trips are what officers look for.
Do I need to show a return ticket?
You will have one anyway if you book a round trip.
The Bottom Line
The Colonia ferry is the easiest Argentina visa run there is. Book early, stay a night, and avoid making it a monthly habit.