From November 8 to 11, Pope Leo XIV will be visiting Argentina, and his arrival is already causing a stir in Buenos Aires—especially in the neighborhoods he’ll be visiting and staying in: Recoleta. If you live in the area between Palermo and Recoleta, you’ll need to apply for an online permit to travel and to enter and leave your home. Get it early—don’t wait until the day Pope Leo XIV arrives. Here’s how to apply for the travel permit for the affected area during the Pope’s stay.
The city of Buenos Aires confirmed a total “security cordon” around the Apostolic Nunciature. From noon on Saturday, November 7, until the afternoon of Wednesday, November 11, the high-security perimeter will be completely restricted. If you live, work, or need to travel through the area, here’s everything you need to know.
The security perimeter for Pope Leo XIV’s arrival: which streets will be blocked
The perimeter bounded by the following streets will be completely closed to vehicular traffic and strictly controlled for pedestrians:
- Alvear Avenue
- Cerrito
- Avenida del Libertador
- Callao Avenue
- In addition, a 100-meter stretch of Rodríguez Peña and Montevideo streets (between Quintana and Alvear) is included.
Within this area, parking and vehicle traffic will be strictly prohibited. If your vehicle is parked there, you have until noon on Saturday, November 7, to remove it; otherwise, City Government tow trucks will move it (at no cost, but with the hassle of the paperwork) to the parking lot at the Law School.
Do you live or work in Recoleta? There’s a form you’ll need to cross the barriers set up for the Pope’s visit.
To pass through the cordoned-off area, the City Police will open only two pedestrian access points, which will operate under strict controls 24 hours a day:
- Av. Alvear and Av. Callao.
- Av. Alvear and Libertad.
What documentation do you need to present to cross
- Residents with an updated address: Simply show your physical ID card (DNI) that matches the address within the fenced-off area.
- Workers, hotel guests, or residents without an updated address: It is mandatory to complete and submit this official online form (which serves as an affidavit). Those staying in hotels will also need to show their confirmed reservation.
Road closures on Avenida del Libertador
The Popemobile’s route will significantly impact traffic in Palermo and Barrio Norte:
- Through the evening of Tuesday, November 3: Partial road closures on Av. del Libertador between Av. Colombia and Av. Sarmiento (two lanes open in each direction).
- From Wednesday, the 4th, to Monday, the 16th: Gradual road closures and a total restriction on Av. del Libertador between Sucre and Ugarteche.
- Attention residents of Avenida del Libertador: Residents of Avenida del Libertador will have an exclusive lane for accessing their garages only through Saturday, November 7. After that date, vehicle and pedestrian access will be limited to Avenida Santa Fe, Avenida Luis M. Campos, and Avenida Las Heras.
If you need to get around the city during those days, we recommend taking the subway, arming yourself with patience, and checking traffic apps before heading out.
