About Argentina's Correctional System
Argentina's correctional system is managed by the Servicio Penitenciario Federal. For inmate searches, use the official contacts listed below or contact the facility directly using the phone numbers on this page. Where available, the facility listings below include addresses, inmate capacity, and descriptive information.
For US citizens detained in Argentina, contact US Embassy Argentina at +54 11 5777 4533 immediately, or call the US State Department Citizens Emergency Center at 1-888-407-4747 from the US.
Argentina Resources & Legal Services
Key Argentina Prison Contacts
| Agency / Contact | Location | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Servicio Penitenciario Federal | Argentina | +54-11-4011-2500 | Visit Site |
| US Embassy Argentina | Argentina | +54 11 5777 4533 | Visit Site |
| US State Dept Emergency (from US) | Washington DC | 1-888-407-4747 | Visit Site |
Showing 8 facilities in Argentina
Built in 1927 as a medium-security prison managed by the Polic�a Federal Argentina. In 1978 a prison riot known as the Mot�n de los colchones left 60 dead and 85 injured. Plans to close the prison were announced in 2011 but as of 2020 it remains fully operational. Population reached 1525 as of December 2025. One of Argentina's most iconic and controversial federal prisons.
Complejo Penitenciario Federal I - Ezeiza
Facility
Closed
Large federal penitentiary complex in Ezeiza operated by the Servicio Penitenciario Federal. One of the primary holding facilities for federally sentenced male prisoners in the Buenos Aires province. Located near Ezeiza international airport.
Complejo Penitenciario Federal II - Marcos Paz
Facility
Closed
Federal penitentiary complex at Marcos Paz. One of the newer large federal facilities. Designated to absorb prisoners from the overcrowded Devoto prison following a plan announced in 2018.
Unidad Penal N� 6 - Rawson
Facility
Closed
Provincial prison in Rawson capital of Chubut Province. Site of the 1972 Rawson Prison Break (Fuga de Rawson) when 25 Montonero and ERP guerrillas escaped. Six recaptured guerrillas were subsequently executed in what became known as the Trelew Massacre.
Establecimiento Penitenciario N�1 San Mart�n
Facility
Closed
Main provincial prison in C�rdoba City. Houses male sentenced and remand prisoners. Subject to significant overcrowding with prison population having surged 116.6% over the past decade. New maximum-security CEMAX facility planned nearby with 448 cells.
Complejo Penitenciario Federal VI - Mendoza
Facility
Closed
Federal penitentiary complex in Mendoza Province western Argentina. Population grew by 65 in 2025. Houses federal prisoners from the Cuyo region under the Servicio Penitenciario Federal.
Complejo Penitenciario Federal V - Neuqu�n
Facility
Closed
Federal penitentiary complex in Patagonia. Population increased by 92 additional detainees in 2025 making it one of the facilities with the sharpest growth. Serves the southern federal judicial district.
Unidad Penitenciaria N�11 - Pi�ero
Facility
Closed
Provincial prison in Pi�ero Santa Fe. Site chosen for construction of Argentina's first maximum-security narco prison called Hell (El Infierno) with capacity for 1152 prisoners across four blocks with 24 watchtowers.
Argentina Prison FAQ
Browse the facility listings on this page to find the specific institution, then contact them directly using the phone number listed. For US citizens detained in Argentina, contact US Embassy Argentina at +54 11 5777 4533 immediately.
Contact US Embassy Argentina at +54 11 5777 4533 immediately, or call the US State Department Citizens Emergency Center at 1-888-407-4747 from the US. Consular officers can visit detained Americans, provide lists of local attorneys, and notify family members.
Visitation rules vary significantly by facility and security level in Argentina. You will typically need to be on an approved visitor list, present valid government-issued photo ID, and comply with the facility's dress code. Contact the specific facility directly using the phone number listed on this page to confirm current visitation hours and requirements.
Contact Colegio Público de Abogados de la Capital Federal for referrals to qualified criminal defense attorneys in Argentina. The US Embassy can also provide a list of local attorneys. You can also find a criminal lawyer through our directory.
Each Argentina facility has its own approved methods for receiving inmate funds. Contact the facility directly using the phone numbers listed on this page for current accepted payment methods, deposit limits, and procedures.