Travel Requirements: Unlocking Argentina's Doors

If you're planning a trip to Argentina, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned return date. Depending on your citizenship, you may not need a visa if your stay is 90 days or less. However, it's important to check the specific requirements for your country, as some nationalities do require a visa. For those who do need a visa, there are different types available depending on the purpose of your travel. It's also worth noting that some countries are required to pay a reciprocity fee, which is equal to the fee Argentines are charged for visas to visit those countries.

Passports and visas

Visa-Exempt Countries

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Argentina for stays of up to 90 days:

• Jamaica (up to 30 days)
• Kazakhstan (up to 30 days)
• Macau (up to 30 days)
• Malaysia (up to 30 days)
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sovereign Military Order of Malta
• United Arab Emirates
• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan
• South Korea
• UK
• Ireland
• France
• Germany
• Most other Western European countries

If you are from one of these countries, you only need a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry and a return travel ticket.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt need to contact the Argentine embassy or consulate in their home country for visa application details. The standard documents required for all Argentina visa applications include:

• A completed and signed Argentina Visa Application Form
• A passport valid for at least six months from the intended departure date from Argentina with at least two blank pages
• Photocopies of your passport (and previous passports, if required) showing personal details and any previous and current visas
• Four passport-sized photographs with a neutral facial expression
• Return flight tickets or a travel itinerary
• Proof of accommodation in Argentina
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the duration of your stay, such as bank statements
• Proof of paid Argentina visa fee

Specific Visa Types

Tourist Visa

In addition to the standard documents, those applying for a tourist visa must provide proof of hotel reservation. If staying with a family member or friend, a notarised letter of invitation from the host, along with a copy of their ID, is required. Additionally, proof of employment or enrolment in an educational institution is also necessary.

Business Visa

Along with the standard documents, a letter of invitation from the company in Argentina and a letter from your employer stating the purpose of the trip are required for a business visa.

Work Visa

For a work visa, you will need an employment contract signed by your Argentinian employer, a certificate of criminal records, and copies of your diploma/certifications.

Student Visa

To obtain a student visa, you must provide proof of enrolment in an Argentinian educational institution and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay and studies. Additionally, a certificate of criminal records is required.

Family Visa

To apply for a family visa, you must provide a certificate of criminal records, proof of family relationship (marriage or birth certificate), and a certified copy of the National Identity Document (DNI) of your family member in Argentina.

Retirement Visa

To be eligible for a retirement visa, you must have a monthly income of at least 30,000 Argentine Pesos from pensions.

Digital Nomad Visa

The Digital Nomad Visa is for remote workers and allows them to work for either an international or Argentinian company.

Transit Visa

The Transit Visa is issued to those passing through Argentina to reach a third country and is valid for 10 days. It can be extended in exceptional circumstances.

Visa Extensions

A visa can be extended at the main Dirección Nacional de Migraciones office in Buenos Aires. The fee for this is AR$6000 for most travellers, while nationals of many South American countries pay a reduced fee of AR$3000. It should be noted that a visa can only be extended once, and overstaying beyond the approved period can result in fines and being barred from re-entering the country.

Vaccinations and health

Pre-Travel Vaccinations:

Before travelling to Argentina, it is recommended that you are up to date with all your routine vaccinations. In addition, the CDC, WHO, and other health organisations suggest the following vaccinations:

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Polio
• Yellow Fever (for travel to certain provinces)
• Chikungunya
• Rabies (especially if working with animals)
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Chickenpox (for those unvaccinated)
• Shingles
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

Preventing Insect-Borne Diseases:

Insect-borne diseases, such as dengue fever, Zika, and malaria, are a risk in Argentina. To protect yourself:

• Use insect repellent containing at least 20% DEET.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats to cover exposed skin.
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin (but not your skin).
• Stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms.
• Use a bed net if sleeping in an exposed area.

Food and Water Safety:

To reduce the risk of travellers' diarrhoea and other food and water-borne illnesses:

• Eat food that is fully cooked and served hot.
• Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water or peel them yourself.
• Consume pasteurised dairy products.
• Avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs.
• Only drink bottled or disinfected water.
• Avoid ice made with tap water.
• Practise good hand hygiene and avoid street food.

Altitude Sickness:

If your travel plans include high-altitude destinations, be aware of the risk of altitude sickness. To prevent this:

• Ascend slowly and stay hydrated.
• Consider medications like acetazolamide.
• Descend to lower altitudes if symptoms persist or worsen.

Other Health Considerations:

• Be aware of the risk of infections like Chagas disease, dengue, leishmaniasis, and Zika.
• Take steps to avoid animal bites, especially from dogs, bats, and monkeys, as rabies is present in wildlife.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay informed about health and safety updates.
• Consult a healthcare provider or travel clinic for personalised advice and recommendations.

Safety and security

The UK government advises exercising normal safety precautions in Argentina, with higher levels of caution in some areas. Violent crime and robberies are common in Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Mendoza, with thieves often working in teams of two or more and targeting small bags and pockets. It is recommended to keep a close eye on personal belongings and avoid carrying valuables in one place. Keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport somewhere safe, and avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night.

Distraction theft is also common in public areas such as train and bus stations, outside and inside hotels, and in busy tourist areas. Be cautious when in the Rivadavia Avenues near the obelisk, the Retiro Bus Terminal, and downtown Mendoza. Violent and armed robberies can occur in the streets outside the Caminito tourist area in La Boca; stay within the designated tourist area where there are high-visibility police patrols.

Kidnappings and "express kidnappings" have been known to occur in Argentina. To reduce your risk, avoid wearing expensive clothing or jewellery, particularly in public, and be vigilant, especially at night.

Drink and food spiking is another risk, particularly in nightclubs. Do not leave food or drinks unattended, and do not accept them from strangers. Be cautious about inviting new acquaintances into your accommodation.

When driving in Argentina, always keep car windows closed and doors locked in major cities. Take care when driving in the province of Misiones, close to the borders with Paraguay and Brazil, as this area is used for smuggling goods. Book taxis in advance if possible, and only use "radio taxis" with a clearly visible logo on the car doors if you hail one on the street.

Protests, demonstrations, and strikes are common in Argentina and can sometimes turn violent. Avoid all protests, demonstrations, and marches, and exercise caution at any large gatherings. Monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities.

Finally, insect-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, and hantavirus are common in the north of Argentina and as far south as Buenos Aires. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof, use insect repellent, and consider taking medication to prevent malaria if travelling to the north.

Transport and travel

Getting There

There are several international airports in Argentina, including Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Buenos Aires, which is the largest in the country. You can also enter Argentina by land from neighbouring countries, such as Chile, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. If you are travelling by bus, you will need to get off the bus and go through immigration at the border.

Getting Around

Argentina is a huge country, so internal flights are a good option for travelling long distances. The country's extensive bus network is also a good option for travelling between cities. For shorter distances, you can use the train network, but this is less extensive than the bus network.

If you are staying in a city, you can use the metro or light rail systems in Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Mendoza. You can also use taxis, ride-sharing apps, or hire a car. However, driving in Buenos Aires is not for the faint-hearted!

Public transport in Buenos Aires is cheap and easy to use. You will need a SUBE card for all forms of public transport, which you can buy at any subway station or kiosk. Rides range from 12.50 pesos (train) to 21 pesos (bus).

Entry Requirements

Most tourists do not need a visa to enter Argentina, including visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, the UK, Ireland, France, Germany and most other Western European countries. On arrival, eligible tourists generally receive an entry stamp valid for a 90-day stay. However, this could be for only 30 or 60 days, at the discretion of the immigration officer.

Anyone entering Argentina should have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry. It is also recommended to carry a photocopy of your passport at all times, as the police in Argentina can demand to see identification.

Citizens of some countries need a visa to travel to Argentina. If you are not from a visa-exempt country, contact the Argentine embassy or consulate in your home country for details of the application process.

Extending Your Stay

You can extend your stay in Argentina for a further 90 days by making an application at the main Dirección Nacional de Migraciones office in Buenos Aires. This can be a time-consuming process, so don't leave it until the last minute. Note that it is only possible to extend your stay once; if you overstay the approved period of entry, you can be fined and ordered to leave the country within 10 days, and you may be barred from re-entry.

As an alternative to applying for a visa extension, many travellers opt to cross over to neighbouring Uruguay or Chile shortly before their visa expires, returning to Argentina a day or two later and claiming a new 90-day entry stamp at the border. However, it is important to check the entry requirements for these countries before making the journey, as they may be different from Argentina's.

Travelling with Children

If you are a parent travelling with a dependent child but without the other parent, you will need to bring a notarised document certifying that both parents agree to the child's travel to Argentina. If you are separated from the other parent, it is also a good idea to bring a copy of the custody form.

Local laws and customs

Argentina is a country with a laid-back attitude, but it has some strict laws and customs that visitors should be aware of. Here are some essential things to know about the local laws and customs in Argentina:

• Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa to enter Argentina. Many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most Western European countries, are exempt from visa requirements for tourist visits of up to 90 days. However, citizens of certain countries need to obtain a visa before travelling to Argentina. It is important to check the specific requirements for your nationality before planning your trip.
• Passport Validity: All visitors to Argentina must have a valid passport with at least six months' validity remaining from the date of entry. Carrying a photocopy of your passport is also recommended, as the police in Argentina can request to see your identification at any time.
• Reciprocity Fee: Citizens of some countries, including Canada, the USA, and Australia, were previously required to pay a reciprocity fee upon entering Argentina. However, as of 2018, this fee has been suspended for US and Australian citizens. Canadian citizens should check the latest information before travelling, as they may still be required to pay the fee.
• Border Crossings: If you are entering Argentina via a land border, you and your belongings may be subject to additional scrutiny. It is important to ensure you receive an entry stamp in your passport from the border authorities when entering and exiting the country. Failure to obtain the necessary stamps can cause issues with future visits to Argentina.
• Customs Regulations: When bringing items into Argentina, it is important to be aware of the customs regulations. Certain items, such as knives, deadly weapons, counterfeit goods, pornographic material, and fresh produce, are prohibited from being brought into the country. Additionally, there are restrictions on the types of medications that can be brought in, and all items must be used and owned by the traveller for at least one year.
• Pet Entry Requirements: If you are travelling with pets, they must meet specific requirements, including having a microchip, being vaccinated for rabies, and having a health certificate. Additional requirements may apply for certain types of animals, so it is important to check the regulations before travelling with pets.
• ID Requirements: While rare, police in Argentina can request to see your identification at any time. It is recommended to carry at least a photocopy of your passport or other valid identification at all times.
• Payment Methods: Argentina's national currency is the Argentine peso, and it is recommended to have a small amount of local currency when visiting. Credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Diners, and MasterCard are widely accepted, and traveller's checks can be exchanged in major cities like Buenos Aires. ATMs are also readily available for cash withdrawals.
• Taxes and Refunds: International visitors to Argentina are subject to a 21% value-added tax (VAT) on accommodation. However, this VAT is automatically reimbursed for visitors who pay with a foreign credit card or via bank transfer. Additionally, foreign tourists can reclaim the VAT on purchases of domestically manufactured goods over a certain value.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Argentina is a country with a rich cultural heritage and strong traditions. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting. Additionally, Spanish is the official language in Argentina, so learning a few basic phrases or carrying a translation app or dictionary can be helpful for communication.

Frequently asked questions