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Do not travel to Argentina due to COVID-19.
Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Argentina due to COVID-19.
Travelers to Argentina may experience border closures, airport closures, travel prohibitions, stay at home orders, business closures, and other emergency conditions within Argentina due to COVID-19. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Argentina.
Read the country information page.
If you decide to travel to Argentina:
Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information.
Must be valid at time of entry
One page required for entry stamp
Not required for stays of 90 days or less
None
None
Up to US$10,000 or equivalent undeclared for those over age 16; up to US$5,000 or equivalent undeclared for those under 16
Av. Colombia 4300
(C1425GMN) Buenos Aires
Argentina
Telephone: +(54)(11) 5777-4533
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(54)(11) 5777-4354
Fax: +(54)(11) 5777-4240
BuenosAires-ACS@state.gov
See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Argentina for information on U.S. - Argentina relations.
Entry/Exit Requirements for U.S. citizens: U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Argentina. U.S. citizens with expired or damaged passports may not be allowed to enter and could be sent back to the United States at their own expense. Private U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business. Diplomatic or official passport holders must get visas prior to arrival.
The U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires cannot help travelers with obtaining Brazilian, Paraguayan or other visas. U.S. citizens embarking on a cruise ship from Argentina that includes Brazil in the itinerary will need a Brazilian visa before boarding the ship. For more information, see the Country Specific Information for the country you plan to visit.
Visit the Embassy of Argentina’s website for visa information. For information about customs rules, please read our Customs Information page and the Argentine Customs page.
Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Dual Nationals: Different rules may apply to dual U.S.-Argentine citizens, depending on when they became U.S. citizens. Visit the Argentine Ministry of the Interior website for the most current information.
Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Minors: Children under 18 who live in Argentina and are not traveling with both parents must have the notarized consent of both parents to leave Argentina (see international parental child abduction for more information). Visit the Argentine Department of Immigration website for more information.
HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State does not know of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for foreign visitors or residents of Argentina.
More Information: Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.
Demonstrations are common in Buenos Aires and happen in other cities as well. Protesters often block streets and highways. Demonstrations are usually nonviolent, but can turn confrontational. Avoid demonstrations if possible.
Crime: Street crime is a problem in Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Mendoza. Look out for muggers, pickpockets, scam artists, and purse-snatchers who work on the street, in restaurants and hotel lobbies, at bus and train stations, in public transportation, and in cruise ship ports.
Scams involving yellow and black taxis have been reported at international airports and around Buenos Aires. Pre-arrange a ride or select one of the flat-rate “remise” services (private car with driver) from the airport. In town, use radio taxis from places like a hotel when possible. See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams. A few common scenarios follow:
Precautions include:
Sexual assaults have been reported against solo hikers and bikers on trails in regions along the border with Chile. Hike in groups and remain alert to your surroundings.
Robberies also occur, where victims are grabbed and forced to take out as much money as possible from ATMs. Family or co-workers are contacted and told to bring all the cash they have on hand or can gather in a couple of hours. Once the ransom is paid, the victim is usually released unharmed. There have been some foreign victims of these robberies. Fake telephone kidnappings are also common. Learning important phone numbers and, if robbed, immediately finding a phone and letting family members know you are alright are important steps in stopping this crime.
Travelers should not pack valuables in checked bags.
The U.S. Embassy sees many reports of stolen passports. Passports and other valuables should be locked in a hotel safe. Carry a photocopy of your passport with you.
Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at the numbers below and contact the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires:
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. If you are in immediate danger, call the police at 911.
Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, hospitals are able provide urgent medical treatment, though very serious injuries often require medical evacuation. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:
Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:
LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Argentina.
See our LGBTI travel information page and section 6 of the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: People with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than in the United States. The law mandates access to buildings for persons with disabilities, but while the federal government has protective laws, many provinces do not.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Medical evacuation is extremely costly.
Medications: If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Argentine Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Argentina. Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
Health Concerns: The following diseases are prevelant either throughout Argentina or in certain areas:
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and CDC recommendations for travel to Argentina.
Further health information:
Road Conditions and Safety: Driving is more dangerous than in the United States. Drivers in Argentina tend to be aggressive, especially in Buenos Aires, and often ignore traffic regulations. Drivers should prepare in advance when taking long road trips and make sure to have adequate insurance coverage. Gas stations are often far apart and not always easily identified from the main roadway. You need an Argentine or international driver’s license to drive, but verify with local authorities for the most current information.
See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the websites of Argentina's national tourist office and national roadways office (available only in Spanish).
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Argentina’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Argentina’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
MARITIME TRAVEL: Mariners planning travel to Argentina should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website select “broadcast warnings”.
Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.
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