Argentina

U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires

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

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 obtain 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 other countries, should verify if they need visas for those countries 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 at https://eeeuu.cancilleria.gob.ar/en.  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 Immigration website for the most current information.  Generally, Argentine citizens are required to depart Argentina using an Argentine passport, including children of U.S. citizens who may be born in Argentina. 

Special Entry/Exit Requirements for Minors:  A parent or guardian traveling alone with a child under 18 who resides in Argentina must present to Argentine authorities a legalized permission letter in Spanish (Autorización de Viaje) from the nonaccompanying parent upon departure from Argentina.  Therefore, either parent may prepare an authorizing letter for the other parent to travel abroad with the child in case of emergency.  (Please see the Argentine immigration website for more information.)  A local notary public (called an escribano in Argentina) may prepare the autorización de viaje letter.  If this notarized authorization is prepared in the United States, Argentine authorities will require an apostille from the United States in addition to the notarized authorization.  Please see this link for more information about an apostille:  Apostille Requirements (state.gov) For children born in the United States, Argentine Authorities will require the U.S. birth certificate to be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified translator. 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 occur frequently in Buenos Aires and take place in other cities as well.  Protesters often block streets and highways.  Demonstrations are usually nonviolent, but always have the potential to turn confrontational.  Avoid demonstrations if possible.

Crime:  Street crime is a problem in most cities including Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Mendoza.  Look out for muggers, pickpockets, scam artists, cellphone 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.

Robberies occur often, and violence is more likely to occur when victims resist. Frequent robberies of luggage and handbags occur at Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires and the bus station in Mendoza, and when leaving a handbag in the overhead compartment on the bus.

Robberies involving motorcycles (called “motochorros”) occur frequently in cities.  These thieves normally operate in pairs:  one to jump off and take the watches, purses, and backpacks of pedestrians, and another to operate the bike.  The motochorros also reach, or break, into cars to snatch valuable items.

Although the La Boca neighborhood is a well-known tourist destination, there have been violent robberies in the daytime as well as nighttime.  Stay on the main streets in the tourist zone and use radio taxis to and from the neighborhood.

Avoid “villas” or shanty towns in Buenos Aires and other major cities, even if they are in tourist zones.

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 service counters.  In town, use radio taxis from places like a hotel when possible.  See the Department of State and the FBI Financial Crime I pages for information on scams.  A few common scenarios follow:

Drivers pretend to help tourists with money while trading good bills for counterfeit ones.

A “handler” at the airport accepts payment for the ride, but then the driver also demands money at the end of the ride.

The taxi “breaks down” on the road, and a second taxi comes to get the passenger.  Both drivers demand payment.

Spraying mustard or another substance on the tourist from a distance.  An accomplice robs the victim while pretending to help clean the stain.

Precautions include: Do not place handbags on the back of your chair or on the floor at a restaurant.  Keep them in your lap.

Do not leave your drink unattended.

Do not leave cellphones on tables at restaurants.

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 receives many reports of stolen passports.  Passports and other valuables should be locked in a hotel safe.  Carry a photocopy of your passport with you.  In addition, U.S. citizen residents and visitors should safeguard personal information such as email addresses, telephone numbers, banking and other information, to protect against identity theft.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police at the numbers below and contact the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires:

Dial 911 to report emergencies, call the police, an ambulance, or the fire department.

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: help you find appropriate medical care assist you in reporting a crime to the police contact relatives or friends with your written consent explain the local criminal justice process in general terms provide a list of local attorneys provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution help you find accommodation and arrange flights home replace a stolen or lost passport

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 to provide urgent medical treatment, though very serious injuries often require medical evacuation.  U.S. citizens are strongly 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:

• Dual Nationals: U.S.-Argentine dual nationals may have to follow special rules that apply to Argentine citizens. In some cases, the U.S. government may have trouble providing protection abroad to dual citizens.
• Currency Exchange and Access:  You must show your passport to exchange money. Keep all receipts related to buying pesos.  Be careful if you are offered illegal exchange rates. and do not exchange money on the street. The Embassy does not exchange money.
• Some U.S. citizens report problems using their ATM cards issued by U.S. banks at certain ATMs. There is no set list of ATMs or banks where you can use U.S. cards. If your ATM card does not work at one ATM, try another one or use a reputable bank or exchange house. Daily withdrawal limits may also be lower than in the U.S.
• Hunting and Fishing/Transporting Firearms: If you plan to hunt or fish, follow all gun and game laws. Some U.S. citizens report problems bringing guns into and out of Argentina. More information can be found here.
• Adventure Travel: For local authorities,Local resources are limited for helping visitors lost or injured in remote areas can be hard. Travelers visiting isolated and wilderness areas mustshould learn about local conditions and give their itinerary to park or police officials.
• Argentina has the highest mountain outside ofin the HimalayasAmericas, Mount Aconcagua.  Several U.S. citizens, including expert climbers, have died while climbing the mountain.  Rescue missions are often impossible.
• Antarctica Travel: Many cruises to Antarctica depart from the port of Ushuaia, near the southern tip of Argentina.  The greatest threats to travelers to Antarctica are environmental hazards posed by extreme and unpredictable weather and limited emergency services.  Among the more common threats are frostbite, dehydration, eye damage from reflected glare, overexposure to the sun, and maritime accidents.  There have been accidental deaths on Antarctic cruises due to rough sea conditions, including rogue waves.  For additional information on travel to the Antarctic please see the country Information page for Antarctica: Antarctica International Travel Information (state.gov)

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

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:

• Hepatitis A
• Yellow Fever
• Dengue
• Typhoid
• Rabies

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:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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”.