How to Enter Argentina
Do I need a passport or visa to enter?
A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens to enter Argentina. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business. Argentine law requires that, prior to arrival in Argentina at any entry point, U.S. citizen tourists and business travelers must pay a $160 reciprocity fee by credit card online at the Provincia Pagos website. Once paid, you must print out the receipt and present it to the Argentine immigration officer at the time of entry. The fee is valid for ten years from the date of payment and multiple entries. It is advisable to keep multiple copies of the receipt, as it must be presented every time you enter Argentina. The fee applies only to bearers of tourist passports. Travelers bearing diplomatic or official passports are required to get visas prior to arrival in Argentina but are not charged the reciprocity fee, nor are travelers transiting and not entering Argentina.U.S. citizens who arrive in Argentina with expired or damaged passports may be refused entry and returned to the United States at their own expense. The U.S. Embassy cannot provide guarantees on behalf of travelers in such situations, and we encourage you to ensure that your travel documents are valid and in good condition prior to departure from the United States. Different rules apply to U.S. citizens who also have Argentine nationality, depending on their dates of U.S. naturalization. For more information, check the Argentine Ministry of the Interior website. Argentine-born naturalized U.S. citizens who enter Argentina as temporary visitors may depart using their U.S. passports as long as they remain no longer than the period granted by the Argentine immigration officer at the time of entry (typically 60-180 days). Travelers in this category who overstay will be required to obtain an Argentine passport to depart.
Children under 18 years of age who reside in Argentina, regardless of nationality, are required to present a notarized document that certifies both parents' permission for the child's departure from Argentina when the child is traveling alone, with only one parent, or in someone else's custody (click on the "international parental child abduction" link below for more information).
U.S. citizens wishing to enter Brazil or Paraguay from Argentina are required to obtain a visa in advance from the Brazilian and/or Paraguayan embassy or consulate nearest to the traveler's place of residence. Please note that this requirement applies to the popular cross-border day trips many travelers take when visiting Iguazu Falls. Travelers transiting between Brazil or Paraguay and Argentina should always make sure to present their passports to Argentine immigration officials to have their entry and exit from Argentina recorded. The U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires cannot assist travelers with obtaining Brazilian or Paraguayan visas.
Special Travel Circumstances in Argentina
In addition to being subject to all Argentine laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Argentine citizens. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection abroad.
Foreign citizens may encounter difficulties attempting to exchange Argentine pesos for dollars and other foreign currencies. In complying with Argentine foreign currency exchange regulations, banks and exchange houses in Argentina reportedly have been refusing to sell dollars and other foreign currencies to foreign citizens in exchange for pesos unless the foreign traveler is able to present the original receipt(s) showing the purchase of pesos. Even with the original receipt(s), tourists reportedly have only been able to buy currencies worth the same or less than the original peso purchase(s). Therefore, tourists who might want to exchange pesos for foreign currency upon leaving the country should retain all receipts related to the purchase of pesos during visits to Argentina. The purchase of Argentine pesos does not appear to have been affected, whether in exchange facilities or via ATMs using U.S. debit cards. Commodity exchange is not one of the services provided by United States embassies for U.S. citizens abroad. Travelers should exercise caution when approached with offers of illegal exchange at rates more favorable than the official rate; there have been some incidents of scams in which travelers were robbed, some of them at gunpoint.
Argentina’s mountains, forests, deserts, and glaciers make it a popular destination for outdoor and adventure sports enthusiasts. Despite the best efforts of local authorities, assisting visitors lost or injured in such remote areas can be difficult. U.S. citizens have died in recent years while mountain climbing, skiing, trekking, and hunting in Argentina. Travelers visiting isolated and wilderness areas should learn about local hazards and weather conditions and always should inform park or police authorities of their itineraries. Reports of missing or injured persons should be made immediately to the police so that a search can be mounted or assistance rendered. Argentina boasts the highest peak outside of the Himalayas, Mount Aconcagua. Its billing in some guidebooks as affordable and "requiring no climbing skills" attracts hundreds of U.S. citizens every year. With its 22,840-foot altitude, bitter cold, and savage storms, however, even experienced climbers should bear in mind that it is one of the world’s most difficult and potentially hazardous climbs.
Disclaimer
You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, and health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.