Argentina Entry Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide
With its thriving cities, glorious national parks, world-class wine and steaks, and diverse landscapes that range from soaring Andean peaks and high-altitude deserts to pancake-flat grasslands and humid wetlands, Argentina calls out to travelers from across the globe.
Many Nationalities Do Not Need a Visa to Travel to Argentina
First, the good news: Argentina’s entry requirements for tourists are relatively straightforward. Most tourists do not need a visa to enter Argentina. This includes visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, and most other Western European countries.
Upon arrival, eligible tourists generally receive an entry stamp valid for a 90-day stay. However, it could be valid for only 30 or 60 days, at the discretion of the immigration officer. If you leave the country—such as to travel to nearby countries—you will need a new stamp to re-enter Argentina, though obtaining one is usually a formality.
Anyone entering Argentina should have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Argentine authorities may demand to see identification, so carry at least a photocopy of your passport around at all times.
Countries that Need a Visa
Citizens of some countries require a visa to travel to Argentina. If you come from a country not on the visa-exempt list, it is advisable to contact the Argentine embassy or consulate in your home country for details regarding the application process.
Reciprocity Fees for Some Countries
Citizens from certain nations are required to pay a reciprocity fee (tasa de reciprocidad) before entering Argentina. This fee is equivalent to what Argentines are charged for visas to visit those countries. However, many of these arrangements have been abolished recently, so checking with your local Argentine embassy or consulate is a prudent step to determine if any fees apply.
Extending Your Visa for 90 Days
Travelers can extend their stay in Argentina for another 90 days by applying at the main Dirección Nacional de Migraciones office in Buenos Aires. Note that it is only possible to extend your stay once. Overstaying the approved period can result in fines and the requirement to leave the country. Moreover, it could affect your ability to re-enter in the future.
The fee for extending your stay is currently AR$6000 for most travelers, but nationals from various South American countries pay a reduced fee of AR$3000. Applications must be submitted between 8 AM and 2 PM on weekdays. This process can be rather arduous and time-consuming, so it is best not to leave things until the last minute.
Leave Argentina to Get a New Entry Stamp
As an alternative to applying for a visa extension, many travelers opt to cross over to neighboring Uruguay or Chile shortly before their visa expires, returning to Argentina a day or two later to claim a new 90-day entry stamp at the border. Buenos Aires offers convenient boat services to Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo in Uruguay.
However, it is essential to check the entry requirements for Uruguay or Chile beforehand, as the rules for these countries may differ from Argentina’s. Keep in mind that crossing the border multiple times to extend your stay can arouse suspicion among Argentine immigration officials, who reserve the right to deny you entry if they believe you are exploiting the system.
Ensure You Get an Exit Stamp
If you are departing Argentina via any land border, be sure to acquire an exit stamp in your passport from the border authorities. Argentine nationals are not required to receive a stamp, and bus drivers often cross the frontier without stopping unless told to do so. Failure to obtain an exit stamp can lead to complications in future visits to Argentina.
Documentation Requirements for Traveling Parents
Officially, a mother or father traveling with a dependent child but without the other parent must carry a notarized document certifying that both parents agree to the child’s travel to Argentina. If you are separated from the other parent, it is wise to bring a copy of the custody form if you have one. While you may not always be asked for either document, it is prudent to be prepared.
Planning for Work or Study Visas
If you intend to work or study in Argentina, you must apply for a specific type of visa and meet a range of complex criteria. This process often requires input from a sponsoring organization, thus completing the necessary paperwork well in advance is advisable. Contact your local Argentine embassy or consulate for more information on the application process.
This article was first published on November 10, 2021, and updated on December 21, 2022.
