Argentina Travel Advice

Threat level: Low

COVID-19 Situation in Argentina

Due to the pandemic situation around the world, Argentina has closed its borders to non-resident foreign nationals. Travellers who are allowed to enter the country must complete a 'sworn statement' within 48 hours of travelling, present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, taken no more than 72 hours before arrival and quarantine for 10 days.

Following a surge in COVID-19 cases, Argentina has implemented measures to control the spread of the virus. It is mandatory to wear a face mask when out in public and maintain social distancing. The use of public transport services are restricted to people who carry out essential jobs and have a permit of use. People can travel to other jurisdictions but must abide by the rules established by the jurisdiction they plan on visiting, which can vary between jurisdictions and include a permit to circulate or a summer certificate. To avoid contracting the disease, apply good hygiene practices, maintain social distancing, avoid unnecessary public gatherings and unnecessary travel.

Security in Argentina

The overall threat for Argentina is low, however the best travel advice for Argentina is to remain cautious throughout your visit, particularly in popular tourist spots and busy cities such as Buenos Aires, Rosario and Mendoza. These areas are key destinations for thieves looking to target affluent tourists, so you should ensure your personal belongings are safe at all times.

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There is no general terrorist threat in Argentina and it is a reasonably stable country with a good economic outlook, however there may be an underlying threat from anti-capitalist groups who have used small explosive devices in the past at finance targets. There have been terrorist groups which have been known to operate in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay border areas but this does not pose a severe risk. Most stays in Argentina are without trouble.

With 35% of the country living below the poverty line, civil unrest can happen and demonstrations have been known to turn violent. Areas of possible outbreak of demonstrations are:

1. The Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires
2. Congreso, Buenos Aires

There is a risk of crime against persons, including “express kidnappings” where a person is held to ransom whilst their bank account is accessed. Scams and conmen are common in certain parts of Argentina and it is strongly advised you keep your passport in a safe location; Buenos Aires and Mendoza have experienced an increasing rate of passport thefts in recent years.

General petty crime and distraction theft are common, however some of these crimes can be as bad as armed robbery, so it is advised you are cautious when in isolated or in the evening hours. Care should be taken in busy public places and to not leave valuables inside of hire cars, as these are of particular target to opportunistic thieves.

In 1982, Argentina invaded the British Falkland Island and since the recapture of the Islands by Britain, successive Argentinian governments have constantly laid claim to them. It is a trait of the government to use the issues of the Falklands Islands to rally the country at times of national crisis in order to take the heat off domestic troubles faced by the country. There are sometimes public demonstrations near or outside the British Embassy in Buenos Aires. The Falklands still remain British.

There have been some reports of kidnapping in Argentina. Travellers should take care not to show that they might have wealth, wearing expensive jewellery or discussing money in public. These attacks are rare but do happen.

There is also currently an outbreak of Hantavirus in Epuyén and four regions of Argentina are also endemic for the disease including: North (Salta, Jujuy), Centro (Buenos Aires, Santa Fe and Entre Ríos), Northeast (Misiones) and Sur (Neuquén, Río Negro and Chubut).

Argentina has a history of political uprisings and during the period of the “Dirty War” - an internal political struggle - saw hundreds of thousands of people taken off the street and from their homes by government forces.

There are unresolved sovereign claims to land in the Antarctic region, Argentina disputes these areas with Chile and the British overseas territories.

The driving standards in Argentina can be erratic with drivers rarely being considerate of others on the road - pedestrians and cyclists should take particular care. Keep your vehicle's windows and doors locked at all times, especially if you are waiting at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic.

If you travel by taxi, it is recommended to only use radio taxis that are identifiable by the company logo on the rear passenger doors.

Most European citizens will require an International Driving Permit if you are looking to hire a car, although many companies may allow you to drive on your national licence. Check with a tour operator if you are unsure.

There is an active volcano on the border with Chile and activity from this can lead to evacuations. It is advised to monitor local news and geological updates when travelling to Argentina.

Argentina can be subject to heavy rains and flooding, this can disrupt transport links and present a high risk of danger. Take care when travelling, plan journeys before you embark on them and ensure you have necessary supplies in your vehicle, including enough fuel for your journey.

General emergency: 911 (Buenos Aires City & Province)
Police English Hotline: 101
Tourist Police: +54 911 5050 9260/3293
Traffic Police: 1954 (Traffic Centre)
Marine Emergencies: 1767
Fire emergency: 100
Medical emergency: 107
Environmental emergency: 105
Marine emergency: 106 (Sea Search and Rescue)

Official languages: Spanish
Religion: Christianity (Roman Catholic)
Currency: Peso
Time now in Buenos Aires:

U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires
Av. Colombia 4300,
(C1425GMN) Buenos Aires,
Argentina
Telephone: +54 11 5777 4533
Email: Buenosaires-ACS@state.gov

British Embassy Buenos Aires
Dr Luis Agote 2412 (1425),
Buenos Aires,
Argentina
Telephone: +54 11 4808 2200
Email: askinformation.baires@fco.gov.uk
Email: argentina.consulate@fco.gov.uk
Email: consular.baires@fco.gov.uk

Most visitors including British, Canadian and American citizens are allowed to enter and stay in Argentina as tourists for up to 90 days visa-free. Further advice can be found here: Visa advice Argentina

It is advised that visitors to Argentina are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers get Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccinations. You may also want to consider getting vaccination against Yellow Fever.

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travellers older than 9 months, who are likely to visit the Corrientes and Misiones Provinces, including the Iguaçu Falls. You should check with your local health professional prior to your departure, as the yellow fever vaccine is not suitable for all travellers or all areas of Argentina.

The Zika virus has been noted to be present in the provinces of Chaco, Formosa, Salta and Tucumán. The disease is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes and whilst there is no vaccine at present, prevention is through avoidance of bites. For more information on the Zika virus, see: Zika virus facts

There is also a risk of Dengue fever, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Medical facilities in Argentina are generally good quality but public hospitals can be crowded and strained. Treatment can prove costly, so you should ensure that you have adequate insurance that will cover you for all situations.

There is also currently an outbreak of Hantavirus in Epuyén and four regions of Argentina are also endemic for the disease including: North (Salta, Jujuy), Centro (Buenos Aires, Santa Fe and Entre Ríos), Northeast (Misiones) and Sur (Neuquén, Río Negro and Chubut).