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The question is complicated. The thing is that it depends on the date, the country where you are from and the places you would like to visit in Argentina. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about Argentina’s travel restrictions in this article.

Last updated: 26/12/2020

Argentina it’s a great country to visit, but since March its borders have been closed to tourism due to Covid-19 and the pandemic. However, in recent days there has been some updates on the situation, so you must ask yourself again: “Can I travel to Argentina right now?”.

When will Argentina open its borders?

Argentina kept its borders closed to tourism since March but a few weeks ago the Government authorized the entry of tourists from neighboring countries. However, now, due to the appearance of a new strain of COVID-19 and the rebound in the number of Coronavirus cases per day, the Government had to back off and closed the borders again until January. So, if you want to plan a trip to this country you must know the updated Argentina’s travel restrictions.

Argentina’s travel restrictions: What you need to know

On December 24, 2020, the local government made official the new Argentina’s travel restrictions for people arriving in the country, which includes the closure of land borders with neighboring countries and air borders with Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands and Australia, given the increase in COVID-19 cases in the region and the appearance of a new strain in Great Britain.

The closure of borders with neighboring countries and the suspension of flights to and from five countries in Europe and Oceania began to take effect from midnight on December 25 after the Government established the measure in the framework of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The measure establishes the closure of borders with neighboring countries (Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile) from this Thursday until January 9, as well as the suspension of authorizations granted on direct flights from and to the United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, Italy and the Netherlands.

The objective is to prevent the arrival of people who carried any of the new Covid-19 strains that were detected in recent weeks.

The Government had clarified that carriers or crew members of any nationality are exempt; nationals and residents of the Argentine Republic, whatever their place of origin; foreigners whose goal is to carry out a work or commercial activity, fulfill an official diplomatic mission, participate in sporting events or for their family reunification; and foreigners declared in transit to other countries with a stay at the international airport of less than 24 hours.

As we mentioned earlier, the Government closed the borders again and thus suspended the entrance of tourists from neighboring countries, who were the only ones who could enter the country until now.

Argentina’s travel restrictions: Requirements for tourists

Assuming that after January 9, 2021 tourists from neighboring countries could re-enter the country, we are going to list the requirements that were requested until last Wednesday (23, December, 2020).

You’ll have to considerer this travel restrictions:

• File an affidavit online.

• Present a negative PCR taken 72 hours before shipping.

• Have health insurance with coverage for COVID-19.

• Carry out a test upon arrival in Ezeiza or at the river station. After the test, international tourists can continue their trip and should not wait for the result at the airport. Visitors should only isolate themselves in case of positive or close contact with a positive case of Covid.

• The test will have a value of 2,500ARS (30USD) for international tourists. In the case of Argentines who return to the country and are destined for the city, the test will be covered by the medical coverage that each one has.

Can Americans travel to Argentina?

That’s another question that maybe you are asking. The answer is no. 

Most foreigners who are not a resident in Argentina, including U.S. citizens, are not permitted to enter Argentina; and it is difficult to know an estimated end date for this travel ban.

However, foreign citizens with direct relatives (spouse, parents, minor children, and adult children) who are Argentine citizens or residents, may enter Argentina for a temporary visit under exceptional circumstances if certain conditions are met.

In addition, travelers seeking entry under this program must present:  

• A birth certificate, marriage certificate, or legal documentation of common law marriage or partnership (with required apostille)  as evidence of the direct relation with the Argentine citizen.  

• A copy of the National ID Card (DNI) of the Argentine relative.

• Return travel reservation/tickets.

• Negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before travel.
  
• Evidence of medical travel insurance that includes hospitalization and quarantine coverage for COVID-19.

• At the port of entry a letter of request that provides the necessary reason for the visit, dates of entry and departure to and from Argentina, address where the traveler will stay, and any additional relevant information required for the immigration official to evaluate the request.
  

Recommendations when travelling to Argentina 

Beyond Argentina’s travel restrictions, there are some general recommendations to keep in mind to enjoy your trip to Argentina in the safest way possible.

• Keep a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between you and others when possible.
• Avoid having contact with anyone who is sick.
• Limit contact with frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons, and touch panels. If you have to touch these surfaces, when you’re done use hand sanitizer or wash your hands.
• Put on a cloth mask.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands frequently. This is especially important after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• Make a list of things to pack: cloth face masks, alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol), disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol) to clean surfaces, thermometer.

Coronavirus in Argentina: It’s safe to travel?

Argentina closed its borders to nonessential travel in March as countries around the world were doing the same to stem the spread of Coronavirus across borders. Only Argentines and residents have been able to enter during lockdown.

The Argentine authorities took preventive measures to protect their population in advance, which, at first, have been praised by the international community. With a population close to 45 million inhabitants, the total number of infected grows to 1,583,927 and fatalities 42,650 total. So these preventive measures and Argentina’s travel restrictions are being questioned.

To sum up, if you are wondering “Can I travel to Argentina right now?”, at this time you can’t. But eventually you will be able to travel to Argentina. So, you must ask a different question: “Can I visit Argentina safely?” Well, that will depend on your safety measures;we are never completely safe from the virus, even if we take great care of ourselves. When planning a trip to Argentina, you will have to take into account the health situation in Argentina at the time of traveling and book a travel insurance that includes medical coverage if you become ill.