Call 100.
Call 911 (English language services only available in the city of Buenos Aires).
Call 107.
Call 911 (English language services only available in the city of Buenos Aires).
Call +54 9 11 5050 9260, for multilingual tourist police (only in the city of Buenos Aires).
Call 911 (English language services only available in the city of Buenos Aires).
Exercise normal safety precautions in Argentina.
Exercise normal safety precautions in Argentina.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Rosario.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Rosario due to the threat of crime and violence.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Crime rates are higher than in Australia. Thefts and robberies are common, especially in Buenos Aires city and its metropolitan area, as well as in other major cities, such as Rosario and Mendoza. You should keep cash and expensive items such as mobile phones, wallets and jewellery out of sight in public areas. Avoid lower socioeconomic urban areas where crime is more likely to occur. Avoid empty streets, especially after dark.
You should exercise a high degree of caution in the city of Rosario due to higher levels of drug-related crime and violence.
Petty crime, including pickpocketing, and bag/jewellery/mobile phone snatching is common, even during the day.
Take care on public transport and in busy pedestrian zones and tourist areas.
Distraction thefts are common in public areas, such as:
This can involve creating a distraction by, for example, helping remove sauce that they spilt on you while their accomplice steals your possessions while you are distracted.
Robberies are frequent in and around bus stations, especially at:
Criminals might use force if you resist.
Robberies involving motorcycles, 'motochorros', are common in larger cities. Thieves usually work in pairs:
They'll also snatch items from inside vehicles.
Robberies are common in taxis.
Robbery and theft hotspots in tourist areas of the city of Buenos Aires include:
Armed robbery and other violent crimes can cause problems in major tourist areas of:
To reduce your risk of crime:
Violent organised and drug-related crime in Rosario is ongoing. Public transport and taxis have been affected. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
Drinks and food can be spiked and could put you at risk of robbery or assault. Never leave your food or drinks unattended and do not accept them from strangers. Foreign tourists have been drugged and robbed of their belongings.
There have been reports of foreign tourists being robbed or assaulted after inviting into their accommodation, someone they recently met, online or in person.
Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.
More information:
Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.
Kidnapping, virtual kidnapping and express kidnappings have occurred in Argentina.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
Crimes against car passengers are a problem. Thieves often target cars stopped at traffic lights.
Some criminals pose as taxi operators at the airport and rob passengers. They may work with other taxi drivers.
To reduce your risks while taking taxis or driving:
If you're held up, don't resist.
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.
Possible targets include:
To stay safe:
If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.
More information:
Protests and demonstrations are common in Argentina. Particularly in:
Organised strikes are frequent and may disrupt transport systems, including trains and airlines. Contact your travel or tour operator for information.
Focal points for protesters in Buenos Aires are the areas of:
During demonstrations, streets may be blocked, and public transport disrupted.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
Football matches can sometimes turn violent. Monitor local media to know if violence is expected to occur.
More information:
Pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers should be careful in Argentina. Car accidents are much more common in Argentina than in Australia due to:
You're more likely to die in a car accident in Argentina than in Australia.
More information:
Bomb attacks have occurred in Argentina.
To protect yourself from terrorism:
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Argentina experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
Land border crossings can close due to earthquakes, landslides, or severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfalls. The land border with Chile is particularly prone to closures due to severe weather conditions, especially during winter months. You can check the status of all land border crossings here.
If there's a natural disaster:
More information:
Volcanos on the border of Argentina and Chile could erupt at any time.
Earthquakes can also occur, particularly in provinces bordering the Andes.
Flooding is seasonal. It's more common in the northern and eastern provinces of Argentina. Flooding may disrupt local transport and essential services.
Heavy rains may cause occasional flash floods in other areas, including the province of Buenos Aires.
Bushfires can occur throughout the year in different parts of the country.
More information:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your travel or medical insurance policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including hospital admission and medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
You may not be able to access your usual medication in Argentina. Some local alternatives:
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Argentina. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Diseases spread by insects are a risk in Argentina. These include:
These diseases are serious and can be fatal.
Outbreaks can happen throughout the year and as far south as Buenos Aires, particularly when warm weather combines with rainfall. There has been a severe dengue outbreak across northern and eastern Argentina, including Buenos Aires.
Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.
US CDC recommends yellow fever vaccinations for all travellers going to Corrientes and Misiones provinces.
Zika virus is a risk in the northern areas of Argentina.
Pregnant women and their unborn babies are particularly at risk. If you're pregnant:
To protect yourself against diseases spread by insects:
More information:
Infected rodents spread hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. It's widespread in:
To protect yourself from hantavirus infection:
If you travel to an area higher than 2500m, you can develop altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness can be deadly. It can affect anyone, even if you're physically fit.
Your risk of altitude sickness increases if you:
If you'll be travelling above 2500m:
Buenos Aires has high levels of air pollution. This may aggravate:
Outbreaks of waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases occur. This includes:
To reduce your risk of illness:
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.
Get urgent medical advice if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.
Most medical facilities are of a reasonable standard. Medical services can be limited in remote areas.
You may need to pay cash before private medical clinics will treat you. This includes for emergency care.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe, even for small amounts, and include long prison terms.
More information:
If you plan to take part in commercial or altruistic surrogacy arrangements in Argentina, be aware of all legal and other risks involved. Research prospective agencies and clinics to ensure that you're dealing with a reputable organisation.
Get comprehensive and independent legal advice from an Argentine lawyer with specialisation in this area of law.
There's no specific current legislation that regulates surrogacy and all surrogacy arrangements are subject to ongoing developments in Argentine law. This applies to both the surrogacy arrangements as well as administrative procedures such as issuing of birth certificates and travel arrangements for babies born through surrogacy.
Argentine authorities may consider surrogacy arrangements to be illegal. Criminal investigations into surrogacy agencies, and associated service providers, including medical clinics, legal advisers and notary publics have occurred. Be aware if there are any local legal issues surrounding your surrogacy arrangement, authorities may stop you entering the country, or your child leaving. You need to find out which visa is appropriate for you. You may wish to seek legal advice from an Argentine lawyer with specialisation in this area of law.
The Australian Government can't intervene in visa or border clearance decisions of another country. Seek legal advice in your destination.
On 22 October 2024 the Supreme Court of Argentina ruled that the name of the surrogate (the woman who carried the child) must be included on the child’s birth certificate as one of the two listed parents.
Spanish is the official language in Argentina, and you may need to engage the services of a translator for several differing scenarios, including engaging with your lawyer and medical provider.
The Australian Embassy can't provide:
You may need to spend several months in Argentina before and after the birth, to complete Argentine processes. Don’t confirm travel plans until you’ve finalised Australian citizenship and passport processes. If unforeseen legal complications arise, this period could be considerably prolonged.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Dual nationals staying in Argentina for more than 180 days must leave Argentina on an Argentine passport.
Applying for an Argentine passport can take time. You must present documents proving your identity. If you're an Australian resident, you may have to provide proof of your address in Australia.
The Australian Embassy can't help you apply for an Argentine passport or other identity documents.
More information:
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or consulate of Argentina for details about visas, currency and customs regulations.
As a tourist, you can stay for up to 90 days without a visa, but you'll need evidence that you intend to depart the country within the 90 days, for example:
Officials may also ask for proof of accommodation and evidence that you have enough money or a credit card to cover your trip.
If you are travelling on a passport other than a regular passport (for example, official, diplomatic or emergency) and/or for a reason other than tourism, you may require a visa. Please contact the nearest Argentine Consulate/Embassy for further information and to apply for a visa.
Visas aren't available on arrival. You must obtain your visa before you travel.
Biometric entry procedures are in place at:
On arrival at these ports, authorities will:
Argentina immigration official may not stamp your passport on entry or exit. Should you require evidence of entry/exit, click here to fill out a form on the migration agency website.
Children younger than 18 years may need to provide an authorisation or a letter of consent from the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) who aren't travelling with them.
Children younger than 18 years who normally reside in Argentina or have resided in the country for one year or more need legal authorisation from the non-accompanying parent(s) to leave the country if travelling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian.
Children younger than 13 years must have a translated and apostilled authorisation to enter the country if one or both parents and/or legal guardian(s) are not travelling with them.
When a child is travelling with both parents, be prepared to prove you're the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) (birth certificate or court documents). Parents of children younger than 18 years who were born in Argentina or normally reside in Argentina need to prove they’re the parents when leaving Argentina.
For more information, visit Argentina’s Immigration website: instructions on travelling with minors.
Contact the nearest Argentine Embassy or Consulate for guidance.
More information:
If you’re boarding an Antarctic cruise ship please see Travel to Antarctica and the Arctic.
If you're travelling through the US, you must meet US entry or transit requirements.
Check your visa needs well before you travel. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the United States.
More information:
If you’re travelling via Chile, ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.
Please see our Travel Advice for Chile. Australians need a visa to enter Chile. To learn about Chile’s visa requirements please visit the Chilean Government’s website.
You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Argentina. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
The Peso (ARS) is the official currency of Argentina. Most major hotels in Buenos Aires will exchange US dollars. They may not accept traveller's cheques. Check local sources for advice on buying foreign currency.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted. You should carry a photocopy of the identity page of your passport or a photo ID in case you are required to prove you are the owner of the card.
Don't exchange money on the street, or with someone offering exchange services on the street. You may receive counterfeit pesos or become the victim of a crime.
Be prepared if you're hiking or climbing in high country or mountains.
To reduce your risks if you intend to hike in Argentina:
More information:
If you intend to make a day trip to the Brazilian side, make sure you meet the entry/visa requirements.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Brazil.
See the Brazilian Government’s website to learn about entry and visa requirements for Australian citizens
Be cautious when crossing the tri-border area between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, as criminal activities are common. Avoid crossing the borders after dark.
More information:
You can use your Australian driver's licence while you have a valid visa. You should check with the rental car company whether you also need to have an international driver permit. You may need to present further identification.
Residents must get an Argentine driver's licence.
Drivers must be aged 23 years or older to hire a car.
Petty crime is common in trains and subways and in railway stations.
When travelling on public transportation you should carry your backpack or purse on your chest, not on your back.
It is more secure to book radio taxis and 'remises' (chauffeured cars):
To reduce your risks if you take a taxi:
Overbooking on domestic flights, technical problems at the airport, protests and strikes are common in Argentina and can result in:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Argentina's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
If you're flying within Argentina, monitor local media for airport updates.
More information:
Buenos Aires and Ushuaia are popular destinations for several international cruise lines, including for travel to Antarctica.
For your safety, if you intend to take a cruise:
More information:
People with disabilities may have trouble with accessibility and accommodation in Argentina.
Federal laws mandate access to buildings for people with disabilities, but these may not be fully applied. Many provinces don't have similar laws.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 100.
Call 911 (English language services are only available in the city of Buenos Aires).
Call 107.
Call 911 (English language services are only available in the city of Buenos Aires).
Call 911 (English language services are only available in the city of Buenos Aires).
Tourist police stations, or Comisarías del Turista (where there are English-speaking officers), are in:
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
You can contact the Australian Embassy in Buenos Aires.
Villanueva 1400
(C1426BMJ)
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Phone: +54 11 4779 3500
Website: argentina.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia en Argentina, Uruguay y Paraguay
Instagram: ausemb_ar
X: @EmbAustraliaBA
Check the Embassy’s website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.