23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 100.
Call 911, for English language service in Buenos Aires only.
Call 107.
Call 911, for English language service in Buenos Aires only.
Call 0800 999 5000, for multilingual tourist police.
Call 911, for English language service in Buenos Aires only.
Do not travel to Argentina.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
After an initial decline at the commencement of COVID-19 due to movement restrictions, in the City of Buenos Aires, there has been a resurgence of crime eg robbery. This trend is expected to continue as isolation measures are further adjusted.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and bag slashing, is common. Thieves also target mobile phones, especially smartphones. Take care on public transport, busy pedestrian zones and in tourist areas.
Distraction thefts are common in public areas, such as:
This involves creating a distraction by, for example, helping remove sauce that they spilled on you.
Robberies are frequent in bus stations, in particular:
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 hotspots in tourist areas of Buenos Aires include:
Armed robbery and other violent crimes are increasingly a problem in major tourist areas of:
Express kidnappings can occur in Buenos Aires.
An express kidnapping is where criminals demand a quick pay-off. They force victims to withdraw funds from ATMs to secure their release.
Kidnappers tend to target locals asking for ransom from families or co-workers. However, they may target tourists. The victim is usually unharmed.
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 risk of road-based crime:
To reduce your risks while taking taxis or driving:
If you're held up, don't resist.
Protests and demonstrations are common in Argentina. Particularly in:
Organised strikes are frequent and may disrupt transport systems, such as 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:
More information:
Bomb attacks have occurred in Buenos Aires and could continue to occur in 2021 as an election year.
Major events are potential targets. The government has security measures in place to mitigate against terrorist threats.
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 or severe weather conditions.
If there's a natural disaster:
More information:
Volcanoes on the border of Argentina and Chile could erupt at any time.
Earthquakes can also occur, particularly in those provinces bordering the Andes.
Flooding is seasonal. It's more common in the northern 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.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including 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. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
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:
COVID-19 remains a significant risk in Argentina.
For information on Argentina's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Government of Argentina's website (Spanish). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Insect-borne diseases
Diseases spread by insects are a risk in Argentina. This includes:
These diseases are serious and can be fatal.
Outbreaks are more likely in wet seasons:
There are active outbreaks of dengue in Northern Argentina, with cases as far south as Buenos Aires. Though more prevalent in summer, dengue is an issue throughout the year.
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. This includes Tucuman Province.
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:
In January 2019, an outbreak in Chubut and Jujuy caused some deaths.
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.
There continues to be registered cases of measles in Argentina, including one death.
Most medical facilities are of a reasonable standard.
Puerto Madryn has a decompression chamber.
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:
Offences committed against national symbols carry a penalty of 6 months to 4 years in jail.
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.
A child born in Argentina to Australian parents is an Argentine national. They must use an Argentine passport when they leave the country.
More information:
As a tourist, you can stay for up to 90 days without a visa, but you'll need:
Officials may also ask to see proof of accommodation and enough money or a credit card to cover your trip.
You'll need a visa to work or study in Argentina, or if you have an Australian diplomatic or official passport.
Apply for a visa from an Argentinian embassy or consulate well before you travel. Visas are not available on arrival.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or consulate of Argentina for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Biometric entry procedures are in place at:
On arrival at these ports, authorities will:
Children younger than 18 may need to provide a letter of consent from any parents that aren't travelling with them.
Seek advice from your nearest embassy or consulate of Argentina as early as possible.
More information:
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:
You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Argentina. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
More information:
Entry and exit from Argentina
Argentina’s borders, airports and sea ports remain closed to most foreign nationals and non-residents, including Australians until further notice.
Commercial flights continue to be available to facilitate departure, with occasional special charter flights. Australian citizens who may be eligible to enter the United States of America using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) and Australian foreign residents who hold existing US visas, may have options to return to Australia via the West Coast of the USA. Consul your travel agent for flight options and further advice on your personal circumstances.
To exit Argentina, you will need to fill out an Argentine Immigration Affidavit Declaration form in the 48 hours prior to leaving the country.
The Government of Argentina has suspended direct flights to Argentina from some countries and is reducing the number of flights to and from the country to prevent the spread of COVID-19, particularly the new variants.
Any permitted entry into Argentina requires you to present a negative COVID-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to boarding. You'll need to register the results through the COVID-19: Information and Affidavits for entry and exit to the country 48 hours before arrival. Please contact your closest Argentine Consulate or Embassy to arrange the necessary visa and entry permits in advance of arranging your travel.
From 27 March, you’ll also need to take a COVID-19 test on arrival. If you test negative, you will need to self-isolate for 7 days and will need to take a further test on the 7th day of your self-isolation. If you test positive, you’ll have to take a second test to determine the strain you’re carrying and you and your close contacts may have to enter managed isolation. Travellers will have to pay for all tests as well as for any stay at the managed quarantine facility.
If you're planning to travel locally, the Government of Argentina has specified that you will need prior authorisation from this Argentine Government website. Once registered, you must re-enter the website to access, download and print your circulation permit.
COVID-19 restrictions in Argentina
The federal government continues to renew nationwide restrictions. However, differences from the federal government mandates are occurring at a provincial government level in response to local circumstances. Curfews are in place in various provinces which prohibit non-essential travel between certain hours. If you are in Argentina, you should check with your local authorities as restrictions vary within each jurisdiction around the nation.
You can also check measures applied in your location on the Ministry of Health website (in Spanish). You may be subject to penalties if you don't abide by local regulations.
You must cover your nose and mouth on public transport, and public transport remains restricted to essential workers and those in need of medical treatment. In some parts of Argentina, further measures have been introduced including the obligatory covering of your nose and mouth with a face mask or other garment when in public.
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.
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.
To make access to money easier:
Be prepared if you're hiking or climbing in high country or mountains.
To reduce your risks if you intend to hike in Argentina:
You no longer require a visa to enter Brazil to see the falls from the Brazilian side of the border. However, the land borders have been regularly closed to travellers due to COVID-19 restrictions. You should make sure that you are able to cross and return according to the rules of the day before attempting to do so..
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Brazil.
More information:
You can use your Australian driver's licence while you have a valid visa. 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.
Driving in Argentina can be dangerous due to:
Disregard for pedestrian rights is common.
You're more than twice as likely to die in a car accident in Argentina than Australia, according to the World Health Organization.
Land crossings between Argentina and Uruguay can be blocked.
If you plan to travel by road, monitor the media for road hazards between Argentina and Uruguay.
More information:
Petty crime is common in trains and railway stations. See Road-based crime in Safety
Railway strikes can cause major disruptions, on occasion.
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 and technical problems at the airport 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 want to fly within Argentina, monitor local media for airport updates.
More information:
Buenos Aires and Ushuaia are popular destinations for a number of 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. Many provinces don't have similar laws.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 100.
Call 911, for English language service in Buenos Aires only.
Call 107.
Call 911, for English language service in Buenos Aires only.
Call 0800 999 5000, for multilingual tourist police.
Call 911, for English language service in Buenos Aires only.
Tourist police stations, or Comisaria del Turista, are in:
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
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
Fax: (+54 11) 4779 3581
Website: argentina.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia en Argentina, Uruguay y Paraguay
Instagram: ausemb_ar
Twitter: @EmbAustraliaBA
Check the Embassy 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.