Argentina

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

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and bag slashing, is common. Thieves also target mobile phones, especially smartphones. Take care on public transport and in tourist areas.

Distraction thefts are common in public areas, such as:

• train and bus stations
• outside hotels
• internet cafes
• the subway

This involves creating a distraction by, for example, helping remove sauce that they spilled on you. 

Robberies are frequent in bus stations, in particular:

• Buenos Aires Retiro bus station
• the bus station in Mendoza

Criminals might use force if you resist.

Robberies involving motorcycles, 'motochorros', are common in larger cities.

Thieves usually work in pairs:

• one person operates the bike
• one jumps off and steals belongings from pedestrians

They'll also snatch items from inside vehicles.

Robberies are common in taxis.

Robbery hotspots in tourist areas of Buenos Aires include:

• La Boca
• San Telmo
• downtown
• Buque-bus ferry terminal

Violent crime

Armed robbery and other violent crimes are increasingly a problem in major tourist areas of:

• Buenos Aires
• Rosario
• Mendoza

Kidnapping

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:

• Kidnapping

Road-based crime

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: 

• only visit the main tourist areas in La Boca, and avoid the area after dark
• be cautious in tourist areas of Buenos Aires
• always keep your personal belongings close
• only use ATMs in banks and shopping centres
• lock your passport and other valuables in a hotel safe
• carry a copy of your passport as ID

To reduce your risks while taking taxis or driving:

• only use 'radio taxis'
• avoid sharing taxis with strangers
• keep car windows closed and doors locked at all times

If you're held up, don't resist.

Demonstrations and protests

Protests and demonstrations are common in Argentina. Particularly in:

• Buenos Aires
• other major cities

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:

• Plaza De Mayo
• Congreso

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: 

• avoid protests and demonstrations
• monitor the local media for updates
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

On 14 November 2018, a bomb attack in Buenos Aires injured 2 people.

Major events are potential targets. The government has security measures in place to mitigate against terrorist threats.

To protect yourself from terrorism: 

• always be alert
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• monitor the media for potential threats

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Severe weather

Argentina experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• volcanic activity
• earthquakes
• flooding
• dust storms
• tsunamis

Land border crossings can close due to earthquakes or severe weather conditions.

If there's a natural disaster:

• know your hotel's evacuation plans
• always carry your passport in a waterproof bag
• keep in touch with family and friends
• check the media and other local sources for information
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• VAAC Buenos Aires (Spanish)

Volcanoes and earthquakes

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

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. 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:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

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:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

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:

• don't meet Australian standards
• may have adverse effects

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:

• what the medicine is
• how much you take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a risk in Argentina. 

More information:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Insect-borne diseases

Diseases spread by insects are a risk in Argentina. This includes:

• yellow fever
• dengue
• chikungunya
• Zika virus (regional)

These diseases are serious and can be fatal.

Outbreaks are more likely in wet seasons:

• May to August
• November to January

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:

• discuss any travel plans with your doctor
• defer non-essential travel to affected areas
• avoid travel to areas affected by Zika

To protect yourself against diseases spread by insects:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Hantavirus

Infected rodents spread hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. It's widespread in:

• northern regions of Salta and Jujuy
• central regions of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, and Entre Rios
• the northeast region of Misiones
• southern regions of Neuquen, Rio Negro and Chubut

In January 2019, an outbreak in Chubut and Jujuy caused some deaths.

To protect yourself from hantavirus infection:

• avoid contact with live or dead rodents, burrows or nests
• avoid places where dust is raised, such as from sweeping and vacuuming their droppings
• choose a campsite that is open and dry
• don't rest in tall grasses or haystacks
• remove food sources that may attract rodents

Altitude sickness

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:

• ascend too quickly
• have had altitude sickness before
• exercise or drink alcohol before you can adjust to the altitude
• have health problems that affect breathing

If you'll be travelling above 2500m:

• seek advice from your doctor before you travel
• get travel insurance that covers mountain rescue

Air pollution

Buenos Aires has high levels of air pollution. This may aggravate:

• bronchial conditions
• sinus conditions
• asthma

Other health risks

Outbreaks of waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases occur. This includes:

• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• rabies

To reduce your risk of illness:

• boil drinking water or drink bottled water in rural areas
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

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.

Medical facilities

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.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe, even for small amounts, and include long prison terms.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

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:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

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:

• Dual nationals

Visa-free travel for short stays

As a tourist, you can stay for up to 90 days without a visa, but you'll need:

• a return or onward ticket
• a valid passport

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.

Other entry requirements

Biometric entry procedures are in place at:

• Ezeiza International Airport
• Jorge Newbery International Airport
• Buenos Aires ferry terminal

On arrival at these ports, authorities will:

• scan your thumbprints with an inkless device
• take a digital photo of you

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:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Travel via the United States

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:

• Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)
• Department of Homeland Security

Yellow fever vaccination

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:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB)
• International health and travel

Entry and exit from Argentina

Argentina has closed its borders, including airports and ports. Intermittent charter flights may be available. See the Embassy's social media accounts for more information ('Local contacts').

If you're planning to travel, the Government of Argentina has specified that you will need the following documents:

• a Passport
• a confirmed seat on an international flight departing within 24 hours of your arrival in Buenos Aires
• a letter issued by the Australian Embassy confirming that you should be allowed to travel (salvo conducto).
• a copy of a letter issued by the Ministry of Health confirming that foreign nationals are able to travel to return to their country of origin instead of undertaking quarantine at home

Prior authorisation from the Argentine Government must be sought for your travel by the Australian Embassy if you have to travel to Buenos Aires for your flight. Usually this must be submitted at least 48 hours before your travel commences. Please contact the Australian Embassy as far in advance of your departure as possible, by emailing consular.buenosaires@dfat.gov.au with details of your planned journey.

The travel authorisation will need to include: address details of the start and end of the journey and any hotel accommodation, details of the journey, including the full itinerary, route details, vehicle, driver and company information. Overnight stays are not permitted en route to Buenos Aires. Note that stringent health requirements also apply and you may need to provide evidence that you do not have any symptoms of COVID-19.

If you are being driven by hired transport, your drivers must also have the relevant permits allowing them to make the journey including the authorization certificates from the CNRT. If you are being driven by friends or family, we can provide a safe conduct letter which may assist with any roadblocks.

COVID-19 restrictions in Argentina

Quarantine restrictions now vary significantly between provinces. Check with local authorities regarding any changes to these restrictions and 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. In Buenos Aires, the restrictions continue to be adjusted. The general rule is you must stay in your accommodation. Some retail shopping is available, and bars and restaurants may operate outdoors with social distancing rules applied depending on your location. Religious services are currently permitted in small numbers, however this may change.

Limited exceptions to general quarantine are applied at both a national and a local level. Exceptions applied nationally mean foreign citizens are allowed to travel to an airport to depart the country if you have a confirmed onward flight. You're also allowed to make single person journeys to buy necessities, such as medication or foodstuffs, in your local area. You're required to cover your nose and mouth with a facemask or other garment in most parts of Argentina, including Buenos Aires, whenever you go out in public.

You must cover your nose and mouth on public transport. 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.

Residents of Buenos Aires Province (not CABA) are requested to download the government’s “Cuidar COVID-19 Argentina” self-diagnosis app, which may be used for movement and contact tracing.  If you are a resident of Argentina and need to travel to and from work, you must apply for a formal certificate from the Government.

Validity

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.

Lost or stolen 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.

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

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:

• carry a photocopy of the identity page of your passport, if you plan to use credit cards
• check local sources for advice on buying foreign currency

Hiking

Be prepared if you're hiking or climbing in high country or mountains.

To reduce your risks if you intend to hike in Argentina:

• register your details with local park authorities
• give details of your plans and contact details to family or close friends
• research the area you plan to visit, including any natural hazards
• monitor local media for weather advice
• carry emergency and first aid equipment with you

Iguazu Falls

You'll need a Brazilian visa to view Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side of the border.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Brazil.

Apply for your Brazilian visa well before you travel. This process can take a long time. The Australian Embassy can't help you apply.

More information:

• Travel advice for Brazil
• Brazilian Consulate in Buenos Aires (Spanish)
• Brazilian Vice-Consulate in Puerto Iguazu

Driving permit

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.

Road travel

Driving in Argentina can be dangerous due to:

• widespread aggressive driving practices
• excessive speed
• drivers ignoring traffic lights

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:

• Driving or riding

Rail travel

Petty crime is common in trains and railway stations. See Road-based crime in Safety

Railway strikes can cause major disruptions, on occasion.

Taxis

Only use taxis clearly marked as 'radio taxi'. They'll have a visible:

• taxi company name
• phone number

You can book radio taxis and 'remises' (chauffeured cars):

• by telephone
• at the airport arrivals hall

To reduce your risks if you take a taxi:

• book taxis in advance rather than hailing from the street
• don't share with strangers

Air travel

Overbooking on domestic flights and technical problems at the airport can result in:

• significant delays
• missed connections

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:

• Air travel

Cruises

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:

• check the onboard medical facilities meet your needs
• know the costs of medical treatment onboard
• get enough travel insurance, including cover for pre-existing conditions and medical evacuation

More information:

• Going on a cruise
• General health advice
• Going overseas for sports and adventure

Accessibility

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:

• Disabilities

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 100.

Call 911, for English language service in Buenos Aires only.

Medical emergencies

Call 107.

Call 911, for English language service in Buenos Aires only.

Police

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:

• Buenos Aires Corrientes 436, call 4(+54 9 11) 5050 9260 or (+54 9 11) 5050 3293
• Mendoza, San Martin 1143, call (+54 261) 4132135

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.

Australian Embassy, 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
Twitter: @EmbAustraliaBA

Check the Embassy for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia