Argentina

Crime rates are higher than in Australia. Thefts and robberies are common, especially in Buenos Aires city and metropolitan area, as well as other major cities. 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, and foreigners could be targeted. Avoid empty streets, especially after dark.

You should exercise a high degree of caution in the city of Rosario due to higher levels of crime and violence.

Petty crime

Petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag/jewellery snatching and bag slashing, is common, even during the day. Thieves also target mobile phones, especially smartphones. 

Take care on public transport and in busy pedestrian zones and tourist areas.

Distraction thefts are common in public areas, such as:

• train and bus stations
• outside and inside hotels
• restaurants and cafes
• subways, trains or buses

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:

• Retiro bus and train station in Buenos Aires
• Central 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 motorbike
• one jumps off and steals belongings from pedestrians

They'll also snatch items from inside vehicles.

Robberies are common in taxis.

Robbery and theft hotspots in tourist areas of Buenos Aires include:

• La Boca
• San Telmo
• Palermo
• Congreso
• Downtown (Micro Centro)
• Calle Florida (Florida Street)
• Buenos Aires ferry terminal
• Around the main train and bus stations

Violent crime

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

• Buenos Aires
• Rosario
• Mendoza

To reduce your risk of crime:

• stay within the tourist precinct in La Boca but avoid the area after dark. You should arrange your transport directly to and from the La Boca tourist area. Walking to La Boca isn't recommended
• be cautious in other tourist areas of Buenos Aires
• avoid using your mobile phone in the street
• always keep your personal belongings close and out of sight
• keep your purse or backpack containing valuables close to you and within sight. Do not hang bags and purses on chairs. It's better to keep them on your lap or between your feet.
• only use ATMs in banks and shopping centres. Avoid using them after dark.
• lock your passport and other valuables in a hotel safe
• carry a copy of your passport as ID

Spiked foods and drinks and online dating apps

• Never leave your food or drinks unattended and do not accept them from strangers, especially at night clubs. There have been reports of foreign tourists being drugged and robbed of their belongings.
• Be aware of the risk of bringing new acquaintances into your accommodation.

Kidnapping

Express kidnappings can occur in Buenos Aires. 

Express kidnapping is where criminals demand a quick pay-off. They force victims to withdraw funds from ATMs or to make an electronic bank transfer 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 risks while taking taxis or driving:

• consider calling a radio taxi or remise, or using a ride-hailing app which keeps a record of drivers
• avoid sharing taxis with strangers
• keep car windows closed, doors locked at all times and keep valuables out of sight
• do not leave valuables in your car, including in the boot.

If you're held up, don't resist.

Cyber security 

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:

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Demonstrations and protests

Protests and demonstrations are common in Argentina. Particularly in:

• Buenos Aires
• other major cities

Since June 2023, there have been many roadblocks and protests in the province of Jujuy in northern Argentina, including in rural areas and tourist routes. Some of these have turned violent. 

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:

• Plaza De Mayo
• Congreso
• Avenida 9 de Julio

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

Protests and demonstrations may become more frequent and/or violent in the months before the primary and general elections (August and October 2023).

Football matches can sometimes turn violent. Make sure the stadium is in a safe area of the city and monitor local media to know if violence is expected to occur. 

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers should be careful in Argentina. Car accidents are much more common in Argentina than in Australia due to:

• vehicles, particularly buses, frequently drive through red traffic lights.
• vehicles do not give way to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings and one-way signs are often ignored. Always look both ways and make sure vehicles are stopping for you before crossing a street.
• Be careful of motorbikes going through gaps in the traffic, including at blind spots at pedestrian crossings.
• drivers may make sudden and unexpected manoeuvres. Pay close attention to the traffic around you.
• right of way is frequently ignored
• aggressive driving and speeding are common

You're more likely to die in a car accident in Argentina than in Australia.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Bomb attacks have occurred in Argentina.

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

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:

• 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 

Volcanos and earthquakes

Volcanos 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 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:

• 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. 

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.

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:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

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 medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

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

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

These diseases are serious and can be fatal.

Outbreaks can happen throughout the year and as far south as Buenos Aires, particularly when there is warm weather combined with rainfall. There is currently a dengue outbreak in Northern 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. 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 medication to prevent malaria

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Hantavirus

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

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

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
• obtain 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
• COVID-19 

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 have been occasional measles outbreaks in Argentina, most recently in 2020.

Medical facilities

Most medical facilities are of a reasonable standard.

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

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Visas

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or consulate of Argentina for details about visas, currency and customs regulations.

Visa-free travel for short stays

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:

• a return or onward ticket
• a valid passport
• travel/medical insurance

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.

Border measures

Entry into Argentina

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

Travelling with children

Children younger than 18 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 who normally reside in Argentina or have resided in the country for 1 year or more need legal authorisation from the non-accompanying parent(s) to leave the country if travelling alone or with only 1 parent or legal guardian.

When a child is travelling with both parents, you may be required to prove you're the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) (birth certificate, court documents).

Children younger than 13 must have a translated and apostilled authorisation to enter the country if 1 or both parents and/or legal guardian(s) are not travelling with them.

For more information, visit Argentina’s Immigration website for instructions on travelling with minors.

You should contact the nearest Argentine Embassy or Consulate for guidance.

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

Travelling to Chile from Argentina

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.

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:

• International health and travel

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.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

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:

• LGBTI travellers

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.

Credit cards are widely accepted.

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

Don't exchange money on the street or with someone offering exchange services on the street as you may receive counterfeit pesos.

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

Make sure you can cross and return according to the rules of the day before attempting to do so.

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 in the tri-border area as crime can occur. Avoid crossing the borders after dark.

More information:

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

Driving permit

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.

Rail travel

Petty crime is common in trains and subways and in railway stations. See Safety.

When travelling on public transportation you should carry your backpack or purse on your chest, not on your back.

Taxis

It is more secure to book radio taxis and 'remises' (chauffeured cars):

• by telephone
• at the airport arrivals hall
• on official mobile apps

To reduce your risks if you take a taxi:

• book taxis in advance rather than hailing from the street
• use ride-hailing apps which maintain a record of the driver and the route and often don't require a cash transaction
• don't share with strangers
• keep doors and windows locked and valuables out of sight.

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're flying within Argentina, monitor local media for airport updates.

More information:

• Air travel

Cruises

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:

• 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, but these may not be fully applied. 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 (English language service in the city of Buenos Aires only)

Medical emergencies

Call 107.

Call 911 (English language service in the city of Buenos Aires only)

Police

Call 911 (English language service in the city of Buenos Aires only)

Tourist police stations, or Comisaria del Turista (where there are English-speaking officers), 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.

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

Instagram: ausemb_ar

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