Guide to entering Argentina as a tourist, including visa-exempt nationalities, the reciprocity fee (where applicable), visa application process, and border entry rules.
Determine if your nationality has visa-free access
Citizens of over 80 countries (including the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most of South America) can enter Argentina visa-free for up to 90 days. No advance application or fee is required — your passport is stamped at the border.
Check if a reciprocity fee applies to your nationality
Argentina previously charged a reciprocity fee to US, Canadian, and Australian citizens, but this was eliminated in 2024. Verify the current status on the migration website before travel, as policies change periodically.
If a visa is required, identify the correct visa category
Citizens of countries requiring a visa must apply at an Argentine consulate. Tourist visa categories include Turista (standard tourism) and Tránsito (airport transit, for stays under 24 hours). Processing takes 10-15 business days.
Check the allowed stay: 90 days within a 180-day period
Visa-free visitors receive a 90-day stay. This can be extended once for another 90 days at a local immigration office. After 180 days, you must leave Argentina and can re-enter for a new 90-day period.
Required Documents for Visa Application
Passport valid for at least 6 months
Argentina technically requires only that your passport be valid for the duration of your stay, but most airlines enforce a 6-month rule. Have at least 2 blank pages for stamps.
Completed visa application form (from consulate website)
Download the form from your local Argentine consulate's website. Fill it out in Spanish or English depending on the consulate. Print and sign by hand in blue or black ink.
Two passport-sized photographs (4x4 cm, white background)
Photos must be recent (within 6 months), printed on glossy photo paper. The face should occupy 70-80% of the frame. Some consulates accept digital submissions — check your local consulate's specific requirements.
Round-trip flight reservation
A confirmed return ticket is required. If traveling by bus from neighboring countries (Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia), provide the bus ticket or a detailed itinerary showing your departure from Argentina.
Proof of financial means (bank statements, last 3 months)
Show at least $50-100 USD per day of planned stay. Bank statements must be original and stamped. Employment letters stating salary are also helpful. Self-employed applicants should include tax returns from the previous year.
Hotel reservations or invitation letter from host in Argentina
If staying with a local host, provide their DNI (Argentine national ID) copy, proof of address, and a signed invitation letter. The letter should state the relationship, duration of stay, and full address.
Visa Application Process at Consulate
Book an appointment at the nearest Argentine consulate
Most consulates require advance appointments, bookable online 2-4 weeks ahead. Walk-ins are rarely accepted. Major consulates (New York, London, Madrid, São Paulo) have the longest wait times for appointments.
Submit all documents and pay the visa fee
The tourist visa fee is approximately $150 USD, though it varies by nationality and consulate. Payment is typically by money order or bank draft — few consulates accept credit cards. Fees are non-refundable.
Attend an interview if required by the consulate
Not all consulates require interviews for tourist visas. When they do, questions focus on your travel purpose, itinerary, ties to your home country, and financial situation. Interviews last 5-10 minutes.
Wait for processing (10-15 business days)
There is no formal expedited processing. Some consulates process faster (5-7 days) while others take the full 15 days. You can call the consulate after 10 days to check status. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
Collect your passport with the visa
Pick up in person or by prepaid courier (if offered). Verify the visa dates, entry type, and your personal details immediately. Report any errors to the consulate before traveling.
Arriving in Argentina
Present passport and visa (if required) at immigration
At Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport (EZE), immigration processing takes 15-45 minutes depending on queue length. The officer stamps your passport with a 90-day stay. Aeroparque (AEP) domestic airport is faster for arrivals from neighboring countries.
Fill out the customs declaration form if required
Argentina uses a red/green channel system. Declare items worth over $300 USD (land arrivals) or $500 USD (air arrivals). Undeclared items above the threshold are subject to a 50% tax on the excess value.
Food and agricultural items — declare or discard at customs
Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and plant seeds are prohibited without a phytosanitary certificate. Fines for undeclared food items start at 10,000 ARS. Packaged, commercially sealed foods are generally permitted.
During Your Stay and Extensions
Apply for a 90-day extension at the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones
Visit the immigration office in Buenos Aires (Av. Antártida Argentina 1355) or any regional office. The extension costs approximately 4,000 ARS (about $4 USD). Apply at least 2 weeks before your 90 days expire. Bring your passport and proof of funds.
Book an appointment online at the migration website
Bring passport, return ticket, and proof of funds
Alternatively, do a border run to reset the 90-day counter
Crossing to Uruguay by ferry from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento (1 hour, $40-60 USD round trip) or Montevideo (2-3 hours) and returning gives you a fresh 90-day stamp. The Buquebus ferry terminal is in central Buenos Aires.
Overstay penalties
The fine for overstaying is approximately 12,000 ARS (about $12 USD) and is payable at the immigration office or airport. Argentina does not typically ban overstayers from re-entry, but repeated overstays may trigger closer scrutiny on future visits.
Register with your country's embassy for safety alerts
Most embassies have a free registration system for citizens traveling abroad (e.g., STEP for US citizens, ETAS for UK citizens). Registration takes 5 minutes and ensures you receive emergency alerts and consular assistance if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Argentina?
US citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to Argentina of up to 90 days. Argentina eliminated the reciprocity fee for US citizens in 2024, making entry completely free. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Upon arrival, immigration stamps your passport with a 90-day authorization. Citizens of most European, North American, and South American countries also enter visa-free.
Can I extend my stay in Argentina beyond 90 days?
Yes, you can apply for a one-time 90-day extension at the Direccion Nacional de Migraciones office (the main office is in Buenos Aires at Av. Antartida Argentina 1355). The extension costs approximately ARS 10,000 (fees change frequently due to inflation). Apply before your 90-day period expires. Many travelers also do a border run to Uruguay, Brazil, or Chile and re-enter for a new 90-day period, which is legal and commonly practiced.
What is the blue dollar rate in Argentina?
Argentina has maintained parallel exchange rates for years. The official rate (used by banks and credit cards) is significantly lower than the informal blue dollar rate available at exchange houses (cuevas) and through Western Union. As of 2026, the gap has narrowed due to economic reforms, but travelers should research current rates before arriving. Using cash USD and exchanging at competitive rates can save 20-40% compared to ATM withdrawals or credit card payments at the official rate. Check the current rates on financial news sites before your trip.
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Argentina?
No vaccinations are legally required for entry into Argentina from the US or Europe. However, a yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you plan to visit Iguazu Falls or the northern provinces (Misiones, Corrientes, Formosa, Chaco), which border Brazil and Paraguay. Routine vaccinations (Hepatitis A, Tetanus-Diphtheria) and insect repellent are recommended for jungle and rural areas. Argentina does not require a yellow fever certificate for entry unless you are arriving from an endemic country.