Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
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If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
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The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Argentina’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Argentina set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Argentine Consulate in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Argentina, your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. If you are a resident in Argentina, your passport must be valid for entry.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You can visit Argentina without a visa for business or tourism for up to 90 days.
If you’re travelling on an emergency travel document, you must have a visa.
To stay longer, or to work or study, you must meet the Argentine government’s entry requirements. Contact the Argentine Consulate in the UK.
Immigration authorities no longer stamp passports on entry. If you need proof of your entry or exit, contact the Argentine Migration Office (in Spanish).
If you wish to extend your stay for another 90-day period, get advice from the Argentine Migration Office before your current stay ends.
Applying for a visa
If you’re travelling to Argentina for any purpose other than tourism, contact the Argentine Consulate in the UK about the visas or permits you need and how to apply.
Travelling with children
Children aged 17 and under who are resident in Argentina need written permission (‘Autorización de viaje’) from the non-accompanying parents to leave the country.
Non-resident children aged 17 and under who have remained in Argentina for 1 year or more are treated in line with resident children and also need permission. You can get permission from a notary public in Argentina or the Argentine Migration Office (in Spanish).
You can get full information on the requirements from the Argentine Migration Office (in Spanish) or from your nearest Argentine consulate.
Vaccine requirements
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Argentina guide.
You may need a yellow fever certificate for onward travel to some other countries, due to the risk of yellow fever in Argentina.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Argentina (in Spanish). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking money into Argentina
You must declare cash or travellers cheques worth more than 10,000 US dollars (in Spanish).
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Argentina
Terrorist attacks in Argentina cannot be ruled out.
Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Political situation
Political protests
Political demonstrations and picketing are more common in Argentina than in the UK. Some demonstrations attract large numbers of people, and they can occasionally turn violent. Demonstrations are particularly common near Congress (‘Congreso’) and the Presidential Palace (‘Casa Rosada’).
You should:
- avoid all protests, demonstrations and marches
- exercise normal caution at any large gathering
- be aware of your surroundings
- monitor the local news
- follow the advice of local authorities
There have also been occasional Falklands-related protests, including outside the British Embassy and British-affiliated businesses in Argentina.
Demonstrations
Groups of demonstrators (‘piqueteros’) sometimes block major roads at times of social unrest. These can include the major routes into and out of Buenos Aires City. This can cause significant delays.
When planning to travel:
- monitor the local news
- do not attempt to cross blockades
- follow the advice of local authorities
Crime
Protecting your belongings
Thieves and pickpockets operate on public transport and at bus and train terminals.
To reduce the risk of theft:
- always keep a close eye on your personal possessions – do not hang bags on the back of seats
- carry cash out of sight or close to you – a money belt under your clothes is the safest option
- you may need to produce your passport when paying with a credit card, but keep a copy somewhere safe
- keep your bags close while you are checking into a hotel or hostel – thieves posing as hotel guests can snatch them
Thefts from unattended vehicles, especially hire cars, are also common. This happens frequently in Bariloche, but can happen across the country.
Street crime and scams
In crowded places, thieves can cut handbags open. They can snatch a mobile phone while you are using it on the street. Thieves on motorbikes can snatch bags from pedestrians.
Thieves – often women – use distraction techniques and may work in teams of 2 or more. A common form of distraction theft reported in Buenos Aires is the ‘mustard scam’. Thieves take your bags while an accomplice pretends to help you remove mustard they have sprayed on you. If this happens to you, politely but firmly refuse help and walk away.
In Buenos Aires, be particularly cautious in:
- Palermo
- San Telmo Market and general area of San Telmo
- La Boca
- The Ecological Reserve
- Retiro
- Florida Street
- 9 de Julio
- Avenida de Mayo
- Avenida Rivadavia near the obelisk
- Retiro Bus terminal
- Cruise and ferry terminals
In Mendoza, be particularly cautious downtown.
Violent crime
Armed robberies are a risk. If you are the victim of a robbery, hand over your cash and valuables without resistance.
Be especially vigilant in:
- La Boca, Buenos Aires – avoid the streets outside the Caminito tourist area and stay in the designated tourist area where there are high-visibility police patrols
- Rosario, Province of Santa Fe
Criminal kidnapping
Kidnappings including ‘express kidnappings’ – short-term opportunistic abductions – occasionally happen in Argentina. Victims of express kidnap are held and forced to empty their bank accounts by making bank transfers or going to ATMs, after which they are normally quickly released. Be aware of your surroundings and always let someone you trust know your whereabouts. If you are a victim of kidnapping, follow the kidnapper’s instructions.
To reduce your risk:
- avoid wearing expensive clothing or jewellery, particularly in public
- avoid casual taxis – see Transport risks
- be vigilant, especially at night
Drink and food spiking and scams
Drinks and food can be spiked and could put you at risk of robbery or assault. Do not leave drinks unattended in bars and restaurants and do not accept food or drink from strangers.
Be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control.
There have been reports of foreign tourists being robbed or assaulted after inviting into their accommodation someone they have recently met, online or in person.
Laws and cultural differences
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Do not become involved with illegal drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
LGBT+ travellers
Argentine society is open and diverse. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is rare. Same-sex marriage is legal. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Legal action against oil and gas companies
The government of Argentina has stated that it intends to pursue legal action against oil and gas companies engaged in hydrocarbon exploration in the Falkland Islands. If you’re travelling to Argentina and think you may be affected by this type of legal action, seek independent legal advice.
Surrogacy
Before you consider a surrogacy arrangement in Argentina, consider the challenges and risks involved, and make sure you seek specialist independent legal advice both in the UK and in Argentina. For more information, read FCDO guidance on surrogacy overseas.
Surrogacy is not regulated by law in Argentina and surrogacy arrangements are not enforceable in law.
Local authorities may consider surrogacy arrangements to be illegal. Criminal investigations into surrogacy agencies and associated service providers are ongoing. Some intended parents have faced issues obtaining birth certificates and when attempting to leave Argentina with the child born to them through surrogacy.
Children born through surrogacy in Argentina are Argentine citizens and must leave the country on an Argentine passport. They are also subject to local regulations applicable to the exit of minors in Argentina. See Travelling with children.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
If you take part in extreme or adventure sports, including paragliding, climbing, off-road driving and hot air ballooning, make sure:
- adequate safety precautions are in place
- you only use reputable operators and insist on training
- your travel insurance covers all the activities you want to undertake and includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
You will have to pay for most helicopter rescues, including in Mount Aconcagua.
Altitude sickness is a risk when hiking in parts of Argentina. See Health.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Argentina, see information on driving abroad.
You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
Respect for speed limits and traffic signals varies. Drivers can make unexpected turns or brake suddenly.
Vehicle crime is a problem. Always keep car windows closed and doors locked when driving in major cities.
Take care when driving in the province of Misiones, close to the borders with Paraguay and Brazil. The area is used to smuggle goods. Seek local advice from customs officials if you intend to drive in this area.
Taxis
Book taxis in advance if possible. If you hail a taxi in the street, only use a ‘radio taxi’. These have a clearly visible logo on the car doors.
The Buenos Aries government has a list of authorised radio taxi operators (in Spanish).
Air travel
Flights from Argentina can be unreliable. Check for delays or cancellations before travelling to the airport.
Sea travel
Activist groups sometimes try to disrupt UK-flagged ships or commercial shipping working off the Falkland Islands. Contact the local authorities before travelling. Most cruise ships and visiting tourists should not be affected.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Flooding
Many northern provinces experience occasional flooding. This can disrupt transport and could lead to shortages. Flash floods can occur during heavy rains, in provinces including Buenos Aires. Monitor local media and follow instructions given by the local authorities.
Earthquakes
There is a risk of earthquakes in Argentina, particularly in the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan, Salta and Jujuy. Monitor media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Volcanic eruptions
The Copahue Volcano on the Argentina-Chile border erupts occasionally, and the authorities will evacuate the area. If you’re travelling to this area, monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Wildfires
Wildfires can occur throughout Argentina and can spread rapidly. They may lead to road closures and affect the air quality in nearby areas.
If you find yourself in or near the affected areas of any fire, monitor local media reports to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Dial 107 or 911 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Argentina, including:
- yellow fever
- Zika virus
- dengue
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Argentina. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Argentina
Medical facilities are good but can be expensive. Public hospitals tend to be crowded.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Argentina where some staff will speak English.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Argentina
Ambulance: 107
Fire: 100
Police: 911 or 101
Police assistance
Buenos Aires
For English-language safety tips or to file a police report online, go to the Buenos Aires Police website (only accessible in Argentina).
Tourist Police (‘Comisaría del Turista’): +54 911 5050 9260 (24 hours)
Tourist Police WhatsApp: +54 911 5050 9260
Mendoza
Tourist Police (‘Comisaría del Turista’): +54 261 413 2135 (24 hours)
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO provides guidance on how to help yourself stay safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
Help abroad
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
Help in the UK
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Find out about call charges
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The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Argentina on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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