From the glaciers and mountains of Patagonia to the waterfalls in Iguazu, Argentina’s distinct and beautiful geography, interesting history and culture, thriving nightlife and unique local cuisine keeps visitors flocking to the country. If you’re a US citizen who’s in the process of planning a trip to this fascinating country, you’re probably wondering about visa requirements.
Fortunately, passport holders from the United States can visit without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days. That said, although you won’t need a visa to visit for tourist or business purposes, there are still a few important points you’ll want to read up on before your trip. Read on to find out more about the Argentina entry requirements for US citizens.
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Is There a Visa for Argentina for US Citizens?
If you’re asking yourself “Do US citizens need a visa for Argentina?”, then you may be pleased to know that US travellers are not required to obtain a visa to gain access to the country. There is no Argentina tourist visa for US citizens.
The United States is a visa-exempt country, along with other countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and citizens of the European Union states.
If you are travelling to the country for tourist or business purposes, for a period of no more than 90 days, you only require a valid passport to enter the country. It’s important to bear in mind that, if your passport is expired or damaged, you may not be allowed to enter the country and could be sent back to the United States at your own expense.
Aside from this requirement, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.
Provided your passport has enough validity, if you are travelling as a tourist and are exempt from a visa, you will be normally granted a 90-day stay, which is the maximum length of stay that can be given.
An extension can be applied for at Dirección Nacional de Migraciones, the Immigration and naturalisation service in Buenos Aires. The office is located at Av. Antártida Argentina 1355, C1104 CABA, Buenos Aires.
You may apply for an extension only once and for the same time. Therefore, if you are not sure how long you are going to stay, we recommend that you travel with 6 months validity on your passport starting from when you enter the country. But, again, this is not a requirement to enter the country.
Argentina Visa Exemption for US Travellers
Nationals of designated countries can travel here for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining prior permission. These countries are known as being visa-exempt. The US is included in the list of these exempt countries, and so citizens of the US are not required to obtain a visa for travel.
Argentina Visa Requirements for US Tourists
To enter for tourist or business purposes, US citizens only require a valid passport. However, to ensure your entry into the country runs smoothly, it is important that your passport is in a good condition and is valid for the period of stay.
The US Embassy will be unable to secure your entry if any of the following applies:
- You do not hold a valid US passport.
- Your passport is damaged or mutilated.
- You arrive without a visa when one is required (for stays longer than 90 days or if your trip is for any other purpose besides business or tourism).
Argentina Visa Fee for US Citizens
For US travellers, there are no direct costs associated with entry into the country, because you are not required to obtain a visa prior to travel. Citizens of select countries, including the United States, are visa exempt and only require a valid passport to enter.
Travelling to Argentina as an American
With its vast array of beautiful sights including the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier and the stylish capital Buenos Aires, Argentina is a popular tourist destination for Americans.
But despite its position as the world’s eighth-largest country by area, the population sits at only around 45 million – making it one of the least densely populated countries on the planet. With plenty of space to explore the country’s diverse landscape, Argentina isn’t short of its share of visitors.
Though some people travel overland, the majority of US travellers arrive via Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires. Several airlines, including American Airlines and Aerolíneas Argentina, offer daily non-stop flights from the US to Buenos Aires. Flying times to Buenos Aires are around 11 hours from New York and Chicago, and 9 from Miami.
US Embassy and Consulate in Argentina
The chief US embassy is based in Buenos Aires in the Palermo area of the city. Its opening hours are Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, and its address is Av. Colombia 4300 (C1425GMN), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
When you are planning your visit, it’s important to bear in mind that the opening hours of the US embassy vary on public holidays. This may affect your plans, so it’s useful to check for any national holidays before visiting.
Visa to Argentina for US Citizens FAQs
Below you will find answers to some common FAQs, so read on for more useful information!
Can All Americans Travel to Argentina?
Yes, for business or tourist purposes, travelling here is usually a straightforward process. US travellers are permitted for short stays so long as they have a valid passport for the duration of their intended stay.
Is It Safe for Americans to Travel to Argentina?
Argentina and the US have excellent diplomatic relations and as such, it is perfectly safe for Americans to visit the country. Of course, you should remain vigilant as you would when travelling anywhere and be mindful of any changes to government guidelines. Street crime in particular can be a problem in major cities including Buenos Aires, Rosario and Mendoza.
While this is not a dangerous country, demonstrations are common in Buenos Aires and happen in other cities as well. Demonstrations are usually nonviolent, although protesters often block streets and highways. With this in mind, you should avoid demonstrations if possible.
What Else Do I Need to Know Before Visiting Here From the US?
While the official language is Spanish, due to international migration you’ll find a range of tongues spoken here, including Arabic, Italian, German, English and French. There are also over 1 million speakers of various tribal languages, including Quecha and Guaraní.
More Information for Travellers
For more information on visa requirements and eligibility, check out our Argentina eVisa page and our Visit Argentina page. Have a wonderful trip!
