Argentina
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Latest updates: The Health tab was updated - travel health notices (Public Health Agency of Canada).
Risk level(s)
COVID-19 – Global travel advisory
Effective date: March 13, 2020
Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.
This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel.
Argentina - Take normal security precautions
Take normal security precautions in Argentina.
Safety and security
COVID-19 - Nationwide movement restrictions
Nationwide movement restrictions are in place and may vary depending on the province. Circulation permits are required nationwide and some provinces may request medical certificates for entry.
You must wear a face covering in public.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities, including those related to physical distancing
- Avoid crowded areas
Exceptions by province – Argentina government (in Spanish)
Crime
Distraction thefts commonly occur in:
- popular tourist areas
- bus terminals and train stations
- the subway system
- airports
- restaurants and hotel lobbies
Be suspicious of strangers approaching you to distract you.
Pickpockets and bag snatchers often work in pairs or groups and employ a variety of ruses to divert their victim’s attention. Common scams include:
- spraying a substance on victims and then robbing them while pretending to help clean the stain
- distracting the victim by asking questions while another person perpetrates the theft
In some cases, thieves on foot work with thieves on motorcycles, “motochorros,” to snatch purses and backpacks.
- Avoid wearing expensive watches or jewellery or showing signs of affluence
- Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
- Do not hang bags and purses on chairs in public places
- Carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes and leave the originals in your hotel safe
- Do not carry large amounts of money
- Remain aware of your surroundings when using ATMs and avoid using them at night
- Avoid packing valuables in checked luggage because organized groups are known to operate at airports searching for electronics and valuables
Armed robberies and muggings occur in urban centres. While most victims are not physically injured, criminals may use violence if opposed. If robbed, hand over your cash and valuables without resistance.
Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in the downtown areas of major cities.
If you are a victim of a crime, inform the police and get a police report. It is not possible to file a police report from abroad or for the Canadian embassy to do it on your behalf.
Buenos Aires
In Buenos Aires, be cautious in all tourist areas, particularly in:
- La Boca
- Congreso
- Florida Street
- the Retiro bus station area
- San Telmo
In La Boca, always remain on Caminito Street. Violent thefts often occur in neighbouring streets. Avoid the area after dark.
Mendoza
In Mendoza, crime has increased considerably. Some incidents involve violence. Be cautious and alert at all times, particularly in the bus terminal and General San Martín Park. Avoid walking in unpopulated areas at night.
Vehicle theft
Theft from unattended vehicles, especially rental cars, is common throughout the country, particularly in Bariloche and Mendoza. Belongings are stolen from the trunk of parked cars.
Kidnapping
Though not common, express kidnappings involving tourists have occurred in Argentina. Victims are usually abducted for a few hours and forced to withdraw money from ATMs in order to be released.
Tri-border area
When travelling to Iguazú Falls, exercise caution when crossing the tri-border area between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, where criminal activities are known to occur.
Avoid crossing these borders in local taxis or buses after dark.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations, roadblocks and strikes may occur throughout the country at any time.
Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
- Never attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended
More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Public transportation
Use a “remise” (private car with driver) for travel to and from Buenos Aires’ Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also know as Ezeiza International Airport. If you are arriving at Ezeiza, go to an established remise stand in the arrivals area.
Call radio-taxis instead of hailing taxis on the street, particularly in Buenos Aires. If hailing a taxi, ensure that it is marked “radio-taxi” and that the company’s name and telephone number are clearly visible.
Do not share taxis with strangers. Carry small bills to pay for taxi fares. Unscrupulous taxi drivers sometimes trade counterfeit bills for good ones.
There have been several accidents resulting in deaths and injuries involving intercity trains connecting with Buenos Aires.
Road safety
Pedestrians, cyclists and drivers should exercise extreme caution in Argentina, as it has one of the highest traffic accident rates in the world. Many drivers ignore traffic lights and speed limits.
Be particularly vigilant when stopped at traffic lights. Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times due to the risk of theft.
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
General information about foreign domestic airlines
Domestic flights are frequently delayed or rescheduled as a result of work stoppages and technical problems at the airports.
Trekking and adventure sports
Ensure that the recreational activities you choose are covered by your travel insurance and that sporting equipment is safe and in good condition.
Many operators do not conduct regular safety checks.
If you intend to trek:
- never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
- buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
- ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
- ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
- inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
- know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
- obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails
Mount Aconcagua
Prior to ascending Mount Aconcagua, contact the Mendoza Tourism Board for more information:
- informesaconcagua@mendoza.gov.ar
- +54 261 425 8751
More about trekking in Aconcagua Provincial Park - Government of Mendoza
Stay on marked paths. Respect the mandatory itinerary provided by the park.
General security information
If you are planning to attend a soccer game, ensure that the stadium is located in a safe area. Monitor news reports to determine if violence is expected during or following the game.
Entry/exit requirements
COVID-19 - Entry, exit and transit restrictions and requirements
In an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions and requirements for their territory. While some countries have started to ease some of these measures, most remain in place.
Before travelling, verify if the local authorities of both your current location and destinations have implemented any specific restrictions or requirements related to this situation. Consider even your transit points, as many destinations have implemented strict transit rules which could disrupt your travel.
These could include:
- entry bans, particularly for non-residents
- exit bans
- quarantines of 14 days or more upon arrival, some in designated facilities, at your own cost
- health screenings and certificates as well as proof of adequate travel health insurance
- travel authorization documents to be obtained before you travel
- border closures
- airport closures
- flight suspensions to/from certain destinations, and in some cases, all destinations
- suspensions or reductions of other international transportation options
Additional restrictions can be imposed suddenly. Airlines can also suspend or reduce flights without notice. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted, making it difficult for you to return home. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans.
- Monitor the media for the latest information
- Contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans
- Contact the nearest foreign diplomatic office for information on destination-specific restrictions
Foreign diplomatic offices in Canada – Global Affairs Canada
COVID-19 - Flights suspension
Many airlines have suspended their flights to Argentina and many airports in the region have been closed.
Contact your airline or tour operator regarding your travel plans.
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Argentine authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Argentina.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.
Useful links
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required
Business visa: Not required
Student visa: Required
Other entry requirements
Upon entry into and exit from Argentina, all passengers, regardless of their citizenship, are submitted to biometrics checks, such as digital fingerprints and a digital photograph, at the immigration counter.
Dual citizenship
Canadian-Argentine dual citizens may leave Argentina on their Canadian passport if they entered on that passport within the last 180 days. Once this period has elapsed, they must leave on a valid Argentine passport.
Children and travel
Learn about travel with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Health
- Pandemic COVID-19 all countries: avoid non-essential travel outside Canada - January 16, 2021
- Zika virus: Advice for travellers - December 24, 2019
- Global Measles Notice - July 23, 2019
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is recommended depending on your itinerary.
- There is currently a shortage of the yellow fever vaccine in Canada. It is important for travellers to contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of their trip to ensure that the vaccine is available.
- Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites.
About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in South America, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in South America. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Travellers' diarrhea
- Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
- The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.
Travellers visiting regions with a risk typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in South America, certain insects carry and spread diseases like American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), chikungunya, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, malaria, onchocerciasis (river blindness), West Nile virus , yellow fever and Zika virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Chikungunya
There is currently a risk of chikungunya in this country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.
Dengue
- In this country, dengue fever is a risk to travellers year-round. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
- Dengue fever can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.
- The level of risk of dengue fever changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. After a decline in reported dengue cases worldwide in 2017 and 2018, global numbers have been steeply rising again.
- Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.
Zika Virus
Zika virus is a risk in this country.
Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.
Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy should visit a health care professional before travelling to discuss the potential risks of travelling to this country. Pregnant women may choose to avoid or postpone travel to this country.
Travel recommendations:
- Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
- If you are pregnant, always use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact with anyone who has travelled to this country for the duration of your pregnancy.
- Women: Wait 2 months after travel to this country or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer) before trying for a pregnancy. If your male partner travelled with you, wait 3 months after travel or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer).
- Men: Wait 3 months after travel to this country or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer) before trying for a pregnancy.
For more travel recommendations, see the travel health notice: Zika virus: Advice for travellers
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in South America, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Medical services and facilities
Medical facilities are good in Buenos Aires but limited elsewhere. Certain medications may not be available.
Hospital physicians often expect immediate cash payment for medical care, so ensure you have access to sufficient funds. Contact your insurance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
See Travel Insurance for more information.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Illegal activities
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
Driving
You should carry an international driving permit.
More about the International Driving Permit
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Argentina.
If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Argentina, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.
General information for travellers with dual citizenship
Money
The currency is the Argentine peso (ARS).
Foreign credit and debit cards are accepted in main cities. When using credit cards, ensure that your card remains in your view. You may be required to produce photo identification, such as a driver’s licence or a photocopy of your passport, when paying with a credit card.
Cash withdrawals from foreign bank accounts at ATMs are subject to low limits per withdrawal and per day. Substantial service charges may apply when using non-Argentine bank cards. Check with your bank before leaving Canada.
Natural disasters and climate
Seismic activity
The provinces of San Juan and Mendoza are in a seismic zone and are subject to earthquakes.
More about seismic activity in Argentina - National institute of seismic prevention (in Spanish only)
Volcanoes
Several volcanoes in the Andes region on the border with Chile can erupt at any time and cause the evacuation of local residents. Ash emanating from volcanic eruptions can disrupt air transportation and cause airport closures. Debris from erupting volcanoes may clog rivers and cause them to overflow, which could in turn cause flash floods and landslides.
If you live or are travelling in areas near volcanoes, monitor local news for current information and follow the advice of local authorities.
Border crossings can close due to earthquakes or severe weather conditions.
Flooding
Seasonal flooding may occur in Argentina’s northern provinces and heavy rains may cause flash floods in the province of Buenos Aires. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 911 / 101
- tourist police:
- in Buenos Aires: +54 11 4323-8900 ext. 116311; mobile: +54 911 5050 3293 or +54911 5050 9260
- in Mendoza: +54 261 413 2135
- medical assistance:
- in Buenos Aires: 107
- outside Buenos Aires: 911
- firefighters: 911 / 100
Consular assistance
Emergency consular services
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Embassy of Canada to Argentina, in Buenos Aires, will be temporary closed to in-person visits until further notice.
If you need emergency consular assistance, contact the Embassy by email or telephone.
Buenos Aires - Embassy of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Buenos Aires and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
You may make a collect call (via the international operator at 000) to the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 1-613-996-8885.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. In the event of a large-scale emergency, every effort will be made to provide assistance. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
See Large-scale emergencies abroad for more information.