Argentina, with its diverse culture and stunning landscapes, is an attractive destination to people around the world. American citizens can enter Argentina for short-term travel without a visa, but they must not overstay or violate the border control policies. Therefore, learning about the duration of stay and entry requirements will be important.
How Long Can You Stay in Argentina on American Passport
Regular US passport holders enjoy a visa-free entry into Argentina and stay for up to 90 days. The passport must be valid and intact. During this period, US citizens can only have a tour or participate in business activities. Those who want to work, study, or live for longer than 3 months in Argentina should apply for a corresponding type of visa from the Argentina embassy/consulate in the United States in advance.
What Documents Do I Need When Entering Argentina Visa Free?
Although an Argentina visa is not required, American citizens should also present the following documents at the checkpoint after arrival.
- A valid US passport. The remaining validity should be at least 6 months and there is at least 1 blank sheet for entry stamp upon leaving Argentina.
- A returning or onward ticket. It is used to persuade the customs officer that you do not intend to overstay or illegally immigrate to their country.
- Proof of financial capability. It could be bank statements or a letter from your sponsor that proves that you are capable of funding your expenses during your stay.
- Details of accommodation. Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host is acceptable. Address and contact information should be stated on the document.
Special Entry Requirements for American Citizens
Besides the generally required documents, there are extra requirements for US citizens.
- Travel with Emergency Passport
Travelers should obtain an Argentina visa no matter what they are traveling for. It should be applied for before setting out from the nearest Argentine embassy or consulate in the US.
- Travel with Dual Nationality
Americans with dual citizenship can present a valid passport issued by a country that is granted visa-free entry to Argentina, such as a US passport. Supposing that you have a US-Argentine dual citizenship, you take both passports to enter Argentina with an Argentine passport and then return to the US with a US passport.
- Travel with a Minor
Foreign travelers who bring a child under 18 and travel to Argentina alone should show a notarized consent from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and the child’s birth certificate. The policy aims to prevent international child abduction and protect the safety of the minor. If the parents are divorced, a copy of proof of custody might also be needed.
Special Exit Requirements for American Citizens
American citizens should also pay attention to the border control policies when leaving Argentina. Here are some official guidelines.
- The amount of cash that is carried in and out of the country should not exceed US$10,000 or equivalent (travelers over 16) and US$5,000 or equivalent (travelers under 16).
- Travelers with US-Argentine dual citizenship should use an Argentine passport to leave the country.
- A legalized permission letter in Spanish (known as Autorización de Viaje) from the absent parent/guardian and notarized by a local notary public (called an Escribano in Argentina) is needed when a child under 18 travels with only one of the parents or guardians.
- Authorization notarized in the United States should be added with an apostille.
- When taking a US-born child living in Argentina abroad, a birth certificate issued by the US government with an apostille must be shown along with a Spanish translation.
How to Stay in Argentina Longer than 90 Days?
Supposing that you wish to stay in Argentina for more than 90 days or are not going for tourism or business, you are supposed to apply for an Argentine visa in advance. However, if you have entered Argentina without a visa and the 90-day entry stamp is about to expire, you can extend your stay for another 90 days through one of the following methods.
- Domestic Extension
Bring a valid passport and visit the national migration office in person at Avenida Antártida Argentina 1355 in Buenos Aires. The application should be made during business hours, like 8:00 am and 2:00 pm from Monday to Friday. The officer will ask why you want to continue staying. It is necessary to note that it can only be extended once. Overstaying is prohibited, otherwise, there might be a severe fine and forced departure.
- Leave & Re-enter
Some might choose to go to a neighboring country for a few days and re-enter Argentina again. US citizens can also enter Uruguay and Chile without a visa, but make sure you satisfy the entry requirements. However, crossing the border to extend your stay frequently might lead to unnecessary misunderstanding from the immigration officials, thus being rejected entry. Therefore, you should not make use of the policy too many times.
How Many Times Can US Citizens Visit Argentina Per Year?
Currently, US citizens can travel to Argentina without limitations on the number of entries. Argentine medical, student or work visas are common multiple-visa types. Visa holders can travel in and out of Argentina as many times as they want as long as the visa is valid. US tourists are also granted multiple entries within the 90-day period. All foreign visitors must obey the rules and regulations on entry & exit requirements, duration of stay, immigration laws, etc.
Moreover, it is prohibited to misuse the entry or visas. For example, you cannot get a paid job or go to college when entering without a visa. However, it is suggested not to frequently enter and exit the country in the short term, otherwise, the immigration officer might suspect your intention of visiting, thus rejecting your entry and or even proposing tougher punishments.
Essential Tips for an Unforgettable Trip to Argentina
In addition to preparing documentation for cross-border trips, it is also necessary to learn about the destination to ensure a safe and pleasant journey. Here are some useful tips to travel to Argentina.
- The best time to visit Argentina is between October and March during which there is a pleasant climate and attractive scenery.
- Purchase traveling insurance before traveling which should cover lost luggage, emergencies, diseases and injuries, and so on.
- Having no place to stay or missing the flight/train/bus might ruin your trip. Booking everything in advance, especially during peak seasons (from December to February), so you can spare more time enjoying the trip.
- Keep valuables safe and pay attention to pickpockets and thieves. Make copies of your documents (i.e. passport, ID card) and put them away.
- Visit some must-go places, such as Buenos Aires known as the “Paris of South America”, Patagonia famous for nature and outdoor scenery, the north of Argentina for rich Indigenous cultures, Iguazu Falls for wildlife and birds, etc.
- Taste local cuisine, desserts, and drinks, such as Parrilla, Empanadas, Milanesas, Alfajores, Yerba de mate, wine, etc.
FAQ
How to stay in Argentina for 6 months?
Extend your visa-free travel or apply for a long-term visa.
Can green card holders visit Argentina without a visa?
Yes. They should bring a valid green card along with a passport and other supporting documents.
Can I visit Argentina without a visa if I hold a US visa?
Yes, but it only applies to valid B1/B2/J/O/P1/P2/P3/E/H-1B visa holders, and an Electronic Travel Authorization (AVE) is needed.
Which countries can enter Argentina visa-free?
Citizens with passports issued by the following countries and territories can enter Argentina without a visa and stay for 90 days: Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Vatican City State, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea Republic, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Santa Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Serbia, Singapore, Slovak, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Suriname; Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uruguay. Citizens with passports issued by the following countries and territories can enter Argentina for 60 days: Venezuela. Citizens with passports issued by the following countries and territories can enter Argentina for 30 days: Grenada, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia.
Summary
American passport holders can stay in Argentina for up to 90 days without a visa and it could be extended once. While entering with a long-term visa, the duration of stay depends on the visa validity and what the visitor is traveling for. The entry and exit requirements must be satisfied whether an Argentine visa is required or not. We hope our travel tips will help you enjoy a wonderful trip.
Dolores Xiao