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Foreign travel advice

Argentina
Summary
Still current at:
9 November 2018
Updated:
7 November 2018
Latest update:

Safety and security section and summary – addition of information and advice on large gatherings and
demonstrations in Argentina; Terrorism section and summary - updated information and advice on the threat
from terrorism in Argentina

99,391 British nationals visited Argentina in 2017. Most visits to Argentina are trouble-free, but the most common
incidents affecting tourists are distraction thefts, bag snatching, pick pocketing and street robberies. See Crime
(https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/argentina/safety-and-security)

If you need to contact the emergency services, call 911 or 101 (police), 107 (ambulance) or 100 (fire).

For English assistance in Buenos Aires contact the Tourist Police on +54 911 5050 9260/3293 if ringing from a
mobile phone or 155 5050 9260/3293 from a local landline (available 24 hours). In Mendoza, contact +54 (0)261
413 2135.

Protests and strikes take place regularly, often without warning, particularly in Buenos Aires. Further large
gatherings, protests, demonstrations or marches are planned in the near future. You should exercise caution in
any large gatherings, and avoid all protests, marches and demonstrations.

There have been occasional Falklands-related protests against British interests in Argentina. See Political
situation (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/argentina/safety-and-security#Political-situation)

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Argentina. See Terrorism (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-
advice/argentina/terrorism)

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy,
consulate or high commission (https://www.gov.uk/government/world/embassies).

UK health authorities have classified Argentina as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information
and advice, visit the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre website
(http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/11/argentina#Other_risks).

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Dengue fever (http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/dengue/) can occur throughout the year. You should take steps to avoid
being bitten by mosquitoes (http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/insect-tick-bite-avoidance/).

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to some parts of the country. See Health
(https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/argentina/health)

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance (http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/staying-

safe/travel-insurance/) before you travel.

Safety and security

Crime

Be alert to street crime, especially thieves (often women) using distraction techniques. The most common form of
distraction theft reported in Buenos Aires is the “mustard scam”. Thieves have been known to rob tourists while an
accomplice pretends to help remove ketchup or mustard that has been ‘accidentally’ sprayed on them. If you find
yourself in this situation, politely but firmly refuse assistance and walk away.

Keep a close eye on your personal possessions at all times. Thieves normally work in teams of two or more and
tend to target small bags and pockets. Don’t carry all your valuables in one place. Avoid carrying large amounts of
cash or wearing jewellery. You might be asked for a photo ID when paying with a credit card so carry one with you
but keep it secured. A money belt under your clothes is the safest option. Keep a photocopy or scanned copy of
your passport somewhere safe. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night.

Thieves posing as hotel guests are known to snatch bags while tourists are checking into hotels or hostels. Keep
your belongings close to you in restaurants and bars. Don’t hang bags on the back of your chair but keep them on
your lap instead.

Thieves and pickpockets operate on public transport, bus and train terminals. Handbags can be cut open in
crowded places. Mobile phones are snatched while being used on the street. Thieves on motorbikes are known to
snatch bags from pedestrians. Thefts from unattended vehicles, especially hire cars are common. Keep your
valuables out of sight. Avoid using ATMs at night and remain aware of your surroundings when withdrawing
money.

In Buenos Aires, remain alert at all times but particularly in the areas of San Telmo, La Boca, Retiro , Florida
Street, 9 de Julio, Avenida de Mayo and Rivadavia Avenues near the obelisk area. Distraction thefts at the Retiro
Bus terminal are very common.

Robberies involving physical violence and the use of weapons are known to occur in the streets immediately
outside of the Caminito tourist area in La Boca. Make sure to stay within the designated tourist area where there
are high visibility police patrols. If being robbed, hand over your cash and valuables without resistance. For
English assistance contact the Tourist Police at Av Corrientes 436 or on +54 911 5050 9260/3293 if ringing from a
mobile or 155 5050 9260/3293 from a local landline (available 24 hours).

In Mendoza, remain alert at all times particularly at the bus terminal and at the General San Martín Park.
Distraction thefts at the bus terminal are the second most common problem reported to the British Embassy. For
English assistance contact the Tourist Police at San Martin 1143 or on +54 (0)261 413 2135 (available 24 hours).

If possible, book taxis in advance. If you hail a taxi in the street, only use a ‘radio taxi’. These have a clearly visible
company logo on the rear passenger doors. Some popular ride hailing apps are not regulated by the government
of Argentina. The City of Buenos Aires’ government site holds a downloadable list of registered taxi companies
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with their contact details. For transport to and from airports, the Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 site lists the options
available at each airport in the country (select Our Airports).

Though not common, kidnappings and so called ‘express kidnappings’ occur in Argentina. Victims are held and
forced to empty their bank accounts in different ATMs after which they are normally quickly released.

If you’re a victim of crime, you should inform the local police and get a police report from the nearest police
station. You’ll also need the police report to apply for an emergency travel document from the British Embassy
and to apply for a replacement passport when you return to the UK.

Extreme and adventure sports

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. Only use reputable operators and insist on
training. Make sure your travel insurance covers all the activities you want to undertake and includes helicopter
rescue and medical evacuation. Mount Aconcagua and other locations will charge you for a helicopter rescue.

Political situation

Political demonstrations and picketing are more common in Argentina than in the UK. Some demonstrations
attract large numbers of people and there have been cases of demonstrations turning violent.

On 24 October 2018, a protest against the 2019 budget in front of the Congressional Palace in Buenos Aires was
dispersed by riot police using tear gas. Nine police were injured and at least 27 protestors were arrested.

Further large gatherings, protests, demonstrations or and marches are planned in the near future, including in the
run up to the G20 Meeting on 30 November – 1 December 2018. You should exercise normal caution at any large
gathering, and be aware of your surroundings. You should avoid all protests, demonstrations and marches and
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.

Local travel

Groups of demonstrators (piqueteros) sometimes block major roads into and out of Buenos Aires during times of
social unrest. This can cause significant delays.

Air travel

The departure of flights from airports in Argentina can be unreliable and susceptible to delays and cancellations.
Check with your airline or travel company before travelling to the airport.

We cannot offer advice on the safety of individual airlines, but the International Air Transport Association
publishes a list of registered airlines (http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/safety/audit/Pages/index.aspx) that have been
audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not
exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe.

A list of recent incidents and accidents can be found on the website (http://aviation-
safety.net/database/country/country.php?id=LV) of the Aviation Safety network.

Road travel

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You will need an International Driving Permit (http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/index.html) to drive in Argentina.

Driving and road safety standards vary. Respect for speed limits and traffic signals is patchy, and other road users
can make unexpected manoeuvres. Crime against car users, particularly when stationary at traffic lights, is a
problem. Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times 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 if you intend to drive in this area.

Sea travel

There have been cases of disruption by activist groups and unions against British flagged shipping, and shipping
involved in hydrocarbons or fishing activity in the Falkland Islands . If you are in charge of a vessel, make contact
with your agent or the local authorities before travelling. Most cruise ships and visiting tourists should not be
affected.

Terrorism
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Argentina. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places
frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Since 2004 there have been a number of small explosions in
Buenos Aires and the surrounding provinces which are believed to have been the work of local anti-globalisation
groups. The targets have mostly been banks.

There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or
individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.

Find out more about the global threat from terrorism (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-
abroad), how to minimise your risk and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack.

Local laws and customs

Don’t become involved with illegal drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to a
lengthy prison sentence.

Argentine society is open and diverse. Same-sex marriage is legal; rights are protected by the Constitution and by
legislation tackling all kinds of discrimination. Argentina is signatory to international and regional agreements
protecting LGBT rights. See our information and advice page (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-
transgender-foreign-travel-advice) for the LGBT community before you travel.

The government of Argentina has stated that it intends to pursue legal action against oil and gas companies
engaged in hydrocarbons exploration in the Falkland Islands. If you’re travelling to Argentina and think you may
be affected by this type of legal action, you should seek independent legal advice and make contact with the
British embassy (https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-buenos-aires).

Entry requirements
The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s
understanding of the rules currently in place. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travellers using a full
‘British Citizen’ passport.

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The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for
entry. If you’re unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to
contact the embassy, high commission or consulate (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-embassies-in-
the-uk) of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and
other travel documents meet their requirements.

Visas

You don’t need a visa to enter Argentina as a tourist unless you’re travelling on an Emergency Travel Document.
On presentation of a valid British passport you will normally be granted a 90-day stay in the country.

If you wish to extend your stay for another 90-day period, seek advice from the Argentine Migrations Office.
(http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesible/)

If you’re travelling to Argentina for any purpose other than tourism, contact the Embassy of the Argentine Republic
in London (http://www.argentine-embassy-uk.org/index_eng.shtml).

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is
required.

Proof of onward travel

You may need to provide proof of onward or return travel. You should make all flight reservations before departing
for Argentina. Airlines have sometimes refused to board passengers travelling to Argentina without proof of
onward travel.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Argentina. However,
holders of an ETD must apply for the appropriate Argentine visa to enter the country.

For entry into Argentina, your ETD should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of
validity beyond this is required.

Health
Visit your health professional at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or
other preventive measures.

Check the latest country-specific information and advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre
(NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website (http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country-information/) or from NHS (Scotland)
on the fitfortravel website (http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations.aspx). Useful information and advice about
healthcare abroad is also available on the NHS Choices website
(http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/Pages/Healthcareabroad.aspx).

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UK health authorities have classified Argentina as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information
and advice, visit the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre website
(http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/11/argentina#Other_risks).

Medical facilities are good, but can be expensive. Public hospitals tend to be crowded. Make sure you have
adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and
repatriation. If you have a specific condition you should bring a sufficient quantity of medical supplies and
medicines with you.

Asthma, sinus and bronchial problems can be aggravated by the polluted atmosphere in the major cities.

Dengue Fever (http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/13/dengue) can occur throughout the year. You should take steps
to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes (http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/38/insect-and-tick-bite-avoidance).

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 107 or 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should
contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Natural disasters
Many northern provinces suffer from seasonal flooding. This can lead to disruption to transport and delivery of
foodstuffs. Flash floods can occur during heavy rains in other areas, such as the province of Buenos Aires.
Monitor local media and follow any instructions given by the local authorities.

The Copahue Volcano on the Argentina/Chile border erupts every so often, causing local residents to be
evacuated. If you’re travelling to this area, monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local
authorities.

Money
ATMs are widely available. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and major shops and restaurants. Photo ID
may be required. Travellers’ cheques aren’t always accepted.

The government of Argentina has in the past imposed restrictions on the purchase of foreign currency in
Argentina. You should monitor the media for updates on these restrictions as they’re subject to regular change.

Travel advice help and support

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British
embassy, consulate or high commission (https://www.gov.uk/government/world/embassies). If you need
urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad, contact the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London on 020 7008 1500 (24 hours).

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist) to help you plan for your trip
abroad and stay safe while you’re there.

Travel safety
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The FCO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern,
but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to
travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information
from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide
whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state
on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read
more about how the FCO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-
the-foreign-commonwealth-office-puts-together-travel-advice).

Our crisis overseas page (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-deal-with-a-crisis-overseas) suggests additional things

you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The
question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their
own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them
reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their
customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website
(https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/holiday-cancellations-and-compensation/cancelling-a-holiday/). For help
resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority
(https://www.caa.co.uk/Passengers/Resolving-travel-problems/). For questions about travel insurance, contact your
insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman
Service (http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/consumer/complaints.htm).

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist
(https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist) and crisis overseas page (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-deal-
with-a-crisis-overseas) suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCO travel advice

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCO travel advice, visit the National Archives website
(http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/*/http:/www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice). If you can’t find the page you’re
looking for there, send the Travel Advice Team a request (https://www.contact-embassy.service.gov.uk/?
country=Argentina&post=Argentina%20travel%20advice%20team).

Further help

If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel
advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry (https://www.contact-embassy.service.gov.uk/?
country=Argentina&post=Argentina%20travel%20advice%20team). We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific
trips.

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