COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Argentina (15 July Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and legal residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No, with exceptions

• Most foreigners are barred from entering the country until 6 August 2021. Exemptions include immediate family members, children, parents, or conjugal partners of Argentine citizens of resident foreigners who are allowed to enter. Other exemptions can be found here.

• Exemptions may be granted by the Argentine Migrations Office to certain foreigners, including non-resident essential workers, family members of Argentine nationals, or residents and sportspersons. If a traveller believes they might fall into an exemption category, they must contact the Argentine Migrations Office (Migraciones) to seek approval for their trip.

• The entry of non-resident foreign nationals, including the citizens and residents from Chile, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay is suspended until 6 August.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes

• Transit is allowed provided the transit time does not exceed 24 hours.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes

• All passengers arriving in Argentina are required to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test on arrival at the traveller's expense.

• Persons arriving in Buenos Aires City from other areas of Argentina and from neighbouring countries via Dellepiane Bus Terminal and Ezeiza Airport will be subject to testing upon arrival.

• People returning to Buenos Aires City by private vehicle may be required to obtain a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival at city-designated locations.

Is a test certificate accepted?

• Yes

• A negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued by other countries is accepted.

Test certificate required?

• Yes, with exceptions

• All travellers arriving in Argentina must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued at least 72 hours before travelling unless the traveller is: a crew member; transiting the country through an international airport for less than 24 hours; or has had coronavirus confirmed by a lab test within 90 days of their trip.

• If travellers have had COVID-19 confirmed by a lab test within 90 days of the trip, they do not need to take a COVID-19 PCR test again. Instead, the travellers will need to show evidence of their diagnosis and a medical certificate issued at least 10 days after being diagnosed to confirm that the traveller has a clean bill of health.

• For travellers who may be unable to obtain a COVID-19 PCR test certificate prior to arrival due to countries where lab results are delayed, see this link for countries with delays). A medical certificate stating that the traveller is free from COVID-19 symptoms is required along with a note stating why the certificate is not available. Travellers should check in advance with their airline to ensure they will be allowed to board the aircraft without a PCR test certificate.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes, with exceptions

• All arriving travellers, including those who present a negative PCR test, are also required to self-isolate for a minimum of 7 days. The quarantine period must total 10 days from the date of the traveller’s COVID-19 PCR test.

• Exemptions from quarantine include: a) diplomats and foreign officials on an official mission; b) officials on an official mission returning from abroad; c) transporters and crew; d) people who are in transit for less than 24 hours at the airport; and e) transporters and non-resident foreigners who circulate through the Samoré, Huemules and Integración Austral passes.

• Any Argentine citizen or foreign resident who arrives via a land border and does not present a negative PCR test certificate issued within 72 hours before arrival will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. Anyone who does not follow the mandatory quarantine and the health measures may be subject to criminal penalties.

• Cities and departments with increased or uncontrolled community transmission may revert to mandatory quarantine (“aislamiento social”). Travellers are advised to contact local authorities before travel.

• Passengers must undergo an additional COVID-19 PCR test on day 7 of their quarantine as a condition for ending their quarantine period.

• Based on the above restrictions, all incoming travellers can expect to be quarantined for a minimum of 7 days or a maximum of 14 days.

Insurance required?

• Yes

• Non-resident foreign nationals must have health insurance that will cover any COVID-19 medical costs, including hospitalization and the costs of self-isolation.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• All arriving travellers must register the CUIDAR COVID-19 application within 48 hours following entry into the country.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• All travellers entering or exiting Argentina must submit an electronic sworn statement within 48 hours of their travel. The form is available here. Travellers may be required to present the confirmation email they receive from this system in order to check-in for their flight.

• The Government of Argentina has also specified that travellers will need the following documents to travel to Buenos Aires or from Buenos Aires to Ezeiza Airport:

• Passports

• Confirmed international airline ticket

• Confirmed hotel reservation in Buenos Aires (for travellers not already in Buenos Aires)

• Embassy Letter (https://ar.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/Embassy-Letter.pdf)

• Ministry Note (https://ar.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/Ministry-Note.pdf

Is vaccination required?

• No

• A COVID-19 vaccination is not required for entry into the country.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Argentina has gradually reactivated domestic and international flight services. Domestic flights are restricted to essential workers as well as those seeking medical treatment.

• Argentinian authorities suspended all direct flights that have as origin or destination the United Kingdom, countries on the African continent, and those that originate in Brazil, Chile, and India until 6 August.

Border restrictions

• Significant

• Authorities extended the border closure order until 6 August 2021.

• The land borders are closed to residents of Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil until 6 August 2021.

• Under exceptional circumstances, entry may be permitted for non-resident foreigners by Argentine immigration officials. Entry under this program is restricted to the following ports of entry: Ministro Pistarini Ezeiza International Airport; San Fernando International Airport; Buquebus Ferry Terminal; and the land border crossings of Paso de los Libres, Uruguayana, Sistema Cristo Redentor, San Sebastián, and Gualeguaychú – Fray Bentos.

Curfew restrictions

• Significant

• Authorities classified regions as low, medium, or high risk, or in a state of Sanitary and Epidemiological alarm in increasing order of COVID-19 transmission risk. The restrictions imposed may vary from place to place and might include curfews. Regional risk levels can be found here.

• There is no curfew in effect in the low-risk and medium-risk area.

• There is a curfew in effect from midnight to 06:00 (local time) in the high-risk area.

• A curfew is in effect from 20:00 to 06:00 (local time) in areas in a state of Sanitary and Epidemiological alarm.

• Authorities extended a sanitary emergency until 31 December 2021.

• Authorities imposed prevention measures until 6 August 2021.

Social restrictions

• Significant

• Many areas of the country are under strict “isolation” measures, and there may be strict limits on travel, gatherings, and other activities. Jurisdictions not deemed high risk by the authorities remain in a phase of mandatory social distancing. The restrictions imposed may vary from place to place and might include curfews.

• Visitors are advised to maintain a minimum distance of 2 meters.

• Social gatherings are authorized up to a maximum of 10 people.

Internal travel restrictions

• Significant

• Masks are required.

• Movement between jurisdictions is permitted, provided that travellers may meet the requirements of the specific jurisdiction/province. Further details on requirements and restrictions on internal travel can be found at this link.

Non-essential shops open?

• No

• Non-essential shops are closed. The restrictions imposed may vary from place to place.

Accommodations open?

• No

• Accommodations are closed. The restrictions imposed may vary from place to place.

Restaurants open?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Restaurants are closed in areas of high risk, except for takeout and delivery. The restrictions imposed may vary from place to place.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Bars are closed in areas of high risk, except for takeout and delivery. The restrictions imposed may vary from place to place.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• No

• Beaches and tourism sites are closed.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• No

• Museums are closed.

Personal care services open?

• No

• Personal care services are closed.

Places of worship open?

• No

• Places of worship are closed.

Events allowed?

• No

• Events (cultural, social, recreational, or religious) are suspended. The restrictions imposed may vary from place to place.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Masks or other face coverings are mandatory nationwide in public spaces, including public transportation and passenger vehicles. Violators will be fined.

Other Restrictions

• Regions may be under complete quarantine lockdown or may impose other restrictions in their area.

• Essential services, such as pharmacies and supermarkets, are open.

• Face-to-face classes are prohibited.

• High-risk individuals, such as people over 60 years of age and pregnant women, will not be allowed to return to the workplace.

• Libraries, clubs, gyms, and public parks are closed.

• Casinos, cinemas, clubs, cultural centres, bingo halls, ballrooms, discotheques, and theatres are closed.

• Sports activities are suspended.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.