COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Argentina (09 April Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• Foreigners are barred from entering the country until 30 April.

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

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes

• Transit is allowed with a stay at the airport of fewer than 24 hours.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes

• Arriving passengers must have a test for SARS-CoV-2 performed upon arrival in the country and another test on the seventh day afterward to complete mandatory isolation. The cost of both tests will be the traveller's expense. Exempted list of countries can be accessed here

• Persons arriving in Buenos Aires City via Dellepiane Bus Terminal and Ezeiza Airport from other areas of Argentina and from neighbouring countries 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 in other countries is accepted.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• 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.

• If for justified reasons, the traveller cannot take a COVID-19 test before travelling, the traveller must present a medical certificate issued within 72 hours of travelling confirming that there are no COVID-19 related symptoms. The traveller must take a PCR test upon arrival. Travellers should check in advance with their airline to ensure they will be allowed to board the aircraft.

• It is expected that travellers will need to provide test results to the airline before boarding at the point of departure.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• All travellers arriving in Argentina must self-isolate for a total of 10 days counting from the day they took the PCR test (whether this is one taken prior to arrival or one taken upon arrival) unless they are: a) a crew member on duty; b) a diplomat on duty; c) a sportsperson authorized by the Argentine Migrations Office to enter the country; d) a non-resident foreign national authorized by the Argentine Migrations Office to enter the country to carry out essential work; e) in transit in an international airport for less than 24 hours.

• Any Argentine citizen or foreign resident who arrives via a land border and does not present a negative PCR test certificate issued no more than 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.

• Based on the above restrictions, all incoming travellers will be subjected to a minimum of 10 days of quarantine or a maximum of 14 days of quarantine based on the specific requirements above.

Insurance required?

• Yes

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

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• All arriving travellers must use the CUIDAR COVID-19 application for a minimum period of 14 days.

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.

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 air operations with Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and United Kingdom.

Border restrictions

• Significant

• Authorities closed all borders until 30 April

• Under exceptional circumstances, entry may be permitted to 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

• Moderate

• A night curfew from midnight until 06:00 (local time) is imposed until further notice.

• Authorities extended a sanitary emergency until 31 December 2021.

• Social, Preventive, and Mandatory distancing (DISPO) measure has been extended until 30 April 2021. During this time, people must observe strict health measures which include maintaining a minimum distance of two meters between them, using face masks in shared spaces, sanitizing the hands, disinfecting surfaces, ventilating environments, and strictly complying with the protocols of activities and the recommendations and instructions of the provincial and national health authorities.

• 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.

Social restrictions

• Moderate

• Many areas of the country are under strict “isolation” measures. In provinces under mandatory social distancing, strict limits on travel, gatherings, and other activities apply.

• Social gatherings of more than 20 people in public outdoor spaces and 10 in private homes/closed spaces are prohibited.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Masks are required.

• Movements are limited according to the restrictions in provinces or cities. Citizens must limit movement to essential purposes only. Individual provinces may require additional local permits to enter or transit.

• Inter-urban land transport throughout the territory has resumed with protocols. Interurban rail transport may run with limited capacity.

• A negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate obtained no less than 72 hours is required for entry in several provinces in the Northwest Argentine Region.

Non-essential shops open?

• No

• Non-essential shops are closed.

Accommodations open?

• No

• Accommodations are closed.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are open with limited capacity from 06:00 until 23:00 (local time).

• In Buenos Aires, restaurants are allowed to open with limited capacity and are also permitted to serve indoors.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars are open with limited capacity from 06:00 until 23:00 (local time).

• In Buenos Aires, bars are allowed to open with limited capacity.

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 with exceptions

• Places of worship are closed. Outdoor religious events are allowed with up to 100 attendees.

Events allowed?

• Yes

• Events (cultural, social, recreational or religious) held in outdoor spaces are limited to a maximum of 100 people.

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.

• In Buenos Aires, dance centres, gyms can open with limited people.

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

• Sports in closed places are limited to ten participants and must keep a minimum physical distance of two meters between the participants.

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.