Argentina

Use Normal Level of Caution

Argentina is the second largest country in South America, with a long coastline on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering Chile and Uruguay. The terrain varies from the plateau of Patagonia in the south, the mountainous Andes along the western border and the plains of the Pampas in the north. The population of the country is about 42,000,000.

Argentina is a democratic republic with a federation of 23 provinces. The chief of state and head of government is a president with an appointed cabinet.

Argentina is now one of the highest ranking countries in South America for quality of life. The country is known for its natural beauty, natural resources, rich literary history, film industry, and music and dance. This country is the birthplace of the tango, and in 2009, UNESCO named the tango as a world cultural heritage.

Argentina enjoys a diverse cuisine, including many European dishes and also indigenous dishes, such as empanadas and chorizo, Argentine steak and Argentine barbecue. The country is one of the largest producers of wine in the world.

Currency	ARS: Argentine peso
Language	Spanish. Languages also spoken are English, Italian, German, and French.
Capital	Buenos Aires
Recent Alerts	1
Latest Alert	July 15, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Argentina (15 July Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Argentina. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Argentina.
Hepatitis B There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in this country, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Dengue Fever Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in the north and northeast areas of Argentina.
Chagas Disease Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) occurs in northern Argentina. However, the risk of travellers acquiring this disease is low unless staying in very poor quality housing or camping.
Yellow Fever There is a limited risk of yellow fever transmission. The yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travellers ≥9 months of age going to Corrientes and Misiones Provinces. It is generally not recommended for travellers going to Formosa Province and designated areas of Chaco, Jujuy, and Salta Provinces. Not recommended for all travellers whose itineraries are limited to areas and provinces not listed above.
Rabies Rabies occurs in Argentina. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Zika Fever Zika fever occurs in this country.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever occurs in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Argentina.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Yellow Fever Vaccine The yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travellers ≥9 months of age going to Corrientes and Misiones Provinces. It is generally not recommended for travellers going to Formosa Province and designated areas of Chaco, Jujuy, and Salta Provinces. Not recommended for all travellers whose itineraries are limited to areas and provinces not listed above.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, and the vaccination is recommended.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Argentina.

None required.

Safety and Security in Argentina

Emergency Numbers

911

101 for all emergencies in Cordoba, Mendoza, Iguazu, Tucuman & Tierra del Fuego

0800 999 5000 Buenos Aires Tourist Police (multi-lingual)

100

(0261) 413-2135 Mendoza Tourist Police

107

Personal Safety

Travellers to Argentina should exercise a high degree of caution. Valuables should be kept out of sight and backpacks and bags watched at all times. Travellers are advised to avoid showing signs of affluence, such as expensive clothing. Ensure that travel documents and passports are kept secure at all times. Tourists should be particularly cautious in major cities and should avoid walking alone after dark.

Theft and petty crime occur commonly in public areas such as transportation hubs, restaurants, and internet cafés, particularly in major cities. Robberies involving motorcycles are also common and armed robbery can also occur. Travellers are advised to immediately give the criminal their cash and other valuables to prevent injury.

Book taxis in advance if possible. If you need to hail a taxi on the street, use only “radio taxis,” with the taxi's company name and telephone number visible. Be aware of taxi scams.

Exercise caution when driving. Road conditions and respect for the posted speed limits may be poor. Pedestrians should exercise extreme caution due to the high rates of traffic accidents in Argentina.

Kidnappings can occur in larger cities. Victims are randomly picked from the street and a ransom is demanded or they are forced to withdraw money from automated banking machines. The victim is usually quickly released when the ransom is paid, while injuries can occur if the victim resists.

Travellers wanting to participate in outdoor adventure activities are advised to hire a guide, to always stay on marked paths and to ensure that equipment meets safety standards before departing.

Same-sex sexual activity and same-sex marriage are both legal in Argentina.

Areas To Avoid

Travellers should exercise caution near Iguazú Falls and areas near the borders between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Criminal activities are known to occur here. These borders should not be crossed after dark in local taxis or buses.

The risk of crime is highest in Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Mendoza.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations, strikes, and protests can occur at any time and may cause traffic flow and transportation difficulties. Travellers should avoid areas of civil unrest.

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Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

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Updated: July 16, 2021