Official portal
https://www.argentina.gob.ar/interior/migracionesSpecifics
- Visa-free for U.S., Canadian, EU, UK, Australian, Japanese passport-holders.
- Historic reciprocity fee suspended since 2016.
- Carry passport and proof of return ticket.
By passport nationality
Headline rule for the nine most-trafficked passport groups. Always confirm on Argentina’s immigration portal before booking; visa policy changes frequently.
- US passportVisa-freeUp to 90 days
- Visa-free 90 days for U.S. passport-holders.
- UK passportVisa-freeUp to 90 days
- Visa-free 90 days for UK passport-holders.
- EU passportVisa-freeUp to 90 days
- Visa-free 90 days for EU passport-holders.
- CA passportVisa-freeUp to 90 days
- Visa-free 90 days for Canadian passport-holders.
- AU passportVisa-freeUp to 90 days
- Visa-free 90 days for Australian passport-holders.
- IN passportConsular visa requiredUp to 90 daysPre-arrival: Argentine consular visa
- Consular visa via Argentine consulate.
- BR passportVisa-freeUp to 90 days
- MERCOSUR national ID sufficient.
- JP passportVisa-freeUp to 90 days
- Visa-free 90 days for Japanese passport-holders.
- CN passportConsular visa requiredUp to 90 daysPre-arrival: Argentine consular visa
- Consular visa via Argentine consulate; some streamlined options for repeat visitors.
Practical guidance
For most short-stay tourists
The headline rule for Argentina is 90 days visa-free for western nationalities. US passport-holders specifically get visa-free for up to 90 days. See the by-passport block above for your specific nationality.
When to apply
For visa-required nationalities, apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Visa-on-arrival and e-Visa systems process in 1 to 7 days typically but can stall around major holidays or political events; do not book non-refundable travel against a pending application. Argentina’s official portal is www.argentina.gob.ar; only apply through that portal or through your nearest Argentina embassy or consulate. Third-party visa services charge for what the government provides at cost.
Common rejection reasons
Passport with under 6 months validity from intended exit date. Fewer than two blank visa pages. No confirmed onward or return ticket. Travel insurance not naming Argentina explicitly (Schengen-style coverage minimums apply for many European destinations). Prior visa overstays anywhere, especially in neighbouring countries. Most rejections cite one of these five rather than a substantive concern about the traveller.
Related for Argentina
More on Argentina
Argentina is broadly safe for travellers and listed at the standard tier of caution by every major foreign ministry. The structure of risk is concentrated and specific: the Buenos Aires petty-crime baseline (motochorro snatch-and-grab, the constellation of distraction scams in San Telmo and La Boca, ATM and currency tactics around the persistent Argentine peso volatility), the Patagonian weather window in El Chaltén, El Calafate, and Ushuaia, the Andes earthquake exposure on the western border, and the post-2023 economic adjustment that has made cash-handling logistics genuinely complicated for visitors. This guide unpacks the Buenos Aires barrio map, the Patagonia weather logic, the blue-dollar to MEP currency mechanics now stabilising in 2026, the healthcare landscape, and the practical contacts that shape an Argentine itinerary.
Frequently asked about Argentina
Do I need a visa to travel to Argentina?
The headline rule is: 90 days visa-free for Western nationalities. Specific allowance depends on your passport nationality; the by-passport block on this page covers the 9 most-trafficked passports (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, India, Brazil, Japan, China). Always confirm on Argentina's official immigration portal before booking, visa policy changes frequently.
How long can I stay in Argentina on a tourist visa?
90 days visa-free for Western nationalities. For per-passport specifics see the block above. Overstaying carries fines and re-entry bans across most jurisdictions.
Can I extend my visa once I'm in Argentina?
Most countries allow a one-time extension via the local immigration office for an additional 30 to 90 days, processed within 7 to 14 working days. Argentina's policy varies; the safety guide's Getting In chapter covers it where applicable. Apply at least 2 weeks before your existing visa expires.