Argentina | |
| Still current at: 28 February 2013 Updated: 20 February 2013 |
| No restrictions in this travel advice | Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country | Avoid all but essential travel to whole country | Avoid all travel to part(s) of country | Avoid all travel to whole country |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with editorial amendments. The overall level of the advice has not changed; there are no travel restrictions in place in this travel advice for Argentina.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
- There have been occasional Falklands-related protests against British interests in Argentina. You should avoid all protests and demonstrations. See Political situation.
- Some Argentine provinces have passed legislation banning the entry to port of vessels supporting hydrocarbons activity in the Falkland Islands. There have been cases of disruption by activist groups and unions against British flagged shipping. 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.
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to some parts of the country. See Health
- There is an underlying threat from terrorism. SeeTerrorism
- Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurancebefore you travel.
There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, 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. On 1 May 2012 a small explosive device was detonated outside the office of the EU Delegation in Buenos Aires. There were no casualties.
Crime The most common crimes are distraction theft, bag snatching and armed robberies. Take particular care in restaurants and internet cafes, on public transport and in the tourist areas of San Telmo, La Boca and Retiro. Keep a close eye on your personal possessions at all times. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing jewellery. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night.
Con-men have been known to rob tourists while an accomplice pretends to help remove ketchup or mustard that has been 'accidentally' sprayed on them. Another common tactic is slitting handbags in crowded places and snatching mobile phones while they are being used.
Passport thefts are common especially in Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Leave your passport in a hotel safe or security box and keep a photocopy of the details page with you at all times.
Kidnappings and so called 'express kidnappings' occur in Argentina. Victims are normally held while criminals empty their bank accounts with cash cards. Once the ransom is paid the victim is usually quickly released. It is common for thefts to take place when withdrawing cash from ATMs.
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. If you are being met at the airport and you don’t know your greeter, confirm their identity before setting off. Alternatively use a ‘remise’ service from the official stand in the centre of the arrivals concourse.
If you are a victim of crime, you should inform the local police and get a police report.
In Buenos Aires, a 24-hour police helpline in English is available on telephone number 101. There is also a new multi-lingual free phone number for tourist assistance: 0800 999 5000. This goes through to the tourist police station at Corrientes 346, email: turista@policiafederal.gov.ar. In Mendoza, contact the Tourist Police at San Martin 1143, tel: (0261) 413 2135, email:policiaturistica@mendoza.gov.ar.
Political situation
The Falkland Islands can generate strong emotions among some Argentines. The issuehas had a much higher profile recently and there has been an increase in the number of demonstrations outside the British Embassy and against British interests in Argentina. There is usually a demonstration at the British Embassy on 2 April each year - the anniversary of the Argentine invasion in 1982.
Demonstrations can take place at many public locations throughout Argentina. You should monitor the media and avoid all demonstrations.
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 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 of the Aviation Safety network.
Road Travel
You will need an International Driving Permit 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.
Con-men have been known to rob tourists while an accomplice pretends to help remove ketchup or mustard that has been 'accidentally' sprayed on them. Another common tactic is slitting handbags in crowded places and snatching mobile phones while they are being used.
Passport thefts are common especially in Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Leave your passport in a hotel safe or security box and keep a photocopy of the details page with you at all times.
Kidnappings and so called 'express kidnappings' occur in Argentina. Victims are normally held while criminals empty their bank accounts with cash cards. Once the ransom is paid the victim is usually quickly released. It is common for thefts to take place when withdrawing cash from ATMs.
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. If you are being met at the airport and you don’t know your greeter, confirm their identity before setting off. Alternatively use a ‘remise’ service from the official stand in the centre of the arrivals concourse.
If you are a victim of crime, you should inform the local police and get a police report.
In Buenos Aires, a 24-hour police helpline in English is available on telephone number 101. There is also a new multi-lingual free phone number for tourist assistance: 0800 999 5000. This goes through to the tourist police station at Corrientes 346, email: turista@policiafederal.gov.ar. In Mendoza, contact the Tourist Police at San Martin 1143, tel: (0261) 413 2135, email:policiaturistica@mendoza.gov.ar.
Political situation
The Falkland Islands can generate strong emotions among some Argentines. The issuehas had a much higher profile recently and there has been an increase in the number of demonstrations outside the British Embassy and against British interests in Argentina. There is usually a demonstration at the British Embassy on 2 April each year - the anniversary of the Argentine invasion in 1982.
Demonstrations can take place at many public locations throughout Argentina. You should monitor the media and avoid all demonstrations.
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 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 of the Aviation Safety network.
Road Travel
You will need an International Driving Permit 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.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
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 be granted a 90-day stay in the country. If you are travelling to Argentina for any other purpose, contact the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in London.
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 travel in the form of a return ticket. 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.
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 be granted a 90-day stay in the country. If you are travelling to Argentina for any other purpose, contact the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in London.
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 travel in the form of a return ticket. 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.
Contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.
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 can occur throughout the year.
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.
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 can occur throughout the year.
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
In December 2012 the Copahue volcano located on the Chile/Argentina border erupted causing a cloud of volcanic ash that affected nearby areas in the province of Neuquen. This region currently has an amber alert for disruption. Monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Many northern provinces suffer from seasonal flooding. This can lead to disruption to transport and delivery of foodstuffs.
ATMs are widely available. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and major shops and restaurants. Travellers’ cheques are not 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 are subject to regular change.
Consular assistance statisticsTwenty two British nationals needed consular assistance in Argentina in the period 1 April 2011 - 31 March 2012 for the following types of incident: 5 deaths; 4 hospitalisations; and 7 arrests. 179 Emergency Travel Documents were also issued during this period.
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 are subject to regular change.
Consular assistance statisticsTwenty two British nationals needed consular assistance in Argentina in the period 1 April 2011 - 31 March 2012 for the following types of incident: 5 deaths; 4 hospitalisations; and 7 arrests. 179 Emergency Travel Documents were also issued during this period.
