Argentina Travel Guide

• Volunteer at a school or orphanage and really make a difference
• Learn Spanish and soak up the sights at the same time
• Visit the cool and lively capital of Buenos Aires for a truly cosmopolitan flavour
• See stunning natural scenery with waterfalls, mountains and lakes galore
• Indulge in some delicious Argentinean beef and sample the local wines
• Release your sultry alter ego and dance the Argentine tango
• Head to cowboy country – yee ha!

Argentina has a long history of immigration and subsequently, its cuisine has influences from many European areas, especially Spain, Italy and France. Argentina is one of the world’s main beef producers and unsurprisingly meat is plentiful on the country’s own menus. ‘Bife a Caballo is a steak topped with an egg, a popular local dish.  Empanadas, small pastries filled with meat and cheese, are widely available as are the Italian staples of pizza and pasta. Picadas are the Argentine version of tapas – small helpings of cheese, meat, olives and fish. In Patagonia’s Chubut Valley Welsh settlers have left their legacy and you can find some traditional tea and scones!  Also, don’t miss the traditional herbal tea infusion called ‘mate’ which is widely available.

The Argentine spring (September to November) is the best time to visit when the weather everywhere is generally fine and Buenos Aires’ jacaranda flowers are in their full glory! The height of summer hits Argentina from December to February and temperatures can be brutally hot in the capital and the Chaco area and parts of the north.  Patagonia however, is worth a summer visit as it is the best time to get around and the weather is milder in this region. Midsummer is the time to visit if you want to climb many of the Andean mountains as other times of the year the passes can become inaccessible. In the colder months (May-October) snow can cut off the south of the country but the winter months of June-August are great if you want to head to the ski resorts. Areas such as Mendoza, Cordoba and San Juan are beautiful in autumn (March and April) – the trees come out in stunning shades of red and orange and the wine harvests are in full swing.  Argentina’s holiday and festival seasons are January, Easter and July and not only does the number of visitors increase but so do the prices!

Visa Assistance

Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.

To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.

Entry Requirements for UK Travellers

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Argentina’s current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Argentina set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Argentine Consulate in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Argentina, your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. If you are a resident in Argentina, your passport must be valid for entry.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can visit Argentina without a visa for tourism for up to 90 days.

To stay longer, or to work or study, you must meet the Argentine government’s entry requirements. Contact the Argentine Consulate in the UK.

Immigration authorities no longer stamp passports on entry. If you need proof of your entry or exit, contact the Argentine Migration Office (in Spanish).

If you wish to extend your stay for another 90-day period, get advice from the Argentine Migration Office before your current stay ends.

Applying for a visa

If you’re travelling to Argentina for any purpose other than tourism, contact the Argentine Consulate in the UK about the visas or permits you need and how to apply.

Travelling with children

Children aged 17 and under who are resident in Argentina need written permission (‘Autorización de viaje’) from the non-accompanying parents to leave the country.

Non-resident children aged 17 and under who have remained in Argentina for 1 year or more are treated in line with resident children and also need permission. You can get permission from a notary public in Argentina or the Argentine Migration Office (in Spanish).

You can get full information on the requirements from the Argentine Migration Office (in Spanish) or from your nearest Argentine consulate. 

Vaccine requirements

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Argentina guide.

You may need a yellow fever certificate for onward travel to some other countries, due to the risk of yellow fever in Argentina.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Argentina (in Spanish). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Argentina

You must declare cash or travellers cheques worth more than 10,000 US dollars (in Spanish).

Don’t become involved with drugs when visiting Argentina, as possession of even a small quantity can result in a lengthy prison sentence.

Gestures such as yawning, giving a thumbs up and eating in public are all considered vulgar in Argentina.

Don’t hand over large denomination bank notes as there is seldom enough change to hand back.

We have selected what we believe to be the key points that you should be aware of when travelling in Argentina.

Please note: Gap 360 follows advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and we recommend that you frequently check the FCDO website for updated travel advice. You can find the website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office

Crime

Argentina is considered a safe destination, but theft, bag snatching and armed robberies are common and travellers are advised to take particular care in restaurants, internet cafes, on public transport and in tourist areas such as San Telmo, La Boca and Retiro. Do not carry or wear cash or valuables and avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night.

Passport thefts are frequently reported in Buenos Aires and Mendoza and it is advisable to leave your passport in a hotel safe or security box while carrying a photocopy with you at all times.

Typical scams to rob tourists include someone ‘accidentally’ spraying you with ketchup or other liquids as a distraction to theft. Thieves have also posed as hotel guests and snatched bags during check-in. Handbags can be slit open on the street, or mobile phones snatched while in use.

So-called ‘express kidnappings’ do occur in Argentina, with victims forced to empty bank accounts at ATMs and then released once the ‘ransom’ has been paid. Take extra care when withdrawing cash at ATMs.

Always try to book taxis in advance and only hail a ‘radio taxi’ on the street, which clearly displays a visible company logo on their rear passenger doors. If you are being met at the airport confirm your meeter’s identity or use a ‘remise’ service from the official stand, located in the centre of the arrivals concourse.

If you do become a victim of crime in Argentina, inform the local police and get an official police report.

Demonstrations

Political demonstrations and strikes in public places are more common in Argentina than in the UK, and they can turn violent. Recently there has been a spate of strikes involving local police in some of the provinces, leading to looting. There are occasional Falklands-related protests outside the British Embassy or at British-affiliated businesses. Demonstrations can occasionally block major roads into and out of Buenos Aires, causing major delays. Travellers to Argentina should avoid involvement in any demonstrations.

Transport/Travel

Flight departures from Argentina can be unreliable and susceptible to delays and cancellations. Car theft or carjacking, particularly when stationary at traffic lights, can be a problem, so if you are driving, keep windows closed and doors locked at all times when in major cities. The Province of Misiones close to the borders with Paraguay and Brazil are known to smuggle goods and you should seek advice if you intend to drive there.

We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism, but in the last ten years, there have been some reported small explosions in Buenos Aires and the surrounding areas (mostly at banks), which are believed to have been the work of local anti-globalisation groups.

Money

ATMs are widely available in Argentina and credit cards are accepted in most major hotels, restaurants and shops. Check local media for an update on the current restrictions on the purchase of foreign currency in Argentina.

Proof of Onward Travel

Flight reservations should be made before you arrive in Argentina and you may need to provide a return ticket as proof of onward travel.

Natural Disasters

Argentina’s Northern provinces may be affected by seasonal flooding, leading to transport disruption. Flash flooding caused by heavy rain can occur in other areas, including in and around Buenos Aires.

The Copahue Volcano on the Argentina/Chile border is active and can occasionally erupt, resulting in the evacuation of the local area, so keep an eye on media reports and follow local advice if visiting this area.

Health

You should be in touch with your GP around 8 weeks before you travel for vaccination or health advice.

Diarrhoea can be caused by contaminated food or water so we advise you to drink bottled water.

Dengue Fever is present throughout the year in Argentina.

Medical facilities in Argentina are of a good standard but can be costly, so ensure you have adequate funds and travel insurance.

You should bring any required medications with you.

Be aware that pollution, particularly in larger cities, can aggravate respiratory problems.