Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Crime

Crimes of opportunity, such as distraction thefts, commonly occur in popular tourist areas and in other public areas such as bus and train stations, cruise ship ports, the subway system, airports, restaurants, hotel lobbies and Wi-Fi hotspots. Pickpockets and bag snatchers often work in pairs or groups and employ a variety of ruses to divert their victim’s attention. A common scam involves spraying a substance on victims and then robbing them while pretending to help clean the stain, or distracting the victim by asking questions while another person perpetrates the theft. In some cases, thieves on foot work with thieves on motorcycles, “motochorros”, to snatch purses and backpacks.

Watch out for pickpockets when using public transportation, particularly the subway system. The theft of smartphones is increasing.

Armed robberies and muggings are on the rise in urban centres. While most victims are not physically injured, criminals usually do not hesitate to use force if they are opposed. When you are being robbed, hand over your cash and valuables without resistance. Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in the downtown areas of major cities.

Avoid wearing expensive watches or jewellery or showing signs of affluence. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Do not hang bags and purses on chairs in public places. Carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes and leave the originals in your hotel safe. Do not carry large amounts of money. Remain aware of your surroundings when using automated banking machines (ABMs) and avoid using them at night.

In Buenos Aires, be cautious in all tourist areas, particularly in La Boca, San Telmo, Florida St., Congreso and Retiro. In La Boca, always remain on Caminito St. as violent thefts often occur in neighbouring streets. Avoid the area after dark.

In Mendoza, crime has increased considerably, with some incidents involving violence. Be cautious and alert at all times, particularly in the bus terminal and Parque General San Martín, and avoid walking in unpopulated areas at night. 

Theft from unattended vehicles, especially rental cars is common throughout the country, particularly in Bariloche and Mendoza. Keep your valuables out of plain sight at all times.

Though not common, home break-ins may occur.

Avoid packing valuables in checked luggage as organized groups are known to operate at airports searching for electronics and valuables.

Kidnapping

Though not common, express kidnappings involving tourists have occurred in Argentina. Victims are usually abducted for a few hours and forced to withdraw money from automated banking machines in order to be released. Be suspicious of strangers approaching you on the street.

Virtual kidnappings are on the rise. Criminals use stolen cellphones to contact family members claiming to have kidnapped the owner of the phone and then ask for ransom money. Never leave your cellphone unattended.

Soccer games

If you are planning to attend a soccer game, ensure that the stadium is located in a safe area and monitor news reports to determine if violence is expected to occur during or following the game.

Tri-border area

When travelling to Iguazú Falls, exercise caution when crossing the tri-border area between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay where criminal activities are known to occur. Avoid crossing these borders in local taxis or buses after dark.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations, roadblocks and strikes may occur throughout the country at any time. Public transportation may be disrupted. Monitor local news reports for information on the area you are planning to visit. Avoid demonstrations as they may become violent with no warning, and never attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended.

Public transportation

Use a "remise" (private car with driver) for travel to and from Buenos Aires' Ezeiza International Airport. On arrival at Ezeiza, go to an established remise stand in the arrivals area.

Call radio-taxis instead of hailing taxis on the street, particularly in Buenos Aires. If hailing a taxi, ensure that it is marked "radio-taxi" and that the company's name and telephone number are clearly visible. Do not share taxis with strangers. Carry small bills to pay for taxi fares. Unscrupulous taxi drivers sometimes trade counterfeit bills for good ones.

In the past few years, inter-urban trains connecting with Buenos Aires suffered several accidents resulting in deaths and injuries.

Road safety

Pedestrians, cyclists and drivers should exercise extreme caution in Argentina, as it has one of the highest traffic accident rates in the world. Many drivers ignore traffic lights and speed limits.

Be particularly vigilant when stopped at traffic lights. Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times due to the risk of theft.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

Domestic flights are frequently delayed or rescheduled as a result of work stoppages and technical problems at the airports.

Trekking and adventure sports

If you intend to trek:

a) never trek alone;
b) always hire an experienced guide and ensure that the trekking company is reputable;
c) buy travel health insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation (be aware that helicopter rescue may not be readily available in certain locations);
d) ensure that you are in top physical condition;
e) advise a family member or friend of your itinerary;
f) know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal;
g) register with the Embassy of Canada in Argentina; and
h) obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out.

Prior to ascending Mount Aconcagua, contact the Mendoza Tourism Board at the following address: San Martín 1143, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina (country and area codes: 54-261/ tel.: 420-2800, 420-2458 or 420-2357/ fax: 420-2243). Stay on marked paths and respect the mandatory itinerary provided by the park.

Ensure that the recreational activities you choose are covered by your travel insurance and that sporting and aquatic equipment is safe and in good condition. Many operators do not conduct regular safety checks.

General security information

If you are a victim of a crime, you should inform the police and get a police report. It is not possible to file a police report from abroad or for the embassy to do it on your behalf.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Argentine authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Argentine Republic or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Argentina, which must be valid for the expected duration of their stay in that country. Upon entry into and exit from Argentina, all passengers, regardless of their citizenship, are submitted to biometrics checks, such as digital fingerprints and a digital photograph at the immigration counter. A reciprocity fee must also be paid online prior to arriving in Argentina (see below for further information).

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Visas

Tourist visa: Not required
Business visa: Not required
Student visa: Required

If you intend to enter Argentina on an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) a visa is required.  

Reciprocity fee

Canadians planning to visit Argentina for tourism or business purposes must pay a US$78 reciprocity fee online prior to their arrival. The fee is payable on the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones website. A printed receipt must be shown to your airline/bus company upon check-in or boarding and submitted to immigration authorities upon arrival. Avoid last minute payments as you may miss your flight/bus if the website is experiencing technical difficulties at the time of the payment attempt. Failure to pay the reciprocity fee in advance has resulted in travellers being refused entry into Argentina, and, in some cases, a return to their port of origin. The fee is valid for multiple entries until one month prior to the expiry of your passport. Make sure you keep more than one copy of the receipt for your entries.

Those entering Argentina on a Canadian passport with a valid visa, such as a work, student or residency visa, do not have to pay the reciprocity fee. Dual nationals are exempt, even when entering on a Canadian passport.

Dual citizenship

Canadian-Argentine dual citizens may leave Argentina on their Canadian passport if they entered on that passport within the last 180 days. Once this period has elapsed, they must leave on a valid Argentine passport.

If travelling to Canada, all dual citizens require a valid Canadian passport.

See Laws & culture for more information.

Argentine-Canadian minors (under 18 years of age), Canadian minors having resident status in Argentina and foreign minors who have been in Argentina over 12 months are subject to local regulations when leaving Argentina.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Health

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are good in Buenos Aires but limited elsewhere. Certain medications may not be available.

Make sure you have travel insurance ‎that covers medical expenses, including hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation, in case of illness or injury. Hospital physicians often expect immediate cash payment for medical care, so ensure you have access to sufficient funds. Contact your insurance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. See Travel Insurance for more information.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

Illegal activities

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Argentina. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you an Argentine citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present an Argentine passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Money

The currency is the Argentine peso (ARS). Foreign credit and debit cards are accepted in main cities. When using credit cards, ensure that your card remains in view. You may be required to produce photo identification, such as a driver’s licence or a photocopy of your passport, when paying with a credit card. Cash withdrawals from foreign bank accounts at ABMs are subject to low limits per withdrawal and per day. Substantial service charges may also apply when using non-Argentine bank cards. Check with your bank before leaving Canada.

Natural disasters & climate

Seismic and volcanic activity

The provinces of San Juan and Mendoza are in a seismic zone and are subject to earthquakes. Consult Argentina’s National Institute of Seismic Prevention (in Spanish only) for more information.

A number of volcanoes, located in the Andes region on the border of Argentina and Chile, can erupt at any time and cause the evacuation of local residents. Ash emanating from volcanic eruptions can disrupt air transportation and cause airport closures. Debris from erupting volcanoes may clog rivers and cause them to overflow, which could in turn cause flash floods and landslides. If you live or are travelling in areas near volcanoes, monitor local news for current information and follow the advice of local authorities.

Border crossings can close due to earthquakes or severe weather conditions.

Flooding

Seasonal flooding may occur in the northern provinces of Argentina and heavy rains may cause flash floods in the province of Buenos Aires. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Buenos Aires and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

You may make a collect call (via the international operator at 000) to the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 1-613-996-8885.