Argentina visa requirements: Who needs one and what to bring

Most travellers from visa-exempt countries — including Switzerland, Liechtenstein, OECD member states, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Colombia — can enter Argentina as tourists for up to three months without a visa. Everyone else needs to check whether they qualify for the electronic AVE authorization or must apply for a full tourist visa, and all travelers need a passport valid at least six months beyond their entry date.

Who actually needs a visa?

If your country isn't on the visa-exempt list above, you generally need a visa or an AVE. The AVE (Electronic Travel Authorization) is available online if you already hold a valid US visa in category B1, B2, J, O, P (P1-P2-P3), E, or H-1B — no separate Argentine visa application needed in that case. If you don't hold one of those US visas, you'll need to apply for a standard tourist visa through an Argentine consulate.

What does a tourist visa application require?

Expect to provide: proof of income (last three pay slips, a recent credit card statement, or a bank statement), a hotel reservation and itinerary (or a letter of invitation from an individual if you have no hotel booked), a round-trip flight reservation, and two 4x4 cm color photos on a white background. The consular fee is $150 (USD or EUR depending on the consular office), payable in that office's local currency. Note: don't buy plane tickets before your visa is approved, since approval isn't guaranteed. Meeting all requirements doesn't guarantee a visa — Argentina retains full discretion.

How long can I stay, and can I extend?

Tourist visas are typically valid for up to 90 days and can be extended once for another 90 days if you apply at the National Directorate of Migration before the initial period expires. Tourists are not permitted to do paid work while in Argentina.

What about passport validity and entry paperwork for visa-exempt travelers?

Your passport needs at least six months of validity from your entry date and at least two blank pages. Visa-exempt citizens can obtain a TIE 24H (Electronic Entry Processing) certificate, valid for three months on first use; processing takes about ten business days, so apply ahead of travel.

What about health insurance and customs?

Since Decree 366/2025 (effective May 29, 2025), foreigners must show medical insurance or be ready to prepay for public hospital services, except in emergencies or if you're a permanent resident. Implementation details were still pending as of the latest update, so confirm current practice before you travel. Specific customs rules on baggage and prohibited items aren't covered here — check with Argentine customs directly.

For connectivity while traveling, see general destination info at /destinations/argentina.

FAQ

Do I need a visa if I'm from an OECD country? No — OECD member state citizens can enter as tourists for up to three months without a visa.

Can I work while on a tourist visa or AVE? No, tourists cannot perform remunerated work in Argentina under these entry categories.

Are these rules guaranteed to stay the same? No — requirements change frequently, and the medical insurance rule from Decree 366/2025 was still pending full implementation guidance as of August 2026. Always verify with the Argentine embassy or consulate before applying.

Sources

• https://esuiz.cancilleria.gob.ar/en/entering-argentine-republic-foreign-citizen
• https://cancilleria.gob.ar/en/services/visa/tourist-visa
• https://eeeuu.cancilleria.gob.ar/en/ave-electronic-travel-authorization
• https://www.argentina.gob.ar/servicio/obtener-visa-de-turista-para-ingresar-la-argentina
• https://www.argentina.gob.ar/migraciones/documentacion-para-ingresar-al-pais-como-turista
• https://esuec.cancilleria.gob.ar/en/requirements-entry-and-stay-argentina