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Argentina - Consular Information Sheet
September 7, 2001
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Argentina is a medium income nation
with a developing economy. Although Buenos Aires has many four
and five star hotels, the quality of tourist facilities in many
towns outside the capital is not up to the same standards.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. U.S. citizens
do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism and
business.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments
often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and
permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal
guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even
if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
The age of majority in Argentina is 21 years. Minors who are
permanent or temporary residents of Argentina who are traveling
alone, with one parent, or in someone else's custody, are required
to present at departure from Argentina a notarized document which
certifies both parents' permission for the child's travel. A parent
with sole custody should carry a copy of the judicial custody
decree. Although Argentine regulations do not require that minors
who enter Argentina as tourists carry certified parental permission,
immigration officials infrequently do request such a certification
upon arrival in Argentina. Either document should be notarized
before an Argentine consular officer or, if in Argentina, a local
notary (escribano). For current information concerning entry and
customs requirements for Argentina, travelers can contact the
Argentine Embassy at 1600 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington,
DC 20009, tel. (202) 939-6400. Internet: http://athea.ar/cwash/homepage.
Travelers may also contact the nearest Argentine consulate in
Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, New York, or Houston.
DUAL NATIONALITY: In addition to being subject to all
Argentine laws affecting US citizens, dual nationals may also
be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Argentine
citizens. U.S. citizens who also have Argentine nationality who
remain in Argentina more than 60 days are required to depart Argentina
on Argentine passports. The application process for the Argentine
passport can be lengthy. However, the Embassy is not able to assist
U.S. citizens in obtaining Argentine passports or other identity
documents. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper US Government
efforts to provide protection abroad. For additional information,
see the
Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov
for our Dual
Nationality Flyer.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Although in recent years there have
been occasional instances of small explosive devices placed outside
businesses identified with the US or other foreign countries,
there is no evidence of terrorist organizations or violent groups
in Argentina which specifically target U.S. visitors. However,
given the presence of members of and support for foreign extremist
terrorist groups in the tri-border region of Argentina (Misiones
Province), visitors to Argentina cannot discount the possibility
of terrorist activity to include random acts of anti-American
violence.
Both planned and spontaneous demonstrations and protests sometimes
inconvenience or delay travelers throughout Argentina. These may
include blocking streets and highways, which cause sporadic travel
delays, including getting to and from airports. Although demonstrations
are usually nonviolent, U.S. citizens should take common-sense
precautions and avoid gatherings or any other event where crowds
have congregated to protest. Information about the location of
possible demonstrations is available from several sources, including
the local media. Additional information and advice may be obtained
from the U.S. Embassy at the telephone numbers or email address
listed below.
CRIME: Petty crime in the larger cities, especially in
the greater Buenos Aires area continues to be a problem for residents
and visitors alike. Visitors to Buenos Aires and popular tourist
destinations should be especially alert to pickpockets and purse
snatching on the streets and on buses and trains. Thieves often
work in pairs and employ a variety of ruses to victimize the unsuspecting
visitor. In recent years, most crime affecting U.S. visitors has
been non-violent. Nevertheless, aggravated robberies and shootings
have become more frequent, especially in the suburbs of the capital
and in Buenos Aires Province. Incidents of armed invasions of
restaurants, shops, and residences in the more fashionable suburbs
are also occurring with greater frequency. As a result, it is
recommended that due caution be exercised when traveling about
the city.
Additionally, there are frequent instances of false taxicabs
in which passengers have been robbed. Armed thieves, usually in
collusion with the taxi driver, will quickly enter the taxi when
the vehicle stops at a stoplight. This location is usually within
a couple of blocks from where the victim hailed the taxi, but
sometimes it can be at the victim's destination point. Assailants
will either rob the victim immediately or more likely take the
victim to the nearest cash machine for cash withdrawal. Much of
this type of crime is perpetrated in the city center, especially
in the banking district.
The loss or theft abroad of a US passport should be reported immediately
to the local police and the U.S. Embassy. U.S. citizens can refer
to the Department of State's pamphlet A
Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a more trouble-free
journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402; via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su
docs; or via the
Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care in Buenos Aires is generally
good but varies in quality outside the capital. Serious medical
problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to
the US can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals
often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges
Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior
to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas
and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical
evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs
incurred outside the US unless supplemental coverage is purchased.
Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment
for medical services outside the United States. However, many
travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that
will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency
services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans
should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require
payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical
evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured
travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme
difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your
trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare
provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses
you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric
treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas
insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau
of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical
Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,
or autofax: (202) 647-3000.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations
and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international
travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX
(1-888-232-3299), or via their Internet
site at http://www.cdc.gov.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign
country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ
significantly from those in the United States. The information
below concerning Argentina is provided for general reference only,
and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good/Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good/Good
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good
Driving throughout Argentina is more dangerous than driving in
the United States. Drivers in Argentina are very aggressive, especially
in the capital city of Buenos Aires and frequently ignore traffic
regulations. Road conditions are favorable throughout Argentina,
which is well connected by main highways. U.S. driver's licenses
are valid in the capital and the province of Buenos Aires, but
Argentine or international licenses are required to drive in the
rest of the country. For further information, please contact the
Argentine Automobile Club, Av. Libertador 1850, 1112 Capital Federal,
telephone (011)(54) 11-4802-6061 or contact the Embassy of Argentina
as listed above in paragraph 2.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) has assessed the Government of Argentina's Civil Aviation
Authority as Category 1 -- in compliance with international aviation
safety standards for oversight of Argentina's air carrier operations.
For further information, travelers may contact the Department
of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit
the FAA's
Internet Web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some
foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of
air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific
carriers, travelers may contact the Pentagon at 1-618-256-4801.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S.
citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which
sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States
and may not afford the protections available to the individual
under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe
than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating
Argentina's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested
or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in
illegal drugs in Argentina are strict, and convicted offenders
can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For
information on international adoption of children and international
parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site
at http://travel.state.gov/children's_ issues.html, or telephone
(202) 736-7000.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: Americans
living in or visiting Argentina are encouraged to register at
the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires and obtain
updated information on travel and security within Argentina. The
U.S. Embassy is located at 4300 Avenida Colombia, 1425 Buenos
Aires, Argentina. The main Embassy switchboard telephone is (011)(54)(11)
5777-4533. Recorded consular information, including instructions
on whom to contact in case of an American citizen emergency, is
available at (54)(11) 4514-1830. The main embassy fax is (54)(11)
5777-4240. The Consular Section fax is (011)(54)(11) 5777-4205.
Additional information is available through the
Embassy's web site at http://us---embassy.state.gov/baires
embassy, which has a link to the
Consular Section's email inquiry Address: BuenosAiresConsulate@state.gov.
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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated January 10,
2000 to modify sections on Country Description, Entry and Exit
Requirements, Dual Nationality, Safety and Security, Crime, Medical
Insurance, Medical Facilities, Medical Insurance, Traffic Safety
and Road Conditions, Aviation Safety Oversight, and Children's
Issues.
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