Argentina

Översikt

Argentina is engaged in various cooperative ventures with regional partners and the risk of interstate conflict is considered low. The Falkland/Malvina Islands conflict is the only major international dispute Argentina has been involved recently. The government of Argentina has stated that it intends to pursue legal action against oil and gas companies engaged in hydrocarbons exploration in the Falkland Islands.

The risk of civil unrest is deemed to be high, with protests often turning disruptive and violent. The threat of insurgency or guerrilla movements instigating widespread civil conflict is small. Possession of even very small quantities of illegal drug of any kind can lead to a lengthy prison sentence.

Argentine society is open and diverse. Same-sex marriage is legal; rights are protected by the Constitution and by legislation tackling all kinds of discrimination. Argentina is signatory to international and regional agreements protecting LGBT rights. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Argentina. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Argentina has confirmed recent cases of Dengue. Risk is present in the northern half of the country and transmission occurs from January to May.

Argentina has risk of ongoing Chikungunya and Zika viris transmission. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

There is a very low risk of malaria in low altitude areas of Salta provinces bordering Bolivia and in Chaco, Corrientes and Misiones provinces close to the border with Paraguay and Brazil. There is no risk of malaria in Iguaçu Falls and the rest of Argentina. There are no anti-malarial drugs recommended for Argentina.

Leishmaniasis is endemic in northern third of the country, with most cases reported from Catamarca, Jujuy, Salta, and Santiago del Estero Provinces.

There are about 120,000 people infected with HIV in Argentina. The prevalence rate in the general population is less than 1% although in some groups this percentage is higher.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Medical facilities in Argentina vary depending on location, it can be good, but 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. Private medical clinics often require cash payment before service is provided, including emergency cases. Foreign-brand medications may not be readily available while locally produced medications may not come up to western standards and can have side effects.

A comprehensive travel insurance covering any possible overseas medical costs is recommended before travelling to Argentina. For patients with any specific conditions such as diabetes, it is prudent to bring along a sufficient quantity of medicines.

Below you can find some private hospitals in Buenos Aires. 

Hospital Italiano 
Juan D. Peron 4190 - +54 11 4959-0200

Hospital Britanico
Perdriel 74 - +54 11 4309-6400

Pass

Visitors to Argentina must be travelling on a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country.

Members of Mercosul Union can travel with national identification documents. It is however advisable to check which national documents are accepted, and the validity required.

Visum

Tourist visas are not required for a period of three months or less for nationals of many countries. However, travellers are advised to consult their local embassy prior to travelling to Argentina. 

Foreigners intending to engage in business activities in Argentina may arrive on a tourist visa but are advised to obtain a business visa if planning to stay longer than 90 days.

Application for a business visa requires a letter from an employer providing a business reason, intended length of stay and acceptance of financial responsibility. Once in-country, business travellers may apply for a multiple entry visa valid for four years.

Children (under 21 years of age, as defined by local law) who travel alone or with a single parent must also carry a letter of authorisation by the other parent or a legal guardian. The letter should be certified by an Argentine Consul when it is issued out of Argentina.