Travel

#Travel advice and advisories for Argentina

Advisories

Argentina - Exercise normal security precautions

There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Argentina. Exercise normal security precautions.

Security

Security

The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Distraction thefts commonly occur in popular tourist areas and in public areas such as bus and train stations, the subway system, airports, restaurants, hotel lobbies and Wi-Fi hotspots. Pickpockets and bag snatchers often work in pairs and employ a variety of ruses. 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.

Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes. Do not show signs of affluence and do not carry large amounts of money. Remain aware of your surroundings when using automated banking machines (ABMs) and avoid using them at night. Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in the downtown areas of major cities.

Though not common, armed robberies and home break-ins may occur. While most victims are not physically injured, criminals usually do not hesitate to use force if they are confronted. In this event, you should hand over your cash and valuables without resistance.

Express kidnappings involving tourists have occurred in Argentina. Victims of express kidnappings are usually abducted for a few hours and forced to withdraw money from automated banking machines in order to be released. Use only radio-taxis preferably booked in advance and do not share taxis with strangers.

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.

In Buenos Aires, be cautious in all tourist areas, particularly in La Boca, San Telmo, Congreso and Retiro. In La Boca, remain on main tourist streets, and avoid the area after dark.

In Mendoza, crime has increased considerably, with some incidents involving violence. Be cautious and alert at all times, and avoid walking in unpopulated areas at night.

When travelling to Iguaz 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, and will likely intensify in the lead up to the first round of parliamentary elections scheduled for August 9, 2015, and the first round of presidential elections scheduled for October 25, 2015. Public transportation may be disrupted. Monitor local news reports for information on the area you are planning to visit. Avoid demonstrations and never attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended.

Public transportation

Watch out for pickpockets when using public transportation, particularly the subway system. You should use a "remise" (private car with driver) for travel to and from Buenos Aires' Ezeiza International Airport. The best way to obtain a remise is to call for one or go to an established remise stand at the airport or hotel. 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.

Road travel

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.

Air travel

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

See Transportation Safety in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Trekking:

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;

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 Subsecretaria de Turismo de San Mart n at the following address: San Mart n 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.

Emergency services

Dial 101 to reach the 24-hour police help line, which offers service in English.

A multilingual service (tel. 0800-999-5000, email: turista@policiafederal.gov.ar ) provides assistance for tourists and allows them to report security incidents. The Comisar a del Turista is located on Corrientes 346, Buenos Aires.

In Mendoza, report security incidents to the Polic a Tur stica at San Mart n 1143, tel. (0261) 413-2135, email: policiaturistica@mendoza.gov.ar .

Entry/exit requirements

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Argentine authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. 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).

Visas

Tourist visa: Not required

Business visa: Required

Student visa: Required

Reciprocity fee

Canadian tourists must pay a US$92 reciprocity fee online prior to their arrival in Argentina. The fee is payable on the Direcci n Nacional de Migraciones website. A printed receipt must be shown to your airline company upon check-in and submitted to immigration authorities upon arrival. Failure to pay this fee in advance may result in refusal of boarding or entry to Argentina and a possible return to your 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 business, 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.

In addition, Argentine-Canadian minors (under 18 years of age) and Canadian minors having resident status in Argentina are subject to local regulations when leaving Argentina.

Children and travel

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