Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Digital Nomad Visa Expansion
Argentina has expanded its digital nomad visa program for remote workers from visa-exempt countries, allowing stays up to 180 days with simple online application and proof of income. This is ideal for longer explorations of Patagonia or Buenos Aires, but apply at least 30 days in advance to ensure approval.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Argentina, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This is a standard rule to prevent issues at immigration checkpoints, especially when traveling to remote areas like Ushuaia.
Always verify with your airline, as some carriers enforce stricter validity periods for boarding international flights.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, EU countries, UK, Canada, Australia, and many others can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays up to 90 days, extendable once for another 90 days. This covers most travelers planning trips to Iguazú Falls or the Andes without prior paperwork.
Upon arrival, you'll receive a tourist card; keep it safe as it's required for exit, and overstaying can lead to fines or bans.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring visas, apply through the Argentine consulate in your home country with documents including a valid passport, invitation letter or itinerary, proof of funds (around $50/day), and yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from endemic areas. The standard tourist visa fee is about $150, with processing times of 10-30 days.
Online applications via the Argentine migration website are now available for some categories, streamlining the process for expedited approvals.
Border Crossings
Argentina shares borders with Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay; land crossings like those to Chile's Atacama Desert or Brazil's Iguazú are straightforward with passport checks, but expect longer waits during peak seasons. Air arrivals at Ezeiza or Aeroparque in Buenos Aires are efficient, with e-gates for visa-exempt travelers.
Always declare items like electronics or food to avoid customs fines, and consider bus services for scenic overland routes that double as adventures.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical emergencies (Argentina's healthcare is good but costly for foreigners), trip cancellations, and adventure activities like trekking in Patagonia or paragliding in Mendoza. Policies should include evacuation coverage due to the country's vast geography.
Affordable options start at $2-5/day; ensure it covers high-altitude activities if heading to the Andes, where altitude sickness is a risk.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to 180 days total by applying at a local Dirección Nacional de Migraciones office before your initial 90 days expire, providing reasons like ongoing travel or work, along with a fee of around 5,000 ARS. This is useful for immersing in tango classes in Buenos Aires or wine tours in the north.
Rejections are rare for genuine cases, but prepare documents like flight bookings or accommodation proofs to support your request.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Argentina uses the Argentine Peso (ARS), but due to high inflation, USD cash is often preferred for better rates. For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks or local exchanges.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Buenos Aires by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on international and domestic flights, especially to remote spots like El Calafate.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for bodegones or street vendors for choripán and milanesas under $5, avoiding upscale tourist restaurants in Palermo to cut food costs by up to 60%.
Shop at local ferias for fresh produce and mate supplies, which are cheaper and more authentic than imported groceries.
Public Transport Passes
Use the SUBE card for unlimited Buenos Aires subway and bus rides at $1-2 per trip, or opt for long-distance buses via companies like Andesmar for intercity travel at $20-40 for overnight routes.
National park passes cover multiple entries and save on individual fees for places like Los Glaciares.
Free Attractions
Explore plazas like Plaza de Mayo, hike free trails in the Pampas, or stroll Recoleta Cemetery without cost, providing rich cultural immersion at zero expense.
Many beaches in Mar del Plata and viewpoints in Bariloche are public and gratis, ideal for budget adventurers.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards are accepted in cities but incur high fees (up to 30% dynamic currency conversion); use cash USD for "blue dollar" exchanges in Buenos Aires for 20-40% better rates than official ATMs.
Avoid airport exchanges; instead, use reputable cuevas for safe, favorable conversions, and carry small bills for rural areas.
Combo Tickets & Tours
Purchase the Buenos Aires Pass for $40 covering museums, transport, and attractions, or group tours to Iguazú that bundle entry and transport for $50-70 per person.
It often pays off after 2-3 sites, especially for families or groups exploring multiple regions efficiently.
Smart Packing for Argentina
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Layer versatile pieces for Argentina's diverse climates: lightweight cottons for humid Buenos Aires summers and woolens for Patagonia's chill; include quick-dry synthetics for hiking in the Andes.
Pack modest clothing for cultural sites like Jesuit missions, and a wide-brim hat for intense UV exposure in the Pampas.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type I/C plugs), solar charger for remote treks in Patagonia, offline maps via apps like Maps.me, and a waterproof phone case for Iguazú's misty falls.
Download Spanish phrasebooks and music streaming for long bus rides across the vast countryside.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with altitude meds for Aconcagua, prescriptions, high-SPF sunscreen, and DEET repellent for mosquito-prone areas like the Iberá Wetlands.
Include water purification tablets for backcountry hydration and a personal locator beacon for isolated adventures in Tierra del Fuego.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for city explorations in Córdoba, insulated water bottle for hot northern regions, microfiber towel for beach days in Pinamar, and small USD bills for exchanges.
Secure with a RFID-blocking wallet and photocopies of passport in the cloud for easy access during multi-destination itineraries.
Footwear Strategy
Choose breathable sneakers for urban tango in Buenos Aires, rugged waterproof boots for glacier hikes at Perito Moreno, and supportive sandals for relaxed beach vibes in Mar del Plata.
Break in shoes beforehand to handle long walks on cobblestone streets or uneven Patagonian trails without blisters.
Personal Care
Pack eco-friendly toiletries, chapstick with SPF for windy sierras, a compact poncho for sudden Andean showers, and reusable mate gourd if interested in local customs.
Travel minis keep luggage light for flights between regions, and include wet wipes for dusty bus journeys or festival crowds.
When to Visit Argentina
Spring (September-November)
Mild weather of 15-25°C blooms jacarandas in Buenos Aires and thaws Patagonian trails for hiking without crowds; ideal for birdwatching in the Esteros del Iberá.
Fewer tourists mean lower prices on accommodations, perfect for exploring wine regions in Mendoza as vines awaken.
Summer (December-February)
Peak season with hot 25-35°C temperatures suits beach escapes in Mar del Plata and festivals like Cosquín's folk music; Iguazú Falls are lush but misty.
Expect crowds and higher rates in Buenos Aires nightlife, but it's prime for outdoor asados and Atlantic coast vibes.
Autumn (March-May)
Comfortable 10-20°C weather enhances fall colors in the Luján Valley and whale watching in Península Valdés; great for cycling tours in the Pampas.
Shoulder season savings on flights to Ushuaia, with calmer conditions for trekking Torres del Paine cross-border.
Winter (June-August)
Cool 0-15°C snaps make for epic skiing in Bariloche and fewer visitors at Aconcagua base camps; tango season heats up indoor Buenos Aires.
Budget-friendly for northern escapes to Salta's colonial towns, avoiding summer heat while enjoying hot chocolate in the Andes.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS). High inflation means USD cash is king; cards accepted in cities but with fees. Exchange via "blue dollar" for best rates.
- Language: Spanish is official. English spoken in tourist hubs like Buenos Aires; learn basics like "gracias" for rural areas.
- Time Zone: Argentina Time (ART), UTC-3 (no daylight saving)
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type I (two flat pins) and C (two round pins) plugs
- Emergency Number: 911 for police, medical, or fire assistance
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% at restaurants, round up taxis
- Water: Tap water safe in cities; boil or bottle in rural Patagonia
- Pharmacies: Farmacias widely available; look for blue or green crosses