Travel Summary
- Large storms have caused severe flooding in some north-eastern provinces of Argentina (notably Entre Rios, Corrrientes and Chaco). Travellers should monitor media reports for any developments and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Most visits to Argentina are trouble-free. 32 British nationals required consular assistance in Argentina in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident: deaths (4 cases); hospitalisations (10 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (5 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (225 cases). You should keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafes, train and bus stations where distraction thefts commonly occur. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
- There are occasional outbreaks of social unrest. You should avoid demonstrations. See the Political Situation and Local Travel sections of this advice for more details.
- There are multiple outbreaks of Dengue Fever in the northern provinces of the country and cases have been reported in Buenos Aires and the surrounding province. Travellers should take precautions to prevent against mosquito bites. See the Health section of this advice for more details.
- The Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for those nine months of age and older travelling to the regions of Argentina bordering Paraguay and Brazil in the provinces of Chaco, Corrientes, Formosa, Salta and all areas of Misiones province, including Iguaçu Falls. See the Health section of this advice for more details.
- There is an underlying threat from international terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
- We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and travel insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is an underlying threat from international terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
In October 2005 a number of small explosive devices were detonated in Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata and La Plata, the majority outside banks. There were no casualties in any of these incidents, which were believed to be the work of local anti-globalisation groups.
In November 2004 three bombs exploded in Buenos Aires. One person was killed and another injured.
For more general information see terrorism abroad.
In October 2005 a number of small explosive devices were detonated in Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata and La Plata, the majority outside banks. There were no casualties in any of these incidents, which were believed to be the work of local anti-globalisation groups.
In November 2004 three bombs exploded in Buenos Aires. One person was killed and another injured.
For more general information see terrorism abroad.
Crime
The most frequent incidents of crime involve distraction theft, bag snatching and armed robberies in the street, in taxis and in restaurants. Distraction thefts commonly occur in public areas such as internet cafes, train and bus stations. There has been a noticeable rise in reports of stolen passports in the last year, especially in the main bus stations in Buenos Aires and Mendoza. You should keep a close eye on your personal possessions and bags at all times. Con-men have been known to rob tourists while an accomplice pretends to help remove ketchup or mustard that has been 'accidentally' sprayed on them. Another common occurrence is the slitting of handbags in crowded places. Be particularly attentive in popular tourist areas, such as San Telmo. You should avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing ostentatious jewellery.
Kidnappings and so called 'express kidnappings' - short-term, opportunistic abductions, aimed at extracting cash from the victim - do occur in Argentina. Victims of express kidnapping are normally selected at random and held while criminals empty their bank accounts with their cash cards. Once the ransom is paid the victim is usually quickly released. It is also common for thefts to take place when withdrawing cash from ATMs. You should be alert at all times. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night.
There has been an increase in crime by taxi drivers. When travelling by taxi we advise that, whenever possible, you book in advance. If it is not possible to book in advance and you need to hail a taxi, you should take care only to hail a 'radio taxi'. The only noticeable difference between radio taxis and others is that they have a clearly visible company logo on the rear passenger doors of the vehicle. We advise against hailing any taxi that does not display a logo. If you are being met at the airport and you do not know your greeter, ensure you confirm their identity before accepting a lift. Alternatively use a "remise" service from the official stand in the centre of the arrivals concourse.
When travelling on local buses and trains, remain alert at all times. Pickpockets are rife. If you are robbed, you should inform the local police – a police report will be required by your insurers and by the Embassy if you need a new passport. In Buenos Aires, a 24-hour police helpline in English is available on telephone number 101, to help victims. There is also a new multi-lingual free phone number for tourist assistance: 0800 999 5000. This goes through to the Tourist Police Station.
Passports should be left in a hotel safe or security box except when being used for identification purposes such as purchasing expensive items or cashing travellers’ cheques. Keep a photocopy of the details page of your passport with you at all times. Passports are required as identification for internal flights.
For more general information see victims of crime abroad.
Kidnappings and so called 'express kidnappings' - short-term, opportunistic abductions, aimed at extracting cash from the victim - do occur in Argentina. Victims of express kidnapping are normally selected at random and held while criminals empty their bank accounts with their cash cards. Once the ransom is paid the victim is usually quickly released. It is also common for thefts to take place when withdrawing cash from ATMs. You should be alert at all times. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night.
There has been an increase in crime by taxi drivers. When travelling by taxi we advise that, whenever possible, you book in advance. If it is not possible to book in advance and you need to hail a taxi, you should take care only to hail a 'radio taxi'. The only noticeable difference between radio taxis and others is that they have a clearly visible company logo on the rear passenger doors of the vehicle. We advise against hailing any taxi that does not display a logo. If you are being met at the airport and you do not know your greeter, ensure you confirm their identity before accepting a lift. Alternatively use a "remise" service from the official stand in the centre of the arrivals concourse.
When travelling on local buses and trains, remain alert at all times. Pickpockets are rife. If you are robbed, you should inform the local police – a police report will be required by your insurers and by the Embassy if you need a new passport. In Buenos Aires, a 24-hour police helpline in English is available on telephone number 101, to help victims. There is also a new multi-lingual free phone number for tourist assistance: 0800 999 5000. This goes through to the Tourist Police Station.
Passports should be left in a hotel safe or security box except when being used for identification purposes such as purchasing expensive items or cashing travellers’ cheques. Keep a photocopy of the details page of your passport with you at all times. Passports are required as identification for internal flights.
For more general information see victims of crime abroad.
Political situation
Argentina Country Profile
Despite a strong recovery, the economic and political crisis of 2001-02 has left its mark, particularly in the form of increased inequality and poverty. With around 35% of the population living below the poverty line there are occasional outbreaks of social unrest and demonstrations, which at times turn violent. You should monitor local media and avoid planned demonstrations and public gatherings.
Despite a strong recovery, the economic and political crisis of 2001-02 has left its mark, particularly in the form of increased inequality and poverty. With around 35% of the population living below the poverty line there are occasional outbreaks of social unrest and demonstrations, which at times turn violent. You should monitor local media and avoid planned demonstrations and public gatherings.
Local travel
You may occasionally encounter groups of demonstrators (piqueteros) blocking major roads into and out of Buenos Aires during times of social unrest. In such cases you should expect significant delays to your journey.
Road travel
You need an International Driving Permit to drive in Argentina.
You should be aware that driving and road safety standards are not uniform: respect for speed limits and traffic signals is patchy and manoeuvres by fellow road users can be unexpected. 8100 people died in vehicle accidents in 2007. Crime against car users, particularly when stationary at traffic lights, is a problem. You should keep windows closed and doors locked at all times whilst travelling in major cities.
Care should be taken when driving in the Province of Misiones close to the borders with Paraguay and Brazil. The area is used to smuggle goods across the borders. It would be advisable to seek local advice if you intend to drive in this area.
For more general information see driving abroad.
You should be aware that driving and road safety standards are not uniform: respect for speed limits and traffic signals is patchy and manoeuvres by fellow road users can be unexpected. 8100 people died in vehicle accidents in 2007. Crime against car users, particularly when stationary at traffic lights, is a problem. You should keep windows closed and doors locked at all times whilst travelling in major cities.
Care should be taken when driving in the Province of Misiones close to the borders with Paraguay and Brazil. The area is used to smuggle goods across the borders. It would be advisable to seek local advice if you intend to drive in this area.
For more general information see driving abroad.
Local laws and customs
You should not become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to a minimum four-and-a-half year prison sentence.
For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.
For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.
Entry requirements
Visas
British nationals do not require a visa to enter Argentina as a tourist. On presentation of a valid British passport you will be granted a 90-day stay in the country.
To enter Argentina for any other purpose, you should contact the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in London.
Passport validity
We recommend that you have a minimum of six months validity on your passport when entering Argentina.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence that both parents have given permission for the journey before allowing lone parents to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact the Embassy of the Argentine Republic in London.
Health
Medical facilities are good, but can be expensive.
There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website: www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website: www.dh.gov.uk.
Asthma, sinus and bronchial problems can be aggravated by the polluted atmosphere in the major cities. If you have specific conditions (e.g. diabetes), you should bring a sufficient quantity of medical supplies and medicines with you for the trip.
Dengue Fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. The northern Argentine provinces bordering Paraguay are currently suffering from a serious outbreak (notably Chaco, Corrientes, Misiones, Formosa, Salta and Jujuy) and Bolivia have seen a particularly high prevalence of cases. More recently cases have been confirmed in the capital Buenos Aires and the Buenos Aires province. However you may be at risk in any part of the country. Fatalities from Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever have been reported in Paraguay and there is no vaccination or immunisation. Travellers should take extra precautions to prevent against mosquito bites. There is no vaccine to protect against Dengue Fever, and you should therefore use mosquito repellent regularly and cover up with suitable clothing to avoid being bitten. Symptoms of Dengue Fever usually begin 7 to 10 days after being bitten and include high fever with aching joints and bones and a headache. If you develop these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
Throughout 2008 a few cases of Yellow Fever were reported in Misiones province. As a result of this, and other outbreaks in Brazil and Paraguay, the Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for those nine months of age and older travelling to the regions of Argentina bordering Paraguay and Brazil in the provinces of Chaco, Corrientes, Formosa, Salta province and to all areas of Misiones province, including Iguaçu Falls.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 120,000 adults aged 15 or over in Argentina were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.5% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website: www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website: www.dh.gov.uk.
Asthma, sinus and bronchial problems can be aggravated by the polluted atmosphere in the major cities. If you have specific conditions (e.g. diabetes), you should bring a sufficient quantity of medical supplies and medicines with you for the trip.
Dengue Fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. The northern Argentine provinces bordering Paraguay are currently suffering from a serious outbreak (notably Chaco, Corrientes, Misiones, Formosa, Salta and Jujuy) and Bolivia have seen a particularly high prevalence of cases. More recently cases have been confirmed in the capital Buenos Aires and the Buenos Aires province. However you may be at risk in any part of the country. Fatalities from Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever have been reported in Paraguay and there is no vaccination or immunisation. Travellers should take extra precautions to prevent against mosquito bites. There is no vaccine to protect against Dengue Fever, and you should therefore use mosquito repellent regularly and cover up with suitable clothing to avoid being bitten. Symptoms of Dengue Fever usually begin 7 to 10 days after being bitten and include high fever with aching joints and bones and a headache. If you develop these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
Throughout 2008 a few cases of Yellow Fever were reported in Misiones province. As a result of this, and other outbreaks in Brazil and Paraguay, the Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for those nine months of age and older travelling to the regions of Argentina bordering Paraguay and Brazil in the provinces of Chaco, Corrientes, Formosa, Salta province and to all areas of Misiones province, including Iguaçu Falls.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 120,000 adults aged 15 or over in Argentina were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.5% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Argentina and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should check the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see travel health.
For more general health information see travel health.
Natural disasters
Storm
Large storms have caused severe flooding in some north-eastern provinces of Argentina (notably Entre Rios, Corrientes and Chaco). Travellers should monitor media reports for any developments and follow the advice of local authorities.
Volcanoes
Several areas of Argentina were affected by volcanic ash following the eruption of the volcano Chaiten in Chile, which occurred on 1 May 2008. If you intend to travel to these areas you should monitor local media and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Flooding
Many of the northern provinces of Argentina suffer from seasonal flooding. This can lead to disruption to transport and delivery of foodstuffs.
General
Insurance
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see travel insurance.If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.
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