Argentina
Occasional — randomly verifiedArgentina welcomed 7.1 million international tourists in 2024, a historic record. The average budget is 30 to 60 EUR per day. Buenos Aires consistently ranks among the most visited cities in Latin America.
Argentina is one of the most popular destinations in South America, welcoming a record 7.1 million international tourists in 2024. Return ticket checks are not always systematic on arrival at immigration, but airlines at departure increasingly verify proof of onward travel before boarding at the check-in counter. Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Mendoza, and Iguazu Falls attract millions of travelers who may need to demonstrate their intention to leave the country within the authorized stay period.
Updated on March 2026
Visa Requirements
Argentina offers visa-free entry for nationals of over 120 countries, including the EU, United States, and United Kingdom, for stays of 90 days. Since May 2025, travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 20,000 USD is mandatory for all foreign tourists. For non-exempt nationalities, a tourist visa costs approximately 150 EUR.
| Visa Type | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Exemption | 90 days | Free0 EUR |
| Tourist Visa | Up to 90 days | Approximately 150 EUR~150 EUR |
Transit Rules
Transiting through Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport (EZE) generally does not require a visa if you remain in the international zone. Airlines require a confirmed ticket to your final destination. Argentina is a major hub for flights to Patagonia and Antarctica.
Documents Required
- Passport valid at least 6 months beyond arrival date in Argentina
- Travel health insurance with minimum 20,000 USD coverage (mandatory since May 2025)
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address)
- Proof of sufficient financial means (30-60 EUR per day recommended)
- Customs declaration form (distributed on the plane or at arrival)
Practical tip
Since May 2025, travel health insurance is mandatory to enter Argentina (minimum coverage 20,000 USD). Combine your insurance with a Volward onward ticket for a stress-free entry. Aerolineas Argentinas and LATAM check both at the counter.
Order an onward ticket for Argentina
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an onward ticket to enter Argentina?▾
Argentina does not always systematically check for return tickets at immigration, but airlines at departure increasingly require them. Aerolineas Argentinas, LATAM, and European carriers verify travel documents at the counter. Without proof of exit, you risk being denied boarding.
Is travel health insurance really mandatory in Argentina?▾
Yes, since May 2025, all foreign tourists must present travel health insurance covering at least 20,000 USD in medical expenses and repatriation. This requirement is checked by airlines during check-in and may be verified at immigration.
How long can I stay in Argentina without a visa?▾
Nationals of over 120 countries, including the EU, United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, can stay 90 days without a visa. This duration is granted on each entry into the country. To stay longer, you can do a border run to Uruguay or Chile and return for another fresh 90-day period.
Can I extend my stay in Argentina beyond 90 days?▾
Yes, you can request a 90-day extension from the Direccion Nacional de Migraciones in Buenos Aires or regional offices. The application costs approximately 6,000 ARS. You can also leave the country (border run) and return for a fresh 90-day period.
Is the border run still possible in Argentina?▾
Yes, the border run remains a common practice in Argentina. The most popular destinations are Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay (ferry from Buenos Aires) and Chilean border towns. On each new entry, you receive an additional 90 days.
Do Argentine airlines check return tickets?▾
Aerolineas Argentinas and LATAM follow IATA rules and verify travel documents at the check-in counter. Flybondi and JetSMART, as low-cost carriers, are equally strict. International flights departing from Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) are particularly monitored.
Is a ferry ticket to Uruguay accepted as proof of exit?▾
Airlines at the check-in counter almost exclusively accept flight tickets with a verifiable PNR. A Buquebus ferry ticket to Uruguay, even with a confirmed reservation, will likely not be accepted at check-in. We recommend an onward flight ticket instead.
Do Buenos Aires and Mendoza have different immigration checks?▾
Checks are similar at all Argentine airports, but Ezeiza (EZE) in Buenos Aires is the main international entry point and queues can be considerably longer during peak arrival times. Mendoza (MDZ) and Cordoba (COR) airports receive fewer international flights and immigration checks are generally faster and less crowded.
