The Argentina Tourist Visa, Explained
Do I need a tourist visa for Argentina? That is the first question you have, if you plan to come to Argentina for tourism, or for a short business trip or work mission. This guide details which countries are subject to tourist visa application, and which ones have a visa-free agreement with Argentina. For foreign citizens who require a visa, we detail the tourist visa application process and requirements.
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What is the tourist visa in Argentina?
A tourist visa in Argentina, also known as a Vacation and Work visa, allows foreign visitors to stay in the country for a period of up to 12 months, which is non-extendable. The visa holders are permitted to enter and exit Argentina freely during this period. They can work for up to 6 months of their total stay, as the main objective of this visa is to encourage tourism and recreational activities. Additionally, visa holders can participate in training or educational courses for up to 6 months during their stay. The visa application process is personal and requires the submission of specific documentation, including a valid passport and a completed visa application form. The visa also specifies the duration of its validity, the immigration category and subcategory granted, and the authorized period of stay in Argentina.
Who can apply for a tourist visa? Is the tourist visa in Argentina right for me?
Foreigners who are required to apply for a tourist visa in Argentina include those who wish to engage in various activities such as business, attending congresses, fairs, or other technical or professional activities. These individuals must be invited by a person or entity based in Argentina who is registered in the National Registry of Applicants. The invitation must be sent in original form by mail to the Argentine embassy or consulate where the foreigner will apply for their visa. If a group of foreigners is to apply for their visa at the same Argentine representation, a list of travelers can be included in the invitation note. This list must contain the surname and name, date of birth, nationality, type and number of travel document, and contact details (telephone and email address) of the invited foreigners.
Another category of foreigners who need to apply for a visa are those who wish to participate in the Work and Holiday Program. Participants in this program can stay in Argentina for up to 12 months. They can enter and exit Argentina and work for up to 6 months of their total stay. They can also participate in training or education courses for up to 6 months during their stay. The visa application requires the presentation of certain documentation, such as a valid passport, completed visa application form, a 4x4 front-facing photo with a white background, a certificate of criminal records issued by the Portuguese authority, and a sworn declaration of absence of criminal records in other countries.
Foreigners can change their immigration category or subcategory without needing to leave Argentine territory. For example, German and Australian citizens who wish to enter Argentina under the Memorandum of Understanding between Argentina and Germany or Australia on a Work and Holiday Program are also required to apply for a visa. The annual quota for Australian citizens is 1500. The quota for German citizens is not specified in the given text.
Who does not qualify for a tourist visa?
Argentina Tourist visa eligibility
Documents required to apply for a tourist visa in Argentina
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into the country.
- Two current 4x4cm photographs, taken from the front, in color, with a white background.
- A completed visa application form, preferably in electronic form, signed by the applicant.
- Proof of habitual residence in the jurisdiction of the Consulate (utility bill or other supporting document).
Specific documents for this visa
To apply for a tourist visa in Argentina, you need to submit the following documentation:
- A certificate issued by the corresponding health authority, if required by the Ministry of Health.
- Birth certificate and documents related to the civil status of the individuals involved, as required based on the cause of residence claimed. If it is impossible to present such documentation due to reasons beyond the applicant's control, supplementary evidence can be submitted, which will be evaluated according to national legislation.
- Any other documentation expressly required in the agreed entry permit.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the initial expenses of your stay.
- A reservation for a return ticket to your place of origin, or proof of sufficient funds to purchase one.
- Health and accident insurance that covers hospitalization and repatriation costs for the 12 months of stay.
- Payment of the corresponding consular fees for the visa.
Please note that the documentation listed in points 1, 2, and 8 will be returned to the applicant after photocopies have been made. These photocopies, properly certified, will be sent by the intervening consulate, along with the originals of the documentation listed in the rest of the points, to the National Immigration Office within thirty days of the visa being issued.
What are the fees for the tourist visa in Argentina
The cost for a tourist visa application is $250 for the consular fee. Additionally, there is an immigration fee of $300 for MERCOSUR citizens and $600 for non-MERCOSUR citizens. However, the immigration fee should not be paid until instructed by the consular authority. All fees are payable in the local currency of the consular representation.
Tourist visa application process
Yes. The tourist visa in Argentina has a specific application process. The visa application is personal and the following documentation must be presented to the Embassy of the Argentine Republic:
- Valid passport, with at least one blank page;
- Completed visa application form;
- A 4x4 front photo, white background;
- Certificate of criminal records issued by the Portuguese authority, where the absence of criminal records for the last three years is stated;
- Sworn declaration of absence of criminal records in other countries.
Frequent questions about the tourist visa in Argentina
Tourist Visa Basics
The duration of the tourist visa in Argentina is up to ninety days.
The eligibility criteria for a tourist visa in Argentina include not having previously participated in the visa program, having no criminal record, proving sufficient funds to cover initial stay expenses, having a return ticket reservation or the necessary funds to purchase it, having medical and accident insurance that covers hospitalization and repatriation costs throughout the stay, and paying the corresponding consular fees for the visa. For countries in the Schengen Area, it is suggested to properly inform oneself about any additional requirements that local authorities may require for the entry or stay of foreigners. The foreign immigration authority may ask you to prove your tourist status, for example, by presenting a round-trip ticket, travel assistance insurance, hotel reservations, or proof of financial solvency. Inconsistencies or falsehood in your declaration as well as lack of documents can result in denial of entry to your destination country.
With a tourist visa, you can enter and exit Argentina multiple times within the authorized period of stay, which is up to ninety days.
Yes. You can apply for a visa that allows multiple entries. The visa de Vacaciones y Trabajo (Holiday and Work visa) allows participants to stay in Argentina for a maximum period of 12 months, during which they can enter and leave Argentina. However, this visa is not a traditional tourist visa and it also allows the visa holder to work, as long as it is not a permanent job. They can also participate in training or education courses for up to three months during their stay.
Tourist visa requirements
No. You do not need a confirmed itinerary or flight bookings before applying for a tourist visa. However, it is recommended to have a reservation for a round-trip ticket, but not to purchase the tickets until the visa has been granted. Additionally, you should have a hotel reservation and a tourist itinerary. If you do not have a hotel reservation, and if there is an invitation from an individual, an invitation letter is required. Please note that the foreign immigration authority may ask you to prove your tourist status, for example, by presenting the round-trip ticket, travel assistance insurance, hotel reservations or proof of financial solvency.
Yes. Travel and health insurance is mandatory for the tourist visa application in Argentina. The insurance must cover medical and accident expenses, including hospitalization and repatriation, for the duration of the 12-month stay.
Yes. You need to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay as a tourist. The law requires you to demonstrate you have enough funds to cover the initial expenses of your stay and to purchase a return ticket. The immigration authority may also ask you to prove your tourist status by presenting your round-trip ticket, travel assistance insurance, hotel reservations, or proof of economic solvency.
Yes. If a foreigner is traveling to Argentina for tourism and plans to stay at the residence of someone living in Argentina, an invitation letter from the resident should be prepared and sent to the Argentine consular authority abroad.
Yes. It is required to have a return ticket when you arrive in Argentina as a tourist. The law states that you must have a return ticket to your place of origin, or be able to prove that you have sufficient funds to purchase one.
Yes. There is a minimum passport validity requirement to apply for a tourist visa in Argentina. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country.
Tourist visa application process
Yes. There is an expedited or fast-track process available for tourist visa applications in Argentina. If you have initiated a process through TAD and need fast-track processing, you have to pay an additional fee (USD 30 or EUR 30, as applicable). In these cases, the TAD file will be processed within a period of 72 business hours. If you have an urgency that requires processing of the TAD file in less than 72 business hours, you should inform the Argentine consulate and pay, in addition to what was paid for fast-track processing, the corresponding fee for urgent treatment (USD 40 or EUR 40, as applicable).
Yes. An in-person consular interview is part of the visa application process. The list of requirements for the visa application includes "Entrevista consular," which translates to "consular interview." This implies that you need to attend an in-person interview as part of your visa application process.
If your tourist visa application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal must be submitted to the National Immigration Office within five business days. You may also improve or expand the grounds of your appeal within five business days of it being received by the National Immigration Office. Additionally, administrative acts resolving on the issues listed in Article 74 may also be subject to a Hierarchical Appeal to be filed with the issuing authority of the contested act within fifteen business days of its notification, and will be elevated ex officio and within the period of five business days to the National Immigration Office.
Yes. There is a right to appeal if your tourist visa is rejected. Upon rejection, the immigration authority will give you a copy of the administrative act determining the rejection, in which you will be informed of your right to appeal in writing. This appeal can be made to the Argentine consular representations abroad or the offices of the Immigration Office within fifteen days.
Yes. Family members or groups can apply for a tourist visa together. If it is a tourist group that has hired the services of a travel agency, a single invitation note can be accepted, with the list of travelers. This list must contain last and first name, date of birth, nationality, type and number of travel document, and contact details of the invited foreigners. If it is a family group, a single note can also be accepted.
Your stay as a tourist
Yes. You can study or work on a specific visa in Argentina. The visa de Vacaciones y Trabajo allows you to stay in Argentina for up to 12 months and work for up to 6 months of your stay. This visa also allows you to participate in training or educational courses for up to 6 months during your stay. However, this is not a tourist visa, it is a specific visa for holidays and work. For studying, there are specific visas such as the visa para asistir a congresos y ferias, o realizar actividades técnicas, científicas, artísticas o profesionales and the visa de estudiante +365. These visas require you to present a copy of your study program, among other requirements.
It depends. The need for a transit visa depends on the specific circumstances of your travel. If you are entering Argentina with the sole purpose of transiting to another country and have an Argentine consular visa for this purpose, you are allowed to stay in the country for up to ten days. If you are entering the country with the intention of continuing your journey to another country and leaving within twelve hours of your arrival, and you have a confirmed departure ticket, you will not be required to have a consular visa. However, in both cases, the Argentine immigration authority may extend these periods for valid reasons.
No. The tourist visa requirements do not differ based on the consulate or embassy location where you apply. However, the consulate or embassy may require additional documentation as they deem necessary.
Visa renewal / Residency
No. You cannot renew or extend your tourist visa without leaving Argentina. The authorized stay period for a tourist visa is up to ninety days and there is no mention of an extension or renewal option within the country. For the Work and Holiday visa, it is explicitly stated that it is not extendable beyond the initial 12-month period.
Yes. There are fees for extending a tourist visa in Argentina. The exact amount is not specified in the given text, but it is stated that the applicant must pay the corresponding consular fees for the visa.
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