Argentina tourist visa and visa-free entry

The DNM publishes a visa regime table by nationality and passport type. Holders of exempt passports simply present their passport at the border; others need a tourist visa from an Argentine consulate before travelling. A tourist under Argentine law is a foreigner entering for rest or leisure, with an authorised stay of up to three months.

Travellers from countries that require a visa apply for the tourist visa at any Argentine consulate by appointment. Some of them can instead request an online Electronic Travel Authorisation (AVE) if they hold certain valid US visas.

For visa-required travellers the Cancillería lists a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry with a blank page, two 4x4 cm colour photos, the FSV application form, proof of economic solvency such as payslips or bank and credit card statements, a return ticket reservation, hotel booking and itinerary or an invitation letter, and a consular interview. The fee is USD or EUR 150, payable in local currency.

A tourist stay can be extended once for a similar period at the DNM headquarters (8:00 to 13:00, building 3) or at a DNM delegation, with a valid passport, the renewal fee and a still-valid transitory residence. Extensions of transitory residence must be requested within the 10 days before it expires. If the authorised period has already expired, it can no longer be extended.

Foreigners who stay longer than authorised must pay an exit authorisation fee (habilitación de salida) before leaving; the authorisation is valid for 10 calendar days. A tourist entry does not allow paid work.

If you request an extension spontaneously within 30 days after the deadline has passed, the DNM adds a 50% surcharge to the extension fee. Under the DNM fee table (Decree 584/2024, 1 UMSM = ARS 1,000), extending a transitory residence costs 20 UMSM for non-MERCOSUR nationals, and the exit authorisation for someone in an irregular situation costs 40 UMSM. The exit authorisation runs for 10 calendar days from the day after issue; if you have not left by then you must apply and pay again.