Argentina: Authorities close land borders and restrict travel to Australia and multiple European countries Dec. 25-Jan. 9, 2021 /update 24

Event

Authorities have announced stricter restrictions on international travel Dec. 25-Jan. 9, 2021, due to increases in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in certain countries, and a new strain of COVID-19 in the UK. In addition to suspending all flights to and from the UK, officials have also suspended all air travel to and from Australia, Denmark, Italy, and the Netherlands. Given the existing international travel ban in place until Jan. 31, the measure will likely mostly affect returning nationals.

Effective Dec. 25-Jan. 9, officials will also close the land borders with Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay to all foreign nationals. The land borders were previously reopened to citizens and residents of those countries; however, only Argentinian nationals and residents are now permitted to enter. The San Sebastian and Integracion Austral international crossings in Tierra del Fuego Province are exempt from the border closures.

All other pandemic-related travel protocols and internal measures will continue to be enforced:

International Travel
Officials will enforce the closure of all ports of entry to all foreign nationals until at least Jan. 31. While commercial passenger flights to most international locations are suspended, the government has previously made agreements with some European and regional carriers to offer limited flights out of Buenos Aires. Generally, international cargo, medical and humanitarian transport are exempt; however, truck drivers and aircraft flight crews may be subject to enhanced screening measures.

Persons permitted entry, including Argentinian nationals and residents heading to the Buenos Aires metropolitan region and specially authorized foreign nationals must complete an affidavit for the National Directorate of Migration up to 48 hours before travel, provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before travel, and provide proof of medical insurance. Argentinian citizens and residents are exempt from the medical insurance requirement.

The City of Buenos Aires requires that persons arriving in the city via Dellepiane Bus Terminal and Ministro Pistarini International Airport (also known as Ezeiza International Airport, EZE) take an additional COVID-19 test upon arrival. Persons who test positive will be subject to quarantine protocols.

Domestic Travel
Domestic flights and long-distance buses and trains have resumed. Interprovincial travel has long been highly restricted, reserved only for essential workers and other authorized persons; however, as part of Argentina's domestic tourism recovery efforts, authorities have eased interprovincial travel restrictions for the Summer holiday period December-January. Some provinces and municipalities may enforce entry requirements, including presenting COVID-19 tests and "Summer Certificates." The City of Buenos Aires requires all tourists and residents returning from other parts of the country to complete an online health affidavit and take a COVID-19 test within 72-hours of arriving in the city. Travelers will only be required to self-isolate if the test result is positive.

Domestic Social Distancing Measures
The stricter so-called preventive and compulsory isolation (ASPO) measures were lifted nationwide Dec. 21; the social, preventive, and compulsory distancing (DISPO) phase of reopening will be applied to all areas until Jan. 31.

Under the nationwide DISPO measures, most nonessential commercial activity has resumed. Cinemas, theaters, clubs, and cultural centers remain mostly closed or are subject to strict operating protocols. Tourism activities remain banned. Individuals must wear protective facemasks and adhere to social-distancing guidelines when in public. Indoor cultural, social, recreational, religious, and family events are to be limited to no more than 20 people. Outdoor cultural, social, recreational, and religious events are to remain limited to 100 people only. Indoor sports are allowed with up to 10 participants, provided a minimum of 2 meters (6 feet) can be maintained between participants. Provincial governments may enforce stricter restrictions, including on public transport, and may implement capacity limits and restrictions on operating hours for businesses.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, tighten, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and business appointments. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent hand-washing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Social Isolation and Distancing Measures Dec. 21-Jan. 31, 2021 (Spanish)
National Directorate of Migration - Affidavit
Government of Argentina - COVID-19 (Spanish)
Government of Buenos Aires - COVID-19 (Spanish)
Provincial Government Information (Spanish)
Provincial Entry Requirements (Spanish)