Argentina: Authorities extend COVID-19 travel restrictions through Feb. 1 /update 26

Event

Officials in Argentina have issued orders to extend current travel restrictions, which ban most nonresident foreign nationals from entering the country, through at least Feb. 1 to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Additionally, multiple regional officials will impose nightly curfews and additional business restrictions.

Under the current travel restrictions, only Argentine citizens or residents can enter from abroad; nonresident foreign nationals who are close family members of citizens and residents can enter for essential reasons. Persons authorized to enter the country must take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test no more than 72 hours before travel and must complete a mandatory self-quarantine for a total of 10 days after taking the PCR test. Transport and airline workers, diplomats, athletes, and essential workers previously authorized by migration authorities, are exempt from the travel restrictions. People entering Argentina to travel to another destination and who do not spend more than 24 hours in the country are also exempt.

International flights are only allowed to arrive at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (also known as Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and San Fernando Airport in Buenos Aires Province. Additionally, authorities have reopened the Terminal Buquebus in Buenos Aires port, but only for citizens and residents.

Flights to and from the UK remain banned through at least Feb. 1. Additionally, officials maintain the closure of land borders with Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay to all foreign nationals. Argentine citizens and residents who left the country before Dec. 25 can enter through the land borders; however, those who left the country after Dec. 25 may only re-enter via air. All travelers allowed to enter through the land borders will also require a negative PCR test and must complete a 7-day quarantine upon arrival. Generally, international cargo and medical and humanitarian transport are exempt; however, truck drivers and aircraft flight crews may be subject to enhanced screening measures. The San Sebastian and Integracion Austral international crossings in Tierra del Fuego Province are exempt from the border closures.

Domestic Travel
Domestic flights and long-distance buses and trains have resumed. Authorities continue to restrict interprovincial travel, reserved only for essential workers and other authorized persons. Some provinces and municipalities may enforce entry requirements, including presenting COVID-19 test results. 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 Measures
National authorities issued guidelines Jan. 8 urging regional officials to impose business and gathering restrictions and nightly curfews within their jurisdictions due to recent increases in COVID-19 activity. In the city of Buenos Aires, officials have ordered the closure of restaurants, bars, and entertainment businesses daily between 0001-0600 and banned social gatherings of more than 10 people. In Cordoba, retail and entertainment businesses must close nightly by 2300, while bars and restaurants must close by 0100. Officials in the provinces of Catamarca, Chaco, Entre Rios, La Pampa, Santa Fe, and Santiago del Estero will adhere to the national government's guidelines and will impose nightly curfews; additional provinces may join the measures in the coming days.

Nationwide, most nonessential commercial activity can resume. Individuals must wear protective facemasks and adhere to social-distancing guidelines when in public. Indoor cultural, social, recreational, religious, and family events are limited to 20 people. Outdoor cultural, social, recreational, and religious events are limited to 100 people. Indoor sports can occur with up to 10 participants, provided participants can maintain a minimum of 2 meters (6 feet) between themselves. 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)
Provincial Government Information (Spanish)
Provincial Entry Requirements (Spanish)