Argentina: Authorities extend COVID-19 measures until at least Oct. 1 while partially reopening border with Chile for authorized travelers /update 40

Event

As of Sept. 7, authorities in Argentina have largely extended COVID-19-related restrictions in place since early August; the current measures are scheduled to last through at least Oct. 1. Additionally, authorities have re-authorized limited international arrivals at Mendoza Province's Governor Francisco Gabrielli ("El Plumerillo") International Airport (MDZ) as well as the reopening of the province's Los Libertadores (Cristo Redentor) land crossing with neighboring Chile. Arrivals remain limited to Argentine citizens, permanent residents, and select non-resident foreign nationals.

Domestic Measures
Authorities designate regions as medium risk, high risk, or in a state of Sanitary and Epidemiological (severe risk) alarm in increasing order of COVID-19 transmission risk.

• Medium- and high-risk areas are subject to nationwide restrictions, including a ban on indoor private gatherings with over 10 people in enclosed spaces, a capacity limit of up to 70 percent for indoor businesses and venues, and the requirement to wear facemasks in public spaces. Outdoor gatherings can have up to 100 people, though officials can make limited exceptions.

• Additional measures apply in areas in a state of Sanitary and Epidemiological alarm. These include a 20:00-06:00 curfew, 50 percent capacity restrictions for most indoor businesses, and a 30 percent capacity limit for most indoor cultural, religious, and sporting events. These rules stay in place for at least nine days after the state of alarm takes effect.

Though the majority of Buenos Aires is classified as medium risk as of Sept. 7, authorities are implementing slightly amended restrictions. Capacity for most indoor businesses and venues is limited to 50 percent, while public transport remains largely limited to essential workers and those working in a handful of other sectors.

International Travel
All ports of entry remain closed to most non-resident foreign nationals until further notice. Only citizens, legal residents, and authorized foreign nationals are allowed entry. As of Sept. 7, international flights are limited to airports in Buenos Aires and Mendoza.

The closure of the country's land borders with Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil also remains in force. Aside from the limited reopening of the Los Libertadores (Cristo Redentor) crossing, the border with Chile remains largely closed. Generally, international cargo, medical, and humanitarian transport operations are running normally nationwide; however, truck drivers and aircraft flight crews may be subject to enhanced screening measures.

Persons permitted entry must complete an affidavit for the National Directorate of Migration up to 48 hours before travel and provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before travel. Non-resident foreign nationals must also provide proof of medical insurance. All travelers must take an additional COVID-19 test upon arrival, complete a mandatory self-quarantine period of at least seven days, and undergo a further test on day seven of the quarantine period.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
National Directorate of Migration - Affidavit
Government of Argentina - COVID-19 (Spanish)