Argentina: Buenos Aires relaxes certain COVID-19-related measures effective Sept. 17 /update 41

Event

As of Sept. 17, authorities in Buenos Aires, Argentina, have relaxed COVID-19-related restrictions in the city, eliminating most capacity restrictions. Elsewhere across the country, national domestic measures remain in force through at least Oct. 1.

Domestic Measures
Authorities in the city of Buenos Aires are implementing certain COVID-19 measures limited to the capital region. Officials have lifted capacity restrictions for most businesses and establishments, although mass events are capped at 4,000 people. Public transport is available for all individuals, but healthcare workers and students have priority access. Bars and nightclubs must close by 03:00.

Elsewhere in Argentina, all areas not specifically in a State of Sanitary and Epidemiological Alarm (severe risk of viral spread) are subject to a variety of measures, 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.

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 to Argentina. As of Sept. 17, international flights are limited to airports in Buenos Aires and Mendoza.

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.

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.

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)