Argentina: Government imposes additional restrictions on travelers entering from Africa effective Dec. 1 due to concerns over COVID-19 Omicron strain /update 44

Event

Authorities in Argentina have issued orders to suspend all direct flights from Africa and impose additional requirements on travelers arriving from that continent effective Dec. 1. The move is in response to the newly discovered Omicron strain of COVID-19. Under the new directives, individuals who have been in Africa within 14 days prior to their entry into Argentina must take an antigen test upon arrival, quarantine for 14 days, and take a PCR test at least 10 days after having taken their pre-travel test. If this test is negative, they can end the quarantine. The new requirements are in addition to existing mandates that apply to all incoming international travelers; it remains unclear how long they will remain in force.

International Travel Restrictions
Aside from the new provisions targeting the Omicron virus variant, Argentina's pandemic-related international travel restrictions remain largely unchanged. Persons permitted entry must complete an affidavit for the National Directorate of Migration no more than 48 hours before travel and provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before travel. Most nonresident foreign nationals must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of medical insurance. Individuals admitted entry who are not fully vaccinated (e.g. unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Argentine nationals and residents, as well as close family members of Argentine nationals and residents) are subject to an on-arrival antigen test, a mandatory seven-day quarantine, and a further COVID-19 test between days five and seven following their arrival; exceptions for quarantine measures exist for minors under the age of eighteen.

Select international airports in the country have reopened, with the majority of international flights serving routes to/from Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires' seaport is also open to international arrivals. Land border crossings remain limited to "safe corridors" opened with the joint permission of national and provincial authorities. 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.

Domestic Measures
The government is no longer employing its so-called "stoplight" system, under which individual districts had previously been categorized by their degree of disease activity with various local restrictions being imposed accordingly. Although a handful of nationwide measures remain in place - including maintaining social distancing of at least 2 meters (6.5 feet) - COVID-19-related capacity limits have been lifted for most establishments; caps on attendance at social and mass gatherings have also been eased. Furthermore, mandates on the use of protective facemasks have been scaled back, although masks must still be worn in enclosed public spaces, as well as in outdoor spaces where social distancing cannot occur.

Authorities plan to introduce a system under which only fully vaccinated individuals aged 13 years and older will be allowed to attend mass events or access indoor entertainment establishments. However, officials have still to confirm the date when the measure will be launched.

Provincial governments and the capital district have the authority to enforce stricter measures where necessary; hence, exact restrictions in effect in some local jurisdictions may differ from national guidelines.

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)