Argentina: Government reopens borders for fully vaccinated foreign nationals as of Nov. 1 /update 43

Event

As of Nov. 1, authorities in Argentina have reopened the country's borders to all foreign nationals who are fully vaccinated and can furnish a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before travel; fully vaccinated foreign nationals who were allowed entry had previously been limited to those from countries sharing land borders with Argentina. Otherwise, COVID-19-related restrictions remain in place as follows:

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.

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.

International Travel
International entry restrictions remain in force. 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. 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) 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.

As of Nov. 1, 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.

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)