Argentina: Officials will ease entry testing requirements for certain travelers from Jan. 29 /update 46

Event

Authorities announced that from Jan. 29 all fully vaccinated citizens and residents of Argentina or its neighboring countries will no longer need to present a negative result from a COVID-19 test before travel. Argentina's neighboring countries include Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Non-resident foreign nationals coming from other countries must still present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival. Most other domestic and travel restrictions remain largely unchanged as of Jan. 27.

Domestic Measures
Masks must still be worn in enclosed public spaces, as well as in outdoor spaces where social distancing cannot occur, and social distancing measures must be kept whenever possible. Authorities require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for individuals to enter venues and events considered high-risk. The requirement applies to people aged 13 years and older, and the certificate will be necessary to enter indoor venues such as nightclubs as well as indoor and outdoor events with over 1,000 attendees. Regional and local authorities can require proof of vaccination to attend other activities.

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 Restrictions
Direct flights from Africa remain canceled; 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.

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 to enter the country. 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 18. All arrivals aged 6 or older must undergo a COVID-19 test on days 3 and 5 after arrival.

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)