Argentina: Authorities to ban flights from Chile, Mexico, and Brazil as of March 27; other restrictions in place through April 9 /update 30

Event

Officials in Argentina have issued orders to ban all passenger flights originating from Chile, Mexico, and Brazil starting March 27 as part of the nation's efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. A previously imposed ban on flights from the UK remains in place. Other restrictions, including the ongoing closure of the nation's borders to nonresident foreign nationals, as well as the existing social, preventive, and compulsory distancing (DISPO) phase of reopening, remain unchanged through at least April 9. Officials have also extended the flight reductions to and from the US, Europe, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Panama.

International Travel
All ports of entry remain closed to most nonresident foreign nationals until at least April 9. Only citizens, legal residents, and foreign nationals authorized to travel for employment, commercial, diplomatic, sporting event, and essential family reunification reasons are allowed entry, except from the UK, Chile, Mexico and Brazil. Transit passengers spending less than 24 hours at the airport are also exempt. The closure of the land borders to residents of Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil will also be maintained during this period; land borders are only open for nationals and residents who left the country April-Dec. 25, 2020. A reduced number of flights to and from Europe, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, and the US remain available. Generally, international cargo, medical, and humanitarian transport operations are running normally; however, truck drivers and aircraft flight crews may be subject to enhanced screening measures. Entry is permitted through the following ports:

• Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also known as Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), in Buenos Aires Province

• San Fernando Airport in Buenos Aires Province

• Port of Buenos Aires (Terminal Buquebus) in Buenos Aires

• The San San Sebastian and Austral Integration border crossings in Tierra del Fuego Province

Persons permitted entry, including Argentinian nationals, residents, and specially authorized foreign nationals, 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. Nonresident foreign nationals must also provide proof of medical insurance. All arrivals must complete a mandatory self-quarantine for a total of 10 days after taking the PCR test. Travelers may be subject to additional testing upon arrival.

Domestic Travel
Domestic flights, along with long-distance bus and train services, have resumed. Authorities continue to restrict interprovincial travel, which is largely reserved only for essential workers and other authorized persons. Some provinces and municipalities may enforce entry requirements, including presenting COVID-19 test results to allow entry. The City of Buenos Aires requires all arrivals from outside the city to complete an online health affidavit and take a COVID-19 test upon arrival if traveling by air or bus and within 72 hours of arriving if traveling by private vehicle. Travelers will only be required to self-isolate if the test result is positive.

Domestic Restrictions
As of March 13, DISPO measures have been extended in all provinces and municipalities without variation; however, local governments may enforce stricter restrictions, including on public transport, and may implement capacity limits and restrictions on operating hours for businesses. Most nonessential commercial activity can resume under the DISPO phase. Individuals must wear protective facemasks and adhere to social distancing guidelines when in public. Indoor cultural, social, recreational, religious, and family events are limited to 20 people. Outdoor cultural, social, recreational, and religious events are limited to 100 people. Indoor sports can occur with up to 10 participants, provided they can keep at least 2 meters (6 feet) apart. Cinemas, theaters, clubs, and cultural centers remain closed.

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)
Provincial Government Information (Spanish)
Provincial Entry Requirements (Spanish)