Argentina: Officials ease COVID-19-related measures as of Oct. 2; full reopening for vaccinated foreign nationals anticipated in November /update 42

Event

Authorities in Argentina have significantly relaxed COVID-19-related restrictions nationwide in response to an important decrease in cases during recent months. As of Oct. 2, the government has stopped employing its so-called "stoplight" system, under which individual districts had been categorized by their degree of disease activity with various local restrictions being imposed accordingly. Although a handful of nationwide measures, including maintaining social distancing of at least 2 meters (6.5 feet), remain in place, COVID-19-related capacity limits have been lifted for most establishments; caps on attendance at social and mass gatherings have also been eased. Mandates on the use of protective facemasks have also 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. The city of Buenos Aires, for example, continues to enforce a somewhat more restrictive set of COVID-19 measures. The use of facemasks remains mandatory, even in outdoor spaces where social distancing is possible. Although city officials have lifted operating capacity restrictions for most businesses and establishments, mass events are capped at 6,000 people.

International Travel
International entry restrictions remain in force; however, the government plans to reopen Argentina's borders to all fully vaccinated foreign travelers effective Nov. 1. Until that time, most nonresident foreign nationals, other than fully vaccinated travelers from Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, remain prohibited from entry. Only citizens and legal residents of Argentina, as well as select foreign nationals, are allowed to enter Argentina, with only limited exceptions. As of Oct. 2, international flights may only operate via airports in Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Iguazu; Buenos Aires seaport is also open to international arrivals.

During the month of October, land border crossings will remain limited to a handful of "safe corridors" opened with the joint permission of national and provincial authorities. As of Oct. 2, the country's land borders with Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia remain closed; only the Los Libertadores (Cristo Redentor) crossing with Chile and the Tancredo Neves crossing with Brazil are open, albeit on a limited basis. 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.

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. Nonresident foreign nationals must also provide proof of medical insurance. All travelers must take an additional COVID-19 test upon arrival, and undergo a further test between days five and seven of their stays. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated - including children - are subject to a mandatory seven-day quarantine in addition to the testing protocols.

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)