Argentina: Authorities extend international travel and domestic COVID-19 restrictions through Feb. 28 /update 27

Event

Officials in Argentina have extended the ongoing closure of the nation's borders, as well as the existing social, preventive, and compulsory distancing (DISPO) phase of reopening, through at least Feb. 28. Officials have also extended the suspension of passenger flights to and from the UK through Feb. 28. The measures are part of the nation's continued coronavirus disease (COVD-19) response. Domestic and international travel restrictions under these orders are:

International Travel
Officials will continue to enforce the closure of all ports of entry to most nonresident foreign nationals until at least Feb. 28. Only citizens, legal residents, and foreign nationals authorized to travel for labor, commercial, diplomatic, sporting events, and essential family reunification reasons are allowed entry, except from the UK. 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 opened for nationals and residents who left the country between April and Dec. 25, 2020. Generally, international cargo and medical and humanitarian transport are exempt; 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 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 and long-distance buses and trains 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 Feb. 2, DISPO measures have been applied to 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. Most measures remain the same; however, officials have allowed for the possibility of schools reopening under the current 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 participants can maintain a minimum of 2 meters (6 feet) between themselves. Cinemas, theaters, clubs, and cultural centers are to remain closed.

Additional measures are being enforced in the city of Buenos Aires. Commercial establishments may operate at 50-percent capacity, while restaurants and other food-serving establishments may operate at 30-percent capacity. Public transport is reserved for essential workers and people attending medical treatment.

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)
Social Isolation and Distancing Measures Feb. 1-28 (Spanish)
National Directorate of Migration - Affidavit
Government of Argentina - COVID-19 (Spanish)
Provincial Government Information (Spanish)
Provincial Entry Requirements (Spanish)