Briefing de orientación en Argentina

En 1816, las Provincias Unidas del Río de la Plata declararon su independencia de España. Tras la separación de Bolivia, Paraguay y Uruguay, el territorio restante se convirtió en Argentina. Los inmigrantes europeos dieron forma en gran medida a la población y la cultura del país, siendo Italia y España las que aportaron el mayor porcentaje de recién llegados entre 1860 y 1930. Hasta aproximadamente mediados del siglo XX, gran parte de la historia de Argentina estuvo dominada por periodos de inestabilidad política interna y de conflicto entre facciones civiles y militares.

Después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, el expresidente Juan Domingo PERÓN, fundador del movimiento político peronista, inauguró una era de populismo, ejerciendo tres mandatos no consecutivos hasta su muerte en 1974. La injerencia militar, directa e indirecta, en el gobierno durante los años de PERÓN llevó a que una junta militar tomara el poder en 1976. En 1982, la junta fracasó en su intento de arrebatar por la fuerza a Reino Unido las Islas Malvinas (Falkland). La democracia se restableció en 1983 y ha perdurado pese a numerosos desafíos, el más formidable de los cuales fue una grave crisis económica en 2001-02 que provocó violentas protestas públicas y la sucesiva renuncia de varios presidentes. Los años 2003-15 estuvieron marcados por el gobierno peronista de Néstor KIRCHNER (2003-07) y de su esposa Cristina FERNÁNDEZ DE KIRCHNER (2007-15), quienes supervisaron varios años de fuerte crecimiento económico (2003-11), seguidos de un deterioro gradual de la situación fiscal del gobierno y, finalmente, de un estancamiento económico y aislamiento. Argentina atravesó un breve periodo de reforma económica y reintegración internacional bajo Mauricio MACRI (2015-19), pero una recesión en 2018-19 y la frustración con las políticas económicas de MACRI dieron paso en 2019 a un nuevo gobierno peronista encabezado por el presidente Alberto FERNÁNDEZ y la vicepresidenta Cristina FERNÁNDEZ DE KIRCHNER. La elevada deuda pública de Argentina, sus presiones inflacionarias relacionadas con la pandemia y sus problemas monetarios sistémicos sirvieron de catalizador para las elecciones de 2023, que culminaron con el triunfo electoral del presidente Javier MILEI. Desde entonces, Argentina ha eliminado la mitad de sus organismos gubernamentales y busca una terapia de choque para modificar sus políticas tributarias y monetarias.

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice  

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

Get travel advice updates 

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO:    

• travel advice on X 

• travel advice on Facebook 

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Argentina

Terrorist attacks in Argentina cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.   

Political situation

Political protests

Political demonstrations and picketing are more common in Argentina than in the UK. Some demonstrations attract large numbers of people, and they can occasionally turn violent. Demonstrations are particularly common near Congress (‘Congreso’) and the Presidential Palace (‘Casa Rosada’).

You should:

• avoid all protests, demonstrations and marches
• exercise normal caution at any large gathering
• be aware of your surroundings
• monitor the local news
• follow the advice of local authorities

There have also been occasional Falklands-related protests, including outside the British Embassy and British-affiliated businesses in Argentina.

Demonstrations

Groups of demonstrators (‘piqueteros’) sometimes block major roads at times of social unrest. These can include the major routes into and out of Buenos Aires City. This can cause significant delays.

When planning to travel:

• monitor the local news
• do not attempt to cross blockades
• follow the advice of local authorities

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Thieves and pickpockets operate on public transport and at bus and train terminals.

To reduce the risk of theft:

• always keep a close eye on your personal possessions – do not hang bags on the back of seats
• carry cash out of sight or close to you – a money belt under your clothes is the safest option
• you may need to produce your passport when paying with a credit card, but keep a copy somewhere safe
• keep your bags close while you are checking into a hotel or hostel – thieves posing as hotel guests can snatch them

Thefts from unattended vehicles, especially hire cars, are also common. This happens frequently in Bariloche, but can happen across the country.

Street crime and scams

In crowded places, thieves can cut handbags open. They can snatch a mobile phone while you are using it on the street. Thieves on motorbikes can snatch bags from pedestrians.

Thieves – often women – use distraction techniques and may work in teams of 2 or more. A common form of distraction theft reported in Buenos Aires is the ‘mustard scam’. Thieves take your bags while an accomplice pretends to help you remove mustard they have sprayed on you. If this happens to you, politely but firmly refuse help and walk away.

In Buenos Aires, be particularly cautious in:

• Palermo
• San Telmo Market and general area of San Telmo
• La Boca
• The Ecological Reserve
• Retiro
• Florida Street
• 9 de Julio
• Avenida de Mayo
• Avenida Rivadavia near the obelisk
• Retiro Bus terminal
• Cruise and ferry terminals

In Mendoza, be particularly cautious downtown.

In Santa Fe, be particularly cautious in Rosario.

Violent crime

Armed robberies are a risk. If you are the victim of a robbery, hand over your cash and valuables without resistance.

Be vigilant in La Boca, Buenos Aires, especially in the streets outside the Caminito tourist area. To reduce your risk, stay in the designated tourist area where there are high-visibility police patrols.

Criminal kidnapping

Kidnappings including ‘express kidnappings’ – short-term opportunistic abductions – occasionally happen in Argentina. Victims of express kidnap are held and forced to empty their bank accounts by making bank transfers or going to ATMs, after which they are normally quickly released. Be aware of your surroundings and always let someone you trust know your whereabouts. If you are a victim of kidnapping, follow the kidnapper’s instructions.

To reduce your risk:

• avoid wearing expensive clothing or jewellery, particularly in public
• avoid casual taxis – see Transport risks
• be vigilant, especially at night

Drink and food spiking and scams

Drinks and food can be spiked and could put you at risk of robbery or assault. Do not leave drinks unattended in bars and restaurants and do not accept food or drink from strangers.

Be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control.

There have been reports of foreign tourists being robbed or assaulted after inviting into their accommodation someone they have recently met, online or in person.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Do not become involved with illegal drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to a lengthy prison sentence.

LGBT+ travellers

Argentine society is open and diverse. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is rare. Same-sex marriage is legal. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers. 

Legal action against oil and gas companies

The government of Argentina has stated that it intends to pursue legal action against oil and gas companies engaged in hydrocarbon exploration in the Falkland Islands. If you’re travelling to Argentina and think you may be affected by this type of legal action, seek independent legal advice. 

Surrogacy

Before you consider a surrogacy arrangement in Argentina, consider the challenges and risks involved, and make sure you seek specialist independent legal advice both in the UK and in Argentina. For more information, read FCDO guidance on surrogacy overseas.

Surrogacy is not regulated by law in Argentina and surrogacy arrangements are not enforceable in law.

Local authorities may consider surrogacy arrangements to be illegal. Criminal investigations into surrogacy agencies and associated service providers are ongoing. Some intended parents have faced issues obtaining birth certificates and when attempting to leave Argentina with the child born to them through surrogacy. 

Children born through surrogacy in Argentina are Argentine citizens and must leave the country on an Argentine passport. They are also subject to local regulations applicable to the exit of minors in Argentina. See Travelling with children.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

If you take part in extreme or adventure sports, including paragliding, climbing, off-road driving and hot air ballooning, make sure:

• adequate safety precautions are in place
• you only use reputable operators and insist on training
• your travel insurance covers all the activities you want to undertake and includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation

You will have to pay for most helicopter rescues, including in Mount Aconcagua.

Altitude sickness is a risk when hiking in parts of Argentina. See Health. 

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Argentina, see information on driving abroad. 

You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.  

Respect for speed limits and traffic signals varies. Drivers can make unexpected turns or brake suddenly.

Vehicle crime is a problem. Always keep car windows closed and doors locked when driving in major cities.

Take care when driving in the province of Misiones, close to the borders with Paraguay and Brazil. The area is used to smuggle goods. Seek local advice from customs officials if you intend to drive in this area.

Taxis

Book taxis in advance if possible. If you hail a taxi in the street, only use a ‘radio taxi’. These have a clearly visible logo on the car doors.

The Buenos Aries government has a list of authorised radio taxi operators (in Spanish).

Air travel

Flights from Argentina can be unreliable. Check for delays or cancellations before travelling to the airport.

Sea travel

Activist groups sometimes try to disrupt UK-flagged ships or commercial shipping working off the Falkland Islands. Contact the local authorities before travelling. Most cruise ships and visiting tourists should not be affected.

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. 

Flooding

Many northern provinces experience occasional flooding. This can disrupt transport and could lead to shortages. Flash floods can occur during heavy rains, in provinces including Buenos Aires. Monitor local media and follow instructions given by the local authorities.

Earthquakes

There is a risk of earthquakes in Argentina, particularly in the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan, Salta and Jujuy. Monitor media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.  

Volcanic eruptions

The Copahue Volcano on the Argentina-Chile border erupts occasionally, and the authorities will evacuate the area. If you’re travelling to this area, monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Wildfires

Wildfires can occur throughout Argentina and can spread rapidly. They may lead to road closures and affect the air quality in nearby areas.

If you find yourself in or near the affected areas of any fire, monitor local media reports to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 107 or 911 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Argentina
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Argentina, including:

• yellow fever
• Zika virus
• dengue

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Argentina. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Hantavirus

Hantavirus is present in Argentina. Read more information about hantavirus in Argentina on TravelHealthPro. Further guidance on hantavirus is available from the UK Health Security Agency and Argentina’s Ministry of Health (website in Spanish).

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Argentina

Medical facilities are good but can be expensive. Public hospitals tend to be crowded.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Argentina where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.