This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate (volcanic ash fall in southern Argentina). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

The Plaza de Mayo and Congreso areas in Buenos Aires are often the focal points for protests and demonstrations. You should avoid all protests and demonstrations as they may become violent. During demonstrations, streets may be blockaded and public transport disrupted.

Australians intending to travel to Uruguay by road should monitor the local media as land crossings are subject to blockades.

Crime

We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Argentina because of the risk of crime. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Violent crimes such as armed robbery continue to be a problem in major tourist areas, particularly in Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Kidnappings occur in Buenos Aires. To date, kidnappings have tended to target locals rather than tourists.

Incidents of 'express kidnappings' have occurred where individuals are forced to withdraw funds from ATMs to secure their release.

Crimes against car passengers, particularly when stopped at traffic lights, are a problem. You should keep windows closed and doors locked in major cities.

Petty crime including pickpocketing, bag snatching and bag slitting is common, particularly on public transport. Distraction thefts occur in public areas such as internet cafes, the subway system, train and bus stations: travellers have substances put on their clothing to distract them while they are being robbed. Criminals can use force if they encounter resistance from tourists.

The Argentine police operate a 24-hour police helpline in English for tourists in Buenos Aires, which can be accessed by dialling 101. Tourists can also contact the Comisaria del Turista (Tourist "Police Station") on the multi-lingual toll-free number 0800 999 5000 or by dialling direct on 4346 5748.

Local Travel

Criminals are known to pose as taxi operators at the airport and may operate in collusion with other taxi drivers. Radio taxis and 'remises' (chauffeured cars) can be booked by telephone or at the airport arrivals hall. Official taxis are clearly marked as 'radio taxi' with the taxi firm's name and telephone number visible. Travellers have been robbed when using taxis hailed on the street.

You will need a Brazilian visa if you intend to view the Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side of the Argentine/Brazilian border. The Brazilian authorities require passports to have six months validity to issue a visa and the issuing process can be lengthy. The Australian Embassy cannot intervene in this process.

Driving in Argentina can be dangerous due to widespread aggressive driving practices and excessive speed.

If hiking in the high country or mountainous areas, you should register your details with park authorities. Climbers and hikers should fully acquaint themselves with local natural hazards and conditions, including weather conditions.

Domestic flights can be overbooked and technical problems at the airport can result in significant delays and missed connections. You should monitor local media reports for information.

Airline Safety

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

Eruptions from the Chaiten volcano in Chile have resulted in considerable ash falls in the provinces of Chubut, particularly the city of Esquel, Rio Negro and Neuquen. The provinces of La Pampa, Buenos Aires, San Luis and Mendoza have also had some ash falls. These areas could be affected again. Air and land transportation has been disrupted. We recommend you contact local authorities, your airline or travel agent to confirm transport. You should monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.

Australians in these regions should take precautions as the ash, dust and toxic fumes emitted from the volcanoes represent a significant health risk, especially to those with existing respiratory problems. Be aware that falling ash following a volcanic eruption can be distributed over a wide area. Exposure to ash can harm your health, particularly your breathing. If there is falling ash in your area, you should stay inside with the windows and doors shut and place damp towels at door thresholds and other draft sources. When ash has stopped falling or you need to go outside, wear a disposable face-mask if available and change it frequently. Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants to protect your skin and goggles to protect your eyes. Avoid direct contact with ash as much as possible and be cautious about driving as ash can clog and stall engines.

Flooding, particularly in the northern provinces of Argentina, is seasonal and may disrupt local transport and the provision of essential services. Earthquakes can also occur.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife Watching

Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas and clarify withdrawal limits.

While most major hotels in Buenos Aires exchange US currency, travellers' cheques may not be accepted. Photo identification may be required when using a credit card. You should keep a photocopy of the identity page of your passport with you if you intend to use a credit card while in Argentina.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Argentina, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that might appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for drug offences, even possession of small amounts, are severe and include lengthy imprisonment in local jails.

Offences committed against national symbols carry a penalty of imprisonment between six months and four years. This penalty is increased if the act is committed in conjunction with another offence for example defiling a national flag which has been stolen.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Argentina for the most up-to-date information.

Children (under 21 years of age, as defined by local law) travelling alone or with one parent may be required to provide a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent(s) to the Argentine authorities. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Argentina well in advance of travel for further advice.

If you are travelling to Argentina through the United States you will need to meet US entry/transit requirements. You should check your visa needs well in advance of travel with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. See also our travel advice for the United States of America.

Dual Nationals

Australian/Argentine dual nationals staying in Argentina for more than 60 days are required to depart Argentina on an Argentine passport. The application process for an Argentine passport is often time-consuming and requires presentation of documents proving your identity. If you are an Australian resident, proof of your address in Australia may be required. The Australian Embassy cannot assist in the application process for an Argentine passport or other identity documents.

Children born in Argentina to Australian parents are considered Argentine nationals by local authorities and are required to depart on an Argentine passport. Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

Medical facilities in Argentina are generally of a reasonable standard. Private medical clinics often require cash payment prior to providing service, including for emergency care. Foreign-brand medications may not be readily available. Some locally produced medications do not meet Australian Standards and may have adverse effects.

A decompression chamber is located in Puerto Madryn.

Malaria is a risk in rural areas along the northern borders with Bolivia and Paraguay. Outbreaks of other insect-borne diseases (including dengue fever and yellow fever) are also a risk to travellers, particularly during the wet seasons (May to August and November to January). You should consult your doctor or travel clinic about prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to avoid mosquito and other insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times.

An outbreak of yellow fever, including one death, has been reported in Misiones Province, which borders both Paraguay and Brazil. We recommend travellers to the affected area consult their doctor about the need for a vaccination for yellow fever.

Outbreaks of water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including tuberculosis, hepatitis, typhoid and rabies) occur from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. In rural areas, we recommend that you boil all drinking water or that you drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes. You should also avoid raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

The high levels of air pollution in Buenos Aires may aggravate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

In Argentina, you can obtain consular assistance from the:

Australian Embassy
Villanueva 1400,
(C1426BMJ)
Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA
Telephone (54 11) 4779 3500
Facsimile (54 11) 4779 3581
Website http://www.argentina.embassy.gov.au/

If you are travelling to Argentina, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.