Argentina Visa Types, Requirements, and Application
Argentina, located at the southern tip of South America, ranks among the world’s largest countries, spanning over a million square miles. Its vast expanse results in a diverse climate, catering to various preferences. This article aims to provide comprehensive information on Argentina visa requirements, including application procedures, types of visas available, associated requirements, and answers to common queries.
Who needs a visa to enter Argentina?
If you’re planning to visit Argentina, you’ll typically need a visa unless you’re from one of the countries listed below. Citizens of these countries can travel to Argentina without a visa for up to 90 days:
Argentina visa types
The visas for Argentina are split into two categories: short-term visas, also known as Argentina Tourist Visas, and long-term visas, which are Residency Visas.
Tourist visa (short-term visas)
The tourist visa for Argentina is given to people from other countries visiting for short stays. It lasts for up to three months and has different types:
- Tourist visa: for tourists and people visiting for fun.
- Business visa: for those coming for work-related reasons.
- Medical treatment visa: for people needing medical care in Argentina.
- Media/Journalist visa: for members of the media working in Argentina.
- Religious visa: for members of recognized religious groups in Argentina.
Residency visa (long-term visas)
Argentina offers various long-term residency visas for foreigners looking to establish residence in the country. These visas cater to different purposes, including work, study, family reunification, investment, retirement, and even for digital nomads. Here are the main types:
- Work visa: This visa is for foreigners who secure employment in Argentina and obtain a work permit, which is typically arranged by their employer.
- Student visa: Designed for foreigners intending to pursue studies at an educational institution in Argentina.
- Family visa: Issued to foreigners who wish to join close family members who are citizens or permanent residents of Argentina.
- Investment visa: Intended for foreigners who invest a significant amount of money in an activity, trade, or service in Argentina, usually around 1.5 million Argentine Pesos.
- Retirement visa: For foreigners looking to retire in Argentina and can financially support themselves without employment. Applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least 30,000 Argentine Pesos from pensions.
- Digital nomad visa: Introduced recently, this visa targets remote workers who can work for either international or Argentinian companies while residing in Argentina.
Aside from obtaining the appropriate visa, all foreign nationals planning to stay in Argentina for over three months must register with the authorities upon arrival and obtain a residence permit or National ID Card.
Transit visa
The Argentina Transit Visa is given to foreigners who are passing through Argentina to reach another country. It lasts for 10 days and can sometimes be prolonged at the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones under special circumstances. If you’re just changing planes in an Argentine airport and won’t leave the transit area for less than 12 hours, you don’t need a transit visa.
Argentina visa requirements
To get an Argentina visa, you’ll need to gather specific documents, which vary based on your reason for travel. However, there are some standard documents you’ll need for any Argentina visa application:
- Argentina visa application form: You can either download it from the embassy/consulate website and complete it manually or fill it out online and then download it, depending on the embassy/consulate’s instructions.
- Passport: Have a valid passport that will last for at least six more months from your intended departure date from Argentina. Make sure it has at least two blank pages.
- Personal information: Provide photocopies of your passport’s personal details pages (and previous passports if requested), along with any previous and current visa.
- Photos of yourself meeting these requirements:
- Size: 4cm x 4cm
- White background
- In color
- Taken recently
- Neutral facial expression
- Travel itinerary: Show proof of your return flight tickets or travel itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation: Provide evidence of accommodation arrangements in Argentina.
- Financial stability confirmation: Demonstrate you have enough financial resources to cover your stay duration, typically through bank statements.
Below are the specific requirements for some of the most common types of visa for Argentina:
Tourist visa requirements
When applying for a tourist visa for Argentina, along with the aforementioned documents, you need to provide the following:
- Proof of hotel reservation: If you’re staying with relatives or friends, include a notarized and legalized invitation letter from your host, along with their ID.
- For employed individuals: A letter from your employer confirming your job, position, duration of absence, and salary.
- For students: A letter from your school confirming enrollment, course details, and duration of absence.
- For self-employed individuals: Official business registration or proof of tax returns.
Business visa requirements
When planning a business trip to Argentina, alongside the mentioned documents, you’ll also require the following:
- Original and copy of a Letter of Invitation from the Argentinian company.
- A letter from your employer, confirming the purpose of your trip and outlining your role within the company.
Work visa requirements
If you’re heading to Argentina for a job opportunity that will keep you there for a while, here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- A signed employment agreement from your Argentine employer, including their registration number. Make sure this contract is both legalized and notarized.
- A certificate of good conduct from your local police department.
- Copies of your educational diplomas and any relevant certifications.
Student visa requirements
When going to Argentina for studying, you’ll need:
- Evidence that you’re enrolled in your school.
- Proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay and studies.
- A police certificate confirming your criminal record from your home country.
Family visa requirements
If you’re heading to Argentina to reunite with a family member residing there, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
- A police-issued certificate verifying your criminal record from your home country.
- Evidence of your familial relationship, like a marriage certificate or birth certificate, depending on your situation.
- A certified copy of your family member’s National Identity Document (DNI) in Argentina.
Keep in mind that this list doesn’t cover all the documents you might need. The embassy or consulate you apply to could ask for more or fewer documents, depending on their requirements. Certain documents, like academic records, civil status certificates, or police clearance, need to be legalized with an Apostille stamp or by the Argentina embassy/consulate.
If your documents aren’t in Spanish already, you’ll probably need to translate them. Make sure to include both versions when you submit them.
How to apply for the Argentina visa?
Step#1. Scheduling an appointment
Before sending in your paperwork, it’s necessary to get in touch with the Argentinian embassy or consulate in your country, as they handle visa applications. In some cases, if there isn’t an Argentinian diplomatic office in your country, you might need to travel to a neighboring country to apply.
Step#2. Gathering documents and paying fees
Once you’ve secured a visa appointment, you’ll need to fill out the Argentina visa application form, available online. Afterward, gather all the documents required for your specific visa type (refer to Argentina visa requirements below).
Additionally, be prepared to pay a non-refundable processing fee for your Argentina visa application. The embassy/consulate should provide payment details, which may also be available on their website.
Step#3. Submit the documents and attend the interview
To get an Argentina visa, you need to do two main things: submit your documents and go for an interview if required. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary papers and paid the visa fee, you’ll need to bring them in person on the day of your appointment. At this appointment, you may also have to attend a visa interview, depending on what the embassy or consulate officials decide.
After you’ve applied, you’ll have to wait for your visa to be processed. If your application is successful, you’ll get an Argentina visa sticker in your passport, allowing you to enter Argentina for the duration specified on the visa.
It’s worth noting that the application process can vary slightly depending on where you’re applying from – meaning the Argentinian embassy or consulate handling your application. That’s why it’s important to contact the relevant diplomatic mission or check their website for specific rules on submitting your application. Some embassy offices might even accept documents by mail.