Argentina – Government Decides to Cautiously Open Borders

Administrative Decision N° 951/2021, announced on 1 October 2021 by the Argentinean government, effectively opens the country’s borders, starting 1 November, to many individuals who had been previously restricted and who wish to enter Argentina as tourists.¹  

Argentinean borders have been closed since March 2020.  Travel restrictions have considerable impact on globally-mobile employees between Argentina and the rest of the world. In this sense, new rules will bring relief to employees and their family members as they will no longer need an authorization to enter Argentina.  However, awareness is vital as travelers will still need to comply with certain rules to be able to enter the country as tourists.

Beyond the opening of borders there are some measures that, given current circumstances, will remain as leading practices.  For example, remote working for globally-mobile employees – apart from essential workers – to the extent possible remains a prudent way, for the time being, for employers to foster the safety of their employees and help with business continuity.

Argentina’s government, with Administrative Decision N° 951/2021, announced the country’s borders will be reopened from 1 November, along with the set of measures detailed below:

1)     The National Administration of Civil Aviation (“ANAC”) may order the suspension of authorizations and permits that were instituted for passengers depending on their country of origin or destination due to the appearance of new variants of the coronavirus.

2)     ANAC will have a weekly quota of seats on passenger flights for the entry into the national territory of Argentinean residents, nationals, and residents of neighboring countries and foreign nonresident individuals in Argentina or in neighboring countries, as follows:

• Between 1 October and 3 October:  2,300 daily passenger seats;
• Between 4 October and 10 October:  21,000 weekly passenger seats;
• As of 11 October, and until fourteen (14) days after the threshold of 50 percent of the population with full vaccination is reached, 28,000 weekly passenger seats;
• After fourteen (14) days from the date on which Argentina reaches coverage of 50 percent of the population with complete vaccinations, no quota of any kind.

The entry of nonresident foreigners as of 1 November 2021 will be subject to compliance with current immigration requirements listed below:

• Have completed the vaccination scheme at least fourteen (14) days before entering the country.  Individuals must complete a sworn declaration.
• Negative PCR test in their country of origin carried out within seventy-two (72) hours prior to entry to Argentina and another PCR test between the fifth and seventh day after entering the country.
• Vaccinated individuals with a completed vaccine protocol and tested negative will be exempt from quarantine.  However, they must carry out a PCR test between the fifth and seventh day from their arrival to the country if they decide to remain during that period.
• Children who have not completed the full vaccination protocol but who are in the company of adults must remain in quarantine and carry out a PCR test on the seventh day in Argentina.
• Argentineans and Argentinean residents entering the country for work, commercial, study, sports, or family reunification reasons are exempt from quarantine.

The cost of the above-noted PCR tests will be assumed by those persons entering Argentina.

Measures advising people to keep 1.5 meters apart, and the use of mouth coverings / face-masks, are still in place to  help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 

Any individuals impacted by continuing or new travel restrictions, or the above-noted conditions for entry into Argentina, may wish to consult with their global-mobility advisers and immigration legal counsel as soon as possible for advice on next steps.

The KPMG International member firm in Argentina is tracking these matters closely.  We will endeavor to keep readers of GMS Flash Alert posted on any important developments as and when they occur.

1  See Administrative Decision 951/2021 (Decisión Administrativa /2021), published (in Spanish) in the Boletín Oficial at: https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/primera/250376/20211001.

**Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Argentina.