Safety and security

Safety and security

Social unrest

Public demonstrations and protests are more common in Argentina than in Ireland. You may encounter groups of demonstrators (piqueteros) blocking major roads into and out of the capital, causing delays and possibly a change in route.

As Argentina enters an election period in October 2023, it is likely that public demonstrations and protests will become more frequent.

Always keep yourself informed of what’s going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser. Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, which can sometimes turn confrontational.

Terrorism

Although the threat from terrorism in Argentina is low, there is still a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates.

Petty theft

You should be aware of the risk of petty theft in the city of Buenos Aires. Thieves normally target small bags, pockets and mobile phones, and operate on public transport, crowded streets and in restaurants and bars.

You should be particularly careful in Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires, on the Buenos Aires underground transport system and in the city of Mendoza, where there has been a lot of pick-pocketing and bag-snatching.

It is a common occurrence for phones to be snatched while being used on the street.

A common scam in Buenos Aires is for one thief to spray a sauce on you, which prompts another thief, posing as an innocent passer-by, to come to your aid and clean your clothes, while also stealing your possessions.

More violent crime has been reported in the area around San Telmo and La Boca in Buenos Aires and you should avoid carrying valuables in these areas.

You should:

• always keep a close eye on your personal possessions
• not carry all your valuables in one place
• avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing jewellery
• keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport somewhere safe
• avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night

Counterfeit banknotes

There are quantities of counterfeit banknotes in circulation in Argentina. You can visit the Argentine Central Bank website to see what to look out for in a counterfeit note.

Taxi drivers, particularly those working from the airport, have been known to accuse customers of handing over fake money and handing them back a fake note that they already have in their possession. When paying drivers, be extremely careful and consider taking note of the serial number of the bill before you pay the driver.

If you’re hailing a taxi on the street, make sure you only hail a radio taxi; they have a logo on the rear passenger door and often a light or sign on the roof of the car.

Reporting crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in Argentina, report it to the local police immediately. And you can contact us at the Irish Embassy in Buenos Aires if you need help.

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in Argentina, you should be extremely careful. Road safety standards vary throughout the country; respect for speed limits and traffic signals is patchy and manoeuvres by fellow road users can be unexpected.

Crime against car users, particularly when stopped at traffic lights, is a growing danger and we advise you to keep your windows closed and doors locked at all times, particularly when you’re driving in the city.

If you want to drive:

• Bring your international driving license and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught
• Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you’re stopped at traffic lights

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Local laws and customs

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.

Natural disasters and climate

Earthquake

Argentina is in an active earthquake zone and there have been sporadic earthquakes in western sections of the country along the border with Chile. If you’re travelling to or living in Argentina, make sure you know what to do in the event of an earthquake.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

There are no visa requirements for Irish citizens traveling to Argentina for touristic purposes (up to 90 days).

Six month passport validity is required from the date of entry to Argentina and one blank passport page. Please check your passport in plenty of time before travel and if it needs to be renewed please use our Online Passport Renewal System.

Irish citizens travelling to Argentina for other purposes should contact their nearest Argentinian Embassy in advance of their visit to clarify their visa requirements.

Health

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling (8 weeks) to see if you need any vaccinations for Argentina.

There is a risk of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Irish citizens especially those with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). 

COVID-19

There are no COVID-19 restrictions in place for travel to Argentina. There is no requirement to present certificates of vaccination/testing for COVID-19.

Irish citizens should continue to adhere to the advice of Argentine authorities and comply with local measures, as applicableMinisterio de Salud | Argentina.gob.ar.