The Argentine National Government, through Administrative Decision No. 2252/2020, established that from today, December 25, 2020, until January 8, 2021, inclusive, new restrictions will apply for those wishing to enter the Argentine Republic due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in the region and the emergence of a new strain in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The new entry restrictions to the country include:
- The suspension of entry and closure of borders for tourists from neighboring countries who are nationals or residents of those countries.
- The suspension of direct flights to and from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Australia, Denmark, Italy, and the Netherlands, with the national health authority being empowered to expand the list of countries.
- The suspension of authorizations granted for entries and exits through the authorized border crossings, except for the entry of Argentine residents and citizens.
According to what has been expressly provided by the National Government, only the San Sebastián and Integración Austral border crossings, both located in Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and the South Atlantic Islands, are exempt from the new restriction measures that have been implemented to ensure transit with Chile and the connection with the rest of the Argentine territory.
Thus, the following are authorized to enter the Argentine Republic:
- Transporters or crew members of any nationality, regardless of their place of origin;
- Foreigners authorized by the National Directorate of Migration to carry out labor or commercial activities, to fulfill a diplomatic mission, to participate in sporting events, or for family reunification with Argentine citizens or residents; and
- Foreigners declared in transit to other countries with a stay at Ezeiza Airport of less than 24 hours.
All persons authorized to enter the Argentine Republic must comply with the following:
1. Electronic Affidavit for entry into the National Territory approved by the National Directorate of Migration: The electronic affidavit must be completed indicating if in the last 14 days they have visited any of the following countries: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Australia, Denmark, Italy, and the Netherlands.
2. PCR Test: A PCR diagnostic test must be performed 72 hours prior to international travel with a negative result for COVID-19 and attached to the previously mentioned Electronic Affidavit. The following are exempt from this requirement: (a) international transporters and crew members and nationals or foreigners in transit to other countries with a stay of less than 24 hours at national airports; (b) those who have had COVID-19 in the 90 days prior to entry to Argentina, duly confirmed by laboratory. In such cases, the results of diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 must be presented, along with a medical discharge certificate confirming recovery after more than 10 days from diagnosis, and attached to the Electronic Affidavit for entry into the National Territory approved by the National Directorate of Migration; (c) those unable to perform the PCR test in the country of origin for a duly justified reason. In such cases, they must attach a medical certificate to the Electronic Affidavit for entry into the National Territory approved by the National Directorate of Migration certifying they have no symptoms compatible with COVID-19, issued at least 72 hours before their trip, and perform the PCR test at their destination.
3. Quarantine: All persons entering the Argentine Republic must undergo a 10-day quarantine from the time the negative PCR test was taken, calculated as follows: (a) those required to have a negative PCR test 72 hours before boarding must undergo 7 or more days of quarantine at their destination to complete the 10 days from the sample collection; and (b) those unable to perform the PCR test in the country of origin must present a medical certificate of no symptoms and perform the PCR test at their destination as soon as possible upon arrival in the country, completing the 10 days of mandatory quarantine from the moment of arrival in Argentina. Once in Argentine territory, these individuals must travel to their quarantine location using preferably non-public transportation, strictly adhering to social distancing measures and wearing a mask during their journey.
Only the following persons will be exempt from quarantine if they comply with protocols set or to be set by the health authority in due course:
- International transporters and crew members exclusively in the exercise of their activity.
- Diplomats and officials exclusively for fulfilling an official mission authorized by the National Directorate of Migration under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Argentine Republic or the competent Ministry.
- Athletes only in cases of sporting events duly authorized by the National Directorate of Migration, with protocols proposed by the organizers, approved by the national health authority, and supervised by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports
- Non-resident foreigners expressly authorized by the National Directorate of Migration to carry out essential labor or commercial activities.
- Nationals or foreigners in transit to other countries with a stay of less than 24 hours at national airports.
Nevertheless, the Government indicated that the health authority may impose additional measures at any time during the stay of the aforementioned individuals when there is a suspicion of the risk of virus spread, especially when they come from countries with circulation of the new SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 viral strain.
4. Traveler’s Insurance and Jurisdictional Controls: The requirements for special travel insurance for non-resident foreigners, the use of the CUIDAR application for nationals or residents in Argentina, or a similar application for foreigners as well as the requirements of local jurisdictions at the destination in the Argentine Republic and the strict control of measures by them are maintained.