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Argentina travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go

From the mega metropolis of buenos aires to its jungle regions and high-altitude plateaus, argentina is a fusion of culture, wildlife and natural wonder, article bookmarked.

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Tango, steak, football, Maradona, Evita… a whole host of stereotypes are stuck to Argentina , but what makes the South American country really special is uncovering its contrasts and diversity.

Given its vast size, there are landscapes, climates and activities to suit all tastes, from mountains to lakes, beaches to forests and jungle – which makes it a year-round destination.

Metropolis lovers will relish the culture and architecture of capital Buenos Aires , but a two-hour flight in any direction can land you in wine country, high-altitude plateau, sub-tropical jungle or ski resorts. It’s also often overlooked just how fun and friendly Argentines are, some of the most hospitable people in the world.

Travel restrictions and entry requirements

If you are visiting Argentina, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. You don’t need a visa to enter or travel through Argentina as a tourist for up to three months; if you wish to extend your stay for another 90-day period, get advice from the Argentine Migration Office before your current stay ends.

Read more on South America travel :

• The ultimate Buenos Aires city guide
• Brazil travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go
• Why your next safari should be in Argentina

Best time to go

Argentina is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are the reverse of the UK. Given the diverse latitudes of the world’s eighth-largest country, it is usually cold and snowy year-round in the southerly Patagonian province Tierra del Fuego, yet humid and warm in Misiones, home to the impressive Iguazú waterfalls.

Buenos Aires is, however, seasonal and the best time to enjoy the capital is spring (late October to December) and autumn (March and April). Many Argentine towns don their glad rags for Carnaval , evidence that it isn’t unique to Brazil , while March in Mendoza focuses on the annual vendimia , or grape harvest festival, where many of the province’s districts are invited to participate and show off their own agricultural prowess.

Top destinations

Buenos aires.

Despite being a buzzy cosmopolitan metropolis, flat riverside capital Buenos Aires is ideal for walking and cycling. Slow the pace down and soak up the distinctive vibes of neighbourhoods such as cool Palermo, well-heeled Recoleta, boho San Telmo and hipster Chacarita. Enjoy the diverse architecture, old-school and trendy cafés, indoor and outdoor flea markets and food halls, and spontaneous attitude that drives this city. Porteños (Buenos Aires residents) are sociable, and despite the country’s spiralling inflation, always find a way to have a good time, whether it’s to gossip over a coffee, share a deep-pan cheese pizza or catch a gig. There’s rarely a dull moment in this exciting city.

Thanks to a contrasting mix of rolling hills and steep mountains, rocky rivers and lakes, the province of Córdoba is a gem that’s worth touring by car. Kick off in the eponymous city – Argentina’s second-largest – by exploring the 16th-century Jesuit block by day then indulging in the buzzing nightlife scene. Further afield, Calamuchita is home to Villa General Belgrano, which hosts Argentina’s biggest Oktoberfest; wine lovers should check out Traslasierra’s bodega (winery) scene. There’s an array of ranches and estancias to chill out at in Sierras Chicas, and folk music fans should definitely book tickets to Cosquín’s legendary summer festival.

Iguazu National Park

A World Heritage Site, the Cataratas del Iguazú are the most impressive waterfalls in the world, whose 275 cascades are shared by Argentina and Brazil; the biggest draw is called the Devil’s Throat. Catch the roaring waters early in the morning before the crowds thunder down the walkway, then explore the tropical national park that’s home to 450 bird species, including toucan, as well as giant anteaters and howler monkeys. Stay at the Gran Meliá hotel in the park, which gives you direct access to the falls, or in nearby Puerto Iguazú town. The best time to visit is spring or autumn.

Wine aficionados must visit Mendoza, the western province framed by the Andes where 76 per cent of Argentine wine is produced. While the city is worth an afternoon’s wander, the real beauty is found in the vineyard districts of Luján de Cuyo, Maipú and Uco Valley. Many bodegas make the most of their stunning backdrops and offer short, guided visits ahead of a paired lunch – fantastic bodega dining experiences include Zonda at Lagarde, Riccitelli Bistró and Piedra Infinita at Zuccardi. Outdoor lovers will relish hiking or horseback riding across the Andes, while serious mountaineers should look to conquer the southern hemisphere’s highest peak, Aconcagua.

Whether it’s undertaking a whale-watching expedition alongside the rugged Atlantic coastline, retracing the steps of the world’s biggest dinosaur or weaving down Bariloche’s ski slopes, Latin America’s answer to the Alps, the vast Patagoniaregion always offers a solid dose of remoteness and a refreshing close-up with land- and water-dwelling nature. Unesco-protected Valdés Peninsula is a seasonal safe haven for orca and southern-right whales; get up close with fun-loving Commerson’s dolphins and a Magellanic penguin colony further south in Playa Unión and Punta Tombo. A cluster of towns proudly bear Welsh ancestry: a fun road trip would include Puerto Madryn, Trelew, Gaiman and Trevelin. Santa Cruz is home to the otherworldly Perito Moreno Glacier, while Ushuaia, the world’s most southerly city, is the embarkation point for Antarctic cruises.

Best under-the-radar destinations

Cabo raso, chubut.

With barely a signpost to its name and certainly no phone signal, the two-person populated Cabo Raso is a true antidote to the modern world. A 90-minute drive south of Welsh-founded town Trelew in Chubut province, stay at the welcoming no-frills lodge that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and really unwind. Blow out the cobwebs with a blustery beach walk, stopping off at the nuclear bunker built by former president Juan Perón and a shipwreck, before hunkering down over a barbecue. For a similar yet more well-heeled experience, book into eco-lodge Bahía Bustamante, which houses its own penguin island.

Puna, Jujuy

Many visitors to Jujuy head directly to the elevated Salinas Grandes salt flats to obtain the perfect perspective photo, but turn this easy day trip into a breath-taking overnight experience visiting high-plateau indigenous communities. Overlooked by majestic Mount Huancar, whose slopes are a destination for sand boarders, Abra Pampa is the Puna’s largest settlement. Visit the Leopoldo Abánque archeological museum, then check out the stunning reflections in Pozuelos lake. Every August, the community in nearby Casabindo pays its respects to patron saint Virgen de la Asunción before undertaking a bull run and fight in the main plaza. For a luxury Puna experience, book a dome at recently opened Pristine Camps .

Esteros del Iberá, Corrientes

When the Conservation Land Trust discovered endemic species were dramatically dwindling due to hunting in one of the world’s largest wetlands sites, it purchased land to privately restore it before gifting it back to Argentina as a national park. While Esteros del Iberá continues to be a work in progress, jaguars have beenreintroduced to the ecosystem, while breeding projects restore numbers of giant anteaters and one-ring pecorí pigs. Iberá gateways include Colonia Pellegrini and Concepción del Yaguareté Corá: stay in these towns to access wetland activities, such as epic three-day horseback expeditions through rivers or experiencing the virtuous circle local communities have created by swapping hunting for sustainable tourism.

Best things to do

Carnival in gualeguaychú.

In the run-up to Easter, the shimmying takes on greater intensity as the residents of Gualeguaychú finalise preparations for the Carnaval extravaganza. Skimpy, sequined clothing and feathers are obligatory.

Drive the Ruta 40

While it runs the vast 2,360-mile length of Argentina, even traversing a portion of the legendary Ruta 40 and its ever-changing landscapes earns you off-roading stripes. Best achieved in a 4x4, try the northwest road from Salta to Cafayate, taking in lunarscapes, colourful pepper-drying farms, and elevated vineyards.

Festival de la tradición in San Antonio de Areco

Gauchos gather in this traditional town, located a 90-minute drive north of Buenos Aires. to showcase their horsemanship in the first week of November, and no such festival would be complete without an obligatory array of bronco bucking and asados (barbecues).

Truffle hunting in Espartillar

A five-hour drive southwest of Buenos Aires is the tiny rural town of Espartillar, which is home to Argentina’s leading truffle route. Tour Trufas del Nuevo Mundo ’s land between June and late August with Lola, the Brittany spaniel, before sampling wares over a three-course tasting menu. Nearby Pigüé is home to a mega foodie event in December: it holds an annual giant omelette contest.

Vineyards visits in the Quebrada de Humahuaca

While this dramatic canyon in the northwest province of Jujuy is already a destination to visit time warp villages such as Purmamarca and Tilcara, there’s also a flourishing wine route. Vineyards start at around 2,200 metres above sea level and climb; family-run Bodega Kindgard is a recent addition, while Viñas de Uraqui is home to the continent’s highest vineyard, which clocks in at 3,329 metres above sea level.

Getting around

While it’s normal to travel for between 18 and 24 hours by comfy micro , or long-distance coach, from Buenos Aires to reach far-flung destinations (such as Bariloche or Salta), the introduction of low-cost airlines over the past few years has made domestic travel less time consuming; FlyBondi and JetSmart lead the pack. The dilapidated rail network has received little investment to make national travel feasible, but if you’re really keen to ride the Argentine railway, catch a train from Buenos Aires to Rosario (seven hours) or Mar del Plata (six hours).

How to get there

The quickest way to get to Argentina is to fly into Buenos Aires’ Ministro Pistarini airport (also known as Ezeiza) with British Airways, with a daily flight that currently makes a 90-minute stopover in São Paulo, Brazil; passengers continuing on to Argentina stay on the aircraft. Other European carriers flying to Buenos Aires include Iberia via Madrid, Lufthansa via Frankfurt and KLM via Amsterdam. It can be worth looking at US carriers such as American Airlines, which can be a little cheaper but add hours onto a door-to-door journey.

Money-saving tip

Argentina’s economy is led by spiralling inflation, a peso that devalues on a daily basis and a dizzying array of exchange rates including eólarl oficial (official rate, 142.50 pesos to the dollar on 20 September 2022) and dólar blue (black market US dollar at 282 pesos) . This is why Argentines appreciate the stable currency of hard cash in the shape of US dollars and many change their hard-acquired green bills at cuevas , illegal exchanges whose use is the norm, at a rate that can be close to double that of the official. Ask at your hotel before embarking on any exchanges.

What’s the weather like?

Depending when and where you are in the country, it might be snowing in Patagonia but wet and warm in Iguazú.

What time zone is it in?

What currency do i need.

Pesos, but take US dollars in cash then change them in Argentina.

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The 12 best places to visit in Argentina

Nov 18, 2023 • 7 min read

Plan your trip to Argentina with this guide to the very best places to visit © Alex Eggermont / Getty Images

Argentina is one of the most popular destinations in South America , and it isn't hard to see why.

Home to lively cities and tranquil wildernesses, majestic waterfalls and soaring mountains, not to mention wildlife-filled wetlands, glorious architecture, rich culture and renowned steakhouses, it's the whole South American package.

But Argentina is a big country, measuring 3800 km (2360 miles) from end to end, so there's some serious ground to cover.

For those unsure where to start, we can help you narrow it down with this list of our favorite 12 places that shouldn’t be missed, from  national parks carved by glaciers to vineyards in the shadow of the Andes.

1. Buenos Aires

Best for eating out

Sultry tango clubs and cacophonous football matches, beautiful barrios (neighborhoods) and historic cemeteries, world-class museums and raucous nightlife – Buenos Aires has everything you need for an immersive, big city experience.

Above all, the Argentine capital is a fantastic place to eat out . Its parrillas (steakhouses) – such as Don Julio , named the best restaurant in Latin America by the World's 50 Best Restaurants  – serve what could be the finest beef on the planet.

You'll also find a multitude of international joints, serving everything from Armenian to Peruvian cuisine, plus an ice cream parlor on virtually every block.

Planning tip: Buenos Aires is a big city, so it pays to base yourself close to the areas you want to explore. The neighborhoods of Recoleta , Retiro, Palermo and San Telmo offer a great mix of sights, places to eat, and local character.

2. The Pampas

Best for experiencing cowboy life

The flat, fertile grasslands that cover much of central Argentina are known as the Pampas , a place dominated by the cattle industry and synonymous with gaucho (cowboy) culture.

For an introduction to rural life, head to the town of San Antonio de Areco , whose museum and annual Dia de la Tradición festival showcase all things gaucho .

Planning tip: To get the best from a trip to the Pampas, stay a few nights at one of the many estancias (ranches) scattered across the region, which offer horseback riding, polo lessons and traditional asados (barbecues).

Want some help? Let Elsewhere plan your next trip.

3. Buenos Aires province

Best for beaches

Argentina isn’t well known for its beaches , but the Atlantic coast south of Buenos Aires is dotted with appealing seaside resorts.

Although big, brash Mar del Plata draws the largest crowds, there are several smaller, quieter and more appealing stretches of sand. They include the forest-fringed beaches of Cariló, Mar de las Pampas and Mar Azul, great spots for sunbathers and novice surfers alike.

Planning tip:  Although you can explore the beaches of Buenos Aires province by bus, hiring a car makes things a lot easier.

4. Iguazú Falls

Best for epic waterfalls

Shared between Argentina and Brazil , stretching for 3km (1.85 miles) and flanked by subtropical rainforest, this magnificent string of waterfalls is one of the greatest natural wonders on Earth.

A network of trails, walkways and bridges run through the surrounding national park, allowing visitors a close-up look at the 250-plus cascades and cataracts.

The centerpiece is the Garganta del Diablo (“Devil’s Throat”), a seething mass of white water that produces a deafening roar and sends up great clouds of spray.

5. Parque Nacional Iberá

Best for birdwatching

The hot, humid wetlands of this recently created national park in northeastern Argentina are home to more than 360 species of birds, including kingfishers, jabiru storks and roseate spoonbills.

Dubbed the “Argentine Pantanal,” the reserve is undergoing a major rewilding process that is introducing rare or endangered creatures, such as red-shouldered macaws.

Its reed-lined channels and lagoons are best explored by boat, from which visitors can also expect to spot an abundance of mammals and reptiles, from caimans to capybaras, the world’s biggest rodent.

Planning tip: The best way to explore Parque Nacional Iberá is on the water. Guided boat and kayak trips are easy to arrange in the village of Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, the main gateway to the park.

Best for historic architecture

In the far northwest of Argentina, near the Chilean and Bolivian borders, this charming city is known as “Salta la Linda” (“Salta the Beautiful”).

On the edge of the Lerma valley, overlooked by mountains, Salta is filled with historic mansions, churches, municipal buildings and plazas, some of which date back to the city’s founding in 1582.

It also has a varied cultural scene encompassing excellent museums and galleries – such as the Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña , which explores Inca culture and the practice of human sacrifice – and atmospheric folk-music clubs called peñas .

7. Mendoza province

Best for wine tasting

Argentina is the world’s fifth biggest wine producer and the industry’s heartland is Mendoza province.

In the midwest of the country, close to the Andes, the region is carpeted with vineyards and wineries, many of which offered guided tours, tastings, accommodations, and even the chance to help out with the harvest.

And while Mendoza is rightly famous for its Malbec, plenty of other delicious wines – reds, whites and rosés – are also produced in the province.

Planning tip: Try to time your visit to coincide with the grape harvest from February to April. Expect plenty of demand for accommodations during the popular Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia wine festival in March, Mendoza's biggest celebration.

8. The Argentine Lake District

Best for stunning landscapes

Glimmering bodies of water, emerald-green forests, and towering mountains and volcanoes dusted with snow – it’s not hard to understand why Argentina's Lake District is a traveler hot spot.

The gateway to this verdant region, the northwestern part of Patagonia, is the attractive lakeside city of Bariloche . Here you can pick from a wealth of outdoor activities – from hiking and mountain biking to fishing, kayaking and skiing – inside the surrounding Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi .

Planning tip: In winter (corresponding to the northern hemisphere summer), Bariloche becomes Argentina's premier ski hub . It's a busy time at the resorts around the city, but the powder is some of the world's best.

9. Cueva de los Manos Pintados

Best for ancient art

In a remote canyon surrounded by the Patagonian steppe, the Cave of the Painted Hands has an enigmatic collection of rock art created between 13,000 and 9500 years ago.

This Unesco World Heritage Site takes its name from the 800-plus stenciled outlines of human hands covering the walls.

Red, white, black or ochre in color, their purpose remains a tantalizing mystery. There are also images of pumas, guanacos (a wild relative of the llama) and rheas, as well as hunting scenes. Guided tours are offered from the towns of Perito Moreno and Posadas.

10. Península Valdés

Best for whale watching

The frigid waters off Península Valdés , a chunk of northeastern Patagonia jutting out into the Atlantic, teem with life.

A breeding ground for endangered southern right whales, who arrive in their hundreds between mid-June and mid-December, they are also home to elephant seals, sea lions and orcas, as well as more than 180 species of birds.

Accessed from the town of Puerto Madryn, this Unesco World Heritage Site offers a variety of boat, kayaking and diving trips, though marine life can often be spotted from the shore.

Further down the coast, 250km (155 miles) south of Puerto Madryn, Punta Tombo has South America’s largest colony of Magellanic penguins.

11. Ushuaia

Best for uplifting isolation

A famous sign in Ushuaia informs you that this is the “Fin del Mundo” – the physical end of the world. The far-flung capital of Argentine Tierra del Fuego sits on the shore of the Beagle Channel, more than 3000km (1865 miles) south of Buenos Aires.

It is the gateway to rugged Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego , the world’s most southerly railway line, and several winter sports centers, as well as the embarkation point for cruises to Antarctica, just 1000km (620 miles) to the south.

12. Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

Best for awesome glaciers

Spanning more than 5956 sq km (2300 sq miles) of iceberg-filled lakes, jagged Andean peaks and – most notably – gigantic glaciers, this park in southern Patagonia is one of Argentina’s signature tourist attractions.

The southern section – famous for the Perito Moreno Glacier – is accessed from the touristy town of El Calafate , while the northern part, a haven for hikers and climbers, is best visited from the rustic village of El Chaltén .

Planning tips: All manner of treks are possible from El Chaltén and El Calafate, from day hikes to multi-day adventures, and many routes can be attempted without a guide.

This article was first published Oct 22, 2021 and updated Nov 18, 2023.

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Update April 12, 2024

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Argentina Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 18, 2023, argentina - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with updates to crime information.

Exercise normal precautions in Argentina. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise increased caution in:

• City of Rosario (Santa Fe province) due to crime .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Argentina.

If you decide to travel to Argentina: 

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Argentina.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.   

City of Rosario – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal and narcotics trafficking elements are active in Rosario (Santa Fe province) resulting in increased crime and violence.

U.S. Embassy personnel are required to give advance notice before traveling to Rosario.

Travel Advisory Levels

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Argentina travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: April 15, 2024 13:01 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, argentina - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Argentina

Greater Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires due to crime, including petty crime and muggings.

Rosario - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Rosario due to an increase in homicides linked to drug-related organized crime.

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Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse and cell phone snatching, occurs regularly.

Pickpocketers and bag snatchers work in pairs or in groups and employ a variety of distractions to divert their victim’s attention. In some cases, thieves on foot work with thieves on motorcycles, “motochorros”, to snatch purses, cell phones and backpacks sometimes even from a taxi.

Common theft scams include:

• distracting the victim by asking questions while another person carries out the theft
• spraying a substance on victims and then robbing them while pretending to help clean the stain
• putting merchandise such as dishcloths or socks on top of your phone at restaurants and picking up your phone along with the merchandise 
• placing items on your windshield at traffic intersections to get you to roll down your window or to see what’s in your vehicle

Distraction thefts commonly occur in:

• popular tourist areas
• transportation terminals, including:
• bus terminals
• train stations
• cruise and ferry terminals
• hotel lobbies
• restaurants and bars, including patios

To avoid becoming a victim:

• be suspicious of strangers approaching you, such as street vendors
• avoid showing signs of affluence such flashy jewellery, cell phones, and headphones
• ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• keep your bag between your feet in public places and in front of you on public transportation
• don’t leave purses or backpacks containing valuables in overhead compartments of long‑distance buses
• always ask restaurants and bars to bring the credit card machine to your table or bring your card to the machine
• avoid packing valuables in checked luggage, because organized groups are known to operate at airports searching for electronics and valuables

Violent crime

Armed robberies and muggings occur. While most victims are not physically injured, criminals may use violence if victims resist.

• If you’re robbed, hand over your cash and valuables without resistance.
• Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in the downtown areas of major cities and parks.

If you’re a victim of a crime, inform the police and get a police report. The emergency number in Argentina is 911.

Vulnerable neighbourhoods

Avoid visiting vulnerable neighbourhoods (villa miseria) in major cities, including in Buenos Aires, even if they are in tourist zones.

Violence and organized crime are prevalent in these areas and police assistance is very limited.

Drug trafficking and abuse has increased in Argentina. This has resulted in violent crimes in:

Buenos Aires

These aggressions are caused by persons who are under the influence of drugs who can be unpredictable.

In Buenos Aires, petty crime occurs in tourist areas, particularly in:

• Constitución
• Florida Street
• Plaza de Mayo
• Puerto Madero
• Recoleta Cemetery
• the Retiro bus station area
• 9 de julio Avenue (around the Obelisk)

In La Boca, always remain on Caminito Street. Violent thefts often occur on neighbouring streets. Avoid the area after dark.

Tourism Prevention QR Code -  City of Buenos Aires (in Spanish)

Petty crime and muggings are common in Mendoza. Some incidents have involved violence.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, particularly in General San Martín Park
• Avoid walking in unpopulated areas at night

ATMs and currency exchange bureaus

Criminals will sometimes wait outside ATMs or currency exchange bureaus ( casa de cambio ) or follow a victim after they exchange or withdraw money.

• Remain aware of your surroundings when using ATMs or currency exchange bureaus
• Avoid using ATMs at night
• Use official exchange bureaus
• Use ATMs located indoors in locations such as hotels or supermarkets

Theft from vehicles

Theft from unattended vehicles, especially rental cars, is common throughout the country. Belongings are stolen from the trunk of parked cars.

• Park in supervised parking lots and secure garages whenever possible
• Don’t leave valuables in the car, including in the trunk
• When driving, keep windows closed and doors locked at all times because of the risk of theft, especially when stopped at a red light

Though not common, express kidnappings involving tourists have occurred in Argentina. Victims are usually abducted for a few hours and forced to withdraw money from ATMs in order to be released.

Tri-border area

When travelling to Iguazú Falls, exercise caution when crossing the tri-border area between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, where criminal activities are known to occur.

Plan sufficient time to cross borders and ensure you cross before nightfall. 

Demonstrations

Demonstrations, roadblocks and strikes take place regularly throughout the country.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media to be aware of ongoing demonstrations
• Never attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women’s safety

Women hiking and cycling alone have been assaulted.

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, cigarettes or anything else from new acquaintances or someone in the street. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Online dating

Robberies have occurred after travellers invited new acquaintances they met online into their accommodation.

If you are considering online dating while in Argentina, be aware of the risks involved. 

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides occur.

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

• Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
• Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities

Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism

Many operators do not conduct regular safety checks.

If you intend to do adventure sports:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• exercise extreme caution, as local authorities have limited rescue capabilities, particularly in high altitude and remote areas
• update your SOS or GPS emergency locator information and inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity  and know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails

Mount Aconcagua

Before climbing Mount Aconcagua, contact the Mendoza Tourism Agency for more information.

Follow the itineraries provided by the park.

Useful links

• Mendoza Tourism – Government of Medoza (in Spanish)
• More about trekking in Aconcagua Provincial Park - Government of Mendoza (in Spanish)

Soccer games

Sports events sometimes lead to rowdy behaviour and violent incidents. Exercise caution if attending a soccer match.

Argentina’s borders with Chile and Bolivia                                   

Due to winter weather conditions impacting road safety, authorities close land border posts with Chile and Bolivia regularly during the winter (June – September).

• Stay informed of regional weather forecasts
• Plan accordingly

International crossings  - Government of Argentina (in Spanish)

Road travel

Road conditions and road safety vary greatly throughout the country.

Road Safety

Pedestrians, cyclists and drivers should exercise caution in Argentina, as it has a high incidence of traffic accidents. Some drivers ignore traffic lights, one-way signs and speed limits.

Transportation

Airport/city transfers.

Only use officially marked taxis  for travel to and from Buenos Aires’ Ministro Pistarini International Airport. At the airport, go to an official taxi stand in the arrivals area to arrange your transportation.

Taxis 

Hailing a black and yellow taxi on the street is commonly practiced.

If you are in Buenos Aires, you can use an application to call a taxi.

• Note the driver's name on the picture identification badge.
• Don’t share taxis with strangers
• Try to pay with exact change, since unscrupulous taxi drivers sometimes trade counterfeit bills for good ones

Buenos Aires taxi app - City of Buenos Aires (in Spanish)

Ridesharing services

Ridesharing services are available.

• Use a trusted ridesharing app
• Confirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the car
• Don't share your ride with another person
• Use a security feature to share your ride status with a contact

Subways, buses and trains

A SUBE card is required to use subways, buses or trains.

When using public transportation:

• be aware of pickpockets
• prepare for work stoppages and strikes, which may lead to delays

SUBE card – Government of Argentina (in Spanish)

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Argentine authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Argentina.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required Business visa: not required Student visa: required

Other entry requirements

Upon entry into and exit from Argentina, all passengers, regardless of their citizenship, must undergo biometrics checks, such as digital fingerprints and a digital photograph, at the immigration counter.

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Dual citizenship

Canadian-Argentine dual citizens may leave Argentina on their Canadian passport if they entered on that passport within the previous 180 days. Once this period has elapsed, they must leave on a valid Argentine passport.

Laws about dual citizenship  

Children and travel

Minors (under 18) born or residing in Argentina require written authorization from the non-accompanying parent/s to leave the country. They also require acceptable proof of parentage for the accompanying parent. For additional information, contact the National Directorate of Migration or the nearest embassy or consulate of Argentina. 

• National Directorate of Migration – Government of Argentina (in Spanish)
• Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 8 April, 2024
• Western Equine Encephalitis Virus: Advice for travellers - 5 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is recommended depending on your itinerary.
• Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites.

About Yellow Fever Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that   country entry requirements   may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest   diplomatic or consular office   of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)   is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is available in Buenos Aires but may be limited elsewhere. Certain medications may not be available.

Hospital physicians often expect immediate cash payment for medical care, so ensure you have access to sufficient funds. Contact your insurance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Argentina.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Argentina, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Argentina.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Argentina, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Argentinian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Argentina to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

The currency is the Argentine peso (ARS).

Foreign credit and debit cards are accepted in main cities. When using credit cards, ensure that your card remains in your view. You may be required to produce photo identification, such as a driver’s licence or a photocopy of your passport, when paying with a credit card.

Cash withdrawals from foreign bank accounts at ATMs are subject to low limits per withdrawal and per day. Substantial service charges may apply when using non-Argentine bank cards. Check with your bank before leaving Canada.

Seismic activity

Earthquakes.

The provinces of San Juan, Mendoza, Salta, Jujuy and Tucuman are in a seismic zone and are subject to earthquakes.

Border crossings can close due to earthquakes.

Several volcanoes in the Andes region on the border with Chile can erupt at any time and cause the evacuation of residents. Ash emanating from volcanic eruptions can disrupt air transportation and cause airport closures. Debris from erupting volcanoes may clog rivers and cause them to overflow, which could in turn cause flash floods and landslides.

In the event of an earthquake or volcanic eruption:

• monitor local news for to stay informed on the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders.
• Earthquakes – What to do?
• More about seismic activity in Argentina - National Institute of Seismic Prevention (in Spanish only)

Seasonal flooding may occur in Argentina’s northern provinces. It can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges may be damaged.

Heavy rains may cause flash floods in the province of Buenos Aires.

Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 911 / 101
• in Buenos Aires : +54 11 4323 8900 ext. 116311; mobile: +54 911 5050 3293 or +54 911 5050 9260
• in Mendoza: +54 261 413 2135
• in Buenos Aires: 107
• outside Buenos Aires: 911
• firefighters: 911 / 100

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Argentina, in Buenos Aires, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Latest update

Exercise normal safety precautions in Argentina.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

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Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services.

Call 911, for English language service in Buenos Aires only.

Medical emergencies

Call 0800 999 5000, for multilingual tourist police.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Rosario.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Rosario due to the threat of crime and violence.

• Petty crime, including robbery and bag snatching is common. Take care on public transport and in tourist areas or crowded places. Thefts and robberies in Buenos Aires and other major cities are increasing. Popular tourist areas such as La Boca, San Telmo and Palermo are hotspots for robberies and theft. Always keep personal belongings, including mobile phones, close to you or out of sight. Don't leave wallets or mobile phones on tables in restaurants, especially if you're seated on sidewalks.
• Exercise a high degree of caution in the city of Rosario due to higher levels of crime and violence.
• Violent crimes occur in Buenos Aires, Rosario and Mendoza tourist areas. These may include armed robbery and express kidnapping. Only use ATMs in banks and shopping centres and try to avoid them after dark. If you're held up, don't resist.
• Thieves often target cars stopped at traffic lights. Crime also occurs in taxis. Keep doors and windows locked when driving.
• Protests, demonstrations and other disruptions such as strikes, may occur anytime. Peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Avoid large public gatherings.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Insect-borne diseases are common in the north of Argentina and as far south as Buenos Aires. These include dengue, chikungunya and zika virus. If you're pregnant, discuss your travel plans with your doctor before you leave. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
• Yellow fever is a risk in Misiones and Corrientes. If you're travelling there, get vaccinated before you leave Australia. 
• Hantavirus is widespread in some regions. It's spread through contact with infected rodents. Avoid contact with live or dead rodents, nests, burrows and droppings.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy prison sentences.
• Dual nationals staying in Argentina for more than 180 days must leave Argentina on an Argentine passport. Make sure you have one before you travel. The Australian embassy can't help you get one.
• Children born in Argentina to Australian parents are Argentine nationals and must leave Argentina for the first time on an Argentine passport. 

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Argentina for the latest details.
• You can stay as a tourist for up to 90 days without a visa, but you'll need a return or onward ticket, a valid passport and travel/medical insurance. 
• Children travelling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian require a travel authorisation from the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to leave the country. When travelling with both parents, travellers must be able to prove they are the parents or legal guardians (birth certificate or custody documents).

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular assistance, contact the  Australian Embassy in Buenos Aires .
• To stay up to date with local information follow the Embassy’s social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Crime rates are higher than in Australia. Thefts and robberies are common, especially in Buenos Aires city and its metropolitan area, as well as other major cities. You should keep cash and expensive items such as mobile phones, wallets and jewellery out of sight in public areas. Avoid lower socioeconomic urban areas where crime is more likely to occur. Avoid empty streets, especially after dark.

You should exercise a high degree of caution in the city of Rosario due to higher levels of drug-related crime and violence.

Petty crime

Petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag/jewellery snatching and bag slashing, is common, even during the day. Thieves also target mobile phones.

Take care on public transport and in busy pedestrian zones and tourist areas.

Distraction thefts are common in public areas, such as:

• train and bus stations
• outside and inside hotels
• restaurants and cafes
• subways, trains or buses

This can involve creating a distraction by, for example, helping remove sauce that they spilt on you while their accomplice steals your possessions while you are distracted. 

Robberies  are frequent in and around bus stations, especially at:

• Retiro bus and train station in Buenos Aires
• Central bus station in Mendoza

Criminals might use force if you resist.

Robberies involving motorcycles, 'motochorros', are common in larger cities. Thieves usually work in pairs:

• one person operates the motorbike
• one jumps off and steals belongings from pedestrians

They'll also snatch items from inside vehicles.

Robberies are common in taxis.

Robbery and theft hotspots in tourist areas of Buenos Aires include:

• Downtown (Micro Centro)
• Calle Florida (Florida Street)
• Buenos Aires ferry terminal
• Around the main train and bus stations

Violent crime

Armed robbery and other violent crimes can cause problems in major tourist areas of:

• Buenos Aires

To reduce your risk of crime:

• stay within the tourist precinct in La Boca but avoid the area after dark. You should arrange your transport directly to and from the La Boca tourist area. Walking to La Boca isn't recommended
• be cautious in other tourist areas of Buenos Aires
• avoid using your mobile phone in the street
• always keep your personal belongings close and out of sight
• keep your purse or backpack containing valuables close to you and within sight. Do not hang bags and purses on chairs. It's better to keep them on your lap or between your feet.
• only use ATMs in banks and shopping centres. Avoid using them after dark.
• lock your passport and other valuables in a hotel safe
• carry a copy of your passport as ID

Violent organised and drug-related crime in Rosario is ongoing. Public transport and taxis have been affected. Monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Spiked foods and drinks and online dating apps

• Never leave your food or drinks unattended and do not accept them from strangers, especially at night clubs. There have been reports of foreign tourists being drugged and robbed of their belongings.
• Be aware of the risk of bringing new acquaintances into your accommodation.

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

Kidnapping, virtual kidnapping and express kidnappings have occurred in Argentina.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

Road-based crime

Crimes against car passengers are a problem. Thieves often target cars stopped at traffic lights.

Some criminals pose as taxi operators at the airport and rob passengers. They may work with other taxi drivers.

To reduce your risks while taking taxis or driving:

• consider calling a radio taxi or remise, or using a ride-hailing app which keeps a record of drivers
• avoid sharing taxis with strangers
• keep car windows closed, doors locked at all times and keep valuables out of sight
• do not leave valuables in your car, including in the boot.

If you're held up, don't resist.

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Civil unrest and political tension

Demonstrations and protest.

Protests and demonstrations are common in Argentina. Particularly in:

• other major cities

Organised strikes are frequent and may disrupt transport systems, including trains and airlines. Contact your travel or tour operator for information.

Focal points for protesters in Buenos Aires are the areas of:

• Plaza De Mayo
• Avenida 9 de Julio

During demonstrations, streets may be blocked, and public transport disrupted.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. 

To protect yourself during periods of unrest: 

• avoid protests and demonstrations
• if you're caught in protests or demonstrations, you should leave as soon as you can 
• monitor the local media for updates
• follow the advice of local authorities

Football matches can sometimes turn violent. Monitor local media to know if violence is expected to occur. 

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Road safety

Pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers should be careful in Argentina. Car accidents are much more common in Argentina than in Australia due to:

• vehicles including buses, frequently drive through red traffic lights.
• vehicles do not give way to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings and one-way signs are often ignored. Always look both ways and make sure vehicles are stopping for you before crossing a street.
• Be careful of motorbikes going through gaps in the traffic, including at blind spots at pedestrian crossings.
• drivers may make sudden and unexpected manoeuvres. Pay close attention to the traffic around you.
• right of way is frequently ignored
• aggressive driving and speeding are common

You're more likely to die in a car accident in Argentina than in Australia.

• Driving or riding

Bomb attacks have occurred in Argentina.

To protect yourself from terrorism: 

• always be alert
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• monitor the media for potential threats

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Climate and natural disasters

Argentina experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

• volcanic activity
• earthquakes
• dust storms
• landslides and avalanches

Land border crossings can close due to earthquakes, landslides, or severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfalls. The land border with Chile is particularly prone to closures due to severe weather conditions, especially during winter months. You can check the status of all land border crossings  here . 

If there's a natural disaster:

• know your hotel's evacuation plans
• always carry your passport in a waterproof bag
• keep in touch with family and friends
• check the media and other local sources for information
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• VAAC Buenos Aires 

Volcanos and earthquakes

Volcanos  on the border of Argentina and Chile could erupt at any time.

Earthquakes  can also occur, particularly in provinces bordering the Andes.

Flooding  is seasonal. It's more common in the northern provinces of Argentina. Flooding may disrupt local transport and essential services.

Heavy rains may cause occasional flash floods in other areas, including the province of Buenos Aires.

Bushfires can occur throughout the year in different parts of the country.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave.

Your travel or medical insurance policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including hospital admission and medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs. 

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

You may not be able to access your usual medication in Argentina. Some local alternatives:

• don't meet Australian standards
• may have adverse effects

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Argentina. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Diseases spread by insects are a risk in Argentina. This includes:

• yellow fever
• chikungunya
• Zika virus  (regional)

These diseases are serious and can be fatal.

Outbreaks can happen throughout the year and as far south as Buenos Aires, particularly when warm weather combines with rainfall. There has been a severe dengue outbreak across Northern Argentina, including Buenos Aires, extending into the autumn of 2024.

Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

US CDC  recommends yellow fever vaccinations for all travellers going to Corrientes and Misiones provinces.

Zika virus is a risk in the northern areas of Argentina. 

Pregnant women and their unborn babies are particularly at risk. If you're pregnant:

• discuss any travel plans with your doctor
• defer non-essential travel to affected areas

To protect yourself against diseases spread by insects:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medication to prevent malaria if you travel to the north of Argentina
• Infectious diseases

Infected rodents spread  hantavirus pulmonary syndrome . It's widespread in:

• northern regions of the provinces of Salta and Jujuy
• central regions of the provinces of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, and Entre Rios
• the northeast region of the province of Misiones
• southern regions of the provinces of Neuquen, Rio Negro and Chubut

To protect yourself from hantavirus infection:

• avoid contact with live or dead rodents, burrows or nests
• avoid places where dust is raised, such as from sweeping and vacuuming their droppings
• choose a campsite that is open and dry
• don't rest in tall grasses or haystacks
• remove food sources that may attract rodents

Altitude sickness

If you travel to an area higher than 2500m, you can develop altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness can be deadly. It can affect anyone, even if you're physically fit.

Your risk of altitude sickness increases if you:

• ascend too quickly
• have had altitude sickness before
• exercise or drink alcohol before you can adjust to the altitude
• have health problems that affect breathing

If you'll be travelling above 2500m:

• seek advice from your doctor before you travel
• obtain travel insurance that covers mountain rescue

Air pollution

Buenos Aires has high levels of air pollution. This may aggravate:

• bronchial conditions
• sinus conditions

Other health risks

Outbreaks of waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases occur. This includes:

• tuberculosis

To reduce your risk of illness:

• boil drinking water or drink bottled water in rural areas
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get urgent medical advice if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Most medical facilities are of a reasonable standard.

You may need to pay cash before private medical clinics will treat you. This includes for emergency care.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe, even for small amounts, and include long prison terms.

• Carrying or using drugs

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Dual nationals staying in Argentina for more than 180 days must leave Argentina on an Argentine passport.

Applying for an Argentine passport can take time. You must present documents proving your identity. If you're an Australian resident, you may have to provide proof of your address in Australia.

The Australian Embassy can't help you apply for an Argentine passport or other identity documents.

A child born in Argentina to Australian parents is an Argentine national. As dual nationals, they must use an Argentine passport when they leave the country and make all future visits to the country if they stay for more than 180 days.

• Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an  embassy or consulate of Argentina  for details about visas, currency and customs regulations.

Visa-free travel for short stays

As a tourist, you can stay for up to 90 days without a visa, but you'll need evidence that you intend to depart the country within the 90 days, for example:

• a return or onward ticket
• a valid passport
• travel/medical insurance

Officials may also ask for proof of accommodation and evidence that you have enough money or a credit card to cover your trip.

If you are travelling on a passport other than a regular passport (for example, official, diplomatic or emergency) and/or for a reason other than tourism, you may require a visa. Please contact the nearest Argentine Consulate/Embassy for further information and to apply for a visa.

Visas aren't available on arrival. You must obtain your visa before you travel.

Entry into Argentina

Biometric entry procedures are in place at:

• Ezeiza International Airport
• Jorge Newbery International Airport

On arrival at these ports, authorities will:

• scan your thumbprints with an inkless device
• take a digital photo of you

Travelling with children

Children younger than 18 may need to provide an authorisation or a letter of consent from the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) who aren't travelling with them.

Children younger than 18 who normally reside in Argentina or have resided in the country for 1 year or more need legal authorisation from the non-accompanying parent(s) to leave the country if travelling alone or with only 1 parent or legal guardian.

When a child is travelling with both parents, you may be required to prove you're the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) (birth certificate, court documents).

Children younger than 13 must have a translated and apostilled authorisation to enter the country if 1 or both parents and/or legal guardian(s) are not travelling with them.

For more information, visit Argentina’s Immigration website for instructions  on travelling with minors .

You should contact the  nearest Argentine Embassy or Consulate  for guidance.

• Advice for people travelling with children

Travel to Antarctica 

If you’re boarding an Antarctic cruise ship please see  Travel to Antarctica and the Arctic .

Travel via the United States

If you're travelling through the US, you must meet US entry or transit requirements.

Check your visa needs well before you travel. Contact the nearest  embassy or consulate of the United States .

Travel via Chile

If you’re travelling via Chile , ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.

• Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)
• Department of Homeland Security

Travelling to Chile from Argentina

Please see our Travel Advice for Chile . Australians need a visa to enter Chile. To learn about Chile’s visa requirements please visit the Chilean Government’s website.

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Argentina. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia  after exposure to yellow fever .

• International health and travel

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The Peso (ARS) is the official currency of Argentina.

Most major hotels in Buenos Aires will exchange US dollars. They may not accept traveller's cheques.

Credit cards are widely accepted.

To make access to money easier:

• carry a photocopy of the identity page of your passport, if you plan to use credit cards
• check local sources for advice on buying foreign currency

Don't exchange money on the street or with someone offering exchange services on the street as you may receive counterfeit pesos.

Local travel

Be prepared if you're hiking or climbing in high country or mountains.

To reduce your risks if you intend to hike in Argentina:

• register your details with local park authorities
• give details of your plans and contact details to family or close friends
• research the area you plan to visit, including any natural hazards
• monitor local media for weather advice
• carry emergency and first aid equipment with you
• wear proper clothing and take with you the necessary equipment for the activity. In mountainous areas and in Patagonia the weather can change abruptly.
• stay on marked trails
• Going overseas for sports and adventure

Iguazu Falls

If you intend to make a day trip to the Brazilian side, make sure you meet the entry/visa requirements. 

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Brazil.

See the  Brazilian Government’s website to learn about entry and visa requirements for Australian citizens

Be cautious in the tri-border area as crime can occur. Avoid crossing the borders after dark.

• Travel advice for Brazil
• Brazilian Consulate in Buenos Aires
• Brazilian Vice-Consulate in Puerto Iguazu

Driving permit

You can use your Australian driver's licence while you have a valid visa. You should check with the rental car company whether you also need to have an international driver permit. You may need to present further identification.

Residents must get an Argentine driver's licence.

Drivers must be aged 23 years or older to hire a car.

Rail travel

Petty crime is common in trains and subways and in railway stations.

When travelling on public transportation you should carry your backpack or purse on your chest, not on your back.

It is more secure to book radio taxis and 'remises' (chauffeured cars):

• by telephone
• at the airport arrivals hall
• on official mobile apps

To reduce your risks if you take a taxi:

• book taxis in advance rather than hailing from the street
• use ride-hailing apps which maintain a record of the driver and the route and often don't require a cash transaction
• don't share with strangers
• keep doors and windows locked and valuables out of sight.

Overbooking on domestic flights, technical problems at the airport, protests and strikes can result in:

• significant delays
• missed connections

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Argentina's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

If you're flying within Argentina, monitor local media for airport updates.

Buenos Aires and Ushuaia are popular destinations for several international cruise lines, including for travel to Antarctica.

For your safety, if you intend to take a cruise:

• check the onboard medical facilities meet your needs
• know the costs of medical treatment onboard
• get enough travel insurance, including cover for pre-existing conditions and medical evacuation
• Going on a cruise

Accessibility

People with disabilities may have trouble with accessibility and accommodation in Argentina. 

Federal laws mandate access to buildings for people with disabilities, but these may not be fully applied. Many provinces don't have similar laws.

• Disabilities

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Call 911 (English language service in the city of Buenos Aires only)

Tourist police stations, or Comisaría del Turista (where there are English-speaking officers), are in:

• Buenos Aires Corrientes 436, call +54 9 11 4346 5748 or 0800 999 5000
• Mendoza, San Martín 1143, call +54 261 413 2135

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

You can contact the Australian Embassy in Buenos Aires.

Australian Embassy, Buenos Aires

Villanueva 1400 (C1426BMJ) Buenos Aires, Argentina

Phone: +54 11 4779 3500 Website:  argentina.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  Australia en Argentina, Uruguay y Paraguay Instagram:  ausemb_ar X:  @EmbAustraliaBA

Check the Embassy for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Argentina?

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• Travel Destination

• Region South America
• Population 44,295,000
• Capital Buenos Aires
• Languages Spanish
• Currency Peso (ARS)

Travelling is a great way to meet people and experience new cultures. Caution is advised, however, since travellers may be exposed to poor sanitary conditions and diseases that are uncommon in Canada.

Several measures can be taken to reduce the risk of contracting an infection. This document provides travellers with precautions that should be taken, by destination, to stay safe and healthy while travelling.

Before you leave

Below is a list of immunizations (vaccines) and screenings recommended or required by local health authorities for Canadians travelling to this destination. Note that these are general recommendations. For a personalized protection program adapted to your travelling and health needs, visit a Travel Health Clinic. If you need several vaccines, plan ahead and give yourself several weeks to complete the immunization schedule.

During your trip

Once there, stay alert as you could be exposed to other diseases for which no vaccines or preventive treatments are available.

Assistance abroad

It is recommended that travellers purchase a travel insurance policy that includes a 24-hour emergency assistance service to help them access care and coordinate payment. Be sure to have your insurance company’s phone number with you at all times.

It is also recommended that you sign up for the “Registration of Canadians Abroad” service. This is a free service that allows the Government of Canada to notify you in case of an emergency abroad or at home. The service also enables you to receive important information before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest. For more information, visit the Government of Canada website at: travel.gc.ca/travellingegistration .

The Canadian Government has several offices abroad that can provide you with various services when faced with a medical emergency, including:

• Providing you with names of doctors and health care facilities.
• Visiting you in the hospital and providing translation/interpretation services.
• Arranging for a medical evacuation if you require treatment that is not available in the area (note: costs for this service will not be covered by the government but are usually covered by your travel insurance).

If you need any help while travelling, contact:

Emergency services

Consular services.

• Tagle 2828, C1425EEH Buenos Aires, Argentina
• 54 (11) 4808-1086
• [email protected]

Make sure that your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay. Several countries also require travelers’ passports to be valid up to six months beyond the expected return date.

© Copyright Vigilance Santé The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.

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University of Virginia School of Law

Clinic Students Travel to Argentina, Geneva To Observe Evolution of Justice

Grace Zipperer ’24, Professor Camilo Sánchez, Sabrina Mato ’24 and Jessica Williams ’25 attended the United Nations Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva, Switzerland, to observe the interaction between independent experts, governments and civil society members. Courtesy photos

In recent months, Professor Camilo Sánchez and several of his students logged over 17,000 miles working on human rights issues as part of the International Human Rights Law Clinic he directs at the University of Virginia School of Law.

Over spring break, Sánchez traveled with four students to Salta Province in northern Argentina on a criminal justice reform project conducted under the auspices of the U.S. State Department. Then later in March, Sánchez and three students attended the 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, held at the U.N. headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

“Traveling across continents — and from a Spanish-speaking nation to a French-speaking one — was undoubtedly exhausting, yet the invaluable learning and significant impact on our clients and projects made it entirely worthwhile,” Sánchez said.

The U.S. Embassy in Argentina had worked with the State Department’s Diplomacy Lab to find a team of university researchers to evaluate and report back on how the country is handling its transition to an adversarial federal criminal justice system and away from an “inquisitorial” model. Once common in Latin America and still prevalent across much of continental Europe, the inquisitorial model allows judges to conduct their own investigations, rather than tasking each party with marshaling their evidence and presenting their case.

A team of clinic students — which included Zach Zamoff ’25, Chloe Chiles ’25 , Lillie Stephens ’25 and Grace Zipperer ’24 — worked on the project. Luis Santiago Genovesi, a current LL.M. student and Sánchez’s research assistant, also joined the students for the research.

The students personally interviewed judges, prosecutors and public defenders involved in the reform, accompanied by Jessica Kuhn and Jérémie Swinnen from the U.S. Embassy in Argentina. The team met with the ambassador on their return and presented their findings to the Diplomacy Lab.

“It was pretty remarkable — we had dinner with the top judge, the top prosecutor and the top public defender in Salta,” Zamoff said. “I was really grateful for the opportunity to learn from these people, and it really showed me the value of public service.”

The students learned firsthand how the new system has improved justice administration in the regions where it is being implemented, including faster, more transparent justice and a more strategic approach to combating federal crimes affecting the area, according to Sánchez. It also “humanizes” justice, by shifting from an emphasis on written filings to in-person hearings that increase the contact between defendants and the justice system.

“A lot of these reforms are trying to meet the ideals of Argentina’s founding fathers, who included the right to a jury trial in their constitution,” Zamoff said. “Argentina’s Constitution is very much based on the U.S. Constitution, and the rights of the accused are more compatible with an adversarial system.”

Before traveling to Argentina, the students started working on the project in the fall term, conducting document research and interviews with judges, prosecutors, public defenders, litigating attorneys, government officials and Argentine academics to learn more about the transition and its challenges.

The students met with Marc Stanley, the U.S. ambassador to Argentina, who is a former trial lawyer. Stanley was “eager” to hear their initial impressions and advise on the ongoing research process for the Diplomacy Lab report, Sánchez said.

The students shared their preliminary results April 19 at the Diplomacy Lab Fair at the State Department in Washington, D.C., in a presentation to State Department officers, peers from the DipLab network and representatives from other federal agencies.

Twelve thousand miles later, Sánchez, Zipperer and two other students — Sabrina Mato ’24 and Jessica Williams ’25 — were in Geneva to observe the work of independent experts who report to the U.N. Human Rights Council on their human rights investigations in various countries of concern.

The clinic advises several partners on similar matters, so Sánchez said it was crucial to observe the interaction between independent experts, governments and civil society members. Understanding the council’s modus operandi enables the clinic to safely advise clients who need assurances of anonymity and protection, Sánchez said.

“We strategically chose to attend during the presentations of reports by special rapporteurs and investigative missions — panels of three independent experts — on country situations like Iran, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela and North Korea, as these are most relevant to our clinic’s cases,” Sánchez said.

After a rapporteur or investigative mission presents its report to the council, the state under scrutiny is given the opportunity to respond. To foster an “interactive dialogue,” the president of the council then opens the floor to comments from other states and civil society organizations, Sánchez said.

The sessions made a particular impression on Mato, who left Cuba with her family as a child. Cuba is a member of the U.N. Human Rights Council, despite U.S. concerns about its human rights record and treatment of political dissidents.

“Having just gone back there a couple months ago to visit family, the actual situation there is really heartbreaking,” Mato said. “It was very frustrating to me to hear their representative talk the U.N. lingo about supporting human rights.”

Still, she was struck by how much advocacy and dialogue is going on informally behind the scenes.

“There are a lot of informal chats, like coffee chats and side conversations, and it seems like people are willing to talk,” Mato said. “There is a lot of change being made, we’re just not seeing it as the public — we only see their final two-minute speech.”

Mato plans to work on pro bono immigration law matters when she joins Reed Smith after graduation.

Zipperer, who attended a session on Syria, has worked extensively with Syrian refugees. She has been awarded a two-year fellowship from Immigrant Justice Corps to work for the Empire Justice Center on behalf of unaccompanied children seeking asylum.

The U.N. Human Rights Council sessions also attract various experts, academics and seasoned human rights defenders, according to Sánchez. The students met with Professor Elizabeth Salmon of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, who is the first female special rapporteur on North Korea; lawyer Anexa Alfred, an expert on the rights of indigenous people; and professionals from the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect.

“Attending the Human Rights Council sessions was highly instructive, particularly in regard to my work as an advocate for refugees,” Zipperer said. “From interviewing criminal justice attorneys in Argentina to meeting with attorneys and professionals at the U.N., the field experiences in this clinic far exceeded my expectations.”

Some of the sessions were held in the iconic Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. An enormous art installation by Miquel Barceló hangs from the center of the room’s ceiling, 100 tons of paint hand-sculpted into multi-hued stalactites.

“They say the ceiling reflects the complexity and diversity of the human condition,” Sánchez said. “I think it’s such a privilege for our students to travel and directly encounter the diverse complexities of human rights, from local to global levels, and all their interactions.”

Founded in 1819, the University of Virginia School of Law is the second-oldest continuously operating law school in the nation. Consistently ranked among the top law schools, Virginia is a world-renowned training ground for distinguished lawyers and public servants, instilling in them a commitment to leadership, integrity and community service.

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My four-day rail and ferry adventure from the UK to Albania

From London to Tirana, via Chambéry’s medieval streets, bustling Bari and Albania’s dynamic capital, this trip across Europe has treats at every turn

M y overriding memories of crossing countries by train, on a trip from London to Albania, are of half-empty carriages and countryside sweeping past windows bathed in the soft orange glow of sunset. I remember cypress trees, red-roofed villages with square churches, farmland in neat strips and row upon row of vineyards.

On my London-Paris-Chambéry-Turin-Bari-Tirana journey over land and sea, there was, for long stretches, little to do. The wifi was patchy. It took a while to adapt to having so much time to simply watch the world go by, travelling through landscapes without having to navigate them.

The biggest stress happened long before I set off, when a landslide not far from the French border with Italy blocked the rail line between Chambéry and Turin, forcing a closure that continues today. Byway, the no-fly operator I had booked with, offered to reroute me through Nice and on to Turin via the Vermenagna valley (with changes in Tende and Cuneo), or book me on the FlixBus service over part of the Mont Blanc massif. I was keen to see Chambéry and the Alps, so I chose the bus.

People seemed surprised when I told them I was travelling overland to Albania. As I gushed about the romance of slow travel by train and sleeper ferry, and my excitement about Tirana, I got comments about being “brave”. I didn’t feel especially brave: all the planning, tickets and hotel bookings were done for me, and friendly help was a WhatsApp call away if needed.

I just had to download the Rail Planner app for my Interrail pass and make sure I was at the right station at the right time (Turin was the biggest challenge: it has four main railway stations and taxis scream between them bearing anxious-looking passengers).

The entire journey took four days. If I did it all again, I’d stay longer in Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot – and remember to buy my Paris Métro ticket from the cafe on the Eurostar.

Day one: London to Chamb éry

First to Paris’s Gare du Nord, then the metro to Gare de Lyon, where I make a beeline for a cafe opposite the station. Noise pervades the pavement tables of Café Terminus, but the cacophony is delightful – an atmospheric place for a citron pressé .

I’m in plenty of time for the train to Chambéry and, excitingly, am on the upper deck. Soon, we break free from the suburbs to trace huge stands of forest. Beyond Lyon begins a ripple of hills, lazy rivers and thickly forested slopes. As evening approaches, it’s all Alpine scenery. I arrive at an almost-empty station and walk to the boutique Hotel des Princes in Chambéry’s old town.

Chambéry has an Italian feel – it was the seat of the House of Savoy before the dynasty moved on to Turin – and its medieval alleys, cathedral and pastel-coloured townhouses are quietly impressive. The 1838 Fontaine des Éléphants sits in the middle of the closest square to the old town, and peeking from the end of every street are the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges. My stay is peaceful and easy.

Day two: Chamb éry to Turin

From Chambéry, the train to Turin would take about 2½ hours, but the bus takes double this. I’m on the top deck again, which is worth it for the sight of misty fingers of early morning light breaking across the mountain ridge. Snoozing backpackers rouse themselves to snap pictures of remote Mont Blanc peaks, before slumbering once more through the tunnel to Italy. In Turin there’s perfume in the air from the blossom-covered trees.

Turin’s grid of long, straight boulevards is testament to its development by the Romans – the redbrick Palatine Gate is another Roman relic – and its grand piazzas, royal palaces and graffitied colonnades date from the city’s Savoy heyday in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the number one attraction is the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum).

My favourite moments? Ricotta and fig ice-cream on Piazza San Carlo, an aperitivo on off-the-beaten-path Via Sant’Agostino and the towering neoclassical Mole Antonelliana (national museum of cinema). I eat Turin’s famous doughy pizza al padellino (pan pizza) and spend a comfortable night in the eaves of Hotel Urbani in 19th-century residential streets close to the grand Porta Nuova train station.

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Day three: Turin to Bari

The views from my next train are of cinematic Tuscan scenes. Scorched fields, vines and Italian cypress trees. Neat red roofs and shabby-chic farmhouses. Fluffy clouds cling to hills that Google Maps tells me are the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. After hours of soothing golden landscapes, the opal-blue Adriatic wallops into view just north of Ancona. Beach bars whip by and cypress trees are replaced with palm trees: I’ve arrived in the south of Italy.

Bari is hands down my favourite stop. The noise, heat and energy as we step off the train in the early evening are joyous. After Chambéry and Turin, Bari feels brash, a little rough around the edges even; a proper port city. The labyrinthine alleyways of the whitewashed old town are almost cliched in their cuteness. Despite the troupes of tightly packed headphone-wearing Americans following guided tours, it somehow manages to retain a tranquil atmosphere.

Old ladies yawn from the shade as tourists surreptitiously snap pictures and laundry flutters from balconies. I could stay for ever, but after 24 hours (which includes a lot of pasta, a stroll along the posh promenade to the not-so-posh city beach and a night in an elegant aparthotel, Residence Zodiacus , halfway between the station and the old town), it’s time to board the night ferry to Albania.

Day (and night) four: Bari to Tirana

I arrive at the ferry on foot and am escorted through the car deck to jokes about going in the wrong direction (to Albania, instead of from it). In the early morning I spot a pink sky through the cracked window of my comfy en suite cabin, and head to the top deck to see the sun rise over the distant outline of Albania. Disembarking in the port of Durrës is a bit of a scrum and there’s a bus to the capital waiting, but I opt instead for a five-minute taxi ride to the centre of town and breakfast of pastries and espresso on a dazzling white road lined with boutiques and palm trees. I later regret this though, as the aircon on the grubby public bus I eventually take to Tirana is more tired than I am, and drops me in an urban sprawl miles from the centre.

Tirana itself is a revelation. My hotel, Padam Boutique , is a grand villa with handsome rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, and there’s striking new skyward architecture on every nearby street. A short stroll away is the landmark Pyramid of Tirana , which stands as a symbol and monument to change (and is fun to climb at sunset). Skanderbeg Square – a jumble of buildings erected on a roundabout at the time of the celebrations to mark the fall of communism in 1992 – is now a pedestrianised, glossy public space. There are nods to Albania’s recent, wretched history behind the iron curtain, of course – the Bunk’Art and Bunk’Art 2 museums, in nuclear bunkers are unmissable – but Tirana and the country are more than just the last century. My journey is done, but it feels like Tirana is just getting into its stride.

The trip was provided by Byway , which offers sustainable travel and accommodation packages across the UK and Europe. Its Alps to Albania trip costs from £679pp

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