Published: March 11, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Argentina Travel Advisory and Argentina Country Information Page.
Embassy Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires: Avenida Colombia 4300, CABA, 0121
Tel: +54-11-5777-4533
Hours of Operation: 0800-1800 Monday to Friday
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
Contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions.
Argentina Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions while traveling to Argentina.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Buenos Aires as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Argentina.
Argentina’s published crime statistics reflect a slight decrease in the overall homicide rate for Argentina, with a rate of 4.4 murders per 100,000 people in 2024. Conversely, Argentina has seen a moderate increase in the overall number of robberies committed nationally since 2020.
Incidents self-reported to the U.S. Embassy reveal U.S. citizens are most often victims of theft or non-violent robbery, principally in tourist neighborhoods. Crime can occur anytime and anywhere. Thieves look for expensive-looking jewelry, watches, cell phones, and cameras. They specifically target unattended purses, backpacks, laptops, and luggage, often only needing a few seconds to steal valuables. There are numerous reports of robbery of bags off chairs and from in between feet at cafés and restaurants. Thieves on foot and motorcycles (locally identified as motochorros) regularly grab purses, backpacks, laptops, and luggage, and often target vehicles in stopped traffic for smash-and-grabs. Travelers are always recommended to avoid overt displays of wealth while traveling in Argentina. Do not use cellphones in crowded public areas.
There has also been an increase in reports of the use of drugs, including “date-rape” drugs, in the commission of robberies. Travelers are recommended to avoid leaving food or drink unattended in public spaces and should be weary of overconsumption.
While most crime victims do not receive physical injuries when robbed, criminals are often armed and may use force and physical violence when encountering resistance. There have been violent and even fatal attacks of foreigners carrying valuables. In the tourist neighborhood of Recoleta, criminals have attacked tourists for their high-end watches and iPhones, resulting in injuries when the victims resisted. If confronted, do not resist turning over valuables.
There have been attacks that targeted visitors departing from Ministro Pistarini International Airport (a/k/a Ezeiza International Airport or EZE) traveling to hotels in downtown Buenos Aires. In one case, this type of a violent attack resulted in the shooting death in December 2023 of a British tourist in front of his Puerto Madero hotel. The criminals had targeted the man and his family after arriving to EZE from Miami, following them to their five-star hotel. Outside the hotel, a physical encounter ensued after the man and his adult son fought against the initial robbery attempt, resulting in the death of the father and severe wounding of the son. The motochorros got away with luggage containing computers, money, and high-end watches.
Use credit cards only at hotels and major stores/restaurants. Verify that shops and restaurants accept credit cards prior to purchase, as some locations are cash only. Watch bills and statements for fraudulent charges and have account information available if you need to contact your credit card company to report theft or fraud. The U.S. Embassy receives frequent reports of stolen passports. Lock passports and other valuables in a hotel safe and carry only a photocopy of your passport’s information page for identification purposes.
Long-term residents have greater exposure to criminal activity than visitors do. A common crime tactic is attacking victims upon entry/exit of their residence, enabling criminals to force their way inside; there has been a recent uptick in criminals following food delivery services to take advantage of victims as they collect their food. Many home invasion gangs seek cash, which Argentines frequently store in their homes. The Regional Security Office (RSO) has also received reports that criminals followed victims to their accommodations, especially from financial institutions. When staying in a hotel or apartment, call the front desk or security office to identify uninvited individuals before giving them access.
There have been robberies in isolated areas and occasional burglaries of hotel rooms and rental cars in resort areas, including while stopped temporarily at convenience stations. Highway robbery largely affects commercial vehicles. The robbery of trucks has mainly occurred on the highways of northern Buenos Aires province and on the southern roads of Santa Fe province. Highway robbers are often referred to as piratas del asfalto (asphalt pirates).
The U.S Department of State designates the city of Rosario as Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution due to crime.
Street crime in the larger cities (e.g., Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Mendoza) is a constant problem for residents and visitors alike. Visitors to popular tourist destinations should be alert to muggers, pickpockets, scam artists, and purse snatchers. Violent armed robberies have also taken place in the suburbs of northern Buenos Aires such as Vicente Lopez, Olivos, Martinez, and San Isidro; and in capital neighborhoods like Palermo, Belgrano San Telmo, Recoleta, and La Boca. Tourists who travel to the La Boca area of Buenos Aires area should limit their visit to the designated tourist streets during daylight hours only. Informal housing developments (villas) exist in Buenos Aires and other major cities, even adjacent to tourist zones; avoid entering these, as many are high-crime areas.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Argentina.
The risk of kidnapping for ransom in Argentina is low, especially for U.S. travelers.
There are occasional reports of express kidnappings. Victims are often targets of opportunity, profiled due to perceived wealth and the vehicles they drive. In some scenarios, travelers who hail unknown taxis off the street have been locked in vehicles and brought to ATMs, where they are told to withdraw as much cash as possible before being released. Travelers are always recommended to call taxis from reputable stands in hotels or airports, or to call for electronic-based rideshares.
Virtual kidnappings (fake telephone kidnappings) are a common scam in which criminals use stolen phones or otherwise obtained personal data to contact family members and coworkers claiming to have kidnapped the owner of the phone. This happens while the alleged kidnapping victim is in a movie theater, on an international flight, or has just had their cell phone stolen, making it difficult to confirm whether the claimed kidnapping is real. Memorizing phone numbers and immediately letting family members know you are all right -- even on social media -- is a key way to interrupt this cycle.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Buenos Aires as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Argentina.
In 1992 and 1994, terrorist actors linked to Iran attacked the Israeli Embassy and Asociacion Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA) respectively. In recent years, however, incidents of concern have largely been associated with organized crime. For example, there were several criminal incidents in Buenos Aires involving small improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or simulated IEDs. In 2019, during a pursuit of motorcycles in the micro center by La Ciudad Police officers, drivers threw a small duffle bag containing an explosive device at the pursuing police vehicle. Following the investigation of the incident, La Ciudad officers found evidence that suggests these incidents were perpetrated by organized criminal elements to target police. There are no known terrorist threats targeting U.S. travelers in Argentina.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Buenos Aires as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Argentina. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Argentina is a federal constitutional republic. In November 2023, Argentina elected Javier Milei as president. Elections were considered free and fair, and Milei took office on December 10, 2023 without incident.
Protests & Demonstrations
Over the last two years, high inflation rates and economic reforms have been the primary driver of protest activity. A larger cross-section of civil society is likely participating in the rallies than in prior periods of unrest. General strikes by unions in the transportation, education, and manufacturing sectors have caused periodic, though far-reaching, transit and business-continuity disruptions, especially in major cities.
Most demonstrations pertain to domestic economic and political issues –especially labor disputes and price hikes in previously subsidized utility services. Occasionally, protests target U.S. interests based on current events and in conjunction with local labor protests. Protests can attract thousands of participants, and often feature piqueteros, a collection of social activist groups whose main tactic is to block roads and disrupt local transportation systems.
In Buenos Aires, demonstrations most commonly occur at highway access points, the Ministro Pistarini International Airport Road, or downtown (e.g. the Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, Congress, or the obelisk on Avenida 9 de Julio). The use of sound systems, fireworks, and musical instruments is common, as is the burning of tires, effigies, and flags. The Government of Argentina has been proactive in dispersing demonstrations, especially when roads become blocked. As such, there has been a slight increase in clashes with police, but typically only involving minor violence.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Anti-U.S. sentiment is present in Argentina, but primarily focuses on U.S. foreign policy and multinational companies. Despite elevated rhetoric in certain political sectors, this sentiment only occasionally translates into protests or demonstrations that target these entities, and very rarely are these protests violent. The Argentine state has generally taken measures to protect U.S. individuals and interests, including the preventative deployment of police and security forces.
Law Enforcement
Federal, provincial, and municipal police forces share responsibility for law enforcement and maintenance of law and order. The Security Ministry oversees all federal agencies, including the Federal Police, Airport Security Police, National Gendamerie (primarily border control), Naval Prefecture (i.e., Coast Guard), and Penitentiary Service (i.e., prisons).
Each of Argentina’s 23 provinces also has its own police force (e.g., Buenos Aires Provincial Police). Each operates independently from federal law enforcement, and is funded and has jurisdiction purely within its provincial area. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. There were credible reports that members of the security forces committed some abuses.
Police Response
U.S. travelers and expatriates can generally expect better police response and less harassment from police than in many other Latin American countries. Police uniforms vary from municipality to municipality, and several federal security forces augment the local police, so travelers can expect to see several different police units.
Checkpoints are common, especially around Buenos Aires. Drivers must present all necessary documentation, including a copy of their passport or Argentine identification card, as well as a driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of third-party liability insurance.
Argentine law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention, and the Government of Argentina generally observes these prohibitions. However, there are occasional reports of the police arresting and detaining citizens arbitrarily. Individuals detained by the police should ask to contact the Embassy. Report any irregular police procedures to the U.S. Embassy.
The emergency number in Argentina is 911.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Argentina, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Argentina.
There have been isolated reports of government corruption. Corruption and official complicity have also been reported in municipal security forces. The most frequent abuses included the extortion and protection of those involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, and prostitution.
Cybersecurity
There are no cybersecurity concerns specific to private-sector operations in Argentina.
Import/Export Restrictions
Argentina has strict rules regarding the import of firearms. Ensure all firearms are transported unloaded and in locked cases. Permits are to be obtained before import, and all firearms and ammunition must be claimed to Argentinean customs agents upon arrival.
There have been no reports of restrictions on the import of personal satellite phones. Ensure medication is kept in its original packaging and bring original prescriptions, as Argentina limits the prescription and use of some anti-psychotic medications.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
