Travel Vaccines and Advice for Argentina

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Argentina. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Argentina: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for some travellers to Argentina, based on their itinerary. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn if you’ll need one for your trip.

There is a risk of contracting the Zika virus in Argentina. Zika cases are present in the provinces of Chaco, Formosa, Salta, and Tucuman. All travellers are at risk, especially women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Taking steps to prevent insect bites, such as using DEET-based repellants can lower your risk.

For more information on any of the vaccines above, visit Passport Health’s detailed specialty vaccination pages or make an appointment with your local Travel Medicine Specialist. To make your appointment, call or booking online now.

Canadian citizens using a valid Canadian passport are not required to obtain a visa as long as they do not remain in the country longer than 30 days. Whether or not the trip is for tourism or business, any Canadian visitor must pay a reciprocity fee before they arrive in Argentina. If the fee is not paid, custom officials may refuse your entrance into the country. Once the fee has been paid, a receipt to prove so must be shown to your airline in addition to your flight ticket as well as custom officials upon your arrival.

Argentina Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Argentina?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Argentina and Canadian Travel and Tourism

Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

The climate in Argentina is diverse, ranging from tropical to polar. Precipitation is generally light to moderate throughout most of Argentina. Here is what to expect in a few diverse tourist destinations:

• Buenos Aires – The capital city has a moderate temperature, similar to cities in the southeastern United States. Winters are mild, while the summers get quite humid and hot. Buenos Aires rarely sees snow.
• Ushuaia – The capital of Tierra del Fuego is one of the colder regions in Argentina. This area experiences a mild tundra climate. It is also very humid and experiences frequent rain, sleet and snow in the winter months.
• Iguazú Falls – The climate along the Iguazú River and the Misiones Province is humid subtropical. The temperatures stay high all year. The chance of precipitation near the Iguazú Falls is high. The rainy season is from January to March.

There is criminal activity in Argentina, particularly in bigger cities.

The Canadian Government reports frequent scams involving black and yellow taxis at airports in Buenos Aires. Some of these scams include pretending to help tourists with their money while secretly exchanging their bills for counterfeits. When flying into Argentina, pre-arrange your ride from the airport using flat-rate “remise” services. When in town, always arrange for your taxi from secure locations such as hotels.

There is also a concern about “express kidnappings”. Victims are kidnapped and forced to withdraw as much money as they can from ATMs. Family, friends or coworkers are contacted and demanded to bring a ransom or as much money as possible. The victim is usually released once the ransom is paid. Some of these victims have included foreigners.

Street crime is a general problem. Common criminals include muggers, scam artists, pickpockets and purse-snatches. It is important to keep your guard up when in hotel lobbies, restaurants, at public transportation locations and on the street.

The Canadian Embassy reports many cases of stolen passports. Keep your passport and any valuables in a hotel safe and keep a photocopy of your passport on your person.

With abundant nature and sprawling, snowy mountains, Argentina is the perfect destination to try out extreme sports. Tourists can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, diving, rafting, mountaineering and more.

But, while Argentina is the perfect paradise for these unique sports, it is still important to exercise caution before speeding down mountains or jumping into unknown waters.

Research all excursions to ensure that you know exactly what you are getting yourself into or if you are even capable of participating. This will prevent unwanted injury while you are abroad. Going with a reputable vendor or guide is extremely important as well.

In addition to all travel documents and medications recommended by a Passport Health Travel Medicine Specialist, here are some items to consider packing:

• Insect Repellent – Many viruses and potential illnesses in Argentina, including Zika, come from mosquitos or other insects. Packing a repellent with at least 20%-30% DEET will help keep those infecting pests away. Also consider packing neutral-colored and loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs.
• Motion Sickness Medicine – If you are planning to travel, you may have to take buses over bumpy roads or even boats over choppy waters. Having medication on-hand will help you avoid any discomfort, headaches or nausea.
• Insect Repellent – Mosquitoes feast at night. Apply repellent whether you’re planning to go out on the town, or stay close to your lodging especially during wet seasons.
• Sunscreen – The best way to protect your skin’s health and prevent sunburn is to apply sunscreen. While it may not seem necessary in certain regions or if it is raining, skin damage can still occur.
• Varied Clothing – You will need a variety of clothing to deal with the wide range of the temperatures you will face. While wearing shorts and a t-shirt may be comfortable in Buenos Aires, you may need a jacket if you go to areas such as Patagonia or Ushuaia. Bring an umbrella, as rain is common in some parts of the country.
• Feminine Products – If you are a female traveller, make sure you pack enough sanitary napkins and tampons. Many bloggers and travellers have reported difficulty finding and buying feminine care products throughout parts of South America, particularly in Argentina.

All Canadians visiting Argentina should take precautions before and during their trip. If you run into any issues while in-country, contact the Canadian embassy:

Canadian Embassy Buenos Aires
Tagle 2828
C1425EEH Buenos Aires
Tel: 54 (11) 4808-1086

Visit the Canadian Embassy website before leaving to confirm correct contact details for the Canadian Embassy in Argentina.

The embassy also offers an emergency contact line for Canadians. If you have an emergency, you can call the ACS Emergency Line at (54-11) 5777-4354 while in Argentina.

If you have any questions or concerns about travelling to Argentina or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic or call us at or booking online today.