UPDATE 2: As of March 24, 2016, the reciprocity fee is no longer required for US passport holders.
Argentina Entry Fee UPDATE: The Argentina entrance fee must now be paid in advance for all entries into Argentina – air, land, sea and cruise ship passengers. We have instructions on how to pay the Argentina reciprocity fee as the form is not that straightforward.
Remember to use Xoom to transfer money to Argentina for your trip.
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In October 2008, we reported that Argentina was planning to charge a reciprocal fee to tourists entering from countries that charge its citizens a visa or entrance fee. Well, that plan was put on indefinite hold — until now that is.
According to the Argentina Immigration web site, the new fees are imminent. The following file was posted there today:
The new fees apply only to Americans (US $131 $160), Canadians (US $70 $75), and Australians (US $100). The American entry fee is good for 10 years, the Australian one for 1 year and for Canadians, the fee is single entry and must be paid each time.
Of course, in true Argentine style, details are still sparse at this time. When the new fee goes into effect has not yet been specified. Also, if multiple entries are permitted, how long those entries are good for has not yet been specified either. We’ll be sure to keep you updated as we learn more. (UPDATE below.)
The original Argentine immigration article (english) on the reciprocal fee was published February 1, 2009, and mentioned that that the fee will only be charged at the Ezeiza airport, so that should mean that those ferry trips many expats make to Colonia will not cost more. We especially love how they specifically call it the “eye for an eye” fee rate and express their wishes that Argentina will be added to the list of countries that are granted a visa waiver from the US.
So, does this change your travel plans?
UPDATE: The US Embassy just published an advisory noting this new fee goes into effect December 20, 2009 and once paid is valid for 10 years:
Airport Entry Fee
December 11, 2009This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens that on December 20, 2009, the Government of Argentina will begin charging American Citizens visiting Argentina for business or tourism an entry fee of $131 U.S. dollars. The fee will be collected only at Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport. Once paid, the fee permits multiple entries into Argentina for ten years in accordance with United States visa reciprocity. Americans may pay in dollars, by credit card, or with travelers checks.
U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the U.S. for the latest travel information. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time, M-F, at 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from outside the U.S., at (202)-501-4444. For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located at 4300 Avenida Colombia, 1425 Buenos Aires;
telephone+54-11-5777-4354; after hours emergency telephone +54-11-5777-4873; ACS unit fax +54-11-5777-4293; e-mail [email protected]; web page http://argentina.usembassy.gov.Americans living or traveling in Argentina are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Argentina. Americans without internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
This email is UNCLASSIFIED.
Thankfully this update was unclassified and we could all get the news. 🙂
UPDATE 2: As of April 16, 2012, the Argentina entrance fee has increased from U$S 140 to U$S 160 in reciprocity for the US increasing their visa fee,
UPDATE: As of June 4, 2010, the Argentina entrance fee has increased from U$S 131 to U$S 140 in reciprocity for the US increasing their visa fee.