Beginning January 9, 2009, Argentina will implement a reciprocal tourist fee. This fee will only be imposed on those foreigners whose country of residence charges Argentines a fee to enter their country. In the case of American tourists, that fee will be approximately $134 which is the same fee that Argentines are charged when they apply for a visa to visit the United States. There still won't be a "visa" requirement and the Argentine government simply considers it "fair" to charge American tourists the same way that the U.S. charges Argentines. The big question is whether this will cover tourist for a set amount of time, say five years. It looks like it will be that way. However, for expats living in Argentina we all want to make sure that we won't be charged each time we renew our tourist visa. As of now it doesn't look like we will.
This fee won't be reserved just for Americans, but also Australians, Canadians, and any other country that charges Argentines a fee to enter their country.
I just traveled to and from Buenos Aires (Feb 24-Mar 4, 2009) but the only fee I had to pay was the exit tax, which is @ $18. My fiance, who is Argentinian, said it is still being discussed but the government is concerned about the potential impact on US tourism.
Posted by: R. | Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 12:15 PM
So, as this is mentioning, if I were to pay that amount (US Citizen), I would be able to stay in Argentina for 5 years and not the 3 months limit that is present now? Please do let me know, via email if possible. Thanks.
Posted by: Karla | Thursday, March 05, 2009 at 10:47 PM
Unpopular as my opinion will be, in this particular case I have no issue with the recipricoal arrangement. The Australian government charges for absolutely everything, and it's not cheap either. Australia just leads the way in making other countries impose the same regulation and fees that we do to everyone else.
And really people, $137US may not be much to you, but for an Argentine it is when they have to enter US, Canada, Aus etc. So let's get some perspective..so blame our own governments for initally imposing this ridiculous tax.
Posted by: AFortunateYear | Monday, January 26, 2009 at 06:57 PM
Does anyone know how much the charge is for a Canadian to enter Argentina?
Posted by: KENNY | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 03:19 PM
Does anyone know if this is in fact been implemented? I had heard that it was going to be delayed again...
Posted by: | Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 06:33 PM
At a time when tourism is declining worldwide because of the worsening world economy this charge will further reduce American tourism to Argentina. I formerly visited Argentina every couple of years. Now it will cost my family an additional $402 to visit (there are 3 of us). That is a significant cost increase and it will cause me me to consider other destinations. Argentina needs American tourists more than America needs Argentine tourists. I would venture to say this charge alone will reduce American tourism to Argentina by 20% or more. That will cost Argentina millions of pesos. They will lose far more than they earn.
Posted by: Bill | Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 04:10 PM
Oh N. sorry that you thought I was complaining. I'm definitely not. I don't see it as unfair at all but I do think it's important that people traveling to Argentina be aware of the new rules.
Posted by: moving to argentina | Monday, January 05, 2009 at 02:43 AM
Why do you complain? we have to pay that in order to apply for a tourist Visa to go to the USA or any other country that requests us that, even if they refuse us access.
Posted by: N. | Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 06:24 PM