Argentina

Recommended Vaccinations For Argentina

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, and the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

The yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travellers ≥9 months of age going to Corrientes and Misiones Provinces. It is generally not recommended for travellers going to Formosa Province and designated areas of Chaco, Jujuy, and Salta Provinces. Not recommended for all travellers whose itineraries are limited to areas and provinces not listed above.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Argentina

There are no recommendations for Argentina at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Argentina

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in the north and northeast areas of Argentina.

Hepatitis B

There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Argentina.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever occurs in this country.

For Some Travellers

West Nile Fever

There is a risk of acquiring West Nile virus in this country.

Malaria

There is no risk of malaria in Argentina. **Bite avoidance is recommended in all areas.**

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in this country, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever

There is a limited risk of yellow fever transmission. The yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travellers ≥9 months of age going to Corrientes and Misiones Provinces. It is generally not recommended for travellers going to Formosa Province and designated areas of Chaco, Jujuy, and Salta Provinces. Not recommended for all travellers whose itineraries are limited to areas and provinces not listed above.

Chagas Disease

Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) occurs in northern Argentina. However, the risk of travellers acquiring this disease is low unless staying in very poor quality housing or camping.

Zika Fever

There is a risk of acquiring West Nile virus in this country.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Argentina. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Argentina

Personal Safety

Travellers to Argentina should exercise a high degree of caution. Valuables should be kept out of sight and backpacks and bags watched at all times. Travellers are advised to avoid showing signs of affluence, such as expensive clothing. Ensure that travel documents and passports are kept secure at all times. Tourists should be particularly cautious in major cities and should avoid walking alone after dark.

Theft and petty crime occur commonly in public areas such as transportation hubs, restaurants, and internet cafés, particularly in major cities. Robberies involving motorcycles are also common and armed robbery can also occur. Travellers are advised to immediately give the criminal their cash and other valuables to prevent injury. ‘Mustard scam’ is a type of distraction theft used in Argentina. Mustard or a similar substance is sprayed on tourists. While pretending to help remove the stain, an accomplice tries to rob the tourist.

Book taxis in advance if possible. If you need to hail a taxi on the street, use only “radio taxis,” with the taxi’s company name and telephone number visible. Be aware of taxi scams.

Exercise caution when driving. Road conditions and respect for the posted speed limits may be poor. Pedestrians should exercise extreme caution due to the high rates of traffic accidents in Argentina.

Kidnappings can occur in larger cities. Victims are randomly picked from the street and a ransom is demanded or they are forced to withdraw money from automated banking machines. The victim is usually quickly released when the ransom is paid, while injuries can occur if the victim resists.

Travellers wanting to participate in outdoor adventure activities are advised to hire a guide, to always stay on marked paths and to ensure that equipment meets safety standards before departing.

Same-sex sexual activity and same-sex marriage are both legal in Argentina.

Seismic activity is not uncommon in Argentina. Border crossings may close due to earthquakes.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations, strikes, and protests can occur at any time and may cause traffic flow and transportation difficulties. Travellers should avoid areas of civil unrest.

Areas To Avoid

Travellers should exercise caution near Iguazú Falls and areas near the borders between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Criminal activities are known to occur here. These borders should not be crossed after dark in local taxis or buses.

The risk of crime is highest in Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Mendoza.