Argentina
About
| Deep in the south of South America is this land of infinitely enchanting landscapes -from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes and the dusty plains of Patagonia to the 'Land of Fire'. At the heart of all this is the capital city, Buenos Aires. Somewhat unfairly described as a grimy Paris, Buenos Aires is a smart, contemporary city that is full of life and bursting with energy. While the spirit of the tango is alive and well and the gaucho heritage is celebrated, modern Argentina is more cosmopolitan in its outlook than many South American countries. Ski down the eastern slopes of the Andes (best May to September). Bariloche is the oldest and best-equipped ski resort, although purpose-built Las Leñas is gaining popularity. Saddle up on a horse trek amid the arid, rose-tinted mountains around Salta in Argentina's far northwest. Taste some of the New World's best wines and learn about the region's winemaking heritage at a traditional bodega in Mendoza. |
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| Official Name: | República Argentina For purposes of legislation: Nación Argentina (Argentine Nation) |
| Capital: | Buenos Aires (BUE) |
| Currency: | Argentinean Peso (ARS). USD is widely accepted. |
| Language: | Spanish. English is widely spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 54 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT -3 (5 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. |
| Best time to go: | Spring and Autumn (September to November and March to May). Winter is best for skiing. |
| Best for: | Wine farms, Skiing. |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plug fittings in older buildings are of the two-pin round type, but most new buildings use the V-shaped twin with earth pin. Travellers should bring a world travel adaptor. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. Immediate cash payment is required by doctors. Outside of the capital city, healthcare facilities may be more limited. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies. Kissing cheeks is a common form of greeting. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Siesta is practiced in some towns and provinces. Demonstrations should be avoided. |
| Duty Free: | he following goods may be imported into Argentina by travellers over 16 years of age without incurring customs duty: • US$300 in personal or new goods if arriving by air, plus an additional US$300 of goods purchased in duty-free shops upon arrival. • US$150 in personal or new goods if arriving by land or waterway, plus an additional US$150 of goods purchased in duty-free shops upon arrival. Travellers under 16 may import half these amounts. You should declare upon arrival items that might not be considered part of normal luggage (such as expensive camera equipment or musical instruments) and show the declaration on departure. A licence is required for firearms and ammunition for hunting purposes. You must declare gold. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Firearms (unless under licence from the National Arms Registry), explosives, flammables, narcotics, and goods considered a risk to health or safety. |
Issuing Authorities
Argentine Embassy
2nd floor, Standard Plaza Building, 440 Hilda Street, Hatfield
Tel: 012 430 3524
Email: esafr@mrecic.gov.ar
Web: esafr.cancilleria.gob.ar
Argentine Consulate General
13 Fredman Drive, Piso 9 Fredman Towers, Sandton, Johannesburg
Tel: 011 783 9032
E-mail: cjoha@mrecic.gov.ar
Web: cjoha.cancilleria.gob.ar/en
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Mar 3-4, 24; Apr 2, 18; May 1, 25; Jun 17, 20; Jul 9; Aug 18; Oct 13; Nov 17; Dec 8, 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Feb 16-17; Mar 24; Apr 2-3; May 1, 25; Jun 17, 20; Jul 9; Oct 12; Nov 23; Dec 8, 25
Visa Requirements
South African passport holders do NOT require a visa for entry into Argentina for tourism or business purposes for a stay of up to 90 days.
Entry Requirements:
- Valid passport - must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the intended date of entry and have at least three (3) empty pages.
- Return air ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds
Minors:
Minors travelling without their parents (under 18 years old) will need authorisation from their legal guardians as well as a copy of their unabridged birth certificate. The “Minors authority form” must be signed by both of the legal guardians in front of a Commissioner of Oaths. Please contact the Consulate on visas-cjoha@mrecic.gov.ar for the form.
Re-entry to South Africa:
All nationalities are required to present the yellow fever certificate when coming back to South Africa from Argentina.
SA Representative
South African Embassy
Avenida Marcelo T de Alvear 590, Piso 8, C1058AAF, Buenos Aires
Tel: +54 11 4317 2900
Email: consular.argentina@dirco.gov.za
Web: www.embajadasudafrica.org.ar
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended: | Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
