United States entry requirements for Argentina passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Argentine passport holders need a visa to enter the United States for tourism or business in 2026. You must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the U.S. embassy in Buenos Aires before you travel. The process involves an online application, an in-person interview, and a fee of $185.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | You need a visa to enter the United States. Apply at the US Department of State website — the process involves an online form (DS-160), a fee payment, and an in-person interview at the US embassy in Buenos Aires. Processing times vary, so start at least 3 months before your trip.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by US law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your US host. Immigration officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you're a first-time visitor. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses. There's no set minimum amount, but officers may ask how you'll fund your trip. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Interview slots at the Buenos Aires embassy can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons (summer, holidays). Start the process at least 3 months before your planned travel date.
Visa-free travel is not an option
Argentina is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. You cannot use ESTA. A B-1/B-2 visa is required for all tourist and business visits.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to ceac.state.gov and fill out the DS-160. You'll need your passport, a digital photo (2x2 inches, white background), and details of your travel plans. Save the confirmation barcode page — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee at a Banco Nación branch or online via the official payment portal. Keep the receipt — it's required to schedule your interview.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system (ais.usvisa-info.com) and pick a date at the Buenos Aires embassy. Wait times vary from a few weeks to a couple of months, so apply early. You can reschedule if needed.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy (Av. Colombia 4300, Palermo) with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting documents. Expect security screening — no electronics allowed inside. The interview is short, usually 5–10 minutes. The officer will ask about your trip and ties to Argentina.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa issuance. Processing takes 3–5 business days, sometimes longer. You'll get an email to pick up your passport at a designated courier location or have it delivered.
6
Enter the US
At the US port of entry (airport, land border), present your passport with the visa. A CBP officer will ask about your stay. Have your return ticket and accommodation details handy. You'll be admitted for up to 6 months, but the officer decides the exact duration.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Argentina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years (typical for Argentine passport holders)
Cost$160 USD (approx. ARS 140,000)
Allows tourism, business meetings, and medical treatment. Must apply at US embassy in Buenos Aires.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years (typical)
Cost$160 USD (approx. ARS 140,000)
Same as single entry but allows multiple entries over validity period.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace period
ValidityUp to 5 years (depending on program)
Cost$160 USD (approx. ARS 140,000) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
Requires acceptance at a US educational institution and proof of financial support.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
Validity3 years initially
Cost$460 USD (approx. ARS 400,000) + premium processing optional
Requires employer sponsorship and a specialized job offer. Subject to annual cap.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
$460 USD filing fee + premium processing optional
For professionals in specialized fields (e.g., IT, engineering). Requires employer sponsorship and a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Subject to annual lottery cap.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace period
$160 USD visa fee + $350 SEVIS fee
For full-time students enrolled in accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas)
For individuals investing in a US business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Leads to permanent residency for investor and immediate family.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (typically 1–2 years, extendable)
$160 USD visa fee + program-specific fees
For participants in approved exchange programs (e.g., research, teaching, training). Requires sponsorship from a designated US organization.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $160 USD (approx. ARS 140,000) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Argentine passport holders. | $160 USD (approx. ARS 140,000) |
| Stay extension (Form I-539)Filing fee for extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (approx. ARS 320,000) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying can lead to visa revocation and future inadmissibility. | $0 USD (no fixed fine, but may affect future visas) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to home30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous visa overstay or violation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Argentine passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to change flights in the US, even if staying airside. However, if you have a valid US visa (e.g., B1/B2), you may transit without a separate transit visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B1/B2) may transit without a C-1 visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa or permanent residence may transit without a visa under certain conditions.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries do not need a transit visa if they have ESTA approval.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - New York · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Miami International Airport (MIA)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded areas of Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Coast; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
West Nile virus occurs nationwide, especially summer; dengue rare but present in southern states.
Foodborne illnesses (E. coli, Salmonella)Low risk
Risk from undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy; practice food safety.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) National Benefits Center
850 NW Chipman Road, Lee's Summit, MO 64063
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00 (phone support)
Extensions and change of status are filed by mail; no walk-in services.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00 (by appointment only)
Handles in-person interviews for certain applications; appointments required.
Practical information for AR travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process takes 1–3 months on average. The DS-160 form takes about an hour to complete. Interview wait times at the Buenos Aires embassy vary — check the current wait time on the U.S. State Department website. After approval, visa issuance takes 3–5 business days.
No, most Argentine applicants aged 14–79 must attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires. Exceptions exist for children under 14 and adults over 79, but they still need a DS-160 and fee payment.
If denied, you'll receive a refusal letter under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (most common reason: insufficient ties to Argentina). You can reapply at any time, but you'll need to pay the fee again and schedule a new interview. Address the reason for denial in your new application.
At the port of entry, a CBP officer decides your stay — typically up to 6 months. You cannot extend a B-1/B-2 stay beyond the date given. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a return or onward ticket booked and saved on your phone. It's not always checked, but it's a common request.
No, the B-1/B-2 visa is for tourism, business meetings, or medical treatment only. You cannot work for a US employer or receive payment from a US source. If you plan to work, you need an appropriate work visa (e.g., H-1B, L-1).
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, appointment confirmation, and supporting documents: a job letter, bank statements (last 3 months), property deeds, travel itinerary, and hotel bookings. Organize them in a folder. The officer may ask for specific items.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.