Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advice for Argentina: beware of petty crimes, strikes and protests related to the Falklands
The most common incidents affecting tourists are distraction theft, bag snatching, pickpocketing and street theft.
The latest Argentina travel advice from the Foreign Office points out that in 2019 (the last normal year), 126,548 UK nationals visited Argentina in 2019 and most visits went smoothly.
However, before travelling, check the covid-19 entry requirements section for current Argentina entry restrictions and requirements. These can change with little warning. Watch these tips for the latest updates and stay in touch with your travel provider, the Foreign Office advised.
Check what you need to do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. If you plan to cross another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice of the country you are transiting through.
During the covid-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check that it provides sufficient coverage. See FCDO advice on overseas travel insurance.
In terms of crime, the most common incidents affecting tourists are distraction theft, bag snatching, pickpocketing and street robbery. On December 14, 2019, a British tourist was shot dead and another seriously injured outside their hotel, after being targeted by a gang upon arrival at Ezeiza International Airport. .
Protests and strikes take place regularly, often without warning, especially in Buenos Aires. Other large rallies, protests, demonstrations or marches are planned for the near future. There have also been occasional Falklands-related protests against British interests in Argentina. You should exercise caution at any large gathering and avoid all protests, marches and demonstrations. Likewise, terrorist attacks in Argentina cannot be ruled out.
British health authorities have classified Argentina as at risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information and advice, visit the National Travel Health Network website and the Center’s website.
If you need to contact emergency services, call 911 or 101 (police), 107 (ambulance) or 100 (fire).
For assistance in English in Buenos Aires, contact the Tourist Police at +54 911 5050 9260/3293 if calling from a cell phone or 155 5050 9260/3293 from a local landline (available 24 hours). In Mendoza, contact +54 (0)261 413 2135.
