Argentina Officially Applies for US Visa Waiver Program Re-Entry
Argentina has formally submitted its bid to rejoin the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, allowing visa-free travel for tourism and business—a status it held from 1996 to 2002 before economic turmoil forced its withdrawal.
Argentina has officially submitted its bid to rejoin the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which would exempt Argentine travelers from tourist or business visa requirements. Citizens of eligible countries can visit the U.S. for up to 90 days with only an online authorization (currently $21) instead of applying for a visa—just as Argentina did between 1996 and 2002 until the program was withdrawn amid economic crisis.
Argentina’s formal VWP candidacy announcement
On July 28, during an official visit to Buenos Aires, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem signed a preliminary agreement with Argentine President Javier Milei at the Casa Rosada.
The discussions centered on migration, security, and counterterrorism efforts, signaling a strengthened bilateral relationship described by Argentina’s government as a strategic alliance that exceeds mere economic cooperation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cot6oXEN8sA
Buenos Aires notes that this bid launches a rigorous process requiring electronic passports, biometric systems deployment, and enhanced border controls to meet international security standards and VWP eligibility criteria.
Secretary Noem praised Argentina’s progress, highlighting it has the lowest overstay rate in Latin America—approximately 1%—and that U.S. travel from Argentina surged by 25% in 2024.
— U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem
Not all criteria are yet aligned: Argentina’s short-term visa refusal rate hovers around 10%, far above the U.S. legal threshold of 3%. Several Washington sources suggest the move may include political considerations.
If approved, Argentina would become one of only 42 VWP participant countries—and the sole one in South America—granting 90-day visa-free travel with a two-year validity ESTA authorization ($21 fee). Approval is expected within two to three years, pending security assessments and inter-agency coordination.
This development could also boost Argentina’s 2025 proposal for a citizenship-by-investment program requiring a minimum investment of $500,000. Easier U.S. access via the VWP would serve as a key selling point for foreign investors. |
The Argentine delegation spearheading the dossier includes Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein, and Ambassador to Washington Alejandro Oxenford, coordinating closely with U.S. agencies.
En tant que chargée de relation client, mes missions sont la gestion et le suivi des demandes de visas. Je reste informée des actualités concernant les nouvelles formalités de voyage ainsi que les spécificités des nouveaux visas.
