Argentina has applied to join the US Visa Waiver Program. Learn about the conditions, deadlines, prospects, and benefits for citizens and foreign investors

Argentina has officially begun the process of returning to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which could allow millions of its citizens to travel to the United States without a classic visa. Read about the prospects and benefits for foreigners in this article.

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Visa-free travel to the United States for Latin American citizens

The VWP program allows tourists and business travelers to stay in the United States for up to 90 days with only an electronic travel authorization (ESTA) worth $ 21.

Argentina already participated in this initiative in 1996-2002, but was excluded due to the economic crisis.

Currently, among Latin American countries, only Chile is included in the program.

At what stage is visa-free travel to the United States for Argentine citizens?

On July 28, 2025, US Secretary of Homeland Security Christie Noem signed a preliminary agreement during a meeting with Argentine President Javier Milay in Buenos Aires. The parties discussed cooperation in the field of security, migration and the fight against terrorism. The Argentine authorities emphasized that joining the VWP would be “a clear signal of a strategic partnership with the United States”.

Conditions for obtaining visa-free travel to the United States for Argentine citizens?

To receive approval, Argentina must meet a number of strict requirements:

1. Introduction of biometric passports and improved control systems;

2. Modernization of border infrastructure;

3. Establishment of expanded data exchange with American authorities.

The assessment process may take 2-3 years. The United States noted a low level of visa violations among Argentines (about 1%), as well as a 25% increase in the number of trips to America in 2025.

Advantages of visa-free travel to the United States for Argentine citizens

Argentina’s entry into the US visa-free travel program will have many advantages for Argentines, including:

- Simplification of travel for millions of Argentines;

- Reducing travel costs and bureaucracy;

- Increasing tourism and business ties between the two countries;

- Strengthening Argentina’s image as a reliable international partner.

If the negotiations are successfully concluded, Argentina will join an elite club of 42 countries whose citizens are entitled to visa-free entry to the United States.

Prospects for foreigners in Argentina

In May, Argentina announced the launch of a citizenship-by-investment program with a minimum threshold of $500,000. Successful entry into the VWP could make this passport even more attractive to foreign investors, as it will provide visa-free access not only to Mercosur countries, but also to the United States.

Argentina’s application to join the US Visa Waiver Program opens a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries. For Argentines, this means easier travel, increased opportunities for business and tourism, and a stronger international profile for the country. For foreigners who consider Argentina as a destination for investment and life, the prospects are becoming even more attractive - because the Argentine passport in the future can provide access to one of the most important markets in the world. Successful completion of the process will be an important step in the formation of a strategic partnership between Argentina and the USA.

Planning to Move or Invest in Argentina? Argentina’s new immigration policies and upcoming Citizenship by Investment program require thorough preparation. Book a consultation with an immigration lawyer to avoid mistakes and navigate the entire process with confidence – from making an investment to obtaining citizenship.

Recall! Argentina is no longer an "open door" country - in 2025 the government radically revised immigration rules, which will significantly affect the lives of foreigners. We have already talked about the main changes in the country's immigration policy.

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