Argentina Moves Toward Rejoining the US Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)

What Changed

On July 28, 2025, the United States and Argentina officially began the process of restoring Argentina’s participation in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), which is a major diplomatic development that could eventually allow Argentine citizens to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa.

In a joint statement signed in Buenos Aires, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein, and Minister of National Security Patricia Bullrich agreed to deepen cooperation between the two countries on border and traveler security. The agreement outlines a shared commitment to strengthening screening systems and information-sharing protocols as part of the steps necessary for full reentry into the program.

Argentina was previously part of the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) but was removed in 2002 during an economic crisis. Since then, travelers from Argentina have been required to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, a process that can include months of wait time for an appointment and additional delays due to visa issuance backlogs.

According to Secretary Noem, Argentina is now leading the region in compliance with visa regulations. “Argentina now has the lowest visa overstay rate in all of Latin America and 25 percent more Argentines traveled to the US in the first four months of this year compared to last year—the biggest jump of any of the top 20 international arrivals,” she said.

What This Means for You

While this announcement does not immediately change any visa requirements, it marks an important shift in US-Argentina relations and lays the groundwork for future policy changes. The reentry process for ESTA is rigorous and can take several years, as participating countries must meet strict criteria related to border security, data sharing, and counterterrorism cooperation. The signing of this statement of intent shows that both countries are serious about moving forward.

For Argentine citizens, this development is a promising sign of expanded travel access and reduced visa burdens in the future. For now, the standard tourist visa process remains in place, but the groundwork has been laid for a more seamless travel process down the line.

We will continue to monitor updates on Argentina’s reentry into the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). If and when changes take effect, we’ll provide detailed guidance on how they may impact you or your travel plans. If you’re planning a trip to the US from Argentina or want to understand the current visa options available to you, we’re here to help.

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