Argentina, with Buenos Aires as the capital, is a fascinating and diverse country in South America with many things to offer. With an Argentina passport, you can share in its natural beauty, vast nature, and spectacular coastlines extending to the most southern point of the continent. Not only does it sport an impressive cultural heritage, but it also has a fierce passion for sports, cuisine and wine. In this article, we’ll delve into the Argentinian passport and what is required to obtain one.
Key Facts About the Argentina Passport
Visa-free access
Argentina’s passport allows its holder to travel to 164 countries without the need for a physical visa prior to travel, including many popular tourist destinations such as the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan. In addition to this, the passport provides consular assistance and protection to its holder in case of emergency or legal issues while abroad.
In this comprehensive guide, we will give you important information on everything you should know if you are considering second citizenship in Argentina, including securing an Argentinian passport. You’ll learn about Argentina, the benefits of its passport, costs, timelines, the renewal process, and the costs associated with getting Argentinian citizenship and a passport.
Global Passport Index
The Argentina passport ranks 50th in the world, according to our Global Passport Index. This is based on a combination of weighted scores from the Enhanced Mobility Index, Investment Index, and Quality of Life Index.
About Argentina
Argentina is a diverse and vibrant country located in South America, spanning an area of 2.78 million square kilometers. With a population of over 45 million, it is the eighth-largest country in the world and the second-largest in South America after Brazil. Its capital Buenos Aires is a large, cosmopolitan city with lots of great things to experience.
The country is bordered by Chile to the west, Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the northeast, Uruguay and the South Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Drake Passage to the south. Buenos Aires, the capital city, is a bustling metropolis that is home to many museums, art galleries, and theaters, making it a hub of cultural activity. Argentina is famous for its rich cultural heritage, dominated by the history of immigration waves that occurred over the past centuries.
Global Visa Requirements for Argentinian Passport Holders
The Argentina passport ranks 50th in the Global Passport Index and comes 45th in the Enhanced Mobility Index. With an Argentinian passport, its holder will be able to travel to 164 countries, and there are a handful of place that require a physical visa:
Country | Argentina |
---|---|
Afghanistan | visa required |
Albania | visa free (90 days) |
Algeria | visa required |
Andorra | visa free (90 days) |
Angola | visa free (30 days) |
Antigua and Barbuda | visa free (180 days) |
Armenia | visa free |
Australia | e-visa |
Austria | visa free (90 days) |
Azerbaijan | e-visa |
Bahamas | visa free (90 days) |
Bahrain | visa on arrival |
Bangladesh | visa on arrival |
Barbados | visa free |
Belarus | visa free (90 days) |
Belgium | visa free (90 days) |
Belize | visa free (90 days) |
Benin | e-visa |
Bhutan | e-visa |
Bolivia, Plurinational State of | visa free (90 days) |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | visa free (90 days) |
Botswana | visa free (90 days) |
Brazil | visa free (90 days) |
Brunei Darussalam | visa required |
Bulgaria | visa free (90 days) |
Burkina Faso | visa on arrival |
Burundi | visa on arrival |
Cambodia | visa on arrival |
Cameroon | e-visa |
Canada | visa required |
Cabo Verde | visa on arrival |
Central African Republic | visa required |
Chad | visa required |
Chile | visa free (90 days) |
China | visa required |
Colombia | visa free (90 days) |
Comoros | visa on arrival |
Congo | visa required |
Congo, The Democratic Republic of the | e-visa |
Costa Rica | visa free (180 days) |
Côte d'Ivoire | e-visa |
Croatia | visa free (90 days) |
Cuba | visa required |
Cyprus | visa free (90 days) |
Czechia | visa free (90 days) |
Denmark | visa free (90 days) |
Djibouti | e-visa |
Dominica | visa free (180 days) |
Dominican Republic | visa free |
Ecuador | visa free (90 days) |
Egypt | visa on arrival |
El Salvador | visa free (90 days) |
Equatorial Guinea | e-visa |
Eritrea | visa required |
Estonia | visa free (90 days) |
Eswatini | visa free (30 days) |
Ethiopia | visa on arrival |
Fiji | visa free (120 days) |
Finland | visa free (90 days) |
France | visa free (90 days) |
Gabon | visa free (30 days) |
Gambia | visa required |
Georgia | visa free (360 days) |
Germany | visa free (90 days) |
Ghana | visa on arrival |
Greece | visa free (90 days) |
Grenada | visa free (30 days) |
Guatemala | visa free (90 days) |
Guinea | e-visa |
Guinea-Bissau | visa on arrival |
Guyana | visa free (90 days) |
Haiti | visa free (90 days) |
Honduras | visa free (90 days) |
Hong Kong | visa free (90 days) |
Hungary | visa free (90 days) |
Iceland | visa free (90 days) |
India | e-visa |
Indonesia | visa on arrival |
Iran, Islamic Republic of | e-visa |
Iraq | visa required |
Ireland | visa free (90 days) |
Israel | visa free (90 days) |
Italy | visa free (90 days) |
Jamaica | visa free (30 days) |
Japan | visa free (90 days) |
Jordan | visa on arrival |
Kazakhstan | visa free (30 days) |
Kenya | e-visa |
Kiribati | visa free (90 days) |
Kuwait | visa required |
Kyrgyzstan | visa on arrival |
Lao People's Democratic Republic | visa on arrival |
Latvia | visa free (90 days) |
Lebanon | visa on arrival |
Lesotho | e-visa |
Liberia | visa required |
Libya | visa required |
Liechtenstein | visa free (90 days) |
Lithuania | visa free (90 days) |
Luxembourg | visa free (90 days) |
Macao | visa on arrival |
Madagascar | visa on arrival |
Malawi | visa on arrival |
Malaysia | visa free (90 days) |
Maldives | visa on arrival |
Mali | visa required |
Malta | visa free (90 days) |
Marshall Islands | visa on arrival |
Mauritania | visa on arrival |
Mauritius | visa free (90 days) |
Mexico | visa free (180 days) |
Micronesia, Federated States of | visa free (30 days) |
Moldova, Republic of | visa free (90 days) |
Monaco | visa free (90 days) |
Mongolia | visa free (90 days) |
Montenegro | visa free (90 days) |
Morocco | visa free (90 days) |
Mozambique | visa on arrival |
Myanmar | e-visa |
Namibia | visa required |
Nauru | visa required |
Nepal | visa on arrival |
Netherlands | visa free (90 days) |
New Zealand | e-visa |
Nicaragua | visa free (90 days) |
Niger | visa required |
Nigeria | e-visa |
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of | visa required |
North Macedonia | visa free (90 days) |
Norway | visa free (90 days) |
Oman | visa on arrival |
Pakistan | e-visa |
Palau | visa on arrival |
Palestine, State of | visa free |
Panama | visa free (90 days) |
Papua New Guinea | e-visa |
Paraguay | visa free (90 days) |
Peru | visa free (180 days) |
Philippines | visa free (30 days) |
Poland | visa free (90 days) |
Portugal | visa free (90 days) |
Qatar | visa on arrival |
Romania | visa free (90 days) |
Russian Federation | visa free (90 days) |
Rwanda | visa on arrival |
Saint Kitts and Nevis | visa free (90 days) |
Saint Lucia | visa free (42 days) |
Samoa | visa on arrival |
San Marino | visa free (90 days) |
Sao Tome and Principe | e-visa |
Saudi Arabia | visa required |
Senegal | visa on arrival |
Serbia | visa free (90 days) |
Seychelles | visa free (90 days) |
Sierra Leone | e-visa |
Singapore | visa free (30 days) |
Slovakia | visa free (90 days) |
Slovenia | visa free (90 days) |
Solomon Islands | visa on arrival |
Somalia | visa on arrival |
South Africa | visa free (90 days) |
Korea, Republic of | e-visa |
South Sudan | e-visa |
Spain | visa free (90 days) |
Sri Lanka | e-visa |
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | visa free (90 days) |
Sudan | visa required |
Suriname | visa free (180 days) |
Sweden | visa free (90 days) |
Switzerland | visa free (90 days) |
Syrian Arab Republic | visa required |
Taiwan, Province of China | visa required |
Tajikistan | visa free (30 days) |
Tanzania, United Republic of | visa on arrival |
Thailand | visa free (90 days) |
Timor-Leste | visa on arrival |
Togo | visa on arrival |
Tonga | visa required |
Trinidad and Tobago | visa free (90 days) |
Tunisia | visa free (90 days) |
Turkmenistan | visa required |
Tuvalu | visa on arrival |
Turkey | visa free (90 days) |
Uganda | e-visa |
Ukraine | visa free (90 days) |
United Arab Emirates | visa free (90 days) |
United Kingdom | visa free (180 days) |
United States | visa required |
Uruguay | visa free (90 days) |
Uzbekistan | visa free (30 days) |
Vanuatu | visa free (30 days) |
Holy See (Vatican City State) | visa free (90 days) |
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of | visa free (90 days) |
Viet Nam | e-visa |
Yemen | visa required |
Zambia | visa on arrival |
Zimbabwe | visa on arrival |
Argentina Passport Requirements
There are a variety of ways that you can obtain an Argentinian passport. However, one of the most important points is that the Argentinian passport can be obtained by foreign citizens with Argentinian citizenship through Argentine authorities. But before that, you must have lived in Argentina for at least two years with continuous residency before you can then apply for citizenship.
To get an Argentinian passport as an expat, you will need to provide the following:
- Passport application form
- Proof of legal residency
- Provide proof of undertaking legally recognized work
- Proof of your Spanish-language ability
- A notary-certified birth certificate
- Have a clear criminal record certificate from your home country
- A clear criminal record certificate from Argentina
- Your CUIT number (Clave Única de Identificación Tributaria), the Argentinian tax number
- Two recent passport photos
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
The above documents must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator if applicable. Once the application is approved you will be able to get your residence certificate and ID card.
How to get an Argentina Passport?
The application process for an Argentinian passport is straightforward. First, you have to schedule an appointment at your nearest civil registry office and submit a package of required documents. This package includes a completed Argentina passport application, which is a simple and straightforward process that involves providing basic information to the government.
Processing fees will vary based on the applicant’s age and the type of passport they are seeking, and fees are subject to change. Naturalized Argentine citizens must also present their citizenship certificate, while applicants under 18 must obtain parental permission to apply for a passport.
Most passports will be received by mail within 15 days of the date of application. For an additional fee, you can speed up the process and receive your passport in 48 hours.
However, Argentina also offers an ultrafast passport option, available only at Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Buenos Aires for individuals with same-day international tickets. Although this option incurs extra fees, it can be processed within 15 minutes and is an excellent choice for urgent overseas emergencies.
Argentina Passport through Investment
Argentina has an investment program that allows investors to gain residency and citizenship. The investment visa will be granted if an applicant invests at least 1.5 Million Pesos ($150,000) in an Argentinian company, trade, or service.
The investment visa is renewable for up to three years. After that, you can apply for permanent residency. After two years of permanent residency, you can then apply for citizenship (so after five years in total). Family members, such as your spouse, children, and parents can be included in the application for an Argentina passport.
Application process and timeline
To apply for the visa, you must first submit an investment plan for a productive, commercial, or service-oriented business. Additionally, you must provide evidence of your financial situation, as well as the origin and legality of the funds. This evidence must come from banking or financial institutions authorized by the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA).
Once you have submitted your investment plan, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism of Argentina will review your project. They will assess the nature of the investment, its legal viability, and its economic-financial sustainability. If your project is approved, you may be eligible to apply for the visa, provided that you carry out the investment.
You are allowed to include your dependents in your application. The visa has a validity of one year and can be renewed as long as you continue to maintain the investment. After two renewals, you may be eligible for permanent residency.
Argentina Passport through Marriage
If you are a foreign national seeking Argentine citizenship through marriage, you will be pleased to know that Argentina recognizes and provides civil marriage rights. These marriages must be registered with the Civil Registry Office, and the same rights have been granted to same-sex couples since 2010.
Religious ceremonies are allowed, but they hold no legal status in the country, so ensure you get legally married at the Civil Registry Office before or after your religious ceremony. If your spouse is an Argentine citizen, you may apply for Argentine nationality without having two years of permanent residency to complete. This can then lead to an Argentina passport.
Argentina Passport through Naturalization
Financial investment may not be an option for many people, but there are other ways to get Argentinian citizenship:
- Employment
- Freelance work
- Studying
- Living off a pension
- Starting a business
To qualify for permanent residency, you have to live continuously in Argentina for two consecutive years. After that, you are eligible to apply for citizenship. Expats who are already living in Argentina should take advantage of this opportunity.
Argentina Passport Renewal Process
Renewing the Argentina passport is quite similar to the process of obtaining a new one, with only minor differences that are nonetheless important. The primary difference is that in addition to the standard documents, the applicant must submit their expiring or expired passport. This must be the original passport, not a photocopy.
In addition, they must include three photographs of themselves, rather than the two required for first-time applicants. These photographs must comply with the government’s passport photo guidelines. The cost of a passport renewal is slightly less expensive than obtaining one for the first time (see the following section), although fees are subject to change.
Argentine passports may also be extended for five years, typically for individuals living overseas. The application process is identical to that of renewal, except that the applicant indicates they are seeking an extension rather than a renewal. Extended passports remain valid only until the holder returns to Argentina, at which point the document becomes invalid, and the holder must renew or obtain a new passport.
Argentina passport holders over the age of 18 must renew their passports every ten years if they wish to travel outside of Argentina, and Argentina passport holders under the age of 18 must have a new passport every five years.
Argentina Passport Cost
The cost of an Argentine passport varies depending on where you get it from (an overseas embassy or consulate will most likely be a lot more expensive than getting your Argentine passport from Argentina), the age of the applicant, and whether you are renewing or extending it.
If you get your passport in Argentina, it will cost the following:
- Regular: $18.49
- Express: $34.67
- Instant: $115.55
To get your passport in a US embassy, the costs are as follows:
- Adult passport: $165
- Child Passport: $135
- Passport Renewal: $130
Please note that the above costs may be subject to change.
Is it Worth Having an Argentina Passport?
The Argentinian passport is a highly-ranked passport that has gained popularity in the last few years. Argentina’s low cost of living whilst maintaining a happy population and good standard of living makes it an attractive opportunity for many expats, digital nomads, and those who seek to improve their passport power.
Obtaining an Argentinian passport is possible through a variety of options, either by investment, by applying for citizenship after a total of five years of residence, or by marriage. The process is straightforward and inexpensive, especially if you obtain your passport in Argentina.
For further information on becoming a global citizen, schedule a non-binding call with one of our experts at Global Citizen Solutions. We are a boutique investment migration consultancy with years of expertise and experience behind us. Our borderless vision is our biggest asset and has helped hundreds of clients realize their dream lives.
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Frequently Asked Questions about an Argentina Passport
How long can I stay in Argentina with a US passport?
As a US passport holder, you can stay in Argentina for up to 90 days without a visa. This period can be extended for another 90 days by visiting the National Directorate of Migration in Argentina and paying a fee.
How do I get an Argentinian passport?
You can get an Argentine passport by investing in a business or enterprise in Argentine or by marrying an Argentinian national. What’s more, if you’ve had five years of residency, you can also apply for a passport.
How do I renew an Argentina passport in the USA?
To renew an Argentina passport in the USA, you have to go to your nearest Argentinian embassy and ensure you have the correct documents with you, including your existing passport.