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Argentina Health Alert (April 24, 2020)
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9 MINUTE READ
April 24, 2020

ARCHIVED ALERT – REFER TO LATEST UPDATES HERE

Location:  Argentina

Event:  The Embassy has directly helped more than 3,500 U.S. citizens return to the United States. The remaining commercial flight options for departing Argentina are extremely limited. We are engaging with the Argentine government on future flights and will communicate any information as soon as it is available.

For U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents departing Argentina on Eastern Airlines’ April 25 flight:

  • Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, there are several checkpoints along the way.
  • The airline will be processing many passengers: be prepared to wait in line!
  • Bring snacks or drinks: the airport restaurants and coffee shops are closed.
  • Wear a face mask or covering.
  • Don’t forget to carry your passport, your confirmed international airline ticket, your personalized overland travel itinerary issued by the Embassy, and the Embassy Letter and Ministry Note found on the Embassy’s webpage: https://ar.usembassy.gov/covid-19/.

Travelers may be stopped at checkpoints on their way to the airport. Use the three letters to explain the purpose of travel to the checkpoint authorities. If you are unsuccessful in transiting through the checkpoint, call the Embassy’s emergency phone line (54 11) 5777-4354 while you are still at the checkpoint.

In the United States, passengers may be subject to CDC screening, health observation, and monitoring requirements upon reentry to the United States.  For additional questions, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 Information for Travel page.

Some airlines with flights to the United States have already cancelled flights in May. Airlines are offering options for passengers to extend the validity of their tickets or request refunds. If you believe you have an international flight departing Buenos Aires in May, please call your airline to confirm.

The national quarantine that began on March 20 has been extended through April 26. Media report that the government is expected to announce soon an extension of the quarantine through May 10. Limited quarantine exemptions include movement to obtain food and medical care and travel to the international airport for ticketed passengers (https://www.argentina.gob.ar/coronavirus/aislamiento/exceptuados). The use of face masks in cars and trains is required in all areas of national jurisdiction and in many provinces.

U.S. citizens sheltering-in-place in Argentina should be prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. For the provision of medical care, food, shelter, or other needs, you will need to rely on the Argentine system. The U.S. government has begun processing economic impact payments for qualified recipients. The U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires will not receive or administer any of these funds on behalf of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. If you believe you are eligible to receive an economic impact payment, we ask that you visit the IRS Coronavirus webpage.

Argentine immigration (Migraciones Argentinas) announced last week an automatic 30-day visa extension for all non-residents with visas set to expire after March 17. See details here: https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/primera/227952/20200417 and contact Migraciones Argentinas (https://www.argentina.gob.ar/interior/migraciones) with any questions.

Actions to Take:

 Assistance:

Please visit this website to unsubscribe from the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

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