Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

BBB - A relatively stable regulated state, there is a medium HSE risk for tourists caused by persistent crime and poor driving in country. Worksite risk is deemed to be medium.

 

 

Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should be allowed to Argentina except:

 

British companies/equipment and personnel and all other companies involved in hydrocarbon activity in the disputed Falklands/Malvinas Islands. Companies involved in these activities or with British nationality/registration should investigate requirements further before entering Argentinian waters, land or airspace.

 

Crime

The most common crimes are distraction theft, bag snatching and armed robberies. Take particular care in restaurants and internet cafes, on public transport and in the tourist areas of San Telmo, La Boca and Retiro. Keep a close eye on your personal possessions at all times. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing jewellery. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night.

 

Con-men have been known to rob tourists while an accomplice pretends to help remove ketchup or mustard that has been ‘accidentally’ sprayed on them. There have also been reports of thieves posing as hotel guests and snatching bags while tourists are checking into hotels or hostels. Another common tactic is slitting handbags in crowded places and snatching mobile phones while they are being used.

 

Passport thefts are common especially in Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Leave your passport in a hotel safe or security box and keep a photocopy of the details page with you at all times.

 

Kidnappings and so called ‘express kidnappings’ occur in Argentina. Victims are normally held while criminals empty their bank accounts with cash cards. Once the ransom is paid the victim is usually quickly released. It is common for thefts to take place when withdrawing cash from ATMs.

 

If possible, book taxis in advance. If you hail a taxi in the street, only use a ‘radio taxi’. These have a clearly visible company logo on the rear passenger doors. If you are being met at the airport and you don’t know your greeter, confirm their identity before setting off. Alternatively use a ‘remise’ service from the official stand in the centre of the arrivals concourse.

 

If you are a victim of crime, you should inform the local police and get a police report.

 

In Buenos Aires, a 24-hour police helpline in English is available on telephone number 101. There is also a new multi-lingual free phone number for tourist assistance: 0800 999 5000. This goes through to the tourist police station at Corrientes 436, email:  turista@policiafederal.gov.ar. In Mendoza, contact the Tourist Police at San Martin 1143, tel: (0261) 413 2135, email: policiaturistica@mendoza.gov.ar.

 

Political situation

 

Since the beginning of December there have been a series of strikes involving local police forces in a number of Argentine Provinces. There has been some associated looting and violence in affected regions. You should be aware of possible disturbances, avoid demonstrations, monitor the local news and follow the advice of local authorities

 

Political demonstrations and picketing are more common in Argentina than in the UK. They can take place at many public locations throughout Argentina. Some demonstrations attract large numbers of people. There have been cases of demonstrations turning violent. You should monitor the media and avoid demonstrations.

 

There have been occasional Falklands-related protests outside the British Embassy and British affiliated businesses in Argentina.

 

Local travel

 

Groups of demonstrators (piqueteros) sometimes block major roads into and out of Buenos Aires during times of social unrest. This can cause significant delays.

 

Air travel

 

The departure of flights from airports in Argentina can be unreliable and susceptible to delays and cancellations. Check with your airline or travel company before travelling to the airport.

 

A list of incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the  Aviation Safety network.

 

Genvisec offer's advice on the safety of individual airlines provding a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices.

 

Road Travel

 

You will need an International Driving Permit to drive in Argentina.

 

Driving and road safety standards vary. Respect for speed limits and traffic signals is patchy, and other road users can make unexpected manoeuvres.  Crime against car users, particularly when stationary at traffic lights, is a problem. Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times in major cities.

 

Take care when driving in the Province of Misiones close to the borders with Paraguay and Brazil. The area is used to smuggle goods. Seek local advice if you intend to drive in this area.

 

Sea travel

 

Some Argentine provinces have passed legislation banning the entry to port of vessels supporting hydrocarbons activity in the Falkland Islands. There have been cases of disruption by activist groups and unions against British flagged shipping. If you are in charge of a vessel, make contact with your agent or the local authorities before travelling. Most cruise ships and visiting tourists should not be affected.

 

Health

 

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

Medical facilities are good, but can be expensive. Public hospitals tend to be crowded. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. If you have a specific condition you should bring a sufficient quantity of medical supplies and medicines with you.

 

Asthma, sinus and bronchial problems can be aggravated by the polluted atmosphere in the major cities.

 

Dengue Fever can occur throughout the year.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 107 or 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

If you need to contact the emergency services in Argentina call 100/101/ 107 or 911. 

 

Money

 

ATMs are widely available. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and major shops and restaurants. Travellers’ cheques are not always accepted.

 

The Government of Argentina has in the past imposed restrictions on the purchase of foreign currency in Argentina. You should monitor the media for updates on these restrictions as they are subject to regular change.

Local laws and customs

 

Don’t become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to a lengthy prison sentence