Argentina waives visa requirements for Canadian travelers

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Argentina has waived visa requirements for Canadian nationals.

What does the change mean? Canadians traveling to Argentina for tourist or business purposes may now enter the country without a visa.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Tourist and business visas.
• Who is affected: Canadian nationals traveling to Argentina for tourism or business purposes.
• Impact on processing times: The change will save Canadian travelers the time it takes to apply for and obtain a visa before traveling.

Background: Argentina implemented the visa waiver for Canadian nationals Dec. 1. Business travelers should note, however, that oftentimes when visa-waived nationals, including Canadians, arrive in Argentina they are given a tourist visa stamp in their passport—even if it is clear that the purpose of their visit is for business. This can be problematic if a business traveler’s hosting entity is inspected and the traveler cannot establish that he or she declared that the purpose of the visit was for business.

BAL Analysis: While the change will make tourist and business travel to Argentina easier for Canadian nationals, they should be aware that authorities at airports sometimes give travelers a visa stamp for tourism rather than business travel. Business travelers who travel to Argentina on a visa waiver should be clear that they are in the country for business purposes. Employers should contact BAL immediately if visa-waived nationals have any trouble conducting business activities in Argentina on a visa waiver.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Argentina. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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