Digital IDs now required for international travel

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? A rule that requires Argentinian nationals and foreign residents to hold a digital Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI) when using a DNI for certain trips abroad takes effect today.

What does the change mean? Effective immediately, Argentinian nationals and foreign residents must hold a digital DNI or a valid passport for travel to Mercosur member countries and associate countries. A valid passport is required for travel to other countries. Older, non-digital versions of the DNI will no longer be accepted for international travel.

• Implementation time frame: Nov. 1.
• Who is affected: Argentinian nationals and residents holding non-digital DNIs.
• Next steps: While the older, non-digital DNIs will no longer be accepted for international travel, they will be accepted for domestic travel until April 1, 2017. Travelers can check if their DNI meets the new requirements by visiting this website.

Background: DNIs function as the primary identification card for Argentinian nationals and permanent and temporary residents. In 2014, Argentina began issuing digital DNIs. Most foreign nationals likely already have a digital DNI if they have renewed or obtained a visa since that time.

The Argentinian government issued a rule last month declaring that only the digital DNIs would be accepted for international travel. Digital DNIs will be accepted for travel to Mercosur member and associate countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela). Passports are required for international travel to other countries.

BAL Analysis: People traveling for business or other reasons should check to be sure they have a digital DNI before attempting to use a DNI to travel outside of Argentina. Failure to do so may lead to unnecessary delays.

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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