Reciprocity fee suspended for US citizens

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Argentina has suspended a visa reciprocity fee for U.S. citizens for a period of 90 days or until an executive order is issued.

What does the change mean? For the time being, U.S. citizens will not have to pay the $160 reciprocity fee before entering Argentina.

• Implementation time frame: The 90-day period began March 24.
• Who is affected: U.S. citizens visiting Argentina for stays of less than 90 days.
• Business impact: The policy will temporarily lower the cost for U.S. citizens making trips to Argentina.
• Next steps: The 90-day suspension may be modified or canceled by an executive order by immigration authorities, and travelers should check the Argentine Embassy website’s latest information on the reciprocity fee suspension before traveling.

Background: Argentina’s National Immigration Directorate (DNM) announced the suspension in the visa reciprocity fee for U.S. citizens only, effective from March 24 for a period of 90 days or until the agency issues an executive order. The Argentine Embassy in the U.S. posted on its website that the change was made to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

A 2008 presidential order required U.S. citizens, as well as Australian and Canadian citizens, traveling for business or tourism to pay a reciprocity fee online before entering Argentina.

BAL Analysis: Before traveling, U.S. citizens should check with their local Argentine consulate or BAL representative to confirm whether the DNM has issued an order changing or extending the period of the reciprocity-fee suspension.

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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