WellAbroad | Argentina

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COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Country Name:	Argentina
Continent:	South America
Capital City:	Buenos Aires
Boundary Countries:	Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay
Recommended Hospitals in Capital:	Centro de Educacion Medica e Investigaciones Clinicas (CEMIC) Hospital Alemán, Hospital Italiano, Hospital Britanico, Hospital Español- Mendoza
Main Cities:	Buenos Aires, La Plata, Mar del Plata, Santa Fe, Bahía Blanca, Punta Colorado
Country Size:	2,766,890 sq km
Population:	39,921,833

COUNTRY GENERAL INFORMATION

Language:

Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French

Currency:

Argentine peso (ARS)

Predominant Religions:

nominally Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4%

National Holidays:

Revolution Day, 25 May (1810)

Economic Status:

Argentina is a medium-income nation that continues to emerge from a major financial crisis suffered in 2001-2002.

Security:

Argentine Army, Navy of the Argentine Republic (Armada Republica; includes naval aviation and naval infantry), Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Argentina, FAA)

US Presence:

The US Embassy is located at Avenida Colombia 4300 in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires (near the Plaza Italia stop on the "D" line subway). The main Embassy switchboard telephone is (54) (11) 5777-4533. Recorded consular information, including instructions on whom to contact in case of an American citizen emergency, is available at tel. (54) (11) 4514-1830. The Consular Section fax is (54) (11) 5777-4293. The Consular Section is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 2:30p to 4p Monday through Friday, except on American and Argentine holidays. Additional information on Embassy services is available on the Internet at http://argentina.usembassy.gov or by e-mail: BuenosAires-ACS@state.gov.

Document Requirements:

A valid passport is required for US citizens to enter Argentina. US citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business. US citizens who arrive in Argentina with expired or damaged passports may be refused entry and returned to the United States at their own expense. The US Embassy cannot provide guarantees on behalf of travelers in such situations, and therefore encourages US citizens to ensure that their travel documents are valid and in good condition prior to departure from the United States. Different rules apply to US citizens who also have Argentine nationality, depending on their dates of US naturalization. For more information, check the Argentine Ministry of the Interior website at www.mininterior.gov.ar/migraciones/. Most dual nationals are permitted 60-day visits. Dual nationals who stay beyond their permitted time are required to depart on an Argentine passport.
The application process for an Argentine passport is lengthy, and the US Embassy is not able to provide assistance in obtaining Argentine passports or other local identity documents. Children under 21 years of age who reside in Argentina, regardless of nationality, are required to present a notarized document that certifies both parents' permission for the child's departure from Argentina when the child is traveling alone, with only one parent, or in someone else's custody (click on the "international child abduction" link below for more information). An airport tax is collected upon departure, payable in dollars or Argentine pesos.
American citizens wishing to enter Brazil from Argentina are required to obtain a visa in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or consulate nearest to the traveler's place of residence. The U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires cannot assist travelers with obtaining Brazilian visas. For more information, see the Country Specific Information for Brazil.
Visit the Embassy of Argentina’s website at http://www.embassyofargentina.us/ for the most current visa information.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

Major Airports:

Airports: 1,381, Airports w/paved runways: 154

Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini de Ezeiza (EZE)
Tel: +54 (0)11-5480-6111
Website: www.aa2000.com.ar

Servicing Airlines:

Risks and Precautions:

Individuals and organizations with ties to extremist groups, including some known to provide financial support to designated foreign terrorist organizations, operate in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, in the tri-border area between Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. In recent years, there have been a number of small bomb/incendiary incidents in metropolitan Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata, Santa Fe, and other cities. Demonstrations are very common in metropolitan Buenos Aires and occur frequently in other major cities as well. U.S. citizens should take common-sense precautions and avoid gatherings or any other event where crowds have congregated to protest. Most American citizens visit Argentina without incident. Nevertheless, street crime in the larger cities, especially greater Buenos Aires, is a problem for residents and visitors alike.

Mortality Statistics:

Infant MR total: 14.73 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: TOTAL 76.12 years (male 72.38/female 80.05)

Immunization Indicators:

Required: None
Recommended: Hep A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Boosters: tetanus-diptheria, measles as needed.

Infectious Disease Concerns:

Malaria risk: Rural areas of Salta and Jujuy provinces (along the Bolivian border) and Misiones and Corrientes provinces (along the border of Paraguay). Yellow fever is present only in the northeastern forest areas of Argentina.
Dengue, American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), and leishmaniasis are diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region. Rodent-borne hantavirus pulmonary syndrome has been identified in the north-central and southwestern regions of Argentina.

Overall Quality of Medical Services:

The public health system in Argentina provides emergency and non-emergency services free of charge to all, regardless of nationality or immigration status, however, the quality of non-emergency care in public hospitals is generally below U.S. standards. Medical care in private hospitals in Buenos Aires is generally good, but varies in quality outside the capital. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization in private facilities and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Private physicians, clinics, and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
HIV/AIDS restrictions. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Argentina.

Providers in Network:

Direct Payment:	2
Referrals:	5
View Network Providers

Recent Medical Threats/ Concerns/Warnings:

July 14, 2009

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Argentina of the health risks associated with the World Health Organization (WHO)-declared 2009-H1N1 influenza pandemic, which has resulted in illness in numerous countries. The current outbreak in Argentina has caused federal, provincial, and municipal authorities to announce several measures to prevent the illness from spreading. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that Americans at high risk for complications of influenza and considering travel to areas affected by 2009-H1N1 influenza, such as Argentina, discuss their travel plans with their doctor. Together, they should look carefully at the 2009-H1N1 flu situation at their destination including available health-care options in the area. They should discuss their specific health situations and possible increased risk of traveling to the area affected by 2009-H1N1 flu. This Travel Alert expires on September 14, 2009.

The Government of Argentina has announced a US$263 million effort to take action against the influenza outbreak. All of Argentina’s 23 districts and the city of Buenos Aires have extended school vacations, some by as long as a month. Twelve of Argentina’s districts, including the Province of Buenos Aires and the city of Buenos Aires, have declared administrative health emergencies. Throughout the country, authorities advise against attending events involving large gatherings of people. The media is issuing public health advice on a continuing basis. The federal government is updating measures on a daily basis and has not ruled out more restrictive actions.

As of July 6, the Ministry of Health had reported 2,485 confirmed cases of 2009-H1N1, including 60 deaths. These figures are updated daily. Currently, there is insufficient international scientific data about the course of the pandemic to determine the highest risk groups for complications of novel influenza A (2009-H1N1) virus infection. According to medical authorities, the same age and risk groups who are at higher risk for seasonal influenza complications should also be considered at higher risk for 2009-H1N1 influenza complications.

Groups at higher risk for seasonal influenza complications include:

Children less than 5 years old;
Persons aged 65 years or older;
Children and adolescents (less than 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye's Syndrome after influenza virus infection;
Pregnant women;
Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders;
Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV);
Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

Not all respiratory illnesses are 2009-H1N1 influenza, but may be seasonal influenza or another illness. Specific questions or concerns about influenza or specific high-risk conditions should be directed to a medical professional.

For additional information please consult the Department of State information on 2009-H1N1 Flu, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website or the World Health Organization Website for information on how to avoid contracting the virus and how to treat it if infected. U.S. citizens also may call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the U.S. for the latest travel information. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time, M-F, at 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from outside the U.S., at (202)-501-4444. For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located at 4300 Avenida Colombia, 1425 Buenos Aires; telephone+54-11-5777-4354; after hours emergency telephone +54-11-5777-4873; ACS unit fax +54-11-5777-4293; e-mail BuenosAires-ACS@state.gov .

Americans living or traveling in Argentina are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Argentina. Americans without internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy.

Communications Info:

Country calling code: 54
Internet country code: .ar