Reciprocity fee charged by Argentina.
The Reciprocity Fee charged by Argentina for citizens of United States,Canada and Australia has come under fire again due to new regulations that have been implemented recently.
Many people are upset about the fee but let`s have a closer look at the reasons why it was implemented, how it affects travellers and what are the latest changes.
Who is affected?
Only citizens of the US,Canada and Australia. They need to pay a reciprocity fee before entering Argentina. The fee varies according to Nationality.
What is a Reciprocity Fee?
First of all it is not a Visa. You don`t have to apply at a Consulate, fill in documents or attach photos. It is merely an exchange of cash to be able to enter the country.
Why is Argentina charging a Reciprocity fee to citizens from the United States,Canada and Australia?
The Argentinian Government decided to implement this because Argentinian Citizens are charged an equivalent fee by the US,Canada and Australia upon entering these countries. You could call it an eye-for-an-eye and the idea makes a lot of sense. Why should people from the MercoSur, who earn a lot less, pay this amount but Nationals from the above countries can enter Argentina for free?
How much do you have to pay?
Prices are currently:
- US Citizens pay $160
- Canadian Citizens pay $75
- Australian Citizens pay $100
- US Citizens only pay once and the fee guarantees you free entry into Argentina for 10 years, even if your passport has expired. It will be carried over to your new passport.
- Canadian Citizens pay the fee once per entry unless they’re coming and going from bordering countries, in which case it covers multiple entries.
- Australian Citizens pay once and it is valid for one year.
How to pay the fee?
From 31 October 2012 citizens of the abovementioned countries are requested the register and pay online by credit card. The reason why they have decided to do this is to avoid long lines at immigration. The process have been streamlined and upon entering the country you will present your electronic receipt.
The website is in English and can be found at Online Registration Reciprocity.
If you are flying in to Jorge Newberry then this will be applicable as we speak. If you are flying in to Ezeiza then this will become applicable from 28 December 2012.
How to bypass the Reciprocity fee?
Fly in to Cordoba or Mendoza airports, cross over from Uruguay to Buenos Aires by ferry or come into the country through Bolivia,Paraguay,Chile or Peru.
Update 7 January 2013
An update to the law came into affect on 7 January 2013 charging the reciprocity fee for ALL entry points which means if you enter Argentina by land, plane or sea you will be charged the fee. Best advice, print the form, fill it in and see if you are charged.
Important update September 2016.
Decree 959/2016 was published in the Government Gazette on the 22nd of August 2016, eliminating the Reciprocity fee between Argentina and the USA. The above-mentioned will not be applicable anymore to US citizens. The decree is expected to come into effect on the 21st or 22nd of September 2016.
Thank you very much for the information!
You are welcome Andrew and thank you for the visit!
Very interesting, Nelieta. I didn’t know about the Reciprocity fee. Thanks for the heads-up!
I do look forward to visiting Argentina in the next year.
Hi Doreen, thank you for the visit. It is important information for people who want to travel to Argentina. I am glad it could help. I am sure you will love Argentina 🙂
Sad that countries build so many barriers that we have to jump through. In the Philippines, I pay coming and going a lot of different fees and taxes.
Yes I agree with you! As a traveller the one thing I cannot understand is the need for visas. There are so many countries that I would love to see but always need a visa. So sad! Thanks for the visit!