After more than a year and a half, Argentina seems to be easing its travel restrictions for international travelers. During a press conference on Tuesday, the local government announced when international tourists could visit again. Let’s investigate further.
When will Argentina open up again?
Argentina has had one of the strictest travel restrictions in Latin America during the last year. No foreigners (besides residents) have been able to enter the country, and even the local citizens have faced enormous issues to get in and out of the country. The airline industry has advocated ending these harsh measures.
Nevertheless, it seems like the country is finally easing up on its travel restrictions. There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel.
In the last few weeks, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country has been steadily decreasing. Additionally, approximately 43% of the population has received the vaccine against the disease.
The country has enough stock to vaccinate the entire population, the government added. Aerolíneas Argentinas, among other carriers, has had cargo flights to bring home many COVID-19 vaccines in the last few months. The State carrier has had more than 40 flights to do so.
Therefore, Argentina is planning an escalated border opening that would begin on September 24.
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How will Argentina reopen its borders?
On September 24, Argentina is set to take the first steps towards reopening its borders. According to the local media outlet Aviacionline, that day, Argentina will erase the quarantine requirement to incoming Argentinians and foreign residents.
Then, on October 1, Argentina would take the second step. The country is planning to receive international travelers coming from border countries. While it is not clear if all border countries are included in this list, at least we know of two that will – that is Uruguay and Chile.
Additionally, Argentina will increase its daily number of international arrivals allowed. So far, it allows 16,100 weekly international passengers, or 2,300 daily. At its lowest point, it only received 600 per day.
Finally, on November 1, Argentina will allow the entrance of international travelers not coming from border countries.
Will some travel restrictions remain?
While it seems like Argentina is finally opening up, some travel restrictions will remain. According to local reports, every passenger must have been completely vaccinated against COVID-19 before boarding up. Additionally, they will have to arrive with a negative PCR test. Upon their arrival in Argentina, they will receive an antigen test and will need a third antigen test on their seventh day.
Nevertheless, once Argentina completely vaccinates 50% of its population, the last two requirements will be eliminated. The country has vaccinated 43% of its population so far.
Will this spark an increase in demand?
Argentina’s passenger numbers are well below its pre-pandemic stats. Several carriers have ceased their operations in the country; for example, LATAM Airlines Group closed its Argentinian branch; Emirates and Air New Zealand took down their routes to Buenos Aires.
Despite that, it is very possible that Argentina will have a spike in demand following November. Many carriers are already eyeing a comeback to Buenos Aires. GOL Linhas Aereas is only expecting the Argentinian government approval to launch back its flights to the country; Viva Colombia wants to become Argentina’s newest arrival.
What do you think about Argentina’s latest news? Let us know in the comments below.
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