Argentina
UK Foreign Office travel advice · 7 May 2026
Current safety guidance for Argentina from UK Foreign Office travel advice. We cover 1 city in Argentina, with reported scams for each.
Source: Argentina travel advice — UK Foreign Office travel advice
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
In crowded places, thieves can cut handbags open. They can snatch a mobile phone while you are using it on the street. Thieves on motorbikes can snatch bags from pedestrians.
Thieves – often women – use distraction techniques and may work in teams of 2 or more. A common form of distraction theft reported in Buenos Aires is the ‘mustard scam’. Thieves take your bags while an accomplice pretends to help you remove mustard they have sprayed on you. If this happens to you, politely but firmly refuse help and walk away.
In Buenos Aires, be particularly cautious in:
In Mendoza, be particularly cautious downtown.
In Santa Fe, be particularly cautious in Rosario.
Armed robberies are a risk. If you are the victim of a robbery, hand over your cash and valuables without resistance.
Be vigilant in La Boca, Buenos Aires, especially in the streets outside the Caminito tourist area. To reduce your risk, stay in the designated tourist area where there are high-visibility police patrols.
Kidnappings including ‘express kidnappings’ – short-term opportunistic abductions – occasionally happen in Argentina. Victims of express kidnap are held and forced to empty their bank accounts by making bank transfers or going to ATMs, after which they are normally quickly released. Be aware of your surroundings and always let someone you trust know your whereabouts. If you are a victim of kidnapping, follow the kidnapper’s instructions.
To reduce your risk:
Drinks and food can be spiked and could put you at risk of robbery or assault. Do not leave drinks unattended in bars and restaurants and do not accept food or drink from strangers.
Be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control.
There have been reports of foreign tourists being robbed or assaulted after inviting into their accommodation someone they have recently met, online or in person.
Book taxis in advance if possible. If you hail a taxi in the street, only use a ‘radio taxi’. These have a clearly visible logo on the car doors.
The Buenos Aries government has a list of authorised radio taxi operators (in Spanish).
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorist attacks in Argentina cannot be ruled out.
Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Political demonstrations and picketing are more common in Argentina than in the UK. Some demonstrations attract large numbers of people, and they can occasionally turn violent. Demonstrations are particularly common near Congress (‘Congreso’) and the Presidential Palace (‘Casa Rosada’).
You should:
There have also been occasional Falklands-related protests, including outside the British Embassy and British-affiliated businesses in Argentina.
Groups of demonstrators (‘piqueteros’) sometimes block major roads at times of social unrest. These can include the major routes into and out of Buenos Aires City. This can cause significant delays.
When planning to travel:
Thieves and pickpockets operate on public transport and at bus and train terminals.
To reduce the risk of theft:
Thefts from unattended vehicles, especially hire cars, are also common. This happens frequently in Bariloche, but can happen across the country.
Do not become involved with illegal drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
Argentine society is open and diverse. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is rare. Same-sex marriage is legal. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
The government of Argentina has stated that it intends to pursue legal action against oil and gas companies engaged in hydrocarbon exploration in the Falkland Islands. If you’re travelling to Argentina and think you may be affected by this type of legal action, seek independent legal advice.
Before you consider a surrogacy arrangement in Argentina, consider the challenges and risks involved, and make sure you seek specialist independent legal advice both in the UK and in Argentina. For more information, read FCDO guidance on surrogacy overseas.
Surrogacy is not regulated by law in Argentina and surrogacy arrangements are not enforceable in law.
Local authorities may consider surrogacy arrangements to be illegal. Criminal investigations into surrogacy agencies and associated service providers are ongoing. Some intended parents have faced issues obtaining birth certificates and when attempting to leave Argentina with the child born to them through surrogacy.
Children born through surrogacy in Argentina are Argentine citizens and must leave the country on an Argentine passport. They are also subject to local regulations applicable to the exit of minors in Argentina. See Travelling with children.
If you take part in extreme or adventure sports, including paragliding, climbing, off-road driving and hot air ballooning, make sure:
You will have to pay for most helicopter rescues, including in Mount Aconcagua.
Altitude sickness is a risk when hiking in parts of Argentina. See Health.
If you are planning to drive in Argentina, see information on driving abroad.
You’ll need to have both the 1949 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
Respect for speed limits and traffic signals varies. Drivers can make unexpected turns or brake suddenly.
Vehicle crime is a problem. Always keep car windows closed and doors locked when driving in major cities.
Take care when driving in the province of Misiones, close to the borders with Paraguay and Brazil. The area is used to smuggle goods. Seek local advice from customs officials if you intend to drive in this area.
Flights from Argentina can be unreliable. Check for delays or cancellations before travelling to the airport.
Activist groups sometimes try to disrupt UK-flagged ships or commercial shipping working off the Falkland Islands. Contact the local authorities before travelling. Most cruise ships and visiting tourists should not be affected.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Many northern provinces experience occasional flooding. This can disrupt transport and could lead to shortages. Flash floods can occur during heavy rains, in provinces including Buenos Aires. Monitor local media and follow instructions given by the local authorities.
There is a risk of earthquakes in Argentina, particularly in the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan, Salta and Jujuy. Monitor media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
The Copahue Volcano on the Argentina-Chile border erupts occasionally, and the authorities will evacuate the area. If you’re travelling to this area, monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.
Wildfires can occur throughout Argentina and can spread rapidly. They may lead to road closures and affect the air quality in nearby areas.
If you find yourself in or near the affected areas of any fire, monitor local media reports to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation and follow the advice of the local authorities.
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