Argentina and the United States 🇺🇸 have officially started the process for Argentina to rejoin the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) as of July 28, 2025. This move, announced during U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to Buenos Aires, could eventually let Argentine citizens visit the United States 🇺🇸 for up to 90 days without a visa. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says it will likely take two to three years before this change takes effect.
Secretary Noem and Argentina’s Security Minister Patricia Bullrich signed a statement of intent at the presidential palace, confirming both countries’ commitment to this goal. “Under President Javier Milei’s leadership, Argentina is becoming an even stronger friend to the United States — more committed than ever to border security for both of our nations,” said Secretary Noem. The process now enters a phase of careful review, including security, legal, and technical checks.
Current Status and Next Steps
- Argentina is not yet part of the VWP. Argentine citizens must still apply for a visa to visit the United States 🇺🇸.
- The process has just begun, starting with a preliminary agreement and technical cooperation.
- Argentina was previously in the VWP from 1996 to 2002 but was removed due to economic problems and concerns about document security and people overstaying their visits.
What Needs to Happen Next
- Formal Assessment: The United States 🇺🇸 will review Argentina’s security, law enforcement, and immigration systems.
- Technical Upgrades: Argentina must improve its biometric passports, information sharing, and border security.
- Legal Changes: New laws or rules may be needed in Argentina to meet U.S. requirements.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Both countries will regularly check progress and risks.
- Final Approval: Only after all steps are complete will DHS and the State Department allow Argentina to join the VWP. At that point, Argentine travelers can use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) instead of a visa. You can find more about ESTA on the official U.S. government website.
Implications for Argentine Citizens
- No immediate change: Argentines must keep applying for visas until the process is finished.
- Future benefits: Once approved, Argentine citizens can travel for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa, using ESTA.
- Requirements: Travelers will need a biometric passport and must apply for ESTA online before traveling.
Background and Policy Context
Argentina’s low visa overstay rate, the lowest among Latin American countries, helped restart this process. The move stands out as the Trump administration has tightened visa rules for other countries, showing a special relationship with Argentina’s current government. President Milei’s reforms and focus on security have played a key role.
Looking Ahead
Experts warn the process is strict and could face delays if Argentina does not meet all technical or legal requirements. Both governments promise regular updates and close cooperation. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the estimated timeline is two to three years, but ongoing risk checks could affect this.
For official updates and more information, visit the DHS Visa Waiver Program page.
Key Takeaways
- Argentina is not yet in the VWP.
- Full implementation is expected in two to three years.
- No immediate change for travelers; visas are still required.
- Both governments will provide updates as the process continues.
Learn Today
Visa Waiver Program → A U.S. program allowing citizens of certain countries to travel visa-free for up to 90 days.
Department of Homeland Security → U.S. federal agency responsible for immigration, border security, and visa policies.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) → An online system allowing travelers from VWP countries to gain U.S. entry permission without a visa.
Biometric passport → A passport containing embedded digital data like fingerprints or facial recognition to enhance security.
Overstay → When a traveler remains in a country beyond the authorized time granted by their visa or entry permission.
This Article in a Nutshell
In 2025, Argentina officially started rejoining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. This long process requires legal reforms, security upgrades, and cooperation, potentially letting Argentines travel visa-free within three years once approved.
— By VisaVerge.com
