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Argentina ETA Validity and Duration
If you're going to visit Argentina and are eligible for an ETA, then you must know the validity and the duration of stay, so that any travel issues can be avoided. An Argentina ETA makes life easy for a large number of nationalities, by making entry into the country far easier compared to applying for a visa through the embassies. But you have to know how long this ETA is valid and what length of time you can stay in the country, so that you might plan without any further problem.
An Overview of Electronic Travel Authorization for Argentina
The Argentina ETA is an electronic entry permit that allows eligible travelers to visit Argentina for short-term stays. It was designed for tourists or business travelers from those countries with a valid visa or permanent residency, issued by countries such as the United States or the Schengen Area.
The entire process of an ETA is faster and easier compared to the application procedure for a classic visa. This is completely online, and upon approval, travelers will be able to enter Argentina without having to physically go to an Argentine consulate for visa stamping.
Validity of the Argentina ETA
Validity period of an Argentina ETA is the time at which the authorization remains valid from the moment it's provided to you - where you are allowed entry into Argentina. Argentina ETA is usually valid for a period of 90 days since its issuance date. Within the validity period, you can enter at any given moment, provided that your ETA has not expired.
If you do not enter Argentina within the ETA validity period, you will have to make another Argentina ETA application. The validity period is important in that it gives you a timeframe where you can travel to Argentina.
Note: It is better to apply for the ETA closer to your intended travel to Argentina so you can have the same period of validity as your day of traveling.
Duration of Stay with the Argentina ETA
Duration of stay means the number of days you are entitled to be inside Argentina upon entry by virtue of your ETA. Although, in most cases, the ETA permits multiple entries into Argentina, each of these entries has a certain period of validity.
- The Argentina ETA generally grants stays of 90 days per visit for visitors.
- That means even if you enter the country on the last day of the validity of your ETA, you will still be able to spend 90 full days in Argentina.
- The 90-day period is counted from the day of entry into Argentina, not from the date of issuance of the ETA.
On the other hand, if you would like to stay longer than 90 days, you either need to leave the country and then re-enter it, provided your ETA admits multiple entries, or make an application for an extension to Argentine immigration authorities. However, staying in excess of the authorized time period without obtaining an extension may be subject to penalties or fines, or difficulties in entries at a future date.
Suggestion: Leave Argentina before the expiry of the 90-day limit, lest the visa is overstayed.
Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry ETA
Applicants should know while applying for an Argentina ETA whether their ETA is single-entry or multiple-entry, as it varies based on how many entries and exits are allowable upon the validity date.
Type of ETA |
Description |
Single-Entry ETA |
Allows only one entry into Argentina. Once you leave, the ETA becomes invalid, even if you haven't used the full 90-day stay. |
Multiple-Entry ETA |
Allows multiple entries into Argentina within a 90-day validity period. You can stay for up to 90 days per entry. |
Can You Extend Your Stay Beyond 90 Days?
If you want to stay in Argentina for a period exceeding the granted 90-day period of the ETA, you might apply for an extension. You may be allowed through an application to National Directorate of Migration.
- Generally, extensions will still be given for another 90 days but will vary depending on the immigration authorities' discretion.
- An application for an extension should be made prior to the expiration of your current 90-day period.
- Failure to do this-overstaying without an extension-represents a case of fines imposed or one would struggle to get into Argentina later on.
On such occasions, it is safer to go in time for an extension than to face problems at the last minute.
When to Apply for the Argentina ETA
Since the Argentina ETA is valid for 90 days from its issue date, timing becomes an important factor in your application. Applying too early, and your ETA will expire before your actual trip; applying too late, and you'll probably face processing delays that could impact your travel plans.
Submit your application at least 2-3 weeks in advance of your intended travel date, so that while allowing ample time for processing, the ETA does not expire before your arrival in Argentina.
For frequent travelers or those taking numerous trips, application as near to your travel date as possible is advisable to maximize the period when the ETA is usable before expiration.
Does the ETA validity period change for minors or elderly travelers?
The ETA validity does not change in the case of minors or elderly travelers. The validity of an ETA remains the same for all applicants, irrespective of the age factor. Ordinarily, an ETA to enter Argentina allows a three-month validity with 90 consecutive days of stay, having multiple entries within that period.
Special requirements may include parental consent for minors, or other extra documentation that elderly travelers might need to meet immigration rules.
Are there any restrictions on the types of activities I can do while in Argentina on an ETA?
There are some restrictions to the type of activities you can carry on while in Argentina on an Electronic Travel Authorization. The ETA shall be used primarily for tourism and business purposes. This therefore means that:
- Tourism: You shall be engaged in activities related to leisure and/or sightseeing, or visiting friends or family.
- Business: You can attend meetings, conferences, or negotiate business deals. However, you cannot take up employment or receive paid work within Argentina.
All other activities, such as studying or working, are enabled with other types of visas, like student or work visas.
Are there any special considerations for students or business travelers on an ETA?
Special considerations exist for students and business travelers on an ETA.
- Students: ETA allows only for a short visit and cannot be used by the student in order to stay in Argentina for long-term academic study. If the goal is to attend school or a university program, then a student visa should be applied for. One may use an ETA for short educational trips, such as attending conferences, workshops, or even a short course; however, it cannot be availed of for full-time studies.
- Business Travelers: ETA allows a business traveler to attend meetings, conferences, or negotiate deals but does not allow you to take up employment in Argentina. Setting up businesses and earning an income in Argentina would need other types of visas, such as work visas. Make sure your activities come within what is allowed under the ETA as far as your business is concerned.
Important Points to Note About Argentina ETA Holders
Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for the whole stay in Argentina. If it expires while traveling, there might be certain problems with your admission or readmission.
ETA Conditions: ETA is permissible only in some cases of tourism or business purposes. It does not allow one to study, work, or stay longer in Argentina beyond what is allowed for those purposes, and you will have to apply for the respective type of visa.
Reapplication: In case of expiration of your ETA or if you use it as a single entry, you will need to apply for a new ETA to travel again to Argentina.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Argentina with an ETA?
This includes up to a 90-day stay in continuous or different periods within three months, which counts from the date of issuance. The visitor can stay for tourism or business during that time.
Am I allowed to leave and re-enter with the ETA?
Yes, an ETA is multiple-entry into Argentina, which has three months of validity. You may leave and re-enter as many times as you like within that period.
Is the period of stay extendable beyond 90 days?
Yes, in some particular cases this might be possible for 90 more days. You would have to request an extension with the immigration authorities before your initial stay expires.
Does the validity period start from the date of approval or entry?
ETA validity period starts from the date of issue, not the date of entry. It is valid for three months from the date of issue, meaning that you shall enter Argentina within the three months period.
Does the validity of an ETA differ in the case of minor or aged travelers?
No, the validity of an ETA is the same with everybody, including the minors and aged ones. Everyone has three months of validity and stays for 90 days.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance and subject to change. For current information, refer to the official websites before lodging an application. Please note that this page was last updated in January 2025; thus, some visa rules might change.