Argentina took the first step on Monday for its citizens to enter the United States without the need to apply for a consular visa. President Javier Milei welcomed U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, at the Casa Rosada, with whom he signed a declaration of intent to reinstate the country in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), from which it was excluded in 2002.
“With President @JMilei, we received Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security of the United States,” wrote the Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich, on her X account. She added: “We began the path for Argentinians to enter the U.S. without a visa. More freedom, more integration, more exchange.”
Bullrich also stated that the agreement aims to strengthen cooperation to "identify fugitives, combat drug trafficking, and secure our borders." According to the official, the initiative responds to "a strategic alliance with shared values: freedom, order, and security."
The President's Office confirmed the meeting and detailed that Bullrich and Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein also participated in the discussion.
On its part, the Embassy of the United States in Argentina reported that the agreement “initiates a process to strengthen cooperation between both countries in the assessment of travelers to the United States.” According to the official statement, “Secretary Noem is launching the process for Argentina to return to the Visa Waiver Program.”
In her remarks, Kristi Noem emphasized that: “Under the leadership of President Javier Milei, Argentina is becoming an even stronger ally of the United States, more committed than ever to the border security of both nations.”
The secretary emphasized that Argentina currently has "the lowest rate of expired visa stays in all of Latin America" and that "25 percent more Argentinians traveled to the U.S. in the first four months of this year compared to last year— the largest increase among the 20 top source countries for travelers."
For this reason, he said, "we are taking steps to allow Argentina to return to the Visa Waiver Program." He concluded, "This declaration of intent that I signed alongside Minister Werthein and Minister Bullrich highlights our strong partnership with Argentina and our mutual desire to promote legal travel while discouraging threats."
According to Infobae, the Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of eligible countries to enter the United States for tourism or business for a maximum of 90 days without a traditional visa, replacing it with an Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA). Currently, 42 countries participate in the program, with Chile being the only one in South America.
Argentina's return to the system will depend on meeting requirements such as a low visa rejection rate, the issuance of biometric passports, information exchange on security, and cooperation agreements in migration matters.
From the United States, Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar celebrated the announcement and described it as "a great step between the United States and Argentina." On her X account, she wrote: "The government of Javier Milei has signed an agreement with the U.S. to begin the process of joining the Visa Waiver Program, opening the door for Argentines to travel to the U.S. without a visa."
He added that the agreement "not only strengthens the bilateral relationship but also affirms Argentina's profound shift towards freedom, the rule of law, and democratic values." He concluded: "With @JMilei, Argentina leaves behind populism and isolation, and reclaimed its place as a steadfast ally of the West and an example of transformation in the region."
Argentina was part of the VWP during the nineties but was removed in 2002. The process to return to the program "takes time, as countries must meet strict security requirements,” warned the Department of Homeland Security in its official statement.
Even if the benefit is established, those who have traveled to Cuba after January 12, 2021, as well as those with adverse immigration records or who have visited sanctioned countries such as Iran, Syria, or North Korea, will be excluded from using ESTA, as explained by Infobae.
Frequently Asked Questions about Argentina's Entry into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
What does the agreement between Argentina and the U.S. regarding the Visa Waiver Program mean?
The agreement signed between Argentina and the U.S. begins the process for Argentine citizens to enter the United States without the need for a traditional consular visa. Instead of a visa, Argentines could use an Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA) for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business, provided that Argentina meets certain security and migration cooperation requirements.
What are the requirements for Argentina to rejoin the Visa Waiver Program?
In order for Argentina to rejoin the program, it must meet requirements such as a low visa rejection rate, issuance of biometric passports, exchange of security information, and cooperation agreements on migration matters. Additionally, Argentina's rate of expired visa stays must remain low, as highlighted in the news.
What impact does this initiative have on the relationship between Argentina and the United States?
The initiative strengthens the bilateral relationship between Argentina and the United States, promoting greater cooperation in security and migration. It also represents a shift towards a strategic alliance based on common values such as freedom and security, as expressed by the authorities of both countries.
What restrictions exist for Argentinians who want to use the Visa Waiver Program?
Although Argentina manages to rejoin the program, those who have traveled to Cuba after January 12, 2021, will remain excluded from using the Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA), as well as those with adverse immigration history or who have visited sanctioned countries like Iran, Syria, or North Korea.
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