Argentina May Regain Visa-Free Travel to U.S. as Trump Administration Begins Reentry Process

Per a statement released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the United States has formally initiated steps with the Republic of Argentina to begin the country’s potential reentry into the Visa Waiver Program. This move, announced during Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s visit to Buenos Aires, signals a deepening collaboration between the two nations on travel and border security.

Secretary Noem, alongside Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein and National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, signed a joint statement of intent outlining the start of the process. The agreement acknowledges Argentina’s recent improvements in border security and traveler compliance, including maintaining the lowest visa overstay rate in Latin America. These developments, along with a 25% increase in Argentine travel to the U.S. in early 2025 compared to the same period last year, contributed to the decision to explore reinstatement.

Argentina was previously removed from the Visa Waiver Program in 2002. While there is no set timeline for reentry, the current agreement reflects support from the Department of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump’s administration. The VWP reentry process includes strict eligibility criteria focusing on national security, law enforcement cooperation, and traveler data sharing. If approved in the coming years, the change would allow eligible Argentine citizens to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa, streamlining travel for thousands and easing consular workloads.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security press release

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