From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Argentina Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 13:32:26 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1392 Path: world!bzs Message-ID: <970703133226_76702.1202_CHN58-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: bzs@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 113 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Argentina ============================================================ Argentina - Consular Information Sheet July 2, 1997 Country Description: Argentina is a medium income nation with a developing economy. The quality of facilities for tourism varies according to price and area. Entry Requirements: A passport is required. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a tourist stay. For current information concerning entry and customs requirements for Argentina, travelers can contact the Argentine Embassy at 1600 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C 20009, tel. (202) 939-6400, or the nearest Argentine consulate. Medical Facilities: Medical care is good but varies in quality outside major cities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare-Medicaid program does not provide payment for medical services outside the U.S. In some cases, medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proved useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, tel. (404) 332-4559, Internet: http://www.cdc.gov. Security and Crime: There is little threat to U.S. citizens (including official visitors, business persons, and tourists) from indigenous terrorist organizations in Argentina. There are no known violent domestic groups currently active in this country that are specifically targeting U.S. interests, but given the presence of members of and support for extremist terrorist groups in the tri-border region of Argentina (Misiones Province), visitors to Argentina cannot discount the possibility of terrorist activity, to include random acts of anti-American violence. Petty crime in the greater Buenos Aires area continues to be a problem for residents and visitors alike. Visitors to the city of Buenos Aires should be aware of problems with pickpockets or purse snatching on the streets and public transportation (buses and trains). Pickpockets often work in pairs and employ a variety of ruses to victimize the unsuspecting visitor. In recent years, most crime affecting visitors was non-violent, and aggravated robberies, shootings, etc., while not completely unheard of in Buenos Aires, were uncommon. Recently, however, incidents of armed invasions of restaurants, shops, and residences in the more fashionable suburbs are being observed with greater frequency, and as a result, it is recommended that caution be exercised when traveling about the city. However, in general, the crime level in Buenos Aires is less severe than in large U.S. cities. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to the local police and the U.S. Embassy. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Also available from the same address is the Department of State's publication "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America." Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: Driving throughout Argentina is more dangerous than driving in the U.S. Drivers in Argentina are very aggressive, especially in the capital of Buenos Aires. Road conditions are favorable throughout Argentina, which is well connected by main highways. U.S. driver's licenses are valid in the capital and the province of Buenos Aires, but Argentine or international licenses are required to drive in the rest of the country. For further information, contact the Argentine Automobile Club, Avenida Libertador 1850, 1112 Capital Federal, tel. 01-802-6061. Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who are also considered to be citizens of Argentina and who remain in Argentina more than 60 days are required to leave the country on their Argentine passports. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection abroad. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties in Argentina for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Civil Aviation Oversight: In October 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration assessed Argentina's civil aviation authority as in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards for Argentine carriers operating to and from the U.S. The same level of safety oversight would typically be applied to operations to other destinations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873. Embassy Location/Registration: Americans are encouraged to register and to obtain updated security information at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires at 4300 Colombia, tel. 777-4533/34, fax 777-4576. No. 97-112 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 2, 1994, to update information on security and crime and to add a paragraph on traffic safety and road conditions. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories