Argentina in Talks to Rejoin US Visa Waiver Program

The US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Buenos Aires and signed a statement of intent with Argentine officials to begin the formal process of Argentina reentering the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

If approved, Argentine citizens could travel to the US without a visa for up to 90 days, using an ESTA authorization, similar to travelers from most European VWP countries.

Argentina was previously part of the VWP from 1996 until its removal in 2002, following a financial crisis in the country that triggered a surge in migration.

To qualify for the VWP, Argentina must meet US requirements, including maintaining a visa refusal rate under 3 percent and demonstrating secure identity verification.

The move is interpreted as a diplomatic gesture due to shared political views between Argentine President Javier Milei and US President Donald Trump.

The evaluation process is expected to take at least 1–2 years.

If approved, Argentina’s return to the US VWP would be a win for its travelers, especially as the US recently increased the financial burden on non-immigrant visitors by adding a $250 surcharge to existing visa application fees.

Cover photo by Camila Seves Espasandin on Unsplash