The United States is working with Argentina to restore its participation in the Visa Waiver Program, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Monday. The announcement came during Secretary Kristi Noexam’s visit to Buenos Aires, and it signals renewed cooperation between the nations as Argentina meets key U.S. travel and security criteria under President Javier Milei’s administration.
U.S. Begins Steps to Reinstate Argentina’s Visa-Free Travel Privileges
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to support Argentina’s reentry into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It is a significant immigration and travel initiative that permits citizens of eligible countries short-term, visa-free travel to the United States. Argentina joined the program in 1996 and remained part of it until 2002, when officials removed the country following its financial crisis.
Rejoining the Visa Waiver Program would let Argentine citizens visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa for business or tourism. This benefit hinges on Argentina meeting American standards for security, counterterrorism collaboration, and immigration enforcement.
Argentina Commended for Low Overstay Rate
In her remarks, Secretary Noem emphasized that Argentina currently has the lowest U.S. visa overstay rate among Latin American nations. This is an essential factor for assessing eligibility for the visa waiver program. She pointed out that this rate indicates Argentina’s readiness to meet the program’s enforcement standards, which include sharing biometric data, reporting lost or stolen passports, and repatriating citizens promptly. Noem also noted a significant increase in travel between Argentina and the U.S. in recent years. She attributed this growth to stronger ties under Argentine President Javier Milei.
Stronger U.S.-Argentina Relations Under the Milei Administration
Secretary Noem’s visit comes after a period of increasing cooperation between the two countries. President Milei has taken steps to strengthen Argentina’s diplomatic and economic relationship with the United States. He has received praise from U.S. political leaders for pursuing market reforms and reducing regulatory hurdles.
While the Visa Waiver Program process typically spans several years due to strict vetting and compliance requirements, DHS confirmed that early-stage technical discussions are already underway. However, the department did not specify a projected timeline for Argentina’s full reinstatement into the program.
Recent Travel Policy Changes Signal Mutual Cooperation
The DHS announcement follows Argentina’s recent decision to relax entry requirements for Chinese citizens holding valid U.S. visas. Under the new policy, Chinese nationals with existing U.S. travel visas may now enter Argentina without first obtaining an Argentine visa for tourism or business.
Many viewed the move as signaling policy alignment, especially concerning immigration and border control. Though not directly linked, this change may show Argentina’s desire to align with the travel and border security standards set by the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Visa Waiver Program: Overview and Current Status.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, operates the Visa Waiver Program. It currently includes 41 countries, most of which are in Europe and Asia. Countries must keep low rates of visa overstays, share traveler data with the U.S. agencies, and take steps to detect and prevent terrorism.
Countries that want to join go through a multi-step review process. This process includes an in-depth look at security, law enforcement cooperation, document integrity, and border management practices. Being part of the program doesn’t change the current visa application processes for long-term stays, work visas, or immigration options.
What Comes Next? Next Steps and Oversight
As said previously, no exact timeline has been announced, but DHS officials confirmed that Argentina’s eligibility for reentry into the Visa Waiver Program will undergo continued assessment. Discussions are expected to progress through technical and diplomatic channels. Further updates depend on Argentina’s ability to keep low overstay rates and show that it meets U.S. border and security standards.
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Resources:
- https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/07/28/secretary-noem-kickstarts-process-argentina-rejoin-visa-waiver-program
- https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-help-argentina-reenter-visa-waiver-program-dhs-says-2025-07-28/
- https://www.aila.org/dhs-secretary-signs-statement-of-intent-on-argentina-reentry-to-visa-waiver-program
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