Argentina Officially Launches Application to Rejoin the US Visa Waiver Program

Argentina steps up its efforts to join the US visa waiver program, potentially providing a massive edge to its planned CBI program.

Argentina has submitted its application to rejoin the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), a process it states “if successfully completed, will allow millions of Argentines to travel to the United States for tourism or business without needing a visa, placing Argentina among a select group of countries with this privilege.”

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem signed the initial agreement during her official visit to Argentina on July 28, meeting with President Javier Milei at Casa Rosada to discuss bilateral cooperation on migration, security, and counterterrorism. Argentina’s Office of the President stated that the initiative would position Argentina among a select group of nations with visa-free access to the United States.

The application marks Argentina’s potential return to a program it previously held from 1996 to 2002, when the economic crisis forced its removal. Only 42 countries currently participate in the VWP, with Chile being the sole Latin American member. Argentina’s inclusion would allow its citizens to travel to the US for up to 90 days without obtaining traditional visas, requiring only electronic travel authorization.

Argentina’s official statement describes the initiative as “the first step in a rigorous process that will require that Argentina meets high international standards in its immigration procedures.” The technical cooperation involves “key work areas such as the adoption of electronic passports, biometric systems, and advanced immigration control,” changes that will “strengthen the country’s border security and boost its international standing.”

Noem emphasized Argentina’s strong performance in immigration compliance, noting the country maintains the lowest visa overstay rate among Latin American nations at almost 1%. Argentine travel to the US has surged 25% in 2025, representing the largest increase among top international arrivals. The Department of Homeland Security praised Milei’s leadership, declaring that “Argentina is becoming an even stronger friend to the United States, more committed than ever to border security for both of our nations.”

Officials estimate the approval process will take two to three years, pending successful completion of security evaluations. The process requires extensive cooperation between Argentine ministries and US security agencies, including detailed audits of passport issuance systems and migration controls.

The official statement characterizes this development as “a clear sign of the strong relationship between President Javier Milei and the President of the United States, Donald Trump, based on the trust between both leaders.” The process reflects “coordinated work led by the Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich, the Foreign Minister, Gerardo Werthein, and the Argentine Ambassador to Washington, Alejandro Oxenford, in close collaboration with U.S. government authorities.”

The government emphasized that “this bilateral relationship is not limited to the commercial or economic sphere, but rather forms a strategic and comprehensive alliance, based on a shared vision on key issues such as Security, Defense, and common values between both nations.” Milei became the first world leader to meet Trump following the 2024 election.

Argentina announced plans in May to establish a citizenship by investment program requiring a minimum investment of US$500,000. The Ministry of Economy will create a specialized agency to oversee this program, which aims to attract foreign capital while offering citizenship to qualifying investors.

Successful entry into the VWP could increase the attractiveness of Argentine citizenship to potential investors, as it would provide visa-free access to the United States in addition to existing Mercosur settlement rights.

The VWP application would eliminate bureaucratic hurdles for Argentine travelers. Current visa applications involve lengthy processes and fees, while VWP authorization requires only an electronic travel authorization costing $21. Tourism and business sectors expect increased travel volumes between the nations.

The process requires that Argentina demonstrates compliance with stringent security standards. The country has begun modernizing its immigration infrastructure to meet the demanding requirements for program membership, including enhanced data sharing with US agencies and upgraded border control systems.

Approval would place Argentina among an exclusive group of mostly European and wealthy Asian countries whose citizens enjoy visa-free access to the United States. The VWP processes approximately 20 million tourists annually, facilitating business travel and tourism while maintaining security protocols.