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In an effort to increase tourism from abroad and enhance relationships between countries, Argentina has made it easier for Indian citizens with valid US tourist visas to enter the country. The new rule, published in the Official Gazette, allows Indian passport holders to skip applying for an Argentine visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (AVE) if they have a current US tourist visa. The National Immigration Directorate will check if they are eligible before letting them in. This gesture of goodwill is similar to India's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which is already available to Argentine tourists for free. Just last month, Argentina provided similar exemptions to citizens from China and the Dominican Republic under the same conditions. Tourism Secretary Daniel Scioli appreciated the decision and mentioned on X (formerly Twitter) that the policy is intended to “make it easier for tourists to come and support sports in Argentina.” Deregulation Minister Federico Sturzennegger added that “Indian citizens can enter Argentina without needing a visa or AVE, and will not have to pay any fees, as long as they hold a valid US visa.”
To clarify the update, he emphasized that Indians would “no longer need to apply” for extra permissions. Sturzennegger pointed out the great potential, noting that around “2.2 million Indians visited the US in 2024, and the US issues over a million visas every year to India. Therefore, this change should help make tourism easier in our country, something that Secretary Scioli has been pushing for.” Officials also mentioned the diplomatic support for this change. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is said to have encouraged President Javier Milei to simplify travel rules during their meeting in Buenos Aires in July. Argentine Ambassador to India Mariano Caucino stressed that “encouraging tourism to our country is a high priority for our government.” With India’s growing middle class and increasing interest in traveling abroad, Argentina hopes to see more visitors to attractions like Patagonia, Iguazu Falls, and Buenos Aires. Tourism accounts for more than 5% of Argentina’s GDP, and officials believe relaxing visa rules is a vital step to rejuvenate the industry.
Bilateral trade between India and Argentina, which is about $6 billion each year, could also gain from stronger connections between people. Airlines and travel companies are already advertising Argentina as a new option for Indian tourists. The new policy is effective right away, making Argentina a more welcoming destination for Indian travelers while strengthening economic and cultural links between the two countries.
