Argentina – COVID-19: Buenos Aires Lockdown Renewed, Tourism Opening for Neighboring Countries

Argentina–BsAs Lockdown Renewed, Tourism Opening Nearby

On 26 October 2020, Argentina’s government ordered the extension of the mandatory lockdown for the Buenos Aires metropolitan region, until 8 November. Closing of borders and suspension of flights within, in/into, and outside/out of the country remain fully in place until 8 November 2020. However, the government announced that from 2 November 2020, borders will be open for tourists coming from bordering countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, under certain conditions.

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On 26 October 2020, Argentina’s government published in the Boletín Oficial the extension of the mandatory lockdown for the Buenos Aires metropolitan region, until 8 November.1  (For prior coverage, see GMS Flash Alert 2020-427, 14 October 2020.)

Relaxing of quarantine measures applied in each province remains an internal decision of the governor of a province in conjunction with the national government. 

WHY THIS MATTERS

The measures established in the Decree N° 814/2020, could continue to bring stress and frustration for residents of Buenos Aires and individuals willing to travel into, out of, and around Argentina.

Group gatherings of up to ten people in public open spaces are now allowed in the Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (Capital City), but other measures such as advising people to keep 1.5 meters apart and confining people to their homes, are still in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Travel Restrictions

Closing of borders and suspension of flights within, in/into, and outside/out of the country remain fully in place until 8 November 2020.  However, the government announced that from 2 November 2020, borders will be open for tourists coming from bordering countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.2

International flights will arrive at Ezeiza International airport, as the local airport (Jorge Newbery) will be closed until December 2020.3  Uruguayans will be authorized to enter Argentina by the Port of Buenos Aires; however, the Uruguayan government is recommending that their citizens not travel to Argentina.4

Tourists must have a negative PCR test before boarding, and possibly even a PCR after landing (this measure is still not confirmed yet), along with appropriate medical insurance.5

KPMG NOTE

Remote working continues to be the norm for globally mobile employees – apart from essential workers – and employers should facilitate this as a way of fostering their employee’s safety and business continuity.

Any individuals impacted by the quarantine extension may wish to consult with their global mobility advisers and immigration legal counsel as soon as possible for advice on next steps.

FOOTNOTES

1  For information on the Decree 814/2020, see the website (in Spanish) of the Boletín Oficial at: https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/primera/236498/20201026Decisión Administrativa 1949/2020 -- DECAD-2020-1949-APN-JGM - Prueba Piloto Turismo. Exceptúase a la actividad del Turismo y al Servicio Público de Transporte Internacional a los efectos de la realización de una prueba piloto de turismo receptive.

2  See the press release (in Spanish) “Apertura de fronteras a países limítrofes” (24 de octubre de 2020) on the website of the Ministerio de Turismo y Deportes at: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/apertura-de-fronteras-paises-limitrofes .  See Decisión Administrativa 1949/2020 -- DECAD-2020-1949-APN-JGM - Prueba Piloto Turismo. Exceptúase a la actividad del Turismo y al Servicio Público de Transporte Internacional a los efectos de la realización de una prueba piloto de turismo receptive. https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/primera/236664/20201029 .

3  See the press release (in Spanish) “El Ministerio del Interior informó sobre los requisitos de ingreso por turismo que deberán cumplir los extranjeros de países limítrofes,” (22 de octubre de 2020) on the website of the Ministerio del Interior at: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/el-ministerio-del-interior-informo-sobre-los-requisitos-de-ingreso-por-turismo-que-deberan .

4  N. Fernández, "Apertura de fronteras para el turismo: Uruguay desalentará los viajes a la Argentina," La Nación (online), 24 de octubre de 2020. Click here for the article.  (Note that this is a 3rd party (non-governmental, non-KPMG) website. Providing this link does not represent an endorsement of this website by KPMG.)

5  See Decisión Administrativa 1949/2020 -- DECAD-2020-1949-APN-JGM - Prueba Piloto Turismo. Exceptúase a la actividad del Turismo y al Servicio Público de Transporte Internacional a los efectos de la realización de una prueba piloto de turismo receptive. https://www.boletinoficial.gob.ar/detalleAviso/primera/236664/20201029 .

* Please note that KPMG LLP (U.S.) does not provide any immigration services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

 

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Argentina.

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