The U.S. and Argentina announced they are working on a deal that would allow Argentinians to travel to America without a visa. It comes amid a friendly relationship between President Donald Trump and far-right Argentinian President Javier Milei.
Visa change
While in Buenos Aires, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem signed a statement of intent along with Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein and Argentine Minister of National Security Patricia Bullrich.
“This statement of intent I signed alongside Minister Werthein and Minister Bullrich highlights our strong partnership with Argentina and our mutual desire to promote lawful travel while deterring threats,” Noem said in a statement. ”This kind of diplomatic leadership, spearheaded by President Trump, will help increase the safety of both countries.”
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A report from the Associated Press indicates that it will take two to three years before visa-free travel actually comes into effect. But the move shows the Trump administration’s support for its biggest ally in South America.
“Under President Javier Milei’s leadership, Argentina is becoming an even stronger friend to the United States — more committed than ever to border security for both of our nations,” Noem said. “Argentina now has the lowest visa overstay rate in all of Latin America and 25 percent more Argentines traveled to the U.S. in the first four months of this year compared to last year — the biggest jump of any of the top 20 international arrivals. That is why we are now taking steps to allow Argentina back into the Visa Waiver Program.”
The most recent overstay data, from 2023, shows that Argentina has the lowest visa overstay rate at 0.97% in South America, and the 10th lowest overall.
Croatia (0.51%) ranked the lowest, while Chad (49.54%) ranked the highest, by a large margin, compared to the second-highest, Haiti (31.38%).
Argentina’s VWP history
There are currently 42 countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Argentina became the first country in Latin America to join the program in 1996 under President Bill Clinton. At the time, Carlos Menem was the president of Argentina and had similar policies to the current president, Milei.
However, the country was removed from the waiver program in 2002 under President George W. Bush because of “a serious economic crisis, including defaulting on loans by foreign creditors, devaluation of its currency, and increased levels of unemployment and poverty.”
Argentina currently ranks as the second-safest country in South America, measured by homicide rates, behind only Bolivia. Argentina recorded only 3.8 homicides per 100,000 people last year. That’s compared to 9.42 homicides per 100,000 people in 2002.
Entering the program again will take some time, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The agency said the two countries must meet strong security standards before the waiver is approved.
Trump and Milei’s relationship
Trump and Milei have shared a friendly relationship since Milei rose to power in November 2023, with Trump winning reelection a year later. Milei became the first world leader to meet with Trump following the 2024 election.
The two men have also taken similar steps while in office, including removing their countries from the World Health Organization and moving their countries’ embassies in Israel to Jerusalem, something Trump did during his first term.
This move from the Trump administration is seen as a symbolic victory for Milei and Argentina at a time when the administration is tightening restrictions for foreign nationals.
“It’s an exception the U.S. government is giving Argentina in a context where there’s a lot of control on immigration from other countries,” Alberto Fohrig, director of international cooperation at Argentina’s Security Ministry, said in a radio interview, according to the Buenos Aires Herald.
