Argentina moves forward to join the Visa Waiver Program and make travel to the U.S. easier.

The Argentine government is one step away from rejoining the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), a system that would allow Argentine citizens to enter the United States without needing to obtain a traditional visa for tourism or business travel. If implemented, the measure would represent a deep change in immigration requirements and align with the goal of improving the country's international integration.

This Monday, Javier Milei's administration could sign a key agreement with Kristi Noem, former governor of South Dakota and current Secretary of Homeland Security for Donald Trump, who leads the Republican transition team.

The agreement would open the door for Argentina to join the select group of countries that are part of this program.

What the Visa Waiver Program entails

The Visa Waiver Program allows entry to the U.S. for a period of up to 90 days without needing to apply for a consular visa. Instead, travelers must obtain an electronic authorization known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which evaluates background information and determines eligibility for entry.

Requirements to apply for ESTA:

• Complete an online form
• Provide personal, passport, and employment information
• Indicate the place of accommodation in the U.S.
• Pay a fee of USD 21
• Hold a valid electronic passport (e-passport) with a biometric chip

The system doesn't completely eliminate controls, but it simplifies and streamlines immigration procedures for those who meet the established criteria.

Which countries are part of the program

To date, 42 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Among them are the main European nations, as well as Japan, South Korea, Israel, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. In South America, only Chile enjoys this benefit.

Argentina's inclusion would not only facilitate travel for tourists and businesspeople, but would also consolidate a new strategic rapprochement with the United States, both in terms of immigration and bilateral cooperation on security and documentation.

Requirements to join the program

To be part of the VWP, a country must meet several standards required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, including:

• Visa refusal rate below 3%
• Issuance of secure biometric passports
• Robust and digitized border control systems
• International cooperation with INTERPOL
• Efficient repatriation of individuals with deportation orders
• Bilateral security and information-sharing agreements

Argentina has reportedly made progress on many of these points, including the modernization of its passport system, collaboration in international databases, and an active policy against organized crime.

Who would be excluded

Even if Argentina joins the program, not all citizens will automatically qualify. The following will be excluded:

• Those who have visited countries considered high risk (Iran, North Korea, Syria, among others)
• Those who have traveled to Cuba since January 12, 2021
• Those who have previously been denied entry by immigration authorities
• Those with backgrounds requiring further review

Possible implementation before the end of the year

The official expectation is that the new system could come into effect before the end of 2025, if technical agreements are completed and final approval is received from U.S. agencies.

The change would represent a significant simplification for Argentines who travel frequently, and would mark a diplomatic achievement for Javier Milei's government.