Argentina Suspends $160 Reciprocity Fee for US Citizens, Thanks to President Obama:

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'Murica!
‘Murica!

On March 24th, the Argentine government decided to temporarily suspend their $160 Reciprocity Fee requirement for US passport holders.  This is yet another one of the many big changes Argentina’s new President Macri has implemented since coming into office this year.  Chile dropped their Reciprocity Fee for US passport holders in 2014.

“The Argentine National Immigration Agency (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones) informed though Disposition 589/2016, that the “Reciprocity Fee has been suspended for American Citizens who travel to Argentina for 90 days or until the derogation of the regulation“ This measure starts on March 24th 2016.” – Argentina’s Foreign Affairs Ministry on March 24th, 2016

Obama dancing Tango at a state dinner held in his honor in Buenos Aires on March 24th, 2016. image: time
Obama dancing Tango at a state dinner held in his honor in Buenos Aires on March 24th, 2016. image: time

This news release by Foreign Ministry came during President Obama’s visit to Buenos Aires and Bariloche.  This is reportedly one step towards Argentina becoming part of the US visa waiver program.  Thanks, Obama!

The below countries are currently on the US visa waiver program:  

Countries currently on US visa waiver program. image: us department of state
Countries currently on US visa waiver program. image: us department of state

The Reciprocity Fee was a huge pain in the ass as you had to fill it out, pay for it online, print out a receipt, keep that receipt with your passport…  it was a nightmare…  If you lost the receipt, you weren’t allowed to enter the country.  Argentina, for some ridiculous reason, wouldn’t let US citizens pay the Reciprocity Fee in Argentina…

Saving $160 will go a long way in Argentina this summer towards beer, vino, incredible steaks, and lift tickets.

1USD = 15 Argie Pesos right now.

ARS vs USD past 10 years. Notice the huge straight up spike? That's when they released the money exchange restrictions in December. image: xe
ARS vs USD past 10 years. Notice the huge straight up spike? That’s when they released the money exchange restrictions in December. image: xe.com

Unfortunately, the black market dollar (blue dollar or dolar azul) no longer exists in Argentina either since their new President Macri allowed free money exchange once again this year.  Last year, we were getting 63% more money for free…  The exchange is still good and your money will still go further than it will in the US of A.

If you haven’t skied/ridden in Argentina yet, it’s time.

SnowBrains will be there for our 8th winter there this summer and we’ll be reporting weekly from Bariloche, Las Lenas, and more.

Skiing spines near Refugio Frey in the Bariloche, Argentina backcountry in September 2014. photo: miles clark/snowbrains
Skiing spines near Refugio Frey in the Bariloche, Argentina backcountry in September 2014. photo: miles clark/snowbrains
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One thought on “Argentina Suspends $160 Reciprocity Fee for US Citizens, Thanks to President Obama:”

  1. This had nothing to do with Obama. This is been a long time coming for an economy that is desperate for any tourism stimulus.

    Reply

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