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By Dan Gooding
Associate News Editor
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United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said Monday that Argentina was likely to rejoin the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing visa-free travel to the U.S.
Noem said that part of the reason for the move was a rise in Argentinian tourism to the U.S. in the past year, along with low visa overstays.
Why It Matters
Adding a country to the VWP takes time and requires it to meet strict security requirements, but getting on the list means a far easier process for nationals visiting the U.S., including avoiding a new $250 "visa integrity fee" being introduced by the Trump administration.
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What To Know
The VWP allows visitors to the U.S., including those traveling for business, to spend up to 90 days in the country without needing to apply for a visitor visa, with some caveats. There are currently 41 nations on the list, with Chile the only other South American country as of July 2025.
Nationals from these countries have to apply for a what is known as an ESTA, through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, ahead of traveling, and must be approved by the U.S. Department of State through this.
An ESTA currently costs $21 per application, but this will rise to $40 from October 1, 2025, following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
While that cost may affect some travelers, it will still be less than for those from other countries applying for a B visitor visa, which costs $185. That will soon have the $250 visa integrity fee added on top.
For VWP applicants, there are certain criteria that must be met. The State Department will not approve ESTAs for those who:
- Have traveled to or been present in Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 1, 2011
- Have traveled to or been present in Cuba since January 12, 2021
- Are also nationals of Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.
The VWP is also not applicable to those coming to the U.S. to study for credit, for employment, to work as foreign press or other media, or to live as a permanent resident. All of these require different immigration pathways.
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As for Argentina—which was part of the VWP until 2002 when economic instability and concerns around illegal immigration were raised during the Bush administration—it will have to comply with the American rules in order to rejoin.
According to the State Department, a country has to share enhanced law enforcement and security-related data with the U.S., issue e-passports, have a low visitor-visa refusal rate, timely reporting of passport issues, and be able to prove it maintains high counter-terrorism, law enforcement, and border controls.
In the Department of Homeland Security's press release on the intention to get Argentina back on the VWP, Noem said Argentina now had the lowest visa overstay rate in Latin America.
What People Are Saying
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, in a press release: "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.
"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. This kind of diplomatic leadership, spearheaded by President Trump, will help increase the safety of both countries."
Republican Florida Representative Maria Salazar, on X: "This marks a powerful step toward restoring trust, deepening U.S.-Argentina ties, and bringing Argentina back onto the world stage. Under [Javier Milei], Argentina is emerging as a regional model of economic freedom, transparency, and strong democratic values."
What's Next
Argentina will have to be vetted further by the U.S. government before it can rejoin the VWP.
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