Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem began the process for Argentina to reenter the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The VWP allows citizens of certain countries to “travel to the United States for tourism or business without a visa,” a statement from the US Embassy in Argentina says. It adds that “nationals from visa waiver countries intending to travel to the United States temporarily for tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must receive a travel electronic authorization before embarking an aircraft or a vessel with the United States as a destination.”
“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. 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,” Noem said. “That is why we are now taking steps to allow Argentina back into the Visa Waiver Program.”
“This statement of intent I signed alongside [Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein] and [Argentine Minister of National Security Patricia Bullrich] highlights our strong partnership with Argentina and our mutual desire to promote lawful travel while deterring threats,” added Noem. “This kind of diplomatic leadership, spearheaded by President Trump, will help increase the safety of both countries.”
The United States has also increased its defense relations with Argentina. On July 1, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hosted Argentina’s Defense Minister Luis Petri, where he celebrated Argentina’s commitment to acquiring U.S. military assets, including F‑16 fighters and Stryker armored vehicles, and warned that China poses a “shared security challenge” to the U.S., Argentina, and the broader hemisphere.
