This week Argentina was officially removed from the list of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program.  Using a provision of law that allows for the emergency termination of a country’s participation, the Justice and State Departments pulled Argentina, saying that its continued participation is “no longer compatible with the enforcement of immigration laws of the United States.” 

The decision comes after Argentina’s recent economic collapse, but its participation was being reviewed before then.  According to a Justice Department press release, the decision to remove the country was finalized after reports from the INS that a growing number of Argentine nationals were attempting to use the Visa Waiver Program to enter the US and remain here after their 90-day period of admission.

Argentine nationals who wish to come to the US as business visitors or tourists must now obtain visas, for which they must prove to the satisfaction of the consular officer that they have nonimmigrant intent.  Those already in the US under the Visa Waiver Program may remain until their 90-day allowed stay is over. 

According to information provided by the US Embassy in Buenos Aires, business and tourist visas for people who already have a plane ticket for travel to the US within the next 30 days will be processed by the Consular Section between 7:30 and 10:00 AM on all week days except Thursday.  An appointment must be made by calling the Visa Information Service Line at 4321-1100.  The nonrefundable visa application fee must be paid at any branch of the Banco Ciudad in Buenos Aires.  The Embassy warns travelers that simply having a plane ticket is not sufficient to obtain the visa, and that applicants must demonstrate that they will not violate the terms of the visa, for example, by working or overstaying, before the visa will be issued.