Security Brief for prepared on: Jul 12, 2021 5:39:33 PM UTC

Security Assessment Rating Security Rating for 3 - Moderate Argentina:

Sub-Ratings 1 2 3 4 5 Crime 3 Overall Rating: Security Services 3 3 Civil Unrest 3 2 Moderate Kidnapping 3 Geopolitical 3

Security Overview : Overview of Argentina Argentina has essentially no conflict threats other than a longstanding dispute with the United Kingdom over the sovereignty of the Falklands/Malvinas Islands; however, the dispute is not expected to regain a military dimension. Crime is low by Latin American standards but notably higher than levels in North America and Europe. Domestic terrorism is not a threat, but lingering transnational terror elements are thought to reside in the tri-border area (TBA). Smaller protests occur on a near-weekly basis, with major events also common throughout the year. Transit disruption is the primary risk associated with these events, though incidental violence is also possible.

Related Advice: Personal security while walking. Related Advice: Protecting yourself from crime when using taxis abroad. Related Advice: Increasing your personal security while traveling. Related Advice: Avoiding and surviving kidnapping situations.

No Current Security Alerts

Other Alerts & Advisories Critical Alerts

Entry/Exit: Argentina extends COVID-19 measures through at least Aug. 6; domestic and international entry restrictions largely unchanged. Incident: COVID-19 restrictions Location(s): Nationwide (map) Time Frame: Indefinite Impact: Significant transport and business disruptions, increased security

Summary Authorities in Argentina have extended measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 through at least Aug. 6 due to continued high levels of virus activity. Authorities designate regions as low risk, medium risk, high risk, or in a state of Sanitary and Epidemiological alarm in increasing order of COVID-19 transmission risk. Regional risk levels can be found here.

Low-risk areas are subject to national level restrictions only, including a ban on indoor private gatherings over 10 people, a capacity limit of 50 percent for indoor businesses and venues, and the requirement to wear facemasks in public spaces. Medium-risk areas are also subject to national-level restrictions; local authorities are empowered to impose additional restrictions, including possible curfews and reduced capacity limits. In high-risk areas, there is a daily 00:01-06:00 curfew in place during which time people may only leave their homes for essential purposes, outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited, many nonessential businesses and activities are suspended, catering establishments may only operate take- away services between 23:00-06:00, and indoor businesses and venues are limited to 30 percent capacity. National level restrictions also apply. In areas in a state of Sanitary and Epidemiological alarm, the curfew is in place from 20:00-06:00, public transport may only be used by essential and authorized personnel, shopping centers and malls are closed, many nonessential businesses are closed, and those that remain open must close at 19:00, catering establishments may only serve customers in outdoor areas between 06:00-19:00. National level restrictions also apply.

Though the majority of is classified as high-risk as of July 10, authorities are implementing slightly amended restrictions. A 00:01-06:00 curfew is in place, private gatherings are limited to 10 people indoors and 20 people outdoors, and capacity for most indoor businesses and venues are limited to 30 percent. Authorities will begin gradually resuming subway services from July 12.

International Travel All ports of entry remain closed to most nonresident foreign nationals until further notice. Only citizens, legal residents, and those foreign nationals authorized to travel for employment, commercial, diplomatic, sporting events, or essential family reunification reasons, are allowed entry. Passengers may transit Argentinian airports provided they remain within the facility, and their onward flights depart within 24 hours. Passenger flights from the UK, Turkey, Chile, Brazil, India and the continent of Africa remain banned, except for limited flights for repatriating Argentinian citizens. The closure of the land borders to residents of Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil will also stay in force. A reduced number of flights to and from Europe, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, and the US remain available. Generally, international cargo, medical, and humanitarian transport operations are running normally; however, truck drivers and aircraft flight crews may be subject to enhanced screening measures.

Persons permitted entry - including Argentinian nationals, residents, and authorized foreign nationals - must complete an affidavit for the National Directorate of Migration up to 48 hours before travel and provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before travel. Nonresident foreign nationals must also provide proof of medical insurance. All arrivals must complete a mandatory self-quarantine for a total of 10 days with a further test on day seven of the quarantine period. Travelers may be subject to additional testing upon arrival.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, tighten, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and business appointments. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources World Health Organization (WHO)

National Directorate of Migration - Affidavit

Government of Argentina - COVID-19 (Spanish)

Alert begins: 07/10/2021 Warning Alerts

Air Travel: Flight disruptions likely in Argentina 1000-1200 and 1600-1800 July 12 due to air traffic controller strikes. Event: ATC strike Location(s): Nationwide (map) Date: 1000-1200 and 1600-1800 July 12 Impact: Flight delays, cancellations

Summary Air traffic controllers (ATCs) affiliated with the Association of Protection and Air Navigation Security Technicians and Employees (Asociacion de Tecnicos y Empleados de Proteccion y Seguridad a la Aeronavegacion, ATEPSA) have launched nationwide strikes in Argentina July 12, demanding salary increases. The strikes will occur 1000-1200 and 1600-1800, and will disrupt passenger and cargo flights nationwide. The strike is likely to mainly impact domestic flights, but international flights may also be affected, especially during the afternoon action. Activists have said the protest actions will not disrupt humanitarian flights, or those related to COVID-19 vaccines.

Flight delays and cancellations are likely in Argentina July 12. Flights connecting with Argentina may also be impacted.

ATEPSA leaders say further strikes could occur July 15 if they do not reach an agreement with government representatives.

Advice Confirm flight schedules with airlines. Do not leave your hotel or accommodation until your flight departing time is confirmed.

Alert begins: 07/12/2021

Health: High COVID-19 activity continues throughout the South American region during June 2021. Maintain basic health precautions. Incident: COVID-19 transmission Location(s): South America (map) Period: May-June 2021 Transmission: Respiratory (coughing, sneezing, speaking)

Summary Several South American countries continue to report COVID-19 transmission through June 30. The following countries have identified confirmed COVID-19 cases June 2-30. Countries are classified by risk of transmission according to the incidence rate over the past four weeks:

Very high risk of transmission

Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia French Guiana Paraguay Suriname Uruguay

High risk of transmission

Ecuador Guyana Peru Venezuela

Background and Analysis COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to frontline workers and the elderly in some countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants. Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease; however, several COVID-19 vaccines have been made available and distributed in some countries. Monitor government vaccination schedules, and get a government-approved vaccine when eligible and when it is offered. All individuals, including vaccinated individuals, should continue to prioritize basic health precautions as long-term immunity against COVID-19 is still being investigated.

Resources WHO coronavirus knowledge base WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress New England Journal of Medicine: COVID Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

Alert begins: 06/30/2021

Security Intelligence

SECURITY

Armed Conflict: Armed Conflict - Argentina Argentina maintains generally friendly relations with countries throughout the Americas and the rest of the world. Its relationship with the UK, however, retains echoes of the Falklands War, as both countries maintain their claims of sovereignty over the islands, and bilateral relations significantly deteriorated during the Kirchner years as the sovereignty issue was again brought to the forefront. However, Argentina has consistently ruled out military action to solve the matter and instead relies upon diplomatic forums to press its case. In more recent year years, the Macri administration attempted to isolate the Malvinas issue from Argentina's broader relationship with the UK in an effort to improve ties.

Civil Unrest: The threat of civil unrest in Argentina is high

Argentina - particularly Buenos Aires - is known for its strong protest culture, with protest groups regularly staging roadblocks and marches. Transit disruption is common in the capital and can also occur in other major cities such as Cordoba. Less frequently, clashes occur between protesters and security forces which can endanger passersby. Major political protests, termed 'cacerolazos', are also a fixture in the country. Though they only tend to occur a handful of times in any given year, they are generally massive in size and completely shut down major thoroughfares. They are often directed against the ruling government.

Labor strikes are frequent in Argentina due to the strong presence of organized labor within the country's political and social landscape. Industrial actions often also see accompanying marches and demonstrations which can block traffic, but otherwise cause disruption for the services or sectors in question, at the very least.

Contacts and Communication: Emergency numbers and embassy contacts in Argentina

Police 101 General Emergency 911 Ambulance 107 Fire Department 100 Contact information for select embassies in Argentina: If you are calling from outside Argentina, dial +54 first.

Australia - Embassy Brazil - Embassy

Villanueva 1400 Cerrito 1350 Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Phone: +54 (11) 4779.3500 Phone: +54 (11) 5246.7400 Fax: +54 (11) 4779.3581 Fax: +54 (11) 4515.2401 http://www.argentina.embassy.gov.au/ http://buenosaires.itamaraty.gov.br/ China - Embassy France - Embassy

Crisologo Larralde Avenue 5349 Cerrito 1399 Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Phone: +54 (11) 4547.8100 Phone: +54 (11) 4515.2930 Fax: +54 (11) 4545.1141 Fax: +54 (11) 4515.0120 http://ar.china-embassy.org/ http://ar.ambafrance.org/ Japan - Embassy United Kingdom - Embassy

Bouchard 547 17th Floor Dr Luis Agote 2412 Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Phone: +54 (11) 4318.8200 Phone: +54 (11) 4808.2200 Fax: +54 (11) 4318.8210 Fax: +54 (11) 4808.2274 http://www.ar.emb-japan.go.jp/ http://www.gov.uk/government/world/argentina Canada - Embassy Germany - Embassy

2828 Tagle Calle Villanueva 1055 Casilla de Correo 1598 Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Phone: +54 (11) 4778.2500 Phone: +54 (11) 4808.1000 Fax: +54 (11) 4778.2550 Fax: +54 (11) 4808.1111 http://www.buenos-aires.diplo.de/ http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/argentina-argentine/ United States - Embassy

Avenida Colombia 4300 Buenos Aires Phone: +54 (11) 5777.4533 Fax: +54 (11) 5777.4240 http://ar.usembassy.gov/ For a comprehensive listing of embassy contact information in this destination and a comprehensive listing of Guyanese embassies and consulates in other destinations, visit www.embassypages.com. Please advise WorldAware, using the feedback button, if this link does not work or if you require additional information that the link does not provide.

Visitors should familiarize themselves with the location and contact details of other foreign embassies in case their country's embassy closes due to an emergency or some other unexpected circumstances. Another embassy can often provide assistance in such cases.

Crime: Crime generally poses a moderate threat in Argentina

Within the context of , Argentina is one of the less crime-prone countries. However, the risk of opportunistic crime in major cities - specifically Buenos Aires and also a handful of others such as Rosario - is still considerable, and pickpockets and purse-snatchers regularly operate in crowded areas and public transportation hubs. Those in socioeconomically poorer areas of the city also run a risk of experiencing violent crime, especially if in an isolated area. Armed muggings and express kidnappings are common occurrences in such circumstances, though homicides are rare. Unofficial taxi drivers have also been identified as perpetrators of these types of crime. Sexual assault of females is a noted problem, and female travelers are advised to exercise a healthy level of caution, particularly when out at night alone. Additionally, narco-trafficking has become a considerable problem in the city of Rosario, in particular.

The country's rural areas see far lower levels of crime, and indeed many small towns see averages on par with equivalent locales in North America and Europe. One exception to this trend is the country's northern tri-border area (TBA) with Brazil and Paraguay, where all types of crime run much higher due to the lesser presence of the state and higher rates of illegal economic activity.

Related Advice: Increasing your personal security while traveling.

Geopolitical: The geopolitical threat in Argentina is moderate Corruption in Argentina is understood to be extremely problematic in both business and government. Rule of law is undermined by corruption and the significant politicization of the judiciary. Argentina's system of governance has been remarkably stable despite negative shocks as it has continued to consolidate democratic gains since the dictatorship years. Sanctions per se are not an issue, but its access to international financial markets was cut off until 2016 due to ongoing disputes with bondholders from its 2001 debt default.

Kidnapping/ Situation: The threat of kidnapping in Argentina is moderate

Kidnapping

The threat of kidnapping in Argentina is moderate; kidnappers are more likely to target locals. The most common type of abduction in Argentina is express kidnapping in which victims are taken and held for 24-48 hours while abductors empty victims' bank accounts, rob their homes, or extort ransoms from family members. The threat is greatest in Buenos Aires. Victims are usually released unharmed and relatively quickly. Foreign nationals, typically businesspeople, are rarely targeted, though it remains possible.

Related Advice: Avoiding and surviving kidnapping situations.

Security Services: Security services in Argentina are generally adequate

The capabilities and responsiveness of security services in Argentina are generally adequate (threat is moderate). Although Argentina has a number of different security forces, municipal and provincial police forces are likely to be the most relevant to foreign nationals. Travelers and local staff in the federal capital are most likely to interact with the Buenos Aires City Police. Tourist Police Stations (Comisaria del Turista) can be found in Buenos Aires and Mendoza; tourist police are generally helpful and responsive to foreigners; officers may speak English or can help obtain language services to assist foreign nationals with filing police reports. Local staff in urban areas are likely to interact with professional and well-trained police; in more rural parts of the country, police forces lack training and resources.

Corruption is widespread across the police forces, especially in Buenos Aires. Some officers could ask for small bribes to assist in reporting a crime. Foreign nationals should liaise with their diplomatic mission when reporting a crime.

Terrorism: The overall threat of terrorism in Argentina is low The country has had no notable incidents of domestic terrorism in recent decades. Attacks against Israeli and Jewish interests in Buenos Aires in 1992 and 1994, respectively, are believed to have been the work of , which reportedly retains agents in the country's tri-border region. However, said terrorist elements and sympathizers are thought to be relatively few and no longer focus on attacking interests in the region but rather concentrate on fundraising for operations abroad through illicit activities.

Overview of Argentina

Argentina, one of the two southernmost countries in Latin America, is arguably the most Western in terms of cultural identity. The country has traditionally had strong ties to the US and Europe both due to Old World immigration flows and foreign policy, although recent years have seen a much greater integration within Latin America. The country continues to recover from its 2001 debt default and finally returned to international financial markets in 2016. Argentina is one of the few Latin American nations to have a relatively notable industrial sector, although its economy still relies strongly on the export of primary materials, particularly soy and soy-based products. Tourism is also a signficant economic driver due to the dynamism of Buenos Aires juxtaposed with the geographic diversity of the rest of the country.

The biggest threat for those visiting Argentina is that of crime, which is generally opportunistic but can also be violent in bigger cities. Depending upon the specific regions to be visited, inclement winter weather can also pose significant risks to travel, notably in Patagonia and the country's Andean backbone.

Since March 2020, the country has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in a number of movement restrictions and service disruptions. Weather, Currency Exchange

ARGENTINA WEATHER CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Buenos Aires Observatorio: CURRENCY 1 Argentine 1 US 1 Euro = Jul 12 Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 16 NAMES Peso = Dollar = Argentine Peso 1.0000 113.7955 95.8512 High: 62° High: 60° High: 55° High: 58° High: 57° Euro 0.0088 1.0000 0.8423 F (16° C) F (15° C) F (12° C) F (14° C) F (13° C) US Dollar 0.0104 1.1872 1.0000 Low: 54° Low: 54° Low: 52° Low: 51° Low: 44° F (12° C) F (12° C) F (11° C) F (10° C) F (6° C)

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