Traveling is part of the Argentine lifestyle, and the United States is a popular travel destination for both business and pleasure. Argentine travel to the United States grew by double digits during many years until 2017.  

In 2017, over one million Argentines traveled to the United States, and their expenditures totaled $4.8 billion. However, due to the economic crisis, Argentine travelers to the United States dropped to 854,442 passengers in 2019. Argentina imposes a 75 percent surcharge in relation to the official peso/dollar exchange rate for purchases made abroad or invoiced in foreign currency, which includes tourism services such as plane tickets or purchases abroad using Argentine credit and debit cards. The surcharge comprises the 30 percent PAIS tax introduced in December 2019 and a 45 percent withholding tax (newly increased in July 2022). In 2020, due to the pandemic, the Argentine government placed many restrictions and closed borders for more than seven months. When the Argentine government finally authorized less than 25 percent of direct flights to the United States, many Argentines traveled, resulting in 197,748 passengers traveling to the United States. Argentina ranked as the sixth largest overseas country to send tourists to the United States. In 2021, not all scheduled flights were authorized.

Nevertheless, 301,794 Argentines traveled to the United States, resulting in a 52.6% growth.  The projection for 2022 is to equal pre-pandemic numbers. When the economy stabilizes, travel and tourism to the United States will increase. 

The number of travelers varies depending on the season. Peak travel times tend to be during the summer (December-February) and winter school holidays (July). Some also choose to travel during the week of September 21, as many children receive a spring holiday.  

Data Sources: Office of Travel and Tourism Industries – International Trade Administration – U.S. Department of Commerce, https://www.travel.trade.gov/ U.S. Travel Association and Argentine Ministry of Tourism.  

Opportunities  

The top destinations visited by Argentines are Florida (particularly Miami and Orlando), New York, California, and Washington, D.C. The U.S. gateways are Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Miami, and New York City.  

Resources  

• National Travel and Tourism Office  

• The Brand USA  

For additional information, including market analysis, trade events, contacts, and the products and services that the U.S. Commercial Service can provide to help you succeed in Argentina, please contact Diana Brandon, Industry Specialist.