Argentina is the second largest country in Latin America and the eighth largest in the world. It has a population of just under 20 million people. Most expats live in urban areas, but there are also many natural wonders in Argentina. The biodiversity and geography are particularly fascinating.
While Argentina is a relatively safe country, there are some things that Brazilians should know before visiting. One of the most important things is to be careful with valuables, especially in public. It is best to keep valuables under your clothes or in a money belt. Also, be aware of your surroundings and always keep an eye out for pickpockets. In addition, cell phone theft is a real problem in Argentina, with motorcycle thieves specialising in stealing cell phones from pedestrians. iPhones and other high-tech gadgets are worth outrageous amounts of money in Argentina, so be wary of your surroundings.
In the past two years, Buenos Aires has been the scene of several high-profile kidnappings. The perpetrators of these heists are usually gangs of three or more, who target rich individuals in expensive cars. They threaten victims with guns and drive them around in vehicles while demanding a ransom. In 70% of the cases, the ransom demands are met. However, the police force has suffered setbacks in recent years, including the corruption of some of its leadership.
Buenos Aires remains one of the safest major cities in Latin America, although media reports of crime can create a false impression of safety. Robberies, petty theft, and express kidnappings will remain the greatest threats to locals and visitors alike.
Argentinian authorities have responded to the issue by increasing police deployment. However, some areas are still problematic, with low police numbers and inadequate surveillance. Among these are neighborhoods such as La Matanza and Moron, where there are fewer police officers per 100,000 inhabitants.
The homicide rate in Buenos Aires is 4.6 per thousand residents, which is below the national average. This makes it relatively safe compared to other large cities in Europe and the United States. In contrast, Russia, Ukraine, and Belgium all have high homicide rates. Only Belgium and France have murder rates lower than 0.6 per thousand residents. Moreover, the most violent cities in Europe are concentrated in industrial zones and may have higher petty crime rates than many parts of Buenos Aires.
Argentina is a safe country to visit, but it is important to use common sense while traveling. Petty crime is a common problem in major cities, such as in the public transport hubs of Buenos Aires. It has also been reported that some criminals use force against tourists.
Most Argentines are of Spanish or Italian descent, and during the post-colonial period, the country's population was overwhelmingly composed of immigrants from Spain. Between 1857 and 1960, an estimated 2.2 million Spaniards immigrated to Argentina. Some immigrants came from Andalusia, a region in southern Spain.
Nearly half of the population is Roman Catholic, and one-third is non-practicing. This widespread religious affiliation is reflected in the culture and society. Several other religions are practiced in Argentina, including Islam and Protestantism. There is also a significant Jewish population. The cosmopolitan nation is mostly composed of Europeans, with a population of approximately 97% of European descent. The country's vast geography and rich natural resources shaped the pattern of European settlement. Despite widespread emigration, regional differences remain largely intact, and the organization of life continues to follow patterns that were set in early colonial times.
The country's constitutional system allows for the separation of powers. Its president and vice president are directly elected and serve four-year terms. Both have the right to run for a third term. Both have considerable powers, including a line-item veto.
In 1983, Argentines elected a democratically-led government, led by Raul Alfonsin, a former army colonel. He took office on December 10, 1983. A large turnout during the mid-term elections showed widespread public support for democracy. During the first term, the UCR-led government took several steps toward solving pressing problems. The country's economy began to recover from the crisis of the 2001/2002 war. The government established a civilian control of its armed forces and consolidated democratic institutions.
Historically, Argentina's history has been filled with upheaval. Spanish colonizers began to settle along the River Plate coast in the 16th century, and later moved inland. In the late 1870s, General Julio Argentino Roca led the "conquest of the desert" campaign, which ended up killing large portions of indigenous Argentines and altering the country's demographics.
Argentina is an important partner in many international organizations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles the country's foreign affairs, while the National Secretariat for Worship oversees mandatory registrations for all religious groups. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website also contains a list of Argentina's foreign embassies around the world and in Buenos Aires. The website also includes a searchable map and satellite view of Argentina.
Children born in Argentina have the same citizenship as their parents, but they must leave the country on an Argentine travel document. For this purpose, the child must have a birth certificate and show it to the immigration authorities. If the child cannot produce the birth certificate, he or she will be considered an illegitimate source of income.
If a child is under the age of 13 years old, the child must have special authorization from a parent or guardian to leave the country. In addition, the child must have a valid passport. To obtain an Argentine passport, a child must be accompanied by an adult.
If a child needs medical attention, the country's public healthcare system is excellent. It includes top-rated pediatricians and medical staff. Most drugs are available over the counter, so a foreign parent will not have to shell out large amounts of money. Aside from the state healthcare system, the Argentine people who can afford it also tend to have private health insurance, which is much more affordable and better than public healthcare.
When traveling to Argentina, you must ensure that your travel documents are valid for at least six months. They should also contain at least two blank pages. It is important to carry a travel authorization from parents or legal guardians legalized by Apostille or by an Argentine consulate. Other documents to consider include a letter of invitation from a family member or friend. If you are visiting Argentina, you may also need to have a letter from your employer stating the length of the trip.
Argentina is a relatively easy country to visit and travel to. The land border may be particularly scrutinized, however. Nonetheless, the police can ask for identification at any time, but the photo pages are rarely asked. A 90-day visa is required for children traveling alone.
The younger generation is notorious for drug use. Drug use is celebrated openly in popular song lyrics. While Argentine society does not draw a clear line between hard and soft drugs, it's important to understand that the penalties for drug use are very stiff.
Expats from certain countries may not need COVID-19 vaccine in Argentina if they have an attestation of vaccination with at least one dose. They should present a vaccination card with at least one dose and a medical certificate with the test result no less than 3 weeks before embarkation.
The Ministry of Health of Argentina recently announced that some specific groups of people might not require COVID-19 vaccinations in Argentina. This includes those over 50 years of age, foreign tourists and those who had previously received two doses of the drug. Furthermore, people who are immunosuppressed or have chronic illnesses will no longer require the second dose.
Expats from MERCOSUR nations may not need COVID-19 vaccinations in Argentina. However, it is still wise to check with local health providers and health officials to make sure that the country has not introduced any new vaccinations that will put them at risk of infection. For this, the Argentina Ministry of Health maintains a website where you can find out about the current vaccination rollout and register for vaccines. You can also check the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website for information about approved vaccines.
For the safety of your family and yourself, you should make sure you have your COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines protect you from serious illness that can lead to hospitalization or death. Follow local and state guidelines to avoid any complications. If you do have a weak immune system, you should also take additional precautions to avoid infection.
There are two main reasons why migrant communities from MERCOSUR countries may not require COVID-19 vaccination in Argentina. First, it is important to understand the nature of the migrant population. In this country, they are vulnerable to a pandemic that can have disastrous effects on the population.
COVID-19 vaccination is a public health issue in Argentina. It is legal for employers to request proof of vaccination, as long as it is necessary to ensure the health and safety of employees. However, employees are not required to provide the information if they do not wish to be included in the official vaccination program. Moreover, mandatory disclosure of vaccination information could result in claims of breach of personal data.