WASHINGTON

The US Department of Homeland Security announced Monday it has begun the process to reinstate Argentina into the Visa Waiver Program, which allows eligible citizens to travel to the US for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem signed a statement of intent with Argentine officials during her visit to Buenos Aires, marking the start of renewed cooperation on traveler vetting and border security.

“Argentina now has the lowest visa overstay rate in Latin America,” she said in a statement, citing a 25% increase in Argentine visits to the US in early 2025. “That is why we are now taking steps to allow Argentina back into the Visa Waiver Program.”

Argentina first took part in the program from 1996 to 2002. The department emphasized the reinstatement process could take years as Argentina works to meet the program’s security and immigration requirements.