Argentina Nearing Entry into U.S. Visa Waiver Program
“Under President Javier Milei’s leadership, Argentina is becoming an even stronger friend to the United States,” Noem said.
Quick overview
- The United States has signed a declaration to reinstate Argentina into its Visa Waiver Program during DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's visit to Buenos Aires.
- The agreement includes a cooperation memorandum to establish a joint task force aimed at identifying fugitives and facilitating deportation discussions.
- Secretary Noem emphasized the strengthening of U.S.-Argentina relations under President Javier Milei's leadership.
- Estimates suggest the Visa Waiver could be implemented by the start of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The United States has signed a declaration of intent to reinstate Argentina into its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Monday.
The announcement came during the visit of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to Buenos Aires, where she met with Argentine President Javier Milei, a staunch ally of the United States.
“Under President Javier Milei’s leadership, Argentina is becoming an even stronger friend to the United States,” Noem said in an official statement. “This declaration of intent highlights our strong alliance with Argentina and our mutual desire to promote legal travel while deterring threats.”
As part of the agreement, both countries signed a cooperation memorandum to establish a joint task force under the security alliance framework. The initiative aims to identify fugitives in Argentina and create a communication channel to discuss and collaborate on deportation cases involving Argentine nationals subject to active warrants.
Following the bilateral meeting, Secretary Noem was accompanied by Argentina’s Security Minister Patricia Bullrich to the presidential office, where they were joined by key officials including U.S. Chief of Staff for Security Affairs Corey Lewandowski, Chargé d’Affaires Heidi Nicole Gómez, advisor Robert Thomas Law, and Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein.
Each year, around 1.2 million Argentines travel to the United States. While no official timeline was confirmed, estimates suggest that the waiver could be in place by the start of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Secretary Noem plays a central role in immigration policy under the Trump administration, which has prioritized strict border controls and enforcement measures, including mass deportations.
What is the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the DHS, allows citizens from participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. In return, participating countries must allow U.S. citizens to enter their territory under similar conditions.
Participation in the program requires enhanced cooperation on counterterrorism, law enforcement, and immigration control. According to the U.S. Embassy in Argentina, VWP travelers are subject to rigorous screening before departure, upon arrival at U.S. ports of entry, and during any domestic air travel within the country.
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