In a move aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening economic ties with Beijing, Argentina announced on Monday that Chinese citizens holding valid US visas will no longer be required to obtain an Argentine visa for tourism or business travel.
The new policy, authorised by President Javier Milei, marks a significant easing of entry requirements and comes as relations between Argentina and China continue to deepen across key sectors, including trade, infrastructure, and energy.
According to an official government statement, the decision was part of broader efforts to stimulate the Argentine economy by “deactivating mechanisms that have impeded the free development” of critical sectors, particularly tourism, which the administration describes as “strategic.”
“In line with the exemption adopted by China, it is deemed appropriate to adopt equivalent measures for Chinese nationals holding ordinary passports who enter for tourism and business purposes,” the statement said.
The announcement follows China’s recent decision in May to grant visa-free access to citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay, aligning Latin America’s largest economies with many of their counterparts in Europe and Asia. Argentina’s reciprocal move positions it to benefit from increased travel, investment, and trade opportunities with one of the world’s largest outbound tourism markets.
China is currently Argentina’s second-largest trading partner after Brazil and plays a critical role in the country’s economic stability. In addition to being a major consumer of Argentine exports such as beef, soy, and lithium, China has made significant investments in Argentine infrastructure, mining, and energy projects.
Beijing has also extended a multibillion-dollar currency swap line to Buenos Aires, providing the Argentine government with crucial financial breathing space amid ongoing repayment obligations.
The latest visa policy shift further cements Argentina’s alignment with China’s global strategy. The South American nation formally joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative in 2022, positioning itself as a key regional partner in Beijing’s expansive infrastructure and trade network.
Officials in Buenos Aires hope the new entry rules will help attract more Chinese tourists and business travellers, while reinforcing Argentina’s growing relevance in Beijing’s global economic plans.
Melissa Enoch
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