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Milei and Trump Initiate Process to Include Argentina in the Visa Waiver Program. If Approved, Argentines Will Be Able to Travel to the U.S. Without a Visa for Up to 90 Days with Just an Electronic Authorization.
The promise of President Javier Milei to strengthen ties between Argentina and the United States has begun to move from rhetoric to practical measures. On Monday, 28, the ultraliberal leader welcomed Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security under Donald Trump, in Buenos Aires to officially commence the process of reintegrating the country into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If successfully completed, the accession will allow Argentines to travel to the U.S. without a visa, staying for up to 90 days with just the electronic travel authorization known as ESTA.
The meeting was framed by the Milei government as a landmark in the “reconstruction of carnal relations” with Washington, a phrase that harkens back to the 1990s when then-President Carlos Menem secured visa waiver status for Argentina — a status lost in 2002 amid an economic crisis and security issues. Now, Milei is attempting to replicate the achievement, but with a different geopolitical context and a direct ally in the White House: Donald Trump.
Milei and Trump Visa Argentina: Total Alignment with Washington
Since assuming the presidency in December 2023, Milei has made it clear that he would seek unconditional alignment with the United States and Israel, abandoning the more neutral foreign policy that Argentina maintained in recent years.
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Trump’s return to power has accelerated this movement, and the gesture of initiating the Visa Waiver process has been received as proof of mutual confidence between the two governments.
In an official statement, the Casa Rosada emphasized that the opening of the process “demonstrates the excellent relationship based on trust that exists between both leaders.”
Kristi Noem, known for her hardline stance against illegal immigration, also praised the partnership: “Under the leadership of President Javier Milei, Argentina is solidifying itself as an even stronger ally of the United States, with a greater commitment than ever to the security of the borders of both nations.”
VWP Argentina: What’s Needed for Argentines to Travel Without a Visa to the U.S.
The inclusion of Argentina in the Visa Waiver Program is not automatic. The process is rigorous and can take months — or even years — to complete. Among the requirements imposed by the U.S. government are:
- Maintaining a visa rejection rate of less than 3% per year;
- Proving high security standards in migration processes;
- Establishing reciprocal agreements to accept deported citizens within defined timeframes;
- Ensuring cooperation on issues like combating terrorism and identifying fugitives.
If all criteria are met, Argentines will be able to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without the need for a traditional visa. Instead, they will have to apply for the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), the electronic authorization used by citizens of most European countries and the other 40 nations already part of the VWP.
Argentines Without a Visa to the U.S.? Expectations Are High, but Timelines Are Still Long
The possibility of traveling without a visa excites many Argentines, but the process will not be immediate. Kristi Noem herself indicated that “at least a year” will be necessary to make progress, and this timeline can be extended.
In other words, those who dreamt of taking advantage of the waiver to visit the U.S. during the 2026 World Cup will likely still need a traditional visa.
Even so, the mere opening of the process already represents a significant shift in Argentina’s foreign policy and a promise of future facilitation for citizens and businesses.
Visa Waiver for 90 Days: Impact on Tourism and Business
If Argentina can rejoin the program, the impact will be significant for the tourism, exchange, and business sectors. Easing the entry of Argentines into the U.S. could increase travel flow, strengthen bilateral trade, and stimulate investments.
Businesspeople and airlines are already closely following the issue. With the visa requirement eliminated, the expectation is for growth in routes between Buenos Aires and cities like Miami, New York, and Los Angeles, which are traditionally popular among Argentine tourists.
Security, Borders, and Trade: The Topics Under Discussion
In addition to the Visa Waiver, Milei and Noem discussed other strategic topics during their meeting at the Casa Rosada. Official reports indicate that conversations took place regarding cooperation in combating drug trafficking, terrorism, and identifying fugitives.
The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security also signed a memorandum with Argentina’s Security Minister, Patricia Bullrich, to strengthen bilateral collaboration on border and intelligence issues. Following the meetings, Noem visited the Campo de Mayo military base on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, and even rode a horse in a symbolic demonstration of cultural and military rapprochement.
Why Did Argentina Lose the Visa Waiver and What Has Changed Now?
Argentina was part of the visa waiver program from 1996 to 2002, when the country aligned itself with the U.S. under President Carlos Menem. However, the severe economic crisis and issues related to security and immigration led Washington to withdraw the benefit.
More than 20 years later, Milei is attempting to regain this status, banking on an image of a country committed to economic stability, market openness, and international cooperation. The discourse of liberal reforms and rapprochement with Washington and Israel are part of this strategy.
The initiation of the process to reintegrate Argentina into the Visa Waiver Program is more than a diplomatic gesture: it is a signal of trust between Milei and Trump and a move that could change the lives of millions of Argentines dreaming of visiting the United States without bureaucracy.
It’s still early to celebrate, as accession depends on strict criteria and can take years to be completed. But the initiative reinforces the unprecedented alignment between the two countries and paves the way for a new phase of integration — with greater freedom of movement, new business opportunities, and a bilateral relationship that promises to become increasingly close.
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