Ushuaia Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina Travel Guide
Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European Union countries do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. A valid passport suffices for entry. Other nationalities need to apply for a tourist visa through an Argentine embassy or consulate. Mercosur citizens can often enter with their national ID card.
Gathering the correct documents makes your entry smooth. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds may be requested. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Upon arrival, you usually receive a stamp in your passport for a 90-day stay. Keep the small white migratory card slip from immigration for departure. Reciprocity fees for US, Australian, and Canadian citizens were suspended as of 2016/2018. Check current policies from the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travel.
No specific permits are generally required for standard tourist activities in Ushuaia. For Antarctic cruises, specific regulations (medical clearances, treaty guidelines) apply; your cruise operator will inform you of these.
For travelers requiring a visa
Minimum validity period
Your passport must extend at least six months beyond your planned departure.
Entry denial may result from insufficient passport validity.
Keep this document safe
Received from immigration officials upon entry.
You may need this slip when leaving Argentina.
The Argentine Peso (ARS) is the currency. Argentina’s economy often experiences high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates. Historically, the "Blue Dollar" (Dólar Blue) rate sometimes offers a more favorable rate for foreign currency. While this difference varies, travelers often gain more pesos by exchanging USD or EUR cash. ATMs are available but may have low withdrawal limits and high transaction fees. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops.
Tipping (propina) is customary. A 10% tip is standard for good service in restaurants; give cash directly to the server. Tipping taxi drivers is not customary, but rounding up the fare is common. A tip for tour guides is appreciated, especially for longer tours.
ARS 40,000 - 80,000 daily (hostel, supermarket food, public transport, free activities).
ARS 80,000 - 150,000 daily (mid-range hotel, casual restaurants, some tours).
ARS 150,000+ daily (luxury hotel, fine dining, private tours).
Hostel Dorm: ARS 15,000-30,000; Mid-range Hotel: ARS 50,000-100,000.
Casual Meal: ARS 10,000-25,000; Fine Dining: ARS 50,000+.
Your well-being is important. Follow health and safety recommendations specific to Ushuaia.
No specific vaccinations are generally required for entry to Ushuaia. Ensure your routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, Polio, Hepatitis A, B, Flu) are current. Rabies and Typhoid may be considered for extended rural stays or adventurous eating.
Ushuaia has both public and private hospitals. Pharmacies are widely available. Healthcare quality is generally good for a city of its size. For serious medical issues, evacuation to Buenos Aires may be needed.
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended. It should cover medical emergencies, emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, baggage loss or delay, and personal liability. Consider policies that cover adventure activities if you plan on trekking, skiing, or other outdoor pursuits.
Ushuaia, like much of Patagonia, can be more expensive due to its remote location. Smart money strategies optimize your experience.
Leveraging cash payments and self-catering are effective ways to reduce costs.
Prioritize free or low-cost activities like hiking to save on entertainment.
Use the local bus system with a SUBE card instead of taxis for exploring the city. This option is much cheaper and covers main city areas.
Cost-effective for city exploration.
May not cover all remote trailheads.
Explore the city on foot, hike free trails outside the national park, and visit viewpoints. Self-guided walks offer unique experiences.
Rich natural beauty and city charm at no cost.
May require additional transport to reach trailheads.
Booking tours directly from local agencies in Ushuaia can sometimes be slightly cheaper than online in advance.
Potential for better pricing and local insights.
Popular tours in peak season may require advance booking to secure your spot.
| Category | Item | Price Range (ARS) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Per Night) | Hostel Dorm | 15,000 - 30,000 |
| Meals (Per Person) | Casual Restaurant | 10,000 - 25,000 |
| Attractions | Tierra del Fuego National Park Entry | 12,000 |
Maintaining your health and comfort while traveling is important. A personal health kit and awareness of local conditions are valuable.
Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, allergy medication, blister treatment.
Prescription medications (with documentation), over-the-counter for cold, flu, antacids, laxatives.
Motion sickness medication (Dramamine), anti-diarrhea medication, rehydration salts.
Always consult a travel health professional well in advance of your trip.
Ensure your routine vaccinations are current. Consider specific vaccines like Rabies or Typhoid based on your travel style. Practice good food hygiene and stay hydrated.
Ushuaia tap water is generally safe to drink. For sensitive stomachs or remote areas, consider bottled water (Amazon) or a portable filter (LifeStraw).
Always check for any updates to health requirements closer to your travel date.
Use repellent with DEET or Picaridin (Amazon) for biting insects in forested areas during summer.
Knowing who to contact in an emergency is important. Dial 911 for general emergencies. Hospital Regional Ushuaia "Gobernador Ernesto Campos" is the main public hospital.
Ushuaia experiences sudden weather changes. Always check forecasts before heading out. Be aware of wildlife on rural roads, especially guanacos, notably at dusk or dawn.
Pack for four seasons in one day. Layers are always .
Drive cautiously and watch for animals on roads outside the city.
Inform someone of your itinerary for remote trails and monitor weather.
