Destinations: Buenos Aires | Cordoba | Mar del Plata | Patagonia
The Applicant should have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of intended date of entry and have at least two blank pages left for the visa stamp.
One visa form (photocopy allowed). It should be signed by the applicant on the both sides of the visa form.
Two recent passport-size photographs (4 x 4 cm) against a white background to be pasted on the application form.
Confirmed return / onward air ticket.
Proof of employment (Company Registration Certificate / Certificate of Incorporation), Brief Company Profile or Property deed in the applicant's name.
Authority letter on the letterhead of the company from the Applicant in favor of Travel Agent to submit and collect the passport.
A letter explaining the purpose and day to day program itinerary of your trip.
Hotel confirmation (should have the Name, Address, Contact Details of the Hotel in Argentina along with the Reservation Number).
Copy of Credit Card (International),
Copy of Income Tax Return for last 3 years.
Original Bank statement for the last 6 months (with telephone and contact person of the bank printed), or any other document showing evidence of your resources while abroad.
If you are self employed or a Student or an Applicant of any other category a letter explaining the reasons for your visit to Argentina as well as concise program of your planned trip.
If the Applicant is a Student: He/She has to provide the leave sanction letter from the School.
Authority letter for submission & collection from applicant.
Note: The Visa Officer can ask for the personal presence of the Applicantembassy
The culture of Argentina is as varied as the country's geography and is composed of a mix of ethnic groups. Modern Argentine culture has been largely influenced by Italian, Spanish and other European immigration, although there are lesser elements of Amerindian and African influences, particularly in the fields of music and art. Buenos Aires, its cultural capital, is largely characterized by both the prevalence of people of European descent, and of conscious imitation of European styles in architecture.Museums, cinemas, and galleries are abundant in all the large urban centers, as well as traditional establishments such as literary bars, or bars offering live music of a variety of genres.
Eating out is an experience in itself as Argentina boasts an an exceptional standard of food & drink. Famed of the quality of its steaks, Argentina is a meat â eaterâs dream and a visit to Parrillada Restaurant should be on a visitorâs to â do â list. Pure vegetarian food is hard to find but most restaurants have a veggie option and salads are widely available. The Italian heritage is evident in the popularity of Pizza and pasta eateries throughout the country. Japanese, Thai & Asian fusion food is increasingly popular in Buenos Aires. Argentine Wines are famed for their quality and value.
For long periods, urban areas such as Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Córdoba welcomed European immigrants, including, above all, those of Italian and Spanish descent. Nevertheless, there was also a migratory flow of German, Swiss, and Middle-Eastern immigrants arriving in Argentina. Among the countless changes this melting pot brought was the enrichment of the culinary art. Dishes such as pasta, pizza, pucheros (stews), croquetas (fritter)s, sauces, embutidos (sausages), and chicken and meat courses brought a wider scope of options to daily menus. Furthermore, the bread-making, dessert, pastry, and dairy industries have achieved considerable development in this region.
This region is regarded as perhaps the one most influenced by native Indians, and its foods are closely linked to the Andean-Incan tradition. When preparing regional dishes, potatoes and corn or wheat are almost always used, including quinoa (a cereal typically used in Incan cuisine), peppers, squashes and tomatoes. The most celebrated dishes are humita and tamal, in which the corn husk is stuffed with the corn filling itself, seasonings or meat.
Widely grown in this area, cassava is typically included in the region's dishes, as are other components of meals, such as the chipá (a cassava and cheese bread), which originally came from Paraguay. However, in this area Cassava is cooked alone too, boiled or fried, often as a side dish for asado and empanadas. Sopa Paraguaya and Chipá Guazu (also called Tarta de Choclo) are also commonly eaten and are made with corn. Chipá from Cassava is often eaten during breakfast with yerba mate, prepared with hot water, or with café con leche. Sopa Paraguaya and Tarta de Choclo are eaten for lunch or dinner. As regards to products made with sugar, Papaya (mamón in Argentine Spanish) jam is typical of the province of Corrientes.
Foods produced in the large southern region of Patagonia include fish and seafood from the sea and rivers, and the products of the sheep widely farmed there. Patagonia has been profound influenced by the tribes living there since long before Europeans arrived, in particular, the Mapuches and the Araucanos. A typical dish prepared by the latter is the curanto (a term meaning "hot stone"). Its preparation involves making a fire in a hole about 150 cm deep in the ground, and heating stones in it. A bed of nalca or maqui leaves is arranged on top of the stones, and ingredients are added in turn on top. Ingredients vary, but may include beef, lamb, pork, chicken, Argentine chorizos (pork sausages), potatoes, sweet potatoes, apples and holed squashes filled with cheese, cream and peas. The food is covered with leaves and damp pieces of cloth to keep the heat in, and covered with plenty of soil.
Patagonia has been profound influenced by the tribes living there since long before Europeans arrived, in particular, the Mapuches and the Araucanos. A typical dish prepared by the latter is the curanto (a term meaning "hot stone"). Its preparation involves making a fire in a hole about 150 cm deep in the ground, and heating stones in it. A bed of nalca or maqui leaves is arranged on top of the stones, and ingredients are added in turn on top. Ingredients vary, but may include beef, lamb, pork, chicken, Argentine chorizos (pork sausages), potatoes, sweet potatoes, apples and holed squashes filled with cheese, cream and peas. The food is covered with leaves and damp pieces of cloth to keep the heat in, and covered with plenty of soil.
Argentina is a party place and attending one of its many festivals is a perfect way of gaining a better understanding of the culture. There are a wide range of festivals throughout the year from antiquated religious traditions to contemporary art exhibitions to fiestas which just seem to be an excuse for a bit of fun and socializing. Try to schedule your trip around one of the local festivals where you may get to sample some typical food and drink, dance to traditional music and party with the natives!
Fiesta Nacional del Folcloro is held in CosquÃn, near to Córdoba. It is a lively and unrivalled tribute to Argentina's long folkloric traditions with music, dancing and lots of traditional food and drink.
Carnival in February and March is celebrated all over the country so you can't really miss it. Some of the most famous places to head to for the festivities are Corrientes or Gualeguaychú in the El Litoral Region, La Chaya in La Rioja (West Argentina) and Santiago del Estero (Northwest region). If you are going to be in Argentina during carnival, one of these destinations is undoubtedly where you will find the best party. Whilst Argentina is no Brazil when it comes to carnival, these towns definitely have a go! People are attracted from all over the country to the festivities which generally involve processions, elaborate sparkly costumes, lots of fancy dress, drinking, dancing, music and general merrymaking all night long..
One week towards the end of February sees the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia in Mendoza. This homage to the grape harvest basically means it is a great time to sample some of Mendoza's best wine whilst watching the elaborate processions which celebrate this highly treasured beverage.
Fanatics of Argentine Tango should not miss the annual Buenos Aires Tango Festival which takes place between February and March. There are masses of performances all over the city and lots of opportunities to learn a few steps of the most famous dance in Argentina.
La Hoya ski resort in Esquel, Patagonia celebrates the Fiesta Nacional del Esquà (National Ski Festival), another snow filled, fun packed party. This event takes place in September every year.
Make sure you are in San Antonio de Areco on the week of the 10th for the DÃa de la Tradición (Day of Tradition) which is actually a whole week of celebrations and fiesta in honour of Argentina's Gaucho tradition. Expect to see lots of cowboy-esque activities, traditional food and drink, music and dancing all in the heart of Gaucho land, Las Pampas.