Emergency Help Abroad – Argentina

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Argentina — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs can lead to arrest, heavy fines and long prison sentences.

• Carrying weapons, including some knives or sprays, without lawful justification is prohibited.

• Drink-driving laws are enforced, with penalties that can include licence suspension, fines or detention.

• Bringing illegal substances into or out of Argentina will result in prosecution.

• Police may carry out checks around nightlife areas and major events.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Respectful behaviour is expected in churches, cemeteries, indigenous communities and cultural sites.

• Littering in cities, parks or natural areas can incur fines.

• Sex tourism, people trafficking and exploitation of minors are heavily punished. 

• Graffiti and vandalism of public or private property are criminal offences.

• Disrespectful behaviour towards national symbols, memorials or monuments may lead to police action.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police can ask for identification — keep your passport or a copy with you.

• Petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching and mobile-phone theft is common in busy areas. 

• Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit streets, parks or transport hubs.

• Large demonstrations and strikes occur regularly — foreigners should avoid them.

• Attempting to bribe police or officials is illegal and can worsen your situation.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Speed limits, seatbelt rules and mobile-phone restrictions while driving are enforced.

• Public transport and Subte (metro) require valid tickets — fare evasion can lead to fines.

• Only use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps; avoid unmarked vehicles.

• Overstaying your permitted time in Argentina can result in fines or entry problems later. 

• Some border and rural regions may restrict access due to weather, security or local regulations.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Avoid photographing military bases, police facilities, border posts and critical infrastructure.

• Drone use is regulated and may require registration and permission; flying near airports or crowds is prohibited.

• Some museums, churches and cultural sites restrict or forbid flash or photography.

• Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially children and in poorer neighbourhoods.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing plants, rocks or other natural materials from national parks and protected areas is prohibited.

• Feeding wildlife, especially in Patagonia and rural regions, is discouraged and can be restricted.

• Hiking off marked trails in national parks can be dangerous and may lead to fines.

• Lighting fires outside authorised camping areas is restricted, particularly in forested regions.

• Ignoring warning signs near glaciers, cliffs, rivers or waterfalls is both unsafe and may be an offence.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging archaeological sites, monuments or historic buildings is a criminal offence.

• Entering closed areas at Iguazú, Perito Moreno or other major attractions is forbidden.

• Removing fossils, artefacts or cultural items is illegal.

• Buying souvenirs made from endangered species is prohibited and items may be confiscated.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels easy-going or informal in the UK may be understood quite differently in Argentina.

• Don’t flash expensive phones, watches or cameras, especially in busy areas of Buenos Aires and other major cities.

• Don’t walk alone late at night in unfamiliar neighbourhoods, and choose main streets or taxis instead.

• Don’t underestimate how late evenings start, and avoid walking home alone after long nights out if you don’t know the area.

• Don’t treat political demonstrations or football crowds as casual photo opportunities, as tensions can rise quickly.

• Don’t carry large amounts of physical cash openly, particularly near ATMs and bus terminals.

• Don’t ignore advice about counterfeit notes, and check high-value bills carefully when changing money.

• Don’t underestimate distances in Patagonia, where journeys are long and services sparse.

• Don’t hike in remote areas without informing someone, especially in mountain and lake regions.

• Don’t underestimate strong Patagonian winds, which can make trails and roads hazardous.

• Don’t drink tap water in all regions without checking, as quality varies; follow local guidance.

• Don’t attempt to cross borders without the correct documents, as controls are strictly enforced.

• Don’t take photos of military buildings or police checkpoints where this is discouraged.

• Don’t ignore sun protection, especially in high-altitude areas where UV is strong.

• Don’t underestimate pickpocketing risk on public transport, particularly in big cities.

• Don’t bring food, drink or litter onto fragile Patagonian trails, leaving no trace behind.

• Don’t assume all taxis use meters, and agree the fare in advance where necessary.

• Don’t rely solely on card payments, particularly in smaller towns or markets.

• Don’t smoke where it’s restricted, including certain indoor and public spaces.

• Don’t treat memorials or historic sites from the dictatorship era lightly, as they carry deep emotional significance.

• Don’t underestimate seasonal extremes, from summer heat in the north to winter snow in the south.