Overview

• Argentina submitted a formal letter of intent and signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with DHS and ICE to begin its Visa Waiver Program application
• U.S. teams will carry out phased security audits, information-sharing pacts and migration-control evaluations to assess Argentina’s compliance
• DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit spotlighted growing security and diplomatic alignment between the Milei administration and the Trump government
• U.S. officials estimate the inclusion process could span one to three years, making full visa-free travel unlikely before mid-2026
• Approval would restore Argentina’s 1996–2002 VWP status and allow about 1.2 million citizens to enter the U.S. visa-free for up to 90 days