Guides · Argentina
The stakes: Argentina is generally safe, but travelers face risks like petty theft and protests.
The facts: Homicide rates fell to 3.6 per 100,000 in 2025, the lowest in Latin America.
The context: Know which areas to avoid and how to protect your belongings.
Homicide Rates: What the Numbers Show
Argentina’s national homicide rate was 4.4 per 100,000 people in 2023, according to the National Criminal Information System (SNIC). By 2025, it dropped to 3.6 per 100,000, the lowest on record, as reported by the Security Ministry in June 2026.
This represents an 18.4% reduction over two years and a 7.3% drop from 2024. The rate is significantly lower than many Latin American neighbors, where rates often exceed 20 per 100,000.
Buenos Aires City recorded a homicide rate of 2.5 per 100,000 in 2025, the lowest in 31 years. This is according to the city government.
It is below the national average of 3.7 and the province’s rate of 4.34.
Violent vs. Petty Crime: The Real Risks
Violent crime, such as armed robbery and assault, is less frequent in tourist zones. But it does occur, especially at night and in less affluent neighborhoods.
This is according to OSAC in November 2025.
Petty crime is the main risk for travelers. Pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and phone theft are common in crowded areas like public transport and tourist spots.
No official figure has been published for a national breakdown of violent versus non-violent crime rates in 2024-2025. However, official statistics show that property crimes like theft and robbery remain prevalent.
Safe and Risky Barrios in Buenos Aires
Visitor-friendly areas like Recoleta, Palermo, Puerto Madero, Belgrano, and parts of San Telmo have lower violent crime. However, they have regular opportunistic theft.
This is according to Latam Crime Map in July 2026.
Foreigners should be cautious or avoid late-night visits to Constitución station area. Also avoid parts of Once, Retiro’s bus and train surroundings, and some outer-neighborhood villas (informal settlements).
The Buenos Aires City government’s crime map indicates that higher-risk areas for foreigners tend to be outer-peripheral neighborhoods. These are villas in southern and western Buenos Aires.
Official advisories recommend avoiding these unless accompanied by local contacts.
Express Kidnapping and Phone Theft
Express kidnappings, short-term abductions forcing victims to withdraw money, have been reported in urban areas. But they are not a widespread routine risk for tourists.
This is according to OSAC in November 2025.
Reported incidents have decreased in major tourist areas. They are concentrating in specific high-risk belts of Greater Buenos Aires and Rosario.
This is according to the Security Ministry’s briefings.
Phone theft is a primary risk for foreigners, especially in crowded transport hubs, shopping streets, and nightlife districts. Keep your phone secure and avoid using it in public.
Protests and Demonstrations: What to Expect
Street protests and demonstrations are common in Argentina, especially in Buenos Aires. They can disrupt traffic and public transport.
This is according to OSAC and the U.S. State Department.
They are usually peaceful but can lead to police intervention. Avoid large demonstrations and stay clear of crowd concentrations around Plaza de Mayo, Congreso, and central avenues.
Monitor local media for information on protest routes. The Buenos Aires City government notes that protests are usually announced and heavily policed, and serious violence involving tourists is uncommon.
Practical Precautions for Travelers
Take basic precautions: avoid displaying valuables, use ATMs inside banks, and be aware of your surroundings. Petty crime is the main risk, so keep your belongings secure.
Use official taxis or ride-sharing services, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas.
If you are a victim of crime, file a police report (denuncia) at the nearest police station. The Policía de la Ciudad and Policía Federal issue reports free of charge.
Regional Comparisons: Argentina in Context
Argentina’s homicide rate is among the lowest in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the Buenos Aires Herald in January 2026. It is closer to Chile and Uruguay than to Brazil or Colombia.
The U.S. State Department assigns Argentina a Level 1 travel advisory, the safest category, but recommends increased caution in Rosario due to drug-related violence.
Buenos Aires City is described as the second safest capital in the Americas, behind Ottawa, Canada. This is based on its 2025 homicide rate.
It is according to the city government.
Official Sources and Further Reading
For up-to-date safety information, consult the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory and OSAC’s country security report.
The Argentine Security Ministry publishes annual crime statistics.
The Buenos Aires City government provides a crime map and safety tips on its website. Always check official sources before and during your trip.
Official Fees and Who Charges Them
Foreigners do not pay special fees to enter safer neighborhoods or for police protection. Police services, including tourist police, are provided as a public service without user fees.
This is confirmed by Argentina’s Ministry of Security in 2026.
Filing a police report (denuncia) for a crime is free of charge. The Policía de la Ciudad and Policía Federal Argentina issue these reports at no cost.
The main cost is the time spent at a police station.
For security-related procedures like a background check, foreigners may need an apostille and a sworn translation. The apostille is obtained in the home country, and the translation is done in Argentina.
These services have fees set by the issuing authorities.
Step-by-Step Timeline of Recent Crime Trends
Argentina’s national homicide rate was 5.4 per 100,000 in 2020, according to World Bank and UNODC data. It fell to 4.6 in 2021 and 4.3 in 2022.
In 2023, the rate was 4.4 per 100,000, as reported by SNIC. It dropped to 3.8 in 2024, a 13% reduction from 2023.
By 2025, the rate reached 3.6 per 100,000, the lowest on record. This represents an 18.4% decrease over two years, according to the Security Ministry in June 2026.
Documents and How They Are Legalised
Foreigners needing a local background check (certificado de antecedentes penales) must first obtain an apostille in their home country. Argentina is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention.
After the apostille, a sworn translation (traducción pública) into Spanish is required in Argentina. This is mandated by local civil-law rules on foreign documents.
The background check itself is issued by the Registro Nacional de Reincidencia. The process is outlined by Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its 2025 guidance.
What Changed in the Last 18 Months
In July 2026, the U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory for Argentina to Level 1, the safest category.
It removed specific unrest, health, and crime risk indicators.
The advisory still warns that street crime is a problem in most urban areas. It specifically mentions Buenos Aires City, Buenos Aires Province, Rosario, and Mendoza.
Rosario remains under a Level 2 advisory due to higher violent crime. This is based on narcotics trafficking and other violence, as noted by the U.S.
Embassy in May 2026.
Mistakes Foreigners Most Often Make
A common mistake is not securing personal belongings in crowded areas. Phone theft and bag-snatching are the primary risks for tourists, especially in transport hubs and markets.
Another mistake is ignoring protest activity. Demonstrations are frequent and can disrupt traffic, so travelers should avoid large crowds and monitor local media.
Some visitors venture into high-risk neighborhoods at night. Areas like Constitución station and parts of Once are best avoided after dark, according to safety profiles.
How Argentina Compares with Its Neighbours
Argentina’s homicide rate of 3.6 per 100,000 in 2025 is the lowest in Latin America and the Caribbean. This is according to the Security Ministry and the Buenos Aires Herald.
Neighboring countries like Brazil and Colombia have rates several times higher. Argentina is closer to Chile and Uruguay in terms of lethal violence risk.
Buenos Aires City’s rate of 2.5 per 100,000 in 2025 makes it the second safest capital in the Americas. Only Ottawa, Canada, has a lower rate, as reported by the city government.
| Location | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina (national) | 4.4 | 3.8 | 3.6 |
| Buenos Aires City | Not specified | Not specified | 2.5 |
| Buenos Aires Province | Not specified | Not specified | 4.34 |
Sources: OSAC, SNIC, Argentina Ministry of Security, Buenos Aires Herald, InSight Crime, Latam Crime Map, U.S. State Department, Buenos Aires City Government
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