Short answer: the Argentine passport ranks 16th in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 169 countries and territories — Argentina’s best result yet and among the strongest passports in South America. Holders can visit the Schengen Area visa-free, but the US, Canada and Australia still require a visa.
Where can Argentine passport holders go visa-free?
| Destination | Entry for Argentine passport holders |
|---|---|
| Schengen Area | Visa-free, up to 90 days in any 180 |
| United Kingdom | Visa-free visits with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) |
| Japan | Visa-free short stays |
| Mainland China | Visa-free up to 30 days (trial policy, currently until 31 December 2026) |
| Most of South America | Visa-free |
| United States | Visa required; not in the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) |
| Canada | Visa generally required |
| Australia | Online visa required |
Entry rules change, so check the destination’s official information before travelling.
What does it do for families in Asia?
The main benefits are Schengen visa-free travel and a backup passport. Families who travel to Europe often for business or holidays save the time of applying for visas.
It also gives regional mobility in South America. The Mercosur residence agreement lets member-state nationals apply for residence across the bloc, though naturalised citizens generally need to have held their nationality for five years to count as nationals under the agreement.
What are the limits?
- The US, Canada and Australia still need visas: if your main goal is living or studying in an English-speaking country, an Argentine passport won’t remove the visa process.
- It isn’t EU residence: Schengen access covers short visits only, not living or working in Europe.
- Children may not inherit it automatically: whether children born abroad after you naturalise can take Argentine nationality needs to be confirmed separately.
How does it compare with Caribbean CBI passports?
By number of visa-free destinations, the Argentine passport is ahead of most Caribbean CBI passports. In 2026 the European Commission also asked five Caribbean CBI countries to phase out their programmes by June 2028 or risk suspension of Schengen visa-free access. Argentina’s Schengen access doesn’t rest on a CBI programme, but whether the EU will scrutinise Argentina’s new programme in the same way is worth watching.
How long is an Argentine passport valid?
Ordinary adult passports are generally valid for ten years and children’s for five. An expired passport doesn’t affect your citizenship and can be renewed.
Our view
Before choosing a second passport, list the five places your family travels to most and compare each passport’s entry rules for them. Visa-free counts alone can be misleading.