Noem announces effort to reinstate Argentina to US visa waiver program

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Monday signed a statement of intent with Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein, and Argentine Minister of National Security Patricia Bullrich to begin the process of adding Argentina back on the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Argentina was removed from the program in 2002, which allows citizens to travel to the U.S. for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa, if their countries meet certain counter-terrorism, law enforcement and immigration criteria.

Noem, who made the announcement during a trip to the South American country, noted that Argentina has the lowest visa overstay rate of all Latin American countries and noted a rise in legal tourism to the U.S. in 2025. 

“Under President Javier Milei’s leadership, Argentina is becoming an even stronger friend to the United States—more committed than ever to border security for both of our nations," Noem said in a statement. "This statement of intent I signed alongside Minister Werthein and Minister Bullrich highlights our strong partnership with Argentina and our mutual desire to promote lawful travel while deterring threats. 

"This kind of diplomatic leadership, spearheaded by President [Donald] Trump, will help increase the safety of both countries," she added.  

The process to add Argentina back to the program is expected to take a few years, but the department said the statement of intent indicates the U.S.'s support and commitment to working with its ally.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.