1. Consular Services (Information for Argentine citizens)
a. Services provided by Argentine Consulates
b. What can a Consul do?
c. What can not a Consul do?
d. Some practical advice
e. Safety
a. Services provided by Argentine Consulates
The Consulates of the Argentine Republic have, among others, the obligation to protect the interests of argentine citizens abroad within the limits of domestic and international laws. The information provided here will let you know what kind of assistance you can obtain from a Consulate.
b. What can a Consul do?
To allow the use of the Consular Office's postal address for the reception of personal correspondence.
To guide you on how to obtain legal, medical, notarial, etc. advice
To assist accident victims.
To grant passports.
To inform relatives about accidents, deaths, catastrophes, and to advise them.
To be concerned about arrested or imprisoned Argentines, and, under certain circumstances, transmit messages to their relatives.
To ensure the defence of Argentine citizens at trial.
To ask for the whereabouts of Argentine citizens to the local authorities.
To issue travelling permits for minors, with the legal consent of those exercising parental authority over the minor.
To protect the interests of Argentine citizens in matters relating to successions caused by death.
To try to communicate with your relatives to inform them about your situation and necessities.
To protect the interests of Argentine minors or people lacking legal capacity, particularly regarding the designation of a tutor or curator.
To authorize the acts that can be performed by notaries public in the Argentine Republic, especially legalisations.
c. What can not a Consul do?
To be a party in legal proceedings or to exempt you from prison.
To give you legal advice or bring legal proceedings on your behalf.
To get you better treatment in hospitals or prisons than is given to the nationals of the country.
To perform tasks concerning travel agencies, airlines, banks, etc.
To provide you with tickets or means to return to the Argentine Republic or to travel to other destinations, except under exceptional circumstances of repatriation.
To provide you money or pay your bills (such as hotel, legal, medical or of any other kind).
To provide you accommodation, residence, work or work permits as well as to become your guarantor or lender.
- To be a depositary of property or goods.
d. Some practical advice
Remember that when being abroad, the laws and customs of the country you are in are applicable to you. It is convenient, therefore, to become acquainted with them and to respect them.
Avoid transporting belongings from third parties when crossing borders.
Respect local rules on consumption and possession of alcohol and drugs.
Make sure that your driving licence is in force and that it is valid in the country you are going to visit and ensure you know the traffic laws. It is recommended to obtain an international driving licence prior to travel.
Take into account that, in many countries, there are heavy fines usually charged where you commit an offence. There are no exceptions for foreign visitors.
If, for any reason, you are arrested by local authorities, insist on the Argentine Consulate being informed. A consular officer will contact you as soon as possible. The official will be able to advise you on legal proceedings, provide you access to lawyers, and endeavour you receive the same treatment as local citizens. The Consul will not be able to pay your legal costs or to exert any influence on the process you are involved in
If money, documents or other personal belongings are stolen from you, report it at the nearest local police station and claim a copy of your report. Afterwards, go to the Consulate to obtain the necessary documentation to continue with your travel.
In case of fatal accident or death of an Argentine citizen, the nearest Argentine Consulate will know how to advise you properly. In this regard, it is advisable to contract travel insurance.
When leaving the country, do not forget to take with you the addresses and telephones of the Argentine Representations in the country you are going to visit. The Information Office of the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs (tel. 311-0071/71) will provide you with that information; otherwise, request it from your travel agent.
The Argentine Consulates have an answering machine service to provide you with information on the office hours and to receive messages in case of emergency.
e. Safety
It is important to be aware of safety in other countries. Do not walk along dark streets or alone at night. Take only the necessary money with you, and do not offer resistance, if you are robbed.
It is recommended to leave personal documents (passport, DNI or Identity Card) at the hotel or accommodation, and to take with you only photocopies.
This recommendation is especially useful in coastal areas. Remember that in many places it is preferable not to look like a tourist.