Legal Any risk to constantly overstaying on tourist visa? How many times can you do border runs in Argentina?

[earlyretirement]

interesting fact. trump now locks up overstays if caught and denies reentry. you can self deport and have a chance to come back. if caught you spend at least a month in detention

Many people are self deporting because the US government is paying people to leave. Talked to someone that said they got a few thousand dollars and a free ticket home. Was surprised to hear that. I own a few places in Mexico and it is surprising to see so many Ubers that spoke perfect English. When I asked them how their English is so perfect many said they lived in the USA and just self deported and came back home.

This is my worst nightmare. Having all my things here in my apartment. What can be done? Can an attorney help in that situation?

This is happening in the USA too. I was shocked to learn one of my wife's friend that is very affluent and lives near us and has a son that was born in the USA and has a passport here never got legal here. She was just saying she was a tourist and going back and forth on a tourist visa. I have no reason why someone would do that. Her husband is also from Mexico but has a green card but the wife did not.

They were coming back from a vacation in Italy back to the USA and they refused her and she got deported. Terrible ordeal for the family. This is a family that has a multi-million dollar house, very affluent but she didn't take the time to get legal for whatever reason. They had to move to Mexico. Imagine the shock of the kid that is only 12 years old having to start over in a foreign country.

Just never understand people that live in a country for years and don't take the time to get legal. I own properties in several countries and the first thing I usually do when I buy is get permanent residency in that country. Even if I don't plan to live there full-time. I qualify to get my Mexican passport this year and will probably do it.

 

[Wally]

Many people are self deporting because the US government is paying people to leave. Talked to someone that said they got a few thousand dollars and a free ticket home. Was surprised to hear that. I own a few places in Mexico and it is surprising to see so many Ubers that spoke perfect English. When I asked them how their English is so perfect many said they lived in the USA and just self deported and came back home.


This is happening in the USA too. I was shocked to learn one of my wife's friend that is very affluent and lives near us and has a son that was born in the USA and has a passport here never got legal here. She was just saying she was a tourist and going back and forth on a tourist visa. I have no reason why someone would do that. Her husband is also from Mexico but has a green card but the wife did not.

They were coming back from a vacation in Italy back to the USA and they refused her and she got deported. Terrible ordeal for the family. This is a family that has a multi-million dollar house, very affluent but she didn't take the time to get legal for whatever reason. They had to move to Mexico. Imagine the shock of the kid that is only 12 years old having to start over in a foreign country.

Just never understand people that live in a country for years and don't take the time to get legal. I own properties in several countries and the first thing I usually do when I buy is get permanent residency in that country. Even if I don't plan to live there full-time. I qualify to get my Mexican passport this year and will probably do it.

Wow that is interesting. How long did she live in the USA?

 

[jbeas176]

early retirement you are correct. they give them 1000 to self deport but it has to go through a leagal process. you can’t just leave. you have to be paying attention to whats going on in mexico. its the reason i dont buy and live there. i live in arizona and have spent my youth there. puerata penasco ( rocky point) is still good and cabo. i just don’t trust the cartels spreading out. trump should watch out by taking credit for the take down. claudia sheinbaum needs to take credit. i really like her and usa needs to build her up. she lives there

 

[jbeas176]

the problem with rocky point is you have to drive there. they are buildind a deep water port and building an airport port of good size

 

[MikeYoung]

early retirement you are correct. they give them 1000 to self deport but it has to go through a leagal process. you can’t just leave. you have to be paying attention to whats going on in mexico. its the reason i dont buy and live there. i live in arizona and have spent my youth there. puerata penasco ( rocky point) is still good and cabo. i just don’t trust the cartels spreading out. trump should watch out by taking credit for the take down. claudia sheinbaum needs to take credit. i really like her and usa needs to build her up. she lives there

You like Claudia Sheinbaum? She seems more communist than Kirchner was.

 

[CXA]

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a short tourist trip to Buenos Aires soon and would really appreciate some insight from anyone who has navigated a similar situation.

My Timeline & Background:

• 2023: Entered Argentina on an AVE (ETA) using a valid US B1/B2 visa. I stayed for just 5 days and attempted to apply for temporary residency, but it was rejected. I left the country on time with zero overstays or fines.
• Two months later: Applied for a standard tourist visa at an Argentine consulate to return. It was denied, with the consular officer explicitly stating, "You are not going for tourism."
• Present: I haven't attempted to enter the country or apply for any Argentine visas in over two years.

My Current Situation: With the new policy introduced in mid-2025, Chinese passport holders with a valid US B1/B2 visa can now enter Argentina visa-free/AVE-free for up to 30 days. I am planning a normal, short vacation this time—absolutely no residency attempts.

My Questions:

1. System Flags: Will Migraciones at Ezeiza (EZE) immediately flag my passport or biometrics due to the 2023 residency denial and consular visa rejection?
2. Similar Experiences: Has anyone here successfully entered under the new US visa exemption despite having a prior visa or residency refusal on their record?
3. Border Prep: How much scrutiny should I expect? What specific documentation is best to prepare to prove I am a genuine tourist this time (e.g., strong return flights, fully paid hotel bookings, proof of funds, employment letters from home)?

I'm naturally a bit anxious about being turned away at the border after a long flight, so any shared experiences, tips, or realistic advice would be incredibly helpful. Thank you so much!

 

[Silvia]

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a short tourist trip to Buenos Aires soon and would really appreciate some insight from anyone who has navigated a similar situation.

My Timeline & Background:

• 2023: Entered Argentina on an AVE (ETA) using a valid US B1/B2 visa. I stayed for just 5 days and attempted to apply for temporary residency, but it was rejected. I left the country on time with zero overstays or fines.
• Two months later: Applied for a standard tourist visa at an Argentine consulate to return. It was denied, with the consular officer explicitly stating, "You are not going for tourism."
• Present: I haven't attempted to enter the country or apply for any Argentine visas in over two years.

My Current Situation: With the new policy introduced in mid-2025, Chinese passport holders with a valid US B1/B2 visa can now enter Argentina visa-free/AVE-free for up to 30 days. I am planning a normal, short vacation this time—absolutely no residency attempts.

My Questions:

1. System Flags: Will Migraciones at Ezeiza (EZE) immediately flag my passport or biometrics due to the 2023 residency denial and consular visa rejection?
2. Similar Experiences: Has anyone here successfully entered under the new US visa exemption despite having a prior visa or residency refusal on their record?
3. Border Prep: How much scrutiny should I expect? What specific documentation is best to prepare to prove I am a genuine tourist this time (e.g., strong return flights, fully paid hotel bookings, proof of funds, employment letters from home)?

I'm naturally a bit anxious about being turned away at the border after a long flight, so any shared experiences, tips, or realistic advice would be incredibly helpful. Thank you so much!

You should check with the Argentina consulate in China which it sounds like you are from. Why did you apply for temporary residency? Did you plan on staying?

 

[Esposas]

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a short tourist trip to Buenos Aires soon and would really appreciate some insight from anyone who has navigated a similar situation.

My Timeline & Background:

• 2023: Entered Argentina on an AVE (ETA) using a valid US B1/B2 visa. I stayed for just 5 days and attempted to apply for temporary residency, but it was rejected. I left the country on time with zero overstays or fines.
• Two months later: Applied for a standard tourist visa at an Argentine consulate to return. It was denied, with the consular officer explicitly stating, "You are not going for tourism."
• Present: I haven't attempted to enter the country or apply for any Argentine visas in over two years.

My Current Situation: With the new policy introduced in mid-2025, Chinese passport holders with a valid US B1/B2 visa can now enter Argentina visa-free/AVE-free for up to 30 days. I am planning a normal, short vacation this time—absolutely no residency attempts.

My Questions:

1. System Flags: Will Migraciones at Ezeiza (EZE) immediately flag my passport or biometrics due to the 2023 residency denial and consular visa rejection?
2. Similar Experiences: Has anyone here successfully entered under the new US visa exemption despite having a prior visa or residency refusal on their record?
3. Border Prep: How much scrutiny should I expect? What specific documentation is best to prepare to prove I am a genuine tourist this time (e.g., strong return flights, fully paid hotel bookings, proof of funds, employment letters from home)?

I'm naturally a bit anxious about being turned away at the border after a long flight, so any shared experiences, tips, or realistic advice would be incredibly helpful. Thank you so much!

The DNM (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones) in Argentina does keep a centralized digital database. Because your passport and biometrics were taken during your residency attempt and your consular visit, your previous "not a tourist" flag will almost certainly pop up on the immigration officer's screen when they scan your passport at Ezeiza.

Because of this, you should prepare for a secondary interview at the airport. You will need an airtight portfolio of printed documents proving your ties to China and your strict itinerary in Argentina to overcome the officer's initial suspicion. Better to have all your hotel/Airbnb confirmations printed out, flight tickets back home, etc.

 

[Cheap Bastard]

The DNM (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones) in Argentina does keep a centralized digital database. Because your passport and biometrics were taken during your residency attempt and your consular visit, your previous "not a tourist" flag will almost certainly pop up on the immigration officer's screen when they scan your passport at Ezeiza.

Because of this, you should prepare for a secondary interview at the airport. You will need an airtight portfolio of printed documents proving your ties to China and your strict itinerary in Argentina to overcome the officer's initial suspicion. Better to have all your hotel/Airbnb confirmations printed out, flight tickets back home, etc.

Things are much more complicated now vs. before with immigration. Expect they will scrutinize you if you applied to be a resident before. Not sure how they could refuse you as a tourist with the visa free policy. As of July 2025 policy (Resolución 316/2025) it allows Chinese citizens with a valid US B1/B2 visa to enter for up to 30 days but the border officer always has the final say and probably depends what side of the bed they woke up on.

Besides the ticket, hotel stay you should have an itemized itinerary of what you will do. Also a good idea to bring a bank statement showing you have plenty of money for the vacation or credit card statements showing you have enough available credit for the trip. A good idea is to have a letter from your employer showing you have a job or maybe title deed of property or something if you own a property in China. Anything to show you have proof to ties to China to go back.

 

[CXA]

You should check with the Argentina consulate in China which it sounds like you are from. Why did you apply for temporary residency? Did you plan on staying?

I came as a tourist and fall in love with country. Surprised so many Chinese in BA. I went to Chinatown and nice area so full of Chinese. That is when I got idea to maybe relocated here and I try.

I research online and found agent that told us we can easily apply to stay. I pay fee but agent was liar. Very bad and I found out many documents are required. I was in town less than week. I start process but they rejected me because I no have documents needed and legalized doc. They reject me.

Things are much more complicated now vs. before with immigration. Expect they will scrutinize you if you applied to be a resident before. Not sure how they could refuse you as a tourist with the visa free policy. As of July 2025 policy (Resolución 316/2025) it allows Chinese citizens with a valid US B1/B2 visa to enter for up to 30 days but the border officer always has the final say and probably depends what side of the bed they woke up on.

Besides the ticket, hotel stay you should have an itemized itinerary of what you will do. Also a good idea to bring a bank statement showing you have plenty of money for the vacation or credit card statements showing you have enough available credit for the trip. A good idea is to have a letter from your employer showing you have a job or maybe title deed of property or something if you own a property in China. Anything to show you have proof to ties to China to go back.

Yes I see more difficult. I do not want to come and have problem or reject for vacation time. I forget about moving and only want to go and visit now tourist.

 

[ben]

I would second the advice to have all your documents in order and all that paperwork. I'm not sure they would reject you as a tourist if you qualify. But ask the Argentine embassy to make sure. That is a long trip!

 

[sophos]

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a short tourist trip to Buenos Aires soon and would really appreciate some insight from anyone who has navigated a similar situation.

My Timeline & Background:

• 2023: Entered Argentina on an AVE (ETA) using a valid US B1/B2 visa. I stayed for just 5 days and attempted to apply for temporary residency, but it was rejected. I left the country on time with zero overstays or fines.
• Two months later: Applied for a standard tourist visa at an Argentine consulate to return. It was denied, with the consular officer explicitly stating, "You are not going for tourism."
• Present: I haven't attempted to enter the country or apply for any Argentine visas in over two years.

My Current Situation: With the new policy introduced in mid-2025, Chinese passport holders with a valid US B1/B2 visa can now enter Argentina visa-free/AVE-free for up to 30 days. I am planning a normal, short vacation this time—absolutely no residency attempts.

My Questions:

1. System Flags: Will Migraciones at Ezeiza (EZE) immediately flag my passport or biometrics due to the 2023 residency denial and consular visa rejection?
2. Similar Experiences: Has anyone here successfully entered under the new US visa exemption despite having a prior visa or residency refusal on their record?
3. Border Prep: How much scrutiny should I expect? What specific documentation is best to prepare to prove I am a genuine tourist this time (e.g., strong return flights, fully paid hotel bookings, proof of funds, employment letters from home)?

I'm naturally a bit anxious about being turned away at the border after a long flight, so any shared experiences, tips, or realistic advice would be incredibly helpful. Thank you so much!

Based on official Argentine immigration regulations, it is highly likely that your 2023 temporary residency application was rejected due to your entry status and your immediate departure from the country. Like the rest of us that go through this process can tell you, the mountain of paperwork you need to have done properly is the reason most likely.

While it is true that Chinese citizens with a valid U.S. B1/B2 visa or Green Card can enter Argentina visa-free for tourism or business (for up to 30 days) using an Electronic Travel Authorization (AVE), consular rules clearly note that you cannot usually change your immigration status to residency if you entered the country on an AVE.Additionally, leaving Argentina immediately after submitting your residency application—even if you had a local "agent" representing you—almost certainly made the rejection inevitable.

For reference, here are the strict, standard requirements that Chinese citizens must follow when properly applying for temporary residency:

Key Documentation Required​

• Valid Passport: The original and a copy, with at least six months of remaining validity and two blank pages.
• Visa Application Form: Fully completed and signed.
• Photographs: Two recent 4x4 cm color photos with a white background.
• Criminal Record Checks: An apostilled or legalized police certificate from China (and any other country you resided in for more than a year during the last three years), plus a sworn declaration of no criminal history.
• Proof of Address: A document (such as a utility bill) proving your residence within the consular jurisdiction.
• Proof of Economic Solvency: Evidence of income or funds tailored to your specific residency category (e.g., work, study, or independent means).
• Civil Documents: An apostilled/legalized birth certificate, and a marriage certificate if applicable.

Important Processing Rules​

• Apostilles & Legalizations: Argentina strictly requires all official documents originating from China to be properly apostilled or legalized to be recognized.
• Certified Translations: Any document that is not originally in Spanish must be translated by an official, certified public translator.

Important Notes for Chinese Citizens:
Visa-Free Entry Condition: Holders of Chinese passports with a valid U.S. B2 visa or a U.S. Green Card may enter Argentina without a visa for tourism/business (up to 30 days) using an Electronic Travel Authorization (AVE), but cannot usually change immigration status to residency with this, notes the Consulate General in Montreal and Consulate General in Houston.

 

[sophos]

2023: Entered Argentina on an AVE (ETA) using a valid US B1/B2 visa. I stayed for just 5 days and attempted to apply for temporary residency, but it was rejected. I left the country on time with zero overstays or fines.

It sounds like you've found yourself in a really frustrating and stressful immigration loop. I believe you that you just want to come back as a tourist but you might not be so lucky with immigration.

Saying that you only want to visit as a tourist will likely be a tough sell at the border. Migraciones has a clear record showing that you applied for temporary residency and then left the country just a few days later which will sound strange to them. In 2023, the standard procedure required residency applicants to remain in Argentina at least until their precaria (temporary residence certificate) was issued. Leaving prematurely essentially voided your application from the start.

Your agent absolutely should have warned you about this before you departed, regardless of whether your documents were perfectly Apostilled and translated. But they probably just wanted some quick $$$.

While being denied a tourist visa at the Argentine consulate probably felt like a major setback, it might have saved you from a much worse situation. It's a total blessing in disguise! If you had flown to Argentina unaware of how your five-day residency application was viewed, getting unexpectedly denied entry at the airport would have been incredibly shocking. Not sure what would happen.

If you try to enter as a tourist now, having hotel reservations, a strong return ticket, or proof of income likely won't sway the border agents. Airport officials generally aren't interested in reviewing Apostilled income paperwork; those documents are strictly for processing formal residency applications, which is a system you are already flagged in.

You might want to just plan to go to Uruguay first and then take the ferry across and try that way. Good luck.