Argentina opens its electronic travel authorisation (AVE) to Kuwaiti US visa holders: what travel sellers need to know

Kuwaiti citizens who hold a valid US visa can now visit Argentina with an electronic travel authorisation, the AVE (Autorización de Viaje Electrónica), instead of applying for a visa at an Argentine consulate.

The change comes from Resolution 1087/2026 of Argentina's Ministry of National Security, published in the Boletín Oficial on 22 October 2026 and in force since 23 October. The resolution said it would apply once Argentina's immigration service (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones, DNM) could verify US visas. DNM now lists Kuwait among the countries that can apply for an AVE. It was not on that list on 2 November.

The key facts

Point Detail

Who Kuwaiti nationals with an ordinary passport

Condition A valid US visa in a similar category (for tourism: B1, B2, J, O, P, E or H-1B), plus an approved AVE

Replaces The Argentine consular visa for temporary visits

Legal basis Resolución 1087/2026, Ministerio de Seguridad Nacional (Boletín Oficial 36018, 22 October 2026), in force 23 October 2026

Applications Online with DNM: pay the fee, then complete the application

Decision DNM decides within 20 working days for tourists; it can take longer

AVE validity 3 months from issue

Stay Up to 3 months from first entry, multiple entries, extendable once by DNM

US visa validity Must cover the AVE processing time and the planned stay in Argentina

What travel sellers should do

OTAs and tour operators

For Kuwaiti travellers to Argentina, ask whether they hold a valid US visa. If they do, offer the AVE route. If not, keep the consular visa route.

Build the timeline in: DNM can take up to 20 working days. Do not sell last-minute Argentina trips on the AVE route.

Check that the US visa is still valid for the whole stay in Argentina, not just on the day of travel.

TMCs

Kuwaiti staff with a US B1/B2 visa can use the AVE for tourist trips. For business trips, check with DNM which AVE category applies before relying on it.

Airlines

At check-in for Argentina, Kuwaiti passengers may present an approved AVE plus a valid US visa instead of an Argentine visa. Confirm Timatic has been updated before relying on it.

How SimpleVisa handles it

Treat the AVE as an option only for Kuwaiti travellers who already hold a valid US visa, and plan for up to 20 working days. Keep the passport, US visa and AVE details together in the booking so the traveller can show them at check-in. We will update this article if DNM publishes different conditions for Kuwaiti applicants.

FAQ

Do Kuwaiti citizens need a visa for Argentina? They need either an Argentine consular visa or, if they hold a valid US visa, an approved AVE. The AVE route applies since Resolution 1087/2026 and DNM's listing of Kuwait.

Which US visas count? For tourism, DNM lists B1, B2, J, O, P, E and H-1B visas. The visa must be valid for the processing time and the whole stay.

How long does the AVE take? DNM decides within 20 working days for tourists, and can extend that period.

How long can Kuwaiti travellers stay in Argentina with an AVE? Up to 3 months from first entry, with multiple entries. DNM can extend the stay once for a similar period.

Information for travel sellers, not legal advice. Argentine immigration officers decide entry. Updated 5 November 2026.

Sources

Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina No. 36018, 22 October 2026, Resolución 1087/2026, Ministerio de Seguridad Nacional (RESOL-2026-1087-APN-MSG) verified 30 Oct 2026 · Dirección Nacional de Migraciones, Autorización de Viaje Electrónica (AVE), list "Habilitados para AVE" including Kuwait, and AVE conditions verified 5 Nov 2026

Loris Mazloum

Founder, SimpleVisa

Loris Mazloum founded SimpleVisa and writes the coverage notes on this blog for airlines, OTAs, and other travel companies. Each note is checked against the government source named at the bottom before it publishes. SimpleVisa keeps requirement data for 190+ destinations and files applications where a government channel exists.