Argentina Requires Travel Health Insurance Proof for Foreign Visitors

MSC Cruises has told passengers sailing to Argentina that the country is enforcing a new rule requiring foreign visitors to show proof of travel health insurance at entry.

Argentina’s travel health insurance rule and what MSC told guests

In a message sent to booked guests, MSC said Argentina’s new entry rule is being applied under Government Decree No. 366/25, which the cruise line noted is effective July 1, 2025. MSC advised passengers to be prepared for document checks at entry points that include maritime ports, as well as airports and land border crossings.

In its communication to passengers, MSC wrote that “effective July 1, 2025, all foreign visitors must present… proof of valid travel health insurance” when entering Argentina.

What the insurance must cover, and the status of the sworn declaration

MSC told guests the travel health insurance needs to include coverage for medical care, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation. The cruise line also cautioned that proof of coverage may be requested at any entry point.

MSC’s notice also referenced a separate requirement for a sworn declaration about the purpose of travel. However, the cruise line said implementing regulations for that declaration have not yet been issued and, at present, it is not being requested.

• Requirement currently enforced: MSC said proof of valid travel health insurance is the element that is already in force for foreign visitors entering Argentina.
• Coverage MSC highlighted: MSC told guests the policy needs to include medical coverage, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation.
• Where checks may happen: MSC cautioned that proof of coverage can be requested at airports, land border crossings, and maritime ports.
• Sworn declaration status: MSC said the decree also references a sworn declaration for the purpose of travel, but implementing rules have not yet been issued and it is not currently being requested.

What the change means for cruise calls in Buenos Aires

For cruise travelers, MSC’s guidance indicates the key operational impact is that documentation may be checked when arriving in Argentina by ship. That can apply not only to guests embarking in Buenos Aires, but also to passengers visiting on an itinerary that includes Buenos Aires as a port of call.

The timing is particularly relevant for the 2025-26 South America season, when multiple MSC itineraries include Argentine calls.

MSC’s five-ship South America deployment for 2025-26

MSC is planning a five-ship deployment in South America for the 2025-26 season: MSC Preziosa, MSC Fantasia, MSC Seaview, MSC Sinfonia, and MSC Armonia. The ships will operate from key ports including Santos, Salvador, and Buenos Aires, with itineraries that also include stops in Uruguay and across Brazil.

Ships specifically tied to Buenos Aires

Within the seasonal program, MSC Fantasia is scheduled to operate from Buenos Aires on itineraries ranging from eight to ten nights, calling at ports in neighboring Uruguay and multiple destinations in Brazil. MSC Preziosa is also scheduled to visit Buenos Aires regularly between January and March as part of its regional deployment.

MSC Preziosa’s repositioning voyage and the start of the Brazil season

MSC Preziosa is reaching South America after a trans-Atlantic repositioning cruise from Europe. The ship departed Hamburg, Germany, on Oct. 5, 2025, on a 21-night itinerary that includes calls in Southampton, Le Havre, La Coruña, Gijón, Tenerife, and Funchal.

After arriving at Santos, Brazil, on Oct. 26, 2025, MSC Preziosa is set to open the 2025-26 cruise season in the country. The ship began its local program with a three-night sailing that visited Búzios before returning to Santos.

With capacity for 3,500 guests, MSC Preziosa is scheduled to offer three- to eight-night cruises during the season, with itineraries that include destinations such as Salvador, Angra dos Reis, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Punta del Este, as well as Brazilian ports including Rio de Janeiro, Ilha Grande, Ilhabela, and Balneário Camboriú. The deployment also introduces a new MSC homeport in Balneário Camboriú.

Santos’ season outlook, port calls, and visiting brands

The arrival of MSC Preziosa in Santos was marked by public celebrations that included live music and a light display organized in partnership with local authorities. The port is preparing for a busy 2025-26 season that includes multiple brands and market segments.

A total of 14 cruise ships are scheduled to dock at the Port of Santos during the 2025-26 season, including vessels from MSC, Costa Cruises, and other premium and luxury operators. Among the season highlights are AIDA Cruises’ return after a decade-long absence with AIDAmar, and Peace Boat’s first visit to the port with Pacific World.

Local authorities expect more than 130 cruise calls at Santos’ Concais Cruise Terminal by the end of April 2026.

Competitive deployments across South America

MSC’s regional lineup coincides with other cruise operators expanding or maintaining a presence in South America. Costa Cruises is also deploying ships in the region, including Costa Diadema and Costa Favolosa, while upscale operators such as Celebrity, Oceania, and Silversea are targeting premium cruise guests.

More broadly, the activity reflects South America’s growing profile as a cruise destination. The season’s range of itineraries and ships is taking shape as destinations point to improved port infrastructure, rising demand from local and international travelers, and strategic deployments by major cruise operators.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the new entry requirements for Argentina?

MSC told booked guests that, under Government Decree No. 366/25 (effective July 1, 2025), Argentina requires foreign visitors to present proof of valid travel health insurance, and that this requirement is already being enforced. MSC also referenced a sworn declaration about the purpose of travel, but said implementing regulations have not yet been issued and it is not currently being requested.

What coverage does MSC say the insurance must include?

MSC said the insurance needs to include medical coverage, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation, and that proof of coverage may be requested at airports, land border crossings, and maritime ports.

Which MSC ships in South America are tied to Buenos Aires during the 2025-26 season?

MSC Fantasia is scheduled to be based in Buenos Aires, operating cruises ranging from eight to ten nights. MSC Preziosa is scheduled to make regular visits to Buenos Aires between January and March as part of its South America deployment.

When will MSC Preziosa begin its South America cruises?

MSC Preziosa is scheduled to arrive in Santos on Oct. 26, 2025, opening the 2025-26 Brazil season. The ship’s initial local program includes a three-night sailing that visits Búzios before returning to Santos, followed by additional itineraries in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

How many cruise ships will operate from Santos this season?

Local authorities expect 14 cruise ships to dock at the Port of Santos during the 2025-26 season, with more than 130 cruise calls at the Concais Cruise Terminal expected by the end of April 2026.