Argentina views like this make the reciprocity fee well worth it!
On December 20th, the government of Argentina will start charging a “reciprocity fee” for travelers entering the country through Buenos Aires international airport (Ezeiza). At this point, travelers entering Argentina by going overland or by ship are not required to pay this fee.
This fee only applies to citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia. Each travelers has to pay the following amount:
United States: $131
Canada: $70
Australia: $100
This can be paid in U.S. Dollars, Argentine Pesos, travelers checks, or credit card. The payment of this fee is NOT for a visa, as travelers from the United States, Canada, and Australia do not need a visa if on vacation. You can see more information by going to the Argentine Ministry of Interior’s site.
For additional requirements for travel to Argentina visit the US Department of State’s website.
I can't believe they actually put this boneheaded move through. This kind of money grab is a major reason Brazil is not more popular with Americans and it's going to hurt Argentina badly, as if they don't have enough problems already. For a family of four, this just made their trip $524 more expensive. (Plus Argentina already charges foreigners more for airline tickets, while Brazil does not.)
Their argument is that this is what the U.S. government charges Argentines, but they get far more Americans than we get Argentines and tourism is a much bigger percentage of their economy. This will be the year the visitor number graph turns downward.