Risk Level ● Buenos Aires City and surrounding cities, Rosario City in Santa Fe Province
Level 1: Exercise caution. (Continued)
Key Points ● In Buenos Aires City and surrounding cities, violent crimes such as murder, robbery, and kidnapping involving firearms are occurring, requiring heightened vigilance.
● In Rosario City, Santa Fe Province, conflicts between drug cartels are ongoing, and violent crimes involving firearms, including murders, are frequently occurring. Although security forces are being deployed intensively to improve the situation, continued caution is necessary.
Details
- Overview
(1) Argentina was once considered a relatively safe country with higher education and living standards compared to other Latin American countries. However, recent economic and financial deterioration has led to an increase in poverty, and crimes such as robbery and theft have been occurring, especially in Buenos Aires City. Additionally, a large number of firearms are in circulation, contributing to the rise in violent crimes involving firearms, necessitating significant caution.
(2) In Buenos Aires City and surrounding areas, there are slums known as “Villas,” where violent crimes such as murder and robbery involving firearms are frequent. Do not approach these areas under any circumstances.
(3) In Rosario City, Santa Fe Province, violent clashes between drug cartels have intensified, leading to many fatalities and injuries from gunfire. Not only individuals involved in drug cartels but also ordinary citizens are sometimes caught in the crossfire, leading to incidents where they are killed or injured by stray bullets.
(4) While there have been no confirmed cases of Japanese nationals being victims of terrorism or kidnapping in Argentina, terrorist attacks targeting places with insufficient security and large gatherings of people have been occurring worldwide, so constant caution is required. Additionally, the risk of foreigners being targeted for kidnapping cannot be completely ruled out, and caution is advised.
- Regional Situation
Buenos Aires City and surrounding cities, Rosario City in Santa Fe Province
Level 1: Exercise caution. (Continued)
(1) Buenos Aires City and surrounding cities
A. In areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, such as famous tourist spots, train and long-distance bus terminals, and subway station surroundings in Buenos Aires City, robberies and thefts are frequent, both day and night. There have been reports of incidents involving Japanese nationals, so please take necessary safety precautions when going about your activities.
B. Slums known as “Villas” are scattered around the city’s highways and in the southern part of Buenos Aires City. A large-scale “Villa” is located north of Retiro Station in the city’s northern area. These regions are extremely dangerous, as they are densely populated with impoverished residents and serve as breeding grounds for various criminal organizations. Absolutely avoid approaching these areas. Additionally, many “Villas” exist in regions adjacent to the city, where violent crimes such as murder, kidnapping, and robbery involving firearms occur frequently. Even in areas outside the “Villas,” stay informed about local security conditions.
C. Protest marches and gatherings organized by labor unions frequently take place daily in locations such as Plaza de Mayo in front of the Presidential Palace, Avenida de Mayo, the area around the Federal Congress, Avenida 9 de Julio, the Obelisk, and in front of the Ministry of Labor. Most protests proceed peacefully, but some may involve the use of fireworks or firecrackers, so caution is required. Some radical groups may resort to destructive acts such as vandalism, stone-throwing, or arson. In such cases, the police may attempt to suppress the protests by using tear gas and non-lethal rubber bullets, which can result in injuries. Avoid approaching areas where protests or demonstrations are taking place.
(2) Rosario City, Santa Fe Province
A. In areas outside the city center and northern parts of Rosario City, long-standing conflicts between drug cartels continue. These conflicts have intensified in recent years, and violent crimes, including murders involving gunfire, are frequent. As such, the city is considered as dangerous as Buenos Aires City and its surroundings.
B. According to 2023 crime statistics from the Ministry of Security, the national average homicide rate per 100,000 people is 4.4, while Santa Fe Province, where Rosario City is located, has a rate of 11.0—more than twice the national average, making it the province with the highest homicide rate. Most of these incidents are believed to be related to drug cartel conflicts in the city.
C. Drug cartels have established bases primarily in the “Villas” (slums) in the eastern part along the Paraná River, as well as in the southern and western parts of the city. These cartels are engaged in territorial disputes over drug trafficking rights, and ordinary citizens, not just those involved in drug cartels, are sometimes caught in the crossfire and become victims of stray bullets.
D. The Ministry of Security has responded by deploying heavily armed security forces, including reinforcements from the Border Guard and military units, to assist the provincial police in improving security at the national level. However, the situation remains one that requires constant vigilance.
E. Local residents habitually avoid going out at night or early in the morning, and they take crime prevention measures such as using cars or taxis for outdoor movement. When traveling or staying in the region, ensure that you take appropriate safety measures based on the situation and avoid approaching areas around the “Villas.”
- Precautions during your stay
While staying in the region, be mindful of the following precautions and take steps to avoid danger. Additionally, we recommend obtaining the latest information from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Japan in Argentina, local institutions, and media reports.
(1) In Argentina, a large number of firearms, both legal and illegal, are in circulation, and they are frequently used in robberies. If you are ever threatened with a firearm during a robbery, prioritize your safety, do not resist, and act calmly.
(2) Short-term kidnappings (where victims are temporarily held, and relatively small sums of money are demanded, often taking victims to ATMs to withdraw cash before being released) have been reported. To prevent kidnapping, remember the three principles of safety: “Don’t stand out,” “Be vigilant,” and “Don’t be predictable.” Make it a habit to change your commuting time and route regularly, and be cautious when going out or returning home by checking for suspicious individuals or vehicles. If you are kidnapped, it is crucial to follow the captors’ instructions and avoid unnecessary resistance.
(3) Tourist facilities, event venues, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, public transportation, and religious sites are often targets for terrorism, so always stay alert. Furthermore, the risk of foreigners being targeted for kidnapping, including short-term kidnappings, cannot be ruled out, so caution is required.
Recognize that terrorism can occur anywhere, and Japanese nationals can also become targets of terrorism or kidnapping. Stay informed about the latest security situation through media reports and take appropriate and sufficient safety measures according to the circumstances to avoid being caught up in such incidents.
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