Charge to enter Argentina?

Q: I am hoping to visit Buenos Aires later this year. South Africans do not require visas to enter Argentina but I believe that since the beginning of this year visitors have had to pay a fee of 131 US dollars when entering the country through Buenos Aires airport. Is this true and can one avoid it by entering Argentina from a neighbouring country? - Nigel Reynolds

A: A reciprocity fee was introduced by the Argentine Government in December last year, payable by nationals of countries that charge Argentinians to apply for visas in their countres. This does not include South Africa. It affects nationals from 22 countries including the United States Australia and Canada. Australians pay 100 US dollars, Canadians 70 US dollars and Americans 131 US dollars. Argentinians are not forced to pay any fee to enter South Africa, so there is no reciprocal charge levied on South Africans entering the Argentine. South African passport holders do not need visas to enter Argentina for visits of up to three months. (23 May 2010)