Exercise Normal Precautions
“Exercise normal precautionin Argentina. Argentina is generally a safe destination for travelers.”
Updated Fri, 10 Jul 2026
Full advisory →Is Ushuaia safe? 🇦🇷
Argentina · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Ushuaia scores 70/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Ushuaia is generally safe for travelers, with official advisories recommending normal precautions. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Ushuaia 🇦🇷
Argentina · Assessed 29 July 2026
70
/ 100
Yes — generally safe
Safer than ~72% of countries
What drives this score
Crime62/100FairCrime index 63.0 / 100
Sentiment73/100GoodMixed
Advisories97Good
Stability67Fair
Health78Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2026-05-08T08:33:37Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Argentina: exercise normal security precautions (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Mugging & robbery risk
Low risk
92
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
70
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
45 / 100 (Mixed)
45
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
57k residents
89
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
4.5 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Argentina4.5World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
69
Robbery / mugging
LowViolent crime and robbery are not significant concerns for visitors in Ushuaia.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur in crowded tourist areas and markets.
▸ 4 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
73/100
Reported feel45Mixed
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
While official safety ratings are high, recent reports indicate concerns about hantavirus impacting tourism, suggesting a cautious sentiment among some travelers and locals.
Yes — Ushuaia is generally safe for travelers, with official advisories recommending normal precautions.
Ushuaia presents a low risk for violent crime and terrorism. However, travelers should be aware of potential health concerns, particularly hantavirus, and exercise caution regarding petty crime and road safety.
Recent developments
- May 2026Concerns were raised about a hantavirus strain linked to Patagonia travel, with Ushuaia's tourism board actively refuting claims it was 'hantavirus ground zero'.— bbc.com / Cruise Trade News
- Jan 2026Argentina's government intervened at Ushuaia port amid an investigation into alleged funds misuse.— Buenos Aires Times
Common scams
- Be aware of potential scams related to inflated prices for tourist activities or souvenirs.
Full briefing
Ushuaia, located at the 'end of the world,' is considered a safe destination for travelers, with official advisories from Canada and the UK recommending normal security precautions. The city scores well on composite safety indices, indicating low risks for conflict, terrorism, and everyday hazards. Violent crime, such as robbery, is not a significant concern for visitors.
However, travelers should remain aware of potential health risks. In May 2026, there were reports of a hantavirus strain linked to Patagonia travel, prompting Ushuaia's tourism board to address concerns and deny claims of being a 'hantavirus ground zero.' While the risk is generally considered low, practicing good hygiene and being aware of local health advisories, particularly those related to rodents and their environments, is advisable. The CDC also lists global health notices for Polio, Dengue, and Measles, which travelers should consider.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in busy tourist spots, so vigilance is recommended. Road safety is also a consideration, as indicated by the country's road traffic death rate. While Ushuaia is a small city, exercising caution when walking or driving, especially at night, is prudent. Recent news also touched upon an investigation into alleged funds misuse at Ushuaia port in January 2026, though this is unlikely to directly impact tourist safety.
To ensure a safe trip, travelers should adhere to general safety practices: be aware of your surroundings, secure your belongings in crowded areas, and follow any health recommendations from local authorities or international health organizations. Given Ushuaia's remote location and its status as a gateway to Antarctic and Patagonian adventures, preparedness and awareness are key to enjoying this unique destination.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 6 Ushuaia districts for visitors: 4 safer, 2 needing caution. See them plotted on the Ushuaia safety map.
Boca del RiachuelocautionIndustrial area, less tourist-oriented; exercise caution, especially after dark.
Barrio PipocautionResidential area; be aware of surroundings, especially at night.
Centro (City Center)saferGenerally safe with standard precautions; most tourist infrastructure located here.
Bahía EncerradasaferNatural reserve, safe for daytime visits; focus on wildlife viewing.
Mirador de la IslasaferScenic viewpoint, generally safe during daylight hours.
Puerto UshuaiasaferMain port area, safe for arrivals/departures and day visits.
07 · After Dark
Is Ushuaia safe at night?
48% of people in Argentina say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2016).
Violent crime and robbery are not significant concerns for visitors in Ushuaia.
After dark, be most careful around Boca del Riachuelo, Barrio Pipo. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Ushuaia's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight67
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight68
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight69
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight68
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight70
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight69
09 · Questions
Ushuaia safety FAQ
Is Ushuaia safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Ushuaia is generally safe for travelers, with official advisories recommending normal precautions. Ushuaia presents a low risk for violent crime and terrorism. However, travelers should be aware of potential health concerns, particularly hantavirus, and exercise caution regarding petty crime and road safety. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Which areas of Ushuaia should tourists avoid?
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
What are the most common scams in Ushuaia?
- Be aware of potential scams related to inflated prices for tourist activities or souvenirs.
How does Ushuaia compare with other places in Argentina?
Ushuaia ranks #4 of 9 Argentina destinations we've assessed, scoring 70/100. See the Argentina safety overview for the full list.
How is this Ushuaia safety score calculated?
The score blends 13+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
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