Buenos Aires Travel Forum

Hello all,
As you all know, there's been a worldwide concern about the influenza outbreak that likely started in Mexico recently. Thanks to the paranoia sparked by the media and I guess due to some people's ignorance, many people from Mexico have complained that they've been discriminated in other countries for the simple fact of being Mexican, whether they have been to Mexico recently or not.

I am Mexican but I live in Canada and I already have reservations to travel in May to Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. However, I am seriously considering postponing the trip after reading many stories about how some Mexicans have been treated these days outside Mexico. It's really sad but it seems to be true.

I have never been to Argentina before but I know Argentina was one of the only 5 countries world-wide who banned their flights to/from Mexico so I wonder how the situation is seen right now over there? I wonder if people who live in BA can share some advice about the general sentiment regarding the influenza and people from Mexico these days? I am really excited about going to Buenos Aires, but I wouldnt like my holidays to be spoiled for something like this... I really hope I am wrong and that people aren't being paranoid about it.. I just wanted to double check and hopefully hear other people's advice before taking any decision.

Thank you very much in advance,

-L

Ionic isn't it! I am a Chinese Canadian and was working in China during SARS. My family was visiting me in China during the height of SARS when the Beijing government was hiding all the infacted people in military hospitals. When my family returned to Canada they went through a 2 week "home isolation". It was only a voluntary effort not imposed by any of our health department. But for the good of everyone around us we did the self-imposed isolation anyway. We do not see that as any kind of "discrimation", just good social behavior.

Hi polartraveller,
Where do you live in Canada? I'm in Vancouver.
Thanks for your answer. I think the situation you describe is a little different. If I was living in Mexico, I would just cancel my trip right away, just for common sense and to be socially responsible as times are uncertain and there's just not enough information yet about the virus.
However, I live in Canada but I've read that in some places these days, just showing your Mexican passport is recipe for discrimmination. I've read this information mainly in Mexican forums (el-universal or informador websites for example). Since it's my time what I will be willingly spending in Buenos Aires, I would be very upset if I get this type of attitude from other people.. not the type of thing you would expect while on vacations... I really hate this damn flu or whatever it is...

cheers,
-L

You should be starting off on your holiday with a smile on your face, not worried. It is a sad thing that some countries have closed their borders. Most of that is government grandstanding to make it look like they are protecting the population. You will probably go through a bit of paperwork at the airport but they aren't going to lock you in your hotel like the Chinese. Seasonal flu season will be starting soon and that will add to confusion and stress in the southern hemisphere. If you can cancel without penalty and reschedule for a time when you are happier about the whole thing, maybe that is best for your own peace of mind. But I think you will be able to have a good holiday and enjoy yourself if you do go. The people of BA are warm and welcoming to tourists.
It is really your call.

i5:
I am writing you from Buenos Aires.
There is no discrimination at all. The government had to close the flights to Argentina from Mexico these days because it is needed time to organize the control at the Ezeiza, Cordoba and Mendoza flights. Argentina is facing a very complicated medical situation due to the dengue; more than 27.000 people got that fever (what is to say about a true number of 100.000 as health organizations think).
We are not prepare to face another medical threath at the same time; also, in a few weeks the common flu will start here since we are entering winter. For that, we suppose soon will end the preparation of a medical section in the airports and the temperature controlers will be fully operatives. And restrictions will vanish since we dont have at this moment local infected.