Chile
Country Specific Information
On this page »
August 26, 2011

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: In addition to its stunning natural beauty, the Republic of Chile has a large, educated middle class and a robust free-market economy. Santiago and other large cities have well-developed tourist facilities and services, although the quality of tourist facilities may vary outside major populated areas. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Chile for information about Chile's geography, history, economy, and government.

Back to Top

SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you are going to live in or visit Chile, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip. If you check in, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here's the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State's list of embassies and consulates.

U.S. Embassy Santiago
Address: Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago
Telephone switchboard: 56-2-330-3000
Telephone from the United States: 011-56-2-330-3000
U.S. Department of State Emergency Assistance: 1-888-407-4747
Consular Section fax number: 56-2-330-3017
E-mail address for U.S. citizens: santiagoamcit@state.gov
Internet address for hours and general information: http://chile.usembassy.gov

Back to Top

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: U.S. citizens entering Chile must have a valid passport. U.S. citizens traveling to Chile for recreation, tourism, business, or academic conferences do not need to obtain a visa prior to their arrival to Chile. A Tourist Card will be issued for a stay of up to 90 days upon payment of a reciprocity fee, currently US $140. Currently, the fee is only charged at the Santiago International Airport. Payment can be made in U.S. currency or by credit card. An extension of stay for another 90 days is possible upon payment of an extension fee at the Chilean Immigration Office located at San Antonio 580, Santiago; telephone 56-2-550-2469. The Tourist Card must be surrendered upon departure. Failure to submit this card upon departure may result in delays until a replacement is obtained. If lost or stolen, the tourist card must be replaced by the International Police branch of the PDI at their nearest headquarters or at the international airport prior to departure.

Ensure that you have appropriate documentation to enter Chile. U.S. passports must be in good condition and valid for the period of stay. The U.S. Embassy cannot secure entry on your behalf if you arrive without a valid U.S. passport, with a passport that is damaged or mutilated, or if you arrive without a visa when one is required.

For up-to-date information on visa requirements, visit the website of the Embassy of Chile in Washington D.C. U.S. Citizens who intend to work, live, or study in Chile must apply in advance for a Chilean visa.

Chile imposes severe restrictions on the importation of agricultural products. Visit the Ministry of Agriculture website for current guidelines. You should declare all agricultural items, including fruit provided on incoming flights and packaged products. For further information regarding customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Chile.

Entry / Exit Requirements for Dual Nationals: Dual U.S./Chile nationals must enter and exit Chile using their Chilean passport, and they must enter and exit the United States using their U.S. passport. A naturalization certificate is not a valid travel document. Information about dual nationality can be found on our website.

Entry / Exit Requirements for Minors: In an effort to prevent international child abduction, Chile has put in place strict requirements for the entry/exit of minors under the age of 18. Even when the minor is traveling with both parents, the parents will be required to show evidence of their relationship to the child when departing the country. Please carry an original birth certificate or a certified copy of the original.

Minors who enter Chile on a visa category other than tourist will always be required to submit a written notarized authorization from any non-traveling parent(s) and a birth certificate at the time of departure. In Chile, the authorization can be executed before a local notary public. If the non-traveling parent(s) is in the United States, the written authorization can be notarized and executed directly at the Chilean Embassy or Consulate. If the non-traveling parent is in the United States and is unable to visit the Chilean Embassy or a Chilean Consulate, the authorization can be executed by a U.S. notary. However, an authorization executed by a U.S. notary must be authenticated to be valid in Chile. This means that the after the document is notarized it must be authenticated through a chain of steps involving submission to local, state and national authorities before it can be submitted to the Chilean Embassy or Consulate. Click here to find additional information on the authentication process. Note that the final step in the process is to submit the document to the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Chile to authenticate the signature of the Chilean official in the United States. This is a lengthy process and should be commenced well in advance of travel.

A minor entering Chile as a tourist will generally not be required to present a written notarized authorization from the non-traveling parent(s) at the time of departure if the minor leaves with the same adult companion with whom the minor entered Chile. The minor’s immigration record will be annotated to include the relevant information. If the minor will depart alone or in the company of another party, the minor will be required to submit a written notarized authorization from the non-traveling parent(s) and birth certificate.

The written notarized authorization should include the following: 1) the full name of the custodial and/or non-custodial parents(s) or legal guardians; 2) the parents’ full address; 3) the full name of the child; 4) the child’s date of birth, place of birth, passport number and date of issuance; 5) full name and passport details of the person accompanying the minor; 6) dates of travel, including arrival and departure information; 7) address where the minor will reside; and 8) explicit authorization that a minor can travel alone or in the company of another person.

Find additional information at Travel.State.Gov regarding the prevention of international child abduction.

Back to Top

THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: The Republic of Chile is politically stable, and the potential for terrorist activity is low. Demonstrations are common on March 29, the Day of the Young Combatant, and September 11, the anniversary of the coup against the government of President Salvador Allende. Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable. Avoid them if possible. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to the local news media.

Protest and anarchist groups are known to place small explosive devices at ATMs and other Chilean government/business locations, which have thus far resulted in few or no injuries. However, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are increasingly being placed in high-traffic pedestrian areas. A larger explosive device detonated in a major international hotel in Santiago in November, 2009 resulting in broken glass and several injuries. U.S. citizens have not been targeted in these attacks. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and any suspicious packages.

Visitors to Easter Island may encounter rare, non-violent demonstrations. Such demonstrations have caused minor disruption at the airport and closure of some government facilities. Demonstrations may result in minor inconveniences and occasional delays.

Stay up to date by:

Back to Top

CRIME: Most foreigners visit Chile without incident. Nevertheless, street crime is a problem, especially in Santiago and Valparaiso. As in any large city, be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Be alert for pick-pocketing, purse and camera snatching, and thefts from backpacks and rental cars. Crimes are common in major tourist destinations, in hotel lobbies and restaurants, internet cafes, at bus and subway stations, and in cruise ship ports. Criminals usually work in groups and employ a variety of ruses to distract and victimize unsuspecting visitors. A few taxi drivers engage in currency switching and overcharge with altered taxi meters. Drivers should keep car doors locked at all times and valuables out of sight as there have been reports of thieves entering cars or breaking windows of cars stopped at traffic lights in different areas in Santiago.

Your passport is a valuable document. Report the loss or theft of a U.S. passport to the police and the U.S. Embassy immediately. Secure your passport and other valuables in a hotel safe, and carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes. Leave copies of your passport and important documents with family members in case of emergency. For information about measures you can take to protect yourself overseas, see our pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

Counterfeit and pirated goods may sometimes be available in Chile, and transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing such goods back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. More information on this serious problem is available on the in the intellectual property section of the U.S. Department of Justice website.

Back to Top

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport.
  • For violent crimes such as assault or rape, help you find appropriate medical care.
  • Put you in contact with the local police authorities, and contact family members or friends.
  • Although the local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime, consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice process and can direct you to local attorneys.

The local equivalents to the “911” emergency lines in Chile follow an ABC-123 plan:
131 - Ambulancia / Ambulance
132 - Bomberos / Fire Department
133 - Carabineros / Police Department

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

Back to Top

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a Chile, you are subject to Chile's laws and regulations. Chilean laws may differ significantly from those in the United States. You may not have the same protections available to you as under U.S. law, and penalties for breaking the law can also be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Chile's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Chile are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Persons engaging in sexual conduct with children and using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country may be prosecuted in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.

Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Chile, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest, and to have communications from you forwarded to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Back to Top

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Chile lies in an active seismic zone and is prone to major earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Several of the strongest earthquakes in history have occurred in Chile. Prepare yourself for a natural disaster by consulting the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Chile's Oficina Nacional de Emergencia (ONEMI).

Minefields are found in Chile's northern border region with Peru and Bolivia and around the southern border with Argentina in Patagonia. Minefields are generally marked, but markers may have shifted or may not be visible. Follow clearly identified roads and trails when traveling in minefield areas. Border crossings should only be made at authorized locations. Consult with park or other local officials concerning minefields and other hazards.

Chile is a popular destination for outdoor and adventure sports. Despite the best efforts of local authorities, assisting persons lost or injured in isolated and wilderness areas can be problematic. Before you go, learn about local hazards and weather conditions. Obtain information about parks and wilderness areas from the Chilean Forestry Service and mountain climbing from the Federacion de Andinismo de Chile and weather forecasts from the Chilean Meteorological Service. Report missing or injured persons immediately to the police. Inform park rangers, police, or other local authorities of your itinerary.

Chile’s mountains and ski resorts are the recreational destination for hundreds of skiers and snowboarders each year. The main ski centres in Chile have good safety standards with will groomed pistes, ski and snowboard lessons with certified instructors, and clear signals for closure and opening of pistes. Skiing and snowboarding, however, are inherently dangerous sports and a number of people die at Chile’s ski resorts each year. Skiers and snowboarders should respect the rules of each ski resort and be aware that skiing or boarding out of the bounds is extremely dangerous.

Accessibility: While in Chile, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you did in the United States. While steps are being taken to improve conditions for persons with disabilities, many public places are not adapted to accommodate these needs. For information on handicap accessible locations in Santiago and other locations in Chile, you can visit www.mapcity.com/ciudadaccesible.

Back to Top

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Santiago has two main private hospitals that are accredited by The American Hospital Association and meet U.S. standards: Clinica Alemana and Clinica Las Condes. Both have international patient departments and experience with some international insurance. Medical care in Chile is generally good, though it may not meet U.S. standards in remote areas. Major hospitals accept credit cards, but many doctors and hospitals in Chile expect immediate payment in cash. Prescriptions written by local doctors and over-the-counter medicines are widely available.

Air pollution is a major source of health concern in Santiago, resulting in severe bronchial ailments affecting infants, small children and the elderly. The most severe air pollution occurs during the winter (May through August).

The ozone layer is especially thin over parts of Chile. Take precautions to protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions can be found on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

Back to Top

MEDICAL INSURANCE: You can't assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It's very important to find out BEFORE you leave. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

  • Does my policy apply when I'm out of the U.S.?
  • Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or an evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors' and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn't go with you when you travel, it's a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

Back to Top

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Chile, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States:

  • Right-hand turns are prohibited at red lights unless otherwise posted;
  • Major highways in and around Santiago collect tolls through use of an electronic transmitter (available at www.concesiones.cl );
  • Secondary and mountain roads may be poorly maintained, poorly lit, and may lack guardrails;
  • Many drivers do not signal lane changes and rarely yield to merging traffic,
  • Many drivers exceed posted speed limits, do not maintain safe distances, and do not observe posted road signs;
  • Major arteries in Santiago may switch directions during morning and evening rush hours;
  • Drivers must carry sufficient Chilean pesos to pay frequent highway tolls.

Chile has modern infrastructure. Taxis and public transportation are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. Agree to a taxi fare before embarking. To use the public bus system in Santiago you need to obtain the prepaid “Bip” card. This card can also be used when traveling on the Santiago subway.

Driving under the influence of alcohol in Chile is severely punished, and can result in incarceration.

Visitors must have an international driver's permit and their U.S. driver's license to legally drive in Chile. The international driver's license must be obtained in the United States before traveling to Chile. Although car rental firms may rent to customers with only a U.S. driver's license, the police may fine foreigners for driving without a valid international permit.

For more information, please refer to our Road Safety page and the website of Chile's national tourist office.

Back to Top

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Chile's Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Chile's air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.

Back to Top

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children's Issues web pages on inter-country adoption and international parental child abduction.

Back to Top

* * *

This replaces the Country Specific Information for Chile dated September 8, 2010 to update Entry/Exit Requirements for U.S. Citizens and Special Circumstances.

Back to Top

Worldwide Caution

Travel Warnings

Travel Alerts

Country Information

US Flag