Update
January 10, 2024

Information for U.S. Citizens in the Middle East

Intercountry Adoption

English

Country Information

Chile

Chile
Republic of Chile
Exercise increased caution in Chile due to civil unrest.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Chile due to crime and civil unrest.

Country Summary: Street crime (e.g., muggings, pick-pocketing, theft) is common in Chile. Rates of violent crime, such as assaults, homicide, carjackings, and residential break-ins, are increasing.

Large-scale demonstrations periodically occur in Santiago and other cities in Chile. Demonstrations can take place with little or no notice, and often result in disruptions to transportation, including public bus and Santiago metro services.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Chile.

If you decide to travel to Chile:

  • Do not leave luggage unattended, even in locked vehicles.
  • Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable).  Keep original documents in a secure location.
  • Avoid demonstrations.
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities including movement restrictions and obey all curfews.
  • Find a safe location and shelter in place if in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Chile.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the U.S. Embassy and Department of State on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
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Hague Convention Participation

Hague Adoption Convention Country?
Yes

Hague Convention Information

Adoptions from Chile to the United States are not possible at this time. Under Chilean law, foreign adoption service providers must be authorized to provide services in adoptions from Chile by Servicio Nacional de Menores de Chile (SENAME). No U.S. adoption service provider is currently authorized to provide services in adoptions from Chile.

Please see our section on Adoptions from the United States for more information on the process for adopting a child from the United States. 

Please visit the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for more information on travelling to Chile and the U.S. Embassy in Santiago’s website for information on consular services.

U.S. Immigration Requirements

To bring an adopted child to the United States from Chile, you must meet certain suitability and eligibility requirements. USCIS determines who is suitable and eligible to adopt a child from another country and bring that child to live in the United States under U.S. immigration law.

Additionally, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States with an IH-3 or IH-4 immigrant visa.

Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Chile
Consular Section - Immigrant Visas

Avenida Andrés Bello 2800
Santiago, Chile
Email: Santiagoimmigration@state.gov

Chile’s Adoption Authority
Servicio Nacional de Menores de Chile (SENAME)
Unidad de Adopción
Huerfanos 587
Santiago, Chile
Telephone: (56)(2) 398-4447
www.sename.cl

Embassy of Chile in the United State
1732 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 785-1746
Fax: (202) 887-5579
http://www.chile-usa.org

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about filing a Form I-800A application or a Form I-800 petition:
USCIS National Benefits Center (NBC):
Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-913-275-5480 (local); Fax: 1- 913-214-5808
Email: NBC.Adoptions@uscis.dhs.gov

For general questions about immigration procedures:
USCIS Contact Center
Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
Internet: uscis.gov

Last Updated: November 15, 2013

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Santiago
Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes
Santiago, Chile
Telephone
+(56)(2) 2330-3000
Emergency
+(56)(2) 2330-3000
Fax
+(56)(2) 2330-3710

Chile Map