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Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes
to travel to Chile...
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our Travel Advisories.
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
The potential for civil disturbance is low, but demonstrations take place from time to time, particularly on the anniversary of the 11 September 1973 coup. You should avoid demonstrations as they have the potential to turn violent.
Crime
Muggings and robberies occur in downtown areas. There are more attacks at night or against people walking alone. Daylight muggings have been reported in the Cerro San Cristobal Park in the capital, Santiago.
Foreigners have been robbed after accepting 'spiked' drinks in bars and places of entertainment.
Petty crime such as pick-pocketing is common in crowded areas, such as public transport and outdoor cafes and markets in Santiago (especially in the Suecia district), Vina del Mar and Valparaiso resort areas.
A ploy used by taxi drivers is to switch 10,000 peso notes given to them by passengers for 1,000 peso notes, as these notes are similar in appearance.
Local Travel
Anti-tank mines and landmines are a danger in remote sections of several popular national reserves and parks near northern borders, including Lauca and Llullaillaco National Parks, Salar de Surire National Monument, and Los Flamencos National Reserve. There is also unexploded munition in the desert areas bordering Chile and Peru outside of military zones. You should seek advice from local authorities before travelling to these areas and observe all warning signs and follow clearly identified roads. There are also clearly marked landmine fields in the Magallanes region of southern Chile, between Punta Arenas and the Torres del Paine National Park, and on Tierra del Fuego.
Driving in Chile can be dangerous due to aggressive driving practices. Secondary and rural roads are often poorly maintained and lack sufficient street lighting.
If you are planning scientific, technical or mountaineering activities in areas classified as frontier areas, you are required to obtain authorisation from the Chilean government at least 90 days prior to the beginning of an expedition.
Natural Disasters
Chile is in an active earthquake and volcano region. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local
laws and legal processes can be very different from those at home. A violation
of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular
assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or
unjust by your standards.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs in Chile are severe and include lengthy imprisonment in local jails.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Chile for the most up to date information.
If you are entering Chile at Santiago International Airport, including arriving via Easter Island, you are required to pay an administrative fee in US dollars. The fee does not apply to travellers arriving at other airports or entering the country via land borders.
As a means of preventing international child abduction, upon arrival in Chile or departure from Chile, children under the age of 18 years travelling alone, accompanied by only one parent or in the custody of another person must present a notarised document certifying the agreement of the absent parent(s) to the travel. In the case of a parent having sole custody of a child, the court order conferring sole custody must be presented. These documents must be notarised by a Chilean consular officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Santiago or at a Chilean Embassy or Consulate overseas prior to travel. The date of execution of the documents must not be more than three months prior to entry or departure. The same document may be used for entry and exit.
If you are travelling to Chile through the US, including transiting Honolulu or other USA points of entry, you will need to meet US entry/transit requirements. You should check your visa needs well in advance of travel with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. See also our travel advice for the USA.
Health Issues
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
High levels of smog and air pollution occur in Santiago from April to October. High levels of dust often occur from December to March.
Doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment prior to providing medical services, including for emergency care. Some large hospitals may accept credit cards.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations
and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful
tips for staying healthy while travelling overseas.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
If you're gonna travel abroad, make sure you are prepared... take it from us, travel insurance is an absolute must!
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