CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Chile

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 5 has been updated (Concepción).

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 flu virus.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Chile

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travel within Chile is generally safe. Demonstrations occasionally occur, primarily in Santiago. As a precautionary measure, Canadians in or travelling to Chile should monitor local news reports and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

Demarcated landmine fields are a danger in remote areas of the northern regions of Arica-Parinacota, Tarapaca and Antofagasta in the North, Valparaíso in Central Chile, and in the southern regions of Magallanes and Antártica, near the border with Argentina. Landmine fields are also found in remote sections of several popular national parks, including Lauca and Llullaillaco national parks, the Salar de Surire National Monument, and the Los Flamencos National Reserve. Visitors should check with park authorities or local authorities before entering less-travelled areas and observe all warning signs.

Travellers are advised to exercise caution when travelling in and between the 5th and 8th regions, due to a strong earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale that struck close to the city of Concepción on February 27, 2010. Hundreds of deaths have been confirmed and the earthquake has caused extensive damage to infrastructure. The earthquake also triggered tsunamis, which have caused extensive damages along the South-central coast of the country. Although reducing in intensity, aftershocks still occur in the affected regions and there is a continued risk of tsunamis along the coast. Visitors should therefore familiarize themselves with local evacuation procedures and protocols.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, has increased in recent months, particularly in Santiago, Valparaíso, Concepción, Villarrica, and Viña del Mar. Robberies and assaults occur most frequently in the Santiago, Viña del Mar, and Valparaíso areas. Thieves are active in crowded tourist locations, markets, metro (subway) stations, trains, buses, and taxis. Daylight muggings have been reported in the Cerro San Cristóbal Park, which should be avoided after dark. In Valparaíso, visitors should be especially alert in the port and adjoining tourist areas. The poorer residential areas, called poblaciones, should also be avoided.

There have been reports of politically motivated violence involving indigenous communities in southern Chile (specifically in the Araucanía region) in recent months, but no foreigners have thus far been affected. If travelling in the Araucanía region, it is recommended that you travel during the day.

It is recommended that you carry a photocopy of your passport. Ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times and avoid carrying large sums of cash. Do not show signs of affluence. Cafés, restaurants, and Internet cafés that are well known as hot spots for foreigners are common targets for thieves.

In case of emergency, dial 133 for police, 132 for the fire department, and 131 for a public ambulance.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been verified with the Chilean authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Chile or its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Chile. Canadians must be in possession of a tourist card (provided by the airlines).

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required
Working Visa: Required
Temporary Resident Visa: Required

Although most Canadians do not need a visa to visit Chile, all travellers are given a tourist card (valid for a maximum period of 90 days) upon arrival. The tourist card must be presented prior to departure. Failure to produce this document may result in delays until a replacement card is obtained.

Travellers involved in outdoor expeditions such as trekking tours, amateur film activities, mountain bike riding, and car competitions do not require a permit from the Dirección Nacional de Fronteras y Limites del Estado (DIFROL). However, foreigners engaged in the planning of scientific, technical, and/or mountaineering activities in Chilean frontier zones must obtain an expedition permit from DIFROL. As well, people wishing to visit national, archaeological, and/or historical monuments located in frontier zones require due authorization from the Chilean Consejo de Monumentos Nacionales. For additional information, travellers should contact DIFROL.

Upon arrival by air, Canadian visitors to Chile are required to pay a fee of US$132, payable by cash, credit card, or traveller’s cheques. The receipt, stapled into the visitor’s passport, is valid for the duration of the passport.

This entry fee is not the same as a visa requirement. This fee does not apply to Canadians in Chile on work permits or for the purpose of studying, as they are required to apply in advance for a Chilean visa. It also does not apply to holders of Canadian diplomatic or special passports, who require a Chilean visa.

An airport departure tax is charged. For internal travel, the amount varies depending on the distance travelled. For international destinations, the tax is US$30. The tax is usually included in the price of the airfare.

Travellers under the age of 18 (minors) travelling to Chile alone need a letter of consent from both parents to enter and leave Chile. Minors entering Chile with only one parent need written authorization from the other parent to enter and leave Chile. This authorization must be in Spanish and be done at a Chilean embassy or consulate. Minors should also always carry a birth certificate that shows both parents' names.

Canadian minors who are residents of Chile, departing alone or with only one parent, are required to present a notarized authorization from both parents (if travelling alone) or from the parent who is not present (if travelling with only one parent).

Dual nationals (Canadian-Chilean) must exit Chile with their Chilean passport. Holders of Chilean identification cards that do not say "For Foreigners" need a Chilean passport to exit Chile.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

Chile - SANTIAGO, Embassy of Canada
Address: Nueva Tajamar 481, Torre Norte, 12th Floor, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Postal Address: P.O. Box Casilla 139, Correo 10, Santiago, Chile,
Tel.: 56 (2) 652-3800
Fax: 56 (2) 652-3916
E-Mail: stago@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.chile.gc.ca

Chile - ANTOFAGASTA, Consulate of Canada
Address: José Toribio Medina 146, Apt. 601, Antofagasta, Chile
Tel.: 56 (55) 24-7652
Fax: 56 (2) 652-3916
E-Mail: honcon.canada.antofagasta@gmail.com

Chile - CONCEPCIÓN, Consulate of Canada
Address: Sede Gran Concepción, Universidad Andrés Bello, Autopista Concepción, Talcahuano 7100
Tel.: 56 (41) 266-2003, 244-0709
Fax: 56 (2) 652-3916
E-Mail: honcon.canada.concepcion@gmail.com

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Santiago and follow the instructions. You may also reach the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa by calling collect at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Santiago has one of the highest pollution levels in South America. Heavy smog can pose serious health hazards from May through August. The most severe pollution occurs from May to October.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Driving standards are poor. Accident rates, particularly in Santiago, are high. Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times. Major highways are mostly toll roads. Drivers should ensure they carry sufficient local currency to pay the tolls. Do not venture off major highways with basic or small rental vehicles. Secondary roads are sometimes poorly maintained and/or poorly lit. Driving on mountain roads can be dangerous due to the lack of guard rails. Police (carabineros) presence is very visible on highways. Have vehicle documentation ready. Those intending to travel outside the country in a rental vehicle should ensure they have written authorization from the agency. The authorization must be requested from the car rental company three to five days before the trip, and a processing fee applies. If using a private vehicle, the owner must provide the driver with proper authorization.

Traffic congestion in downtown Santiago is common during peak hours. Certain major arteries alternate traffic direction during morning and evening rush hours. For up-to-date information, call the traffic police (carabineros) at 139.

Taxis and radio-taxis can be booked and prepaid at the airport. Airport-registered transportation is recommended. Major hotels will arrange to meet travellers upon arrival. Shuttle minibuses are also available.

Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. Agree to a fare before embarking. Taxis with illuminated signs indicating their destination are "collective" taxis. These follow a fixed route and are shared by up to five passengers.

To combat high levels of pollution in winter, restrictions on driving in central Santiago (within the ring road) are imposed from June to September. The last two digits of the licence plate number determine which days of the month a vehicle cannot be driven. These lists are published in newspapers. Temporary bans may be imposed on up to 60 percent of city traffic when levels of pollution are extremely high.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Chilean peso (CLP). U.S. dollars (but not Canadian dollars) are easily exchanged across the country. Purchases in U.S. dollars can only be done in certain stores in Santiago. Credit cards are usually accepted in hotels and restaurants in major tourist and business destinations, but they are often not accepted in locally owned small hotels and restaurants, including in Santiago. For convenience, travellers should carry traveller's cheques in U.S. currency.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Flooding is frequent during autumn and winter (particularly between May and August), mainly as a result of heavy rains and overloaded sewage systems. This often results in traffic jams. In some parts of the country, river levels can increase substantially following a short period of heavy rain. The resulting flooding can seriously damage property and cause injuries and deaths. Travellers should avoid riverside accommodations and be aware that dry riverbeds swell rapidly, particularly in central and southern Chile.

Chile is located in an active seismic zone and is prone to the risk of landslides, tsunamis, or volcanic eruptions. Llaima Volcano, located in Conguillio National Park in southern Chile, has frequent moderate eruptions. The Chilean government has declared a red alert around Llaima Volcano.

Chaitén Volcano, located in the region of Los Lagos in southern Chile, began erupting on May 2, 2008. Travellers are advised to remain vigilant and to pay careful attention to all official warnings and evacuation orders issued by the Government of Chile. Canadians suffering from medical conditions, especially respiratory problems, should consult with their physician before travelling to affected areas.

Since January 2007, the region of Patagonia has experienced several tremors of varied intensity. Canadians in Chile should pay careful attention to public alerts, which are posted by local authorities as soon as significant activity is evident. They should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Santiago or the Consulate of Canada in Concepción or Antofagasta in the event of an emergency.

In the event of a natural disaster, such as an earthquake, volcanic eruption, or flood, official information for the public will be available at the website of Chile’s Emergency Measures Office (ONEMI - in Spanish only).

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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