This travel advice page also covers Rapa Nui (Easter Island).
\nA state of emergency has been declared in Tocopilla, northern Chile, due to severe weather and flooding. If you are a British citizen in the area, follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. Access to Tocopilla is currently restricted. Check for updates and safety alerts from Chilean civil protection @Senapred and local officials. British nationals in Chile who require urgent consular assistance can contact the local number 22 370 4100 and select the option for consular assistance.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. If you have onward travel plans within the region, check travel advice for all destinations you plan to travel through. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Chile’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Chile set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Chilean Embassy in the UK.
\n\nYour passport should have an ‘expiry date’ after the day you plan to leave Chile.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nBritish-Chilean dual nationals must enter and leave Chile using their Chilean passport. Chilean entry and exit requirements for dual nationals may change without notice. For further information check with the Chilean Embassy in the UK.
\n\nYou can visit Chile for up to 90 days without a visa.
\n\nThe Chilean immigration authorities will give you a tourist card (‘tarjeta de turismo’), an A5-sized white form. Keep it safe and give it to immigration when you leave the country. If you lose it, Chilean police investigations (PDI) allows you to request a copy online (choose ‘Duplicado de tarjeta de turismo’). You can also go to the nearest PDI office.
\n\nTo stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the Chilean Government’s entry requirements.
\n\nChile requires children travelling with only one parent, with a guardian or alone, to have permission from the non-travelling parent or parents. Parents travelling with children for tourism have faced difficulty leaving Chile at the end of their visit when only one parent is present. You must have
\n\nIf you’re travelling with children aged 17 and under, check the website of the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (website in Spanish) for what documents you need to show.
\n\nBefore a dual national child aged 17 or under leaves Chile, you must get authorisation to travel from a Chilean notary (‘notaría’) if the child is travelling:
\n\nIf a child was born in Chile, they must have a Chilean passport to leave the country.
\n\nTo enter Rapa Nui (Easter Island) you must:
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Chile guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Chile. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Chile.
\nSome individuals or groups claiming to represent the interests of indigenous communities have carried out attacks in the Araucanía, Biobío and Los Ríos regions of the country. State actors and businesses operating in these regions are the primary targets of these groups. You should exercise caution and follow the instructions of local authorities.
\n\nAnarchist groups have also carried out attacks, mostly in the Santiago Metropolitan region. Attacks are principally aimed at causing property damage. Keep bags with you at all times, as unattended bags might be treated with suspicion by local authorities. Report any suspicious behaviour or unattended packages to local authorities.
\n\nThere is a risk of violent protest in Santiago and other Chilean cities, particularly on Friday afternoons and evenings.
\n\nEven peaceful protests can become violent. The largest protests usually take place in central Santiago. Police can use tear gas and water cannons against protesters.
\n\nAvoid all demonstrations. Under Chilean law, you can be deported if you’re involved in or promote violent acts that could disturb social order or the system of government.
\n\nNationwide protests often take place on significant dates, such as:
\n\nPickpocketing, mugging and thefts from vehicles are very common throughout Chile, including inside airports, churches, hotels and bus stations, and at viewpoints and petrol stations.
\n\nThis is a list of scams and techniques which have been used on British Nationals in Chile, especially in central Santiago and Valparaiso:
\n\nDistraction robbery: The victim is distracted by one person while a second person steals the victim’s handbag or backpack from their chair or from under the table.
\nLiquid spill: Liquid is ‘accidentally’ spilled on a traveller, and the scammer steals the victim’s valuables while pretending to be assisting cleaning it off.
\nTyre puncture: The driver pulls over owing to a punctured tyre (not knowing that their tyre has been deliberately punctured). A person then approaches the car offering to help, and distracts the driver whilst a second person steals belongings from the car.
\nHire cars: Hire cars are targeted and broken into whilst parked at a viewpoint, petrol station or other location. Sometimes the driver is approached and distracted by one person while belongings are stolen from the car by a second person.
\nAirport taxi: Unlicenced taxi drivers at Santiago Airport add extra digits to the amount for the taxi journey i.e. charging 5,000,000 CLP (approx. 5,000 GBP / 5,000 USD) instead of 50,000 CLP. Others have convinced passengers to enter their pin number into a credit card reader whose display cannot be read. People have lost up to 10,000 GBP via this method.
\nTheft of belongings at Santiago airport: This includes luggage stolen both before check-in at the airport terminal and from the baggage carousel after arrival.
\nMany foreign visitors have been scammed for large amounts of money by unlicensed taxi drivers, including in airport taxis. Well-known taxi companies can be booked via ridesharing apps. Only book and pay for official taxis from inside the airport before exiting the building.
\n\nDo not use any transport from inside the airport if you cannot pay for it before getting into the vehicle.
\n\nSee how to recognise official taxis (in Spanish) and be wary of people impersonating authorised taxi drivers. There are criminals inside the airport arrival area who dress up as authorised taxi drivers, including people inside the airport arrival hall wearing official-looking lanyards and jackets, with printed price lists.
\n\nTo reduce the risk of being overcharged you can insist on paying in advance for your journey at one of the two official taxi booths in the arrivals at Santiago’s international airport, immediately after customs and just before you head through to the public area of arrivals. If one of the booths does not have a card reader available on that day, then you can go to the other booth instead.
\n\nIf you do decide to pay in the taxi, you should insist on seeing the amount you are charged before you present your card for payment at the end of the journey. Carefully review the amount being charged on portable credit card machines before paying, including the number of zeroes shown on the screen.
\n\nIf a taxi takes you to an ATM to withdraw cash for payment, do not let the driver near the ATM while you use it.
\n\nRead information about the official transportation options at Santiago airport:
\n\nBook taxis in advance rather than hailing one from the street, especially late at night. Keep in groups and avoid walking alone late at night.
\n\nKeep your valuables and passport somewhere secure, such as in a hotel safe. Bags hanging on chairs or mobile phones on tables can be targeted by thieves, who may use distraction techniques or work in pairs. Take particular care:
\n\naround tourist sites, and areas popular with tourists
\nin cafes and restaurants
\nat transport hubs, including at the airport, bus stations and ports
\nin hotel lobbies during arrival and departure
\nin service (petrol) stations and service station restaurants
\nWhen travelling by bus or coach, take care of your belongings when getting on and off. Keep your valuables with you, do not put them in storage compartments, especially for long journeys between regions. Be extremely wary of distractions at bus stations, where there are frequent thefts.
\n\nMuggings happen frequently, especially in Santiago and Valparaiso, and increasingly with weapons such as guns and knives. Muggings can take place during the day and in plain sight of others. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in tourist areas or near official buildings. Muggers will target:
\n\nDo not resist any attempted mugging.
\n\nThere has been an increase in criminals:
\n\ncarrying out carjacking’s in Santiago, especially in affluent areas – some armed carjackers target high-end vehicles on highways
\nBe aware of your surroundings in and around the airport, when driving and on arrival at your destination. Keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed. Wait for gates to fully close before leaving your vehicle.
\n\nIf you’re robbed, hand over your cash and valuables without resistance. If you’re carjacked, local authorities say it is best to raise your hands and get out of the vehicle to avoid violence.
\n\nPeople have been given ‘spiked’ drinks in nightclubs and bars, particularly in the Suecia and Bellavista areas of Santiago. These incidents leave victims open to theft or assault. Keep your drinks in sight and be wary of people offering to buy drinks for you.
\n\nAlways carry a printed copy of the photo page of your passport with you.
\n\nIt’s illegal to drink alcohol in public places including streets, roads, squares and promenades.
\n\nUsing or possessing drugs is illegal and can lead to prison sentences.
\n\nSame-sex relationships are legal in Chile and are increasingly widely accepted socially, although much of Chilean society is conservative.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nOpen fires are illegal in national parks in Chile, outside permitted camping areas. Local authorities may revoke your tourist permit if you’re caught starting a fire in a Chilean national park. You may be asked to leave the country voluntarily within 72 hours or face deportation. If your open fire starts a larger forest fire, you may also face criminal penalties and fines.
\n\nIf you’re planning to go exploring or mountaineering, tell the local authorities before you set off. For further information on mountaineering, contact the Federación de Andinismo de Chile. For any other type of exploring, contact the Chilean Embassy in London to see if you need a permit. The rescue services in Chile are good, but you may have to pay if they help you.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive a hire car or a UK vehicle, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Chile for 3 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nYou must have your passport and proof of your tourist status, such as your tourist card (‘tarjeta de turismo’) or the entry stamp in your passport, with you in the vehicle.
\n\nSee information about driving licences in Chile (in Spanish).
\n\nIf you hire a car, get appropriate insurance. Windscreen repair can be expensive, so consider including windscreen damage cover.
\n\nYou cannot get car insurance if you’re driving on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). If you have an accident or do any damage to your vehicle there, you’ll have to pay for the repairs yourself.
\n\nMain roads in Chile are surfaced, but you may need a 4-wheel drive vehicle in the countryside. Be prepared for a range of driving conditions, from snow and ice to hot sandy deserts. Between June and September, winter weather sometimes temporarily closes the Chile-Argentina border crossing high in the Andes, including the main Los Libertadores crossing between Santiago and Mendoza.
\n\nToll roads are increasingly common.
\n\nLandmine accidents mainly affect livestock and local people crossing borders at unauthorised points. Most minefields are near the borders with Peru and Bolivia in the extreme north of Chile (regions XV, I and II) and Argentina in the south (region XII). Although most minefields are clearly marked, some signs and fences are old and damaged and may be hard to spot. In some cases, minefields are laid right up to the edge of highways. Check with local authorities before travelling to more rural areas, stick to clearly marked roads and observe all warning signs.
\n\nSee extreme weather and natural hazards for information about how to prepare, and how to react if there is a warning.
\n\nWhen necessary, the Chilean National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (SENAPRED) issues warnings for heavy rain which may impact travel plans. Road conditions may be hazardous, with increased risk of delays and accidents. If you travel, plan your journey carefully and allow extra time. Follow local news, weather updates and the SENAPRED website (in Spanish) for the latest information.
\n\nChile often has severe forest fires which can be very destructive and spread rapidly. These fires have caused multiple deaths, as well as sometimes causing the closure of national parks and roads.
\n\nIf you find yourself in or near the affected areas of any fires:
\n\nMajor earthquakes are a risk in Chile. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. Take note of instructions in hotel rooms.
\n\nBuilding regulations require new structures to take account of earthquake risks. Safety measures are widely known and put into practice by national organisations and the local authorities.
\n\nA chain of volcanoes is active in the Puyehue and Los Lagos region (500 miles south of Santiago). There is a continuing risk of eruptions in Chaiten in southern Chile, Llaima in the Conguillo National Park and Lascar in northern Chile. Copahue, a volcano on the Argentina-Chile border, erupts periodically, causing local residents to be evacuated. Villarrica, a volcano near the popular tourist destinations of Pucon and Villarrica in the IX region of La Araucanía, is also active.
\n\nIf you’re travelling to these areas, monitor local media reports and follow local authority volcano monitoring advice (in Spanish).
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Chile. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nThere is ongoing civil unrest in the Araucanía Region, especially around Temuco. This includes attacks by groups of demonstrators against both people and property. Be cautious if you travel within the Araucanía Region. There is an ongoing state of emergency in the provinces of Biobío, Arauco, Cautín and Malleco because of a significant increase in violent incidents. The military are assisting regional police. Follow the instructions of local authorities.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 131 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Chile, including altitude sickness, which is a risk in parts of Chile. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThere are confirmed cases of dengue fever on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
\n\nHantavirus is present in Chile. Read more information about Hantavirus in Chile on TravelHealthPro. Further guidance on Hantavirus is available from the UK Health Security Agency and Chile’s Ministry of Health (website in Spanish).
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThere are good health facilities in Santiago and other major cities, but private clinics and hospitals are expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nThere is only one hospital on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and its facilities are limited. People suffering from serious illnesses or injuries are taken by air ambulance to mainland Chile for treatment. Make sure your travel insurance covers this.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Chile where some staff will speak English.
\n\nThere is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Chile.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 131
\n\nFire: 132
\n\nPolice: 133
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Chile on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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