Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Chile.
Chile Status
WATCH
Travel to Chile continues normally in most of the country, with international flights, airports and normal immigration procedures operating. Travellers should be aware of crime and demonstrations, temporary weather-related border closures in the Andes and current flooding restrictions affecting Tocopilla in northern Chile.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Visa requirements
Visa requirements depend on nationality. Some foreign visitors can enter Chile visa-free for tourism, while others must obtain a visa before travelling. Check the requirement applying to your passport before departure.
Passport requirements
Travellers must have a valid travel document. Passport-validity requirements can vary according to nationality, so travellers should check the rules applying to their passport before departure.
Tourist card
Visitors may receive a tourist card when entering Chile. Keep this document safe because it can be required when leaving the country.
Crime
Petty theft, pickpocketing and muggings occur, particularly in major cities and tourist areas. Violent crimes including carjackings and robberies also occur. Travellers should take particular care with phones, bags and other valuables.
Demonstrations and strikes
Demonstrations occur regularly in Santiago and other cities. Most are peaceful, but some can become violent or cause road and public-transport disruption. Strikes can also affect travel, including journeys to remote destinations.
Argentina border crossings
High-altitude crossings between Chile and Argentina can close temporarily because of snow, ice and severe weather. Travellers planning an overland journey should check their specific crossing immediately before departure.
Rapa Nui / Easter Island
Travellers visiting Rapa Nui must meet additional entry requirements, including completing the required entry form and providing evidence of a return ticket and approved accommodation or an eligible invitation.
Natural hazards
Chile is exposed to earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, wildfires, floods and landslides. These events can occasionally affect roads, flights and border crossings.
Latest Travel Changes
Flooding in Tocopilla
A state of emergency is currently in effect in Tocopilla in northern Chile following severe weather and flooding. Access to the area is restricted and travellers in the region should follow instructions from local authorities.
Andes crossings remain weather-sensitive
Mountain crossings between Chile and Argentina continue to experience temporary weather-related closures. Los Libertadores, one of the most important crossings between the two countries, was temporarily closed again in September because of unstable weather before reopening.
Level 2 travel advisory
The latest U.S. travel advisory keeps Chile at Level 2 because of crime, unrest and health concerns. Demonstrations and strikes can occasionally cause significant travel delays.
Before You Travel
Check your airline, Chilean immigration requirements, weather conditions and the travel advice issued by your own government before departure.
If travelling overland between Chile and Argentina, check the status of your specific border crossing immediately before starting your journey. Mountain weather can result in closures with little notice.
If travelling to Tocopilla, check the latest information from Chilean authorities because access is currently restricted following severe weather and flooding.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.