Chile

Chile

Use Normal Level of Caution

The Republic of Chile is located in western South America between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina are neighbouring countries. Chile is unique with a north-south length of approximately 6,435 kilometres (4000 miles) and a width that never exceeds 240 km (150 miles). Chile also claims about 1,250,000 square kilometres (480,000 sq mi) of Antarctica. The country's population is about 17,000,000 people.

The government is a republic. A president is elected by the people and serves as the chief of state and head of government.

Chile endured a 17-year long military dictatorship (1973–1990) under General Augusto Pinochet that left more than 3,000 people dead or missing. Today, Chile is one of South America's most stable and prosperous nations.

Chile is known for its volcanoes and geysers, beaches and islands, and also wines and fruits. Southern Chile is covered in forests and grazing lands and also volcanoes and lakes, and the southern coast is made up of fjords, inlets, peninsulas, and islands. Chile is also known for the tourist attractions of Easter Island and the Isla Robinson Crusoe.

Currency CLP: Chilean peso
Language Spanish
Capital Santiago
Recent Alerts 4
Latest Alert July 09, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Chile (09 July Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Chile. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Chile through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Hepatitis B

There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country.

Hanta Virus

Sporadic cases of hantavirus are reported in Chile.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in this country, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.

Rabies

Rabies in Chile has only been reported in wild animals.

Chagas Disease

The risk for travellers is extremely low. There is a higher risk if staying in poor quality housing that might harbour the insect that transmits this disease.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Chile.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

Unvaccinated travellers are at risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, however, the vaccination is recommended.

Rabies Vaccine

Travellers whose activities might bring them in contact with wild animals should consider the vaccination.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Chile.

None required.

Safety and Security in Chile

Emergency Numbers

133
132
131

Personal Safety

Travellers to Chile usually do not experience any safety and security issues, although petty crime does occur in urban areas. Assault and robbery have also been reported in Santiago, Valparaíso, and Viña del Mar. Avoid showing signs of affluence and pay close attention to personal belongings when in crowded tourist locations and transportation hubs. Avoid the Cerro San Cristóbal Park after dark, as well as poorer residential areas, known as poblaciones. Never leave your food or drinks unattended.

Unmarked landmines are still a serious threat in remote areas of the following regions: Arica, Panicota, Tarapaca, Antofagasta, Magallanes, and Antártica, in the areas bordering Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. Travellers should avoid wandering off trails and entering less-traveled areas without checking with local authorities first.

Exercise caution when driving. Roads may not be well maintained or may not be well marked or lit and driving standards may be poor, especially in rural, mountainous areas. Keep doors locked and do not stop if flagged down by pedestrians. Travellers to Easter Island should note that there is no car insurance on the island.

Exercise extreme caution when participating in outdoor adventure activities as safety standards may not be adequate. Travellers should note that in National Parks, it is illegal to make open fires, outside of permitted camping zones. Penalties for doing so are severe. Ensure travel and medical insurance is acquired before departing and that your travel insurance policy covers outdoor adventure activities.

Same-sex sexual activity and marriage are both legal in Chile. LGBTI travellers should note, however, that Chile is a conservative society.

Chile is located in an active seismic zone and is therefore at risk of earthquakes and tsunamis. Familiarize yourself with earthquake protocols. There are hundreds of active volcanos in Chile. Damage from these natural hazards may result in serious infrastructure damage and disruptions to travel plans. Monitor news sources and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations sometimes occur in Santiago and Valparíaso. Travellers should avoid these and large crowds as demonstrations can become violent with little warning.

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