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We are committed to keeping you up to date with the most important updates from Chile. We are in touch with our partners and contacts on the ground and are monitoring official government websites and the local news. We will update this guide with any significant changes. 

The latest from Chile

As of the 1st of September 2022, the following currently applies:

  • The affidavit for travellers online declaration form is no longer required
  • Vaccinated travellers are required to show a Local Vaccination Certificate* upon entry to Chile
  • The Local Vaccination Certificate* has replaced the Mobility Pass and should be carried at all times
  • Non-vaccinated individuals are required to show a negative PCR test result (no older than 48 hours) to be able to enter the country
  • Random Covid-19 testing continues to be conducted at the country's borders upon entering
  • Travellers under 18 years of age have no requirements to enter Chile

*This is simply the certificate that you are given when you receive your vaccinations in your home country, at your local vaccination centre. It may be in a digital or printed format. It isn't something you have to apply for specifically.

PCR testing on arrival

On arrival in Chile, 50% of people are being asked to take a PCR test at the airport. This is randomised and you could be chosen even if you have received a booster dose of the vaccine within 6 months of travelling. Currently, the PCR test randomly administered to some tourists on arrival is free of charge and has been for many months. However, it is possible that this may change in the future with little or no notice to be chargeable. The Chilean authorities have not yet stated how long it will take for results to be shared, but we anticipate it could take around 24 hours.

International travellers landing in Chile are no longer required to isolate after entering the country, even if they are waiting for a PCR test result. Only those who return a positive PCR test result are required to isolate (for 7 days). 

Travel insurance

Whilst travel insurance is no longer an official requirement of the Chilean government when entering Chile (official source), all international travellers are strongly recommended by the Chilean authorities to have medical insurance which covers any expenses relating to Covid-19.

Bear in mind that Chile has previously had a requirement for a fixed level of medical insurance for Covid-19, so although they have currently dropped this requirement, we are conscious that it could be brought back if the situation changes.

Here at Swoop, we require all customers to have adequate insurance and your Patagonia operator(s) will also have their own requirements with which you need to comply.

Finally, we recommend that you carry a printout of your policy (and possibly a spare copy in case you lose one).

More About Travel Insurance

Proof of Financial Solvency

Travelling through Chile

Chilean pesos

Upon arrival in Chile you may be asked to prove that you have sufficient funds for the duration of your trip. As of February 2023 the Chilean Government has set this at USD $46/day per person, but this amount may change over time.

In our experience, this measure has not been thoroughly enforced, but you may nevertheless be asked to show credit cards, cash and/or a bank statement, possibly alongside your itinerary, to confirm your financial viability to travel in Chile.

Contact

The Chilean government has published the following telephone numbers for international travellers who need assistance regarding Covid-19:

+56 22 8717800 (when calling from your home country)
800 123 668 (when calling whilst in Chile)

Calls are answered both in English and Spanish.

Travelling through Chile FAQs

  • What if I’ve recovered from Covid-19 but my PCR test result still comes back as positive?

    If you contract and recover from Covid-19 within a month prior to departure and your PCR tests are consequently returning with a positive result, you may upload two positive PCR result certificates. The first should be carried out up to 72 hours before departure and the second no more than a month before, yet more than 14 days before departure.

  • What can I expect at the airport?

    Whether you've just landed or you're about to depart, your experience at the airport – checking in, going through customs and immigration, and using the airport services such as eating at a cafe or getting a taxi – might be slightly different from usual.

    • It may take longer after landing to go through immigration and customs due to protocol requirements.
    • You may have to wait a little longer to check in for a flight.
    • A negative PCR test result (<72hrs) must be presented for boarding all flights in Chile. 
    • Your temperature might be required to be taken on entry.
    • There may be measures in place to stagger travellers through the airport.
    • Chile is under nationwide restrictive measures, so airport shops, cafes and restaurants are open but with limited capacity indoors.

    These are a few examples that our partners on the ground have shared with us regarding the current situation. We will continue to share the latest information about both the international and domestic airports and make recommendations, so that you have a seamless experience when you land in Santiago.

  • Do I need to provide evidence of my travel insurance?

    Please note that you must bring your complete insurance policy with you when travelling in order to provide evidence of Covid-19 coverage.

    As well as ensuring your full policy is available on your phone, you should carry a printout (and possibly a spare copy in case you lose one). Have the page marked and ready to show the airline when boarding your flight(s).

    If your insurance policy does not explicitly mention Covid-19 – for example, if it is included as standard – then you should request evidence in writing (maybe an email you can print off) from your insurer to confirm that a minimum of $30,000 USD is included.

  • Can I upload my booster vaccination after completing my initial vaccination validation form?

    If you are eligible for a booster jab, you must ensure you have had it done before you travel, and you should still complete your application as early as possible prior to you travelling. 

    When you upload your booster certificate, you will need to log in to your mevacuno.cl account. We also suggest that you send an email via the 'form' button on the portal stating that you have just done this additional upload – the 'form' button is for technical support, but it may help to make them aware.

Sources

Chile Turismo, Requirements for entering Chile, <https://chile.travel/en/traveltochileplan>

Chilean Government, Request your mobility pass, <https://mevacuno.gob.cl/>

Chilean Ministry of Health, C-19 Health Passport, Travellers from abroad, <https://www.c19.cl/llegada-internacional.html>


Disclaimer

Information provided by Swoop is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time only, but in this fast-changing environment we cannot be held responsible for changes not immediately reflected on this website or in information shared with you. Customers should undertake their own research appropriate to their individual circumstances before making final decisions.

Where links to government, operators or other third-party sites are provided, again this information is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge, but we cannot be held responsible for third-party content.