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Travel Advice for Chile
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While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
Travel Advice Levels Location Level Chile overall Be alert to own security
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Civil Unrest/Political Tension (conflict between indigenous group and government authorities). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
Summary
We advise you to be alert to your own security in Chile.
Exercise common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour, as you would in Australia. * On 3 April 2009, the Llaima volcano, located south of Santiago, erupted. The Government has restricted access to the Conguillio National Park and the surrounding area.
Eruptions from the Chaiten volcano in southern Chile resulted in considerable ash fall and evacuation of residents from the surrounding areas in May 2008. A Red Alert remains in place for the region of Los Lagos in Southern Chile and the city of Chaiten.
If you are in any of the regions affected, you should monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities. See the section Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate below for more information.
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.
Safety and Security
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
Large demonstrations and protests occur occasionally. You should avoid all demonstrations and protests as they may turn violent.
The anniversary of the 11 September 1973 coup, Worker's Day (1 May) and Day of the Young Combatant (29 March) may be accompanied by large protests and demonstrations.
There is ongoing conflict between members of Chile’s largest indigenous group and government authorities in Southern Chile. Clashes have turned violent. On 28 July 2009, a tourist bus from Santiago to Puerto Montt was attacked near Temuco by a group of 10 people.
Crime
Muggings and robberies are common in urban areas, especially at night. People walking alone are often targeted. Daylight muggings have been reported in the Cerro San Cristobal Park and in and around the Plaza de Armas in the capital, Santiago. Petty crime including pickpocketing and bag snatching is increasingly common in crowded areas, such as on public transport, outdoor cafes and markets and in resort areas. There has been an increase in incidents of thieves slashing backpacks. You should remain vigilant at all times.
Foreigners have been robbed after accepting 'spiked' drinks in bars and places of entertainment.
Local Travel
Anti-tank mines and landmines are a danger in remote sections of several popular national reserves and parks near northern borders, including Lauca and Llullaillaco National Parks, Salar de Surire National Monument, and Los Flamencos National Reserve. There are also unexploded munitions outside of military zones in the desert areas bordering Chile and Peru. You should seek advice from local authorities before travelling to these areas and observe all warning signs and follow clearly identified roads. There are also clearly marked landmine fields in the Magallanes region of southern Chile, between Punta Arenas and the Torres del Paine National Park and on Tierra del Fuego.
Driving in Chile can be dangerous due to aggressive driving practices. Secondary and rural roads are often poorly maintained and lack sufficient street lighting. Roads in mountainous areas often lack guardrails. Chains are often required on mountain roads during the winter. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
If you are planning scientific, technical or mountaineering activities in areas classified as frontier areas, you are required to obtain authorisation from the Chilean government at least 90 days prior to the expedition.
Airline Safety
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate
Chile is in an active earthquake and volcano region.
On 3 April 2009, the Llaima volcanoes in the Conguillo National Park, located 670 kilometres south of Santiago, erupted. The Government has restricted access to the Conguillio National Park and the surrounding area.
The Chaiten volcano, located 1220 kilometres south of Santiago, erupted on 2 May 2008. This resulted in considerable ash fall and evacuation of residents in the areas of Chaiten and Futaleufu located in the tenth region of Chile and neighbouring areas in southern Argentina. Eruptions have led to the disruption of air and land transportation. The volcano is still active and continues to present a safety threat. A Red Alert remains in place and public access is restricted. The area is still subject to volcanic activity.
Australians in these regions should take precautions as the ash, dust and toxic fumes emitted from volcanoes represent a significant health risk, especially to those with existing respiratory problems. Be aware that falling ash following a volcanic eruption can be distributed over a wide area. Exposure to ash can harm your health, particularly your breathing. If there is falling ash in your area, you should stay inside with the windows and doors shut and place damp towels at door thresholds and other draft sources. When ash has stopped falling or if you need to go outside, wear a disposable face-mask if available and change it frequently. Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants to protect your skin and goggles to protect your eyes. Avoid direct contact with ash as much as possible and be cautious about driving as ash can clog and stall engines.
All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.
During the autumn and winter seasons, flooding can occur with little warning throughout the country. Services and transport are often affected.
Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, you should monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities.
Wildlife
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Money and Valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash in US denominations (which can be easily exchanged throughout Chile), debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. When handling local currency, you should check that you are given the correct change as 1,000 and 10,000 peso notes are similar in appearance.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
Australians are required to pay an additional fee to have their passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
For Parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or child care facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or child care facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select child care providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
Local Laws
When you are in Chile, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs in Chile are severe and include lengthy imprisonment in local jails.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
Information for Dual Nationals
Chile does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Chilean dual nationals who are arrested or detained. We recommend you travel on your Australian passport at all times.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Chile for the most up to date information.
If you are entering Chile at Santiago International Airport, including arriving via Easter Island as a tourist, you are required to pay a reciprocity fee of USD61.00. A receipt will be stapled in the back of your passport and is valid for 90 days for multiple entry travel. The fee does not apply to travellers arriving at other airports or entering the country via land borders.
Visas are required for work permits, study and for Australian diplomatic and official passports holders and must be arranged prior to arrival in Chile from your nearest Embassy or Consulate of Chile.
If travelling with children aged under 18 years, parents may be asked to provide a copy of the child's birth certificate, particularly if they do not share a common surname.
Children under the age of 18 years who are not accompanied by both their parents must present a notarised document certifying the agreement of the absent parent(s) and a copy of the child's birth certificate when arriving in or leaving Chile. A parent who has sole custody of a child must present the court order conferring custody. These documents must be notarised by a Chilean consular officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Santiago or at a Chilean Embassy or Consulate overseas prior to travel. The date of execution of the documents must not be more than three months prior to entry or departure. The same document may be used for entry and exit. It is recommended you carry three copies of each document.
If you are travelling to Chile through the United States of America (USA), or if you are transiting in Honolulu or other USA points of entry, you are required to meet USA entry/transit requirements. Make sure you check with your nearest US Embassy or Consulate your visa requirements well in advance of your travel. You should also read our travel advice for the United States of America. For information about some recent changes to United States border entry procedures, including the use of Emergency Passports and Documents of Identity, please see our travel bulletin on entry into the United States.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Health Issues
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while travelling overseas.
The standard of medical facilities provided by private hospitals in Santiago and other major cities is good. Outside of major cities, however, facilities can be very limited. Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is expensive. While some large hospitals may accept credit cards, doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment prior to providing medical services, including for emergency care.
Outbreaks of water-borne, food-borne, mosquito-borne and other infections diseases (including hepatitis, typhoid, dengue fever and rabies) occur from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We also strongly recommend that you take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes. In rural areas, we recommend that you boil all drinking water or that you drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes. You should also avoid raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
The Chilean Government regularly issues pre-emergency alerts for air contamination. High levels of smog and air pollution occur in Santiago from April to October. High levels of dust often occur from December to March. People with respiratory problems should take extra care when alerts for air contamination are issued.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
Where to Get Help
In Chile, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Australian Embassy Isidora Goyenechea 3621 13th Floor, Las Condes Santiago de Chile Telephone (56 2) 550 3500 Facsimile (56 2) 331 5960 E-mail consular.santiago@dfat.gov.auIf you are travelling to Chile, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency-whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.