Chile

Petty crime

Muggings and robberies are common in urban areas.

Hot spots for thieves include:

• Santiago
• Viña del Mar
• Valparaiso
• Calama
• tourist areas

Foreigners are targeted for their personal belongings, and people walking alone at night are more vulnerable. You should avoid leaving passports, valuables or luggage in hire vehicles, as these vehicles have been targeted for theft, particularly in Valparaiso.

Muggings, including with weapons, particularly occur in Santiago around:

• Cerro Santa Lucia,
• Cerro San Cristobal Park
• Plaza de Armas
• Mercado Central
• Estación Central
• malls/shopping centres

Pickpocketing and bag snatching is common. Be aware in crowded areas, such as:

• public transport, including the metro system
• outdoor cafes
• markets
• resort areas
• hotel lobbies
• bars and restaurants
• malls/shopping centres

Keep your belongings close in the tourist areas of Santiago including:

• Plaza de Armas
• Mercado Central
• Barrio Lastarria
• Bellavista
• Costanera Centre Mall
• The Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL), including when airside after the security and visa checks.

Scams

Criminal groups often use distraction to rob tourists. Some examples of common scams are:

• an elderly person 'accidentally drops some coins and when a tourist stops to help, a thief steals the tourist's bag
• thieves squirt a substance onto a tourist and steal their bag while helping them clean up ('bird poo' scam)
• tourists are quietly identified by thieves at the airport and followed to their hotels, where luggage theft or threats of assault and robberies can happen
• unofficial taxis may overcharge or rob tourists, including at Santiago’s airport. You can hire official taxis at the booths before you exit the airport.
• rental cars can be a target for scams and thefts. Criminals may damage tires in order to rob passengers while they are pulled over. Make sure you pull over in a safe space, keep your car doors locked and do not accept assistance from strangers.

Violent crime

Robberies, assaults and threats with weapons happen mainly at night. Take particular care in:

• taxis
• Bellavista and Barrio Lastarria in Santiago
• tourist areas

Carjackings and violent robberies can occur as ambushes outside residential security gates.  They may also occur on highways near entry and exit ramps, including to and from Santiago’s airport.

Tourists have been robbed on inter-city buses, particularly:

• from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama
• at the Calama and Santiago bus stations

Criminals have been known to hold up stores with weapons in major cities.

To reduce your risk of violent crime:

• avoid going out alone, especially at night
• book taxis by phone or phone apps, particularly if travelling alone or at night. Try to wait inside a safe place for your taxi or uber to arrive
• keep your belongings close, especially in crowded places
• don't leave valuables in your checked luggage
• don't leave food or drinks unattended

Drink spiking

Cases of drink spiking have been reported (see Partying safely hub for practical tips on how to stay safe in bars/clubs).

Methanol poisoning

Kidnapping

Express kidnappings have been reported in Chile, particularly in Santiago and Valparaiso, sometimes in association with spiked drinks. The victim could be forced to withdraw funds from several ATMs and/or forced to log into banking applications and make large transfers.

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Cyber security 

Large-scale demonstrations and protests might occur in Santiago and other cities. They can take place with little or no notice and may turn violent.

Local authorities have used tear gas and water cannons. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media about possible safety or security risks. Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Demonstrations and protests can result in public transport disruptions. Public transport may be limited. Contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans. 

In the Araucanía region, people claiming to represent the Mapuche community are fighting over land and indigenous rights, in which there has been a significant number of violent incidents (the Mapuche are Chile's largest indigenous group). A state of emergency has been declared in the ‘Macro Zona Sur' (provinces of Biobío, and Arauco, in the Biobio Region, and the Araucania Region) until further notice. The military has been deployed to assist regional police during this period. You should be cautious when travelling within the ‘Macro Zona Sur’.

In recent years, attacks have targeted multinational forestry corporations and private Chilean landowners.

To protect yourself:

• avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings
• be alert around days of national significance
• monitor local media and other sources for news, especially before visiting central Santiago or other major city centres
• follow the advice of local authorities
• exercise caution when travelling in the Araucanía region

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers should be careful in Chile. Car accidents are more common in Chile than in Australia due to:

• Vehicles including buses, frequently drive through red traffic lights.
• Vehicles occasionally do not give way to pedestrians at pedestrian crossings and one-way signs are sometimes ignored. Always look both ways and make sure vehicles are stopping for you before crossing a street.
• Be careful of motorbikes going through gaps in the traffic, including at blind spots at pedestrian crossings.
• Drivers may make sudden and unexpected manoeuvres. Pay close attention to the traffic around you.
• Right of way is sometimes ignored.
• Aggressive driving and speeding are common.

You're more likely to die in a car accident in Chile than in Australia.

Anarchist groups stage occasional acts of terrorism, mostly in Santiago. They may use small explosive devices or bombs.

In October 2022, an explosive device was placed outside an office building in Santiago's business district. 

In January 2019, an explosion at a bus stop in Santiago injured 5 people.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals,  concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

More information:

• Terrorism

Chile can experience natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• forest fires
• earthquakes and tsunamis
• volcanic eruptions
• floods
• winter storms (freezing rain, heavy snow, blizzards)

To protect yourself during a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources, such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with friends and family

More information:

• Chile's National Emergency Service - SENAPRED (Spanish)
• SENAPRED’s map with threats
• SENAPRED’s X account
• The Chilean national alarm system for Tsunamis (SNAM) (Spanish)

Fires

Large forest fires often occur in Chile, including close to urban residential areas, particularly in summer.

In February 2024 more than 130 people died as a result of wildfires throughout Chile.

If there's a fire close to your location, follow the evacuation orders of local authorities and monitor the situation.

Earthquakes and volcanoes

Chile is in an active earthquake zone. Earthquakes and volcanic activity may occur.

The Chilean Government uses a 3-tier system to classify volcanoes. The alerts are:

• Green – stable with no immediate risk of eruption
• Yellow – undergoing changes in activity levels
• Red – imminent risk of eruption

If there's an earthquake or volcanic eruption, contact your travel provider about disruptions.

More information:

• There's been an earthquake or tsunami
• SENAPRED Recommendations for natural disasters  (in English PDF once a type of disaster is chosen)

Tsunamis

Chile is at risk of tsunamis.

Be alert to warnings, as a tsunami can arrive very soon after a nearby tremor or earthquake.

Move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

More information:

• Pacific Tsunami Warning Center
• The Chilean national alarm system for Tsunamis (SNAM) (Spanish)

Flooding

Heavy rainfall and flash flooding can occur with little warning and may affect services and transport, including land border crossings into neighbouring countries.

In June 2023, heavy rainfall resulted in widespread flooding in the centre of Chile. 2 people died and almost 10,000 people were isolated.

The highlands of northern Chile (the Altiplano) may receive strong rains and electrical storms, often resulting in floods, during the summer months (December-March).

In the event of flooding monitor the media and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Altitude sickness

You’re at risk of altitude sickness if you travel above 2500m.

Altitude sickness can be life-threatening and can affect anyone, even if you're fit and healthy.

You're at greater risk of altitude sickness if you:

• ascend quickly or make rapid ascents at higher altitudes
• have had altitude sickness before
• exercise or drink alcohol before you get used to the altitude
• have lung problems that affect breathing

If you'll be travelling above 2,500m:

• see your doctor for specific advice
• check your insurance covers emergency evacuation from altitude and related medical costs

Insect-borne diseases

Outbreaks of Zika virus and dengue have occurred on Easter Island (Isla de Pascua/Rapa Nui). The presence of the mosquito vector for Zika has been reported in the city of Arica in the far north of the country.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends that you:

• discuss any travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to Zika virus affected areas

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

Outbreaks of waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases occur sometimes. These include:

• hepatitis
• typhoid
• influenza
• rabies
• hay fever

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Air pollution

High levels of smog and air pollution occur in Santiago throughout the year, but particularly from April to October. Air pollution levels can be high in south of Chile, especially in winter, due to heavy smoke from wood-burning heaters that can stay in the air.

High levels of dust often occur from December to March.

The Chilean Government regularly issues pre-emergency alerts for air pollution.

If you have breathing problems, take extra care when there's a pre-emergency alert for air pollution.

Medical facilities at private hospitals in Santiago and other major cities are good but very limited elsewhere. Most private hospitals have some doctors who speak English, however nurses and and administrative staff often only speak Spanish.

Treatment at private clinics and hospitals is expensive and you may need to pay up front before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency. Most large hospitals accept credit cards. 

Fundación Honra offers an English-speaking service to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and can be contacted on +56 2 2835 6044.  

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison sentences in local jails.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Chile doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services the Australian Government can provide if you're arrested or detained.

If you're of Chilean origin, you may be deemed a Chilean national under Chilean law. This may apply even if you've taken steps to renounce Chilean citizenship.

If you're considered a Chilean national under Chilean law, you may need to enter and exit Chile using a Chilean passport or ‘cédula de identidad’.

Before you travel check with an embassy or consulate of Chile if you think you may be a Chilean national.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visas

On 17 September, Chile announced Australians no longer need a visa for stays up to 90 days.  If you're unsure whether you need a visa, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Chile.  

You can't stay on Easter Island (Isla de Pascua/Rapa Nui) for more than 30 consecutive days.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the Embassy or Consulate of Chile for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Entering and departing Chile

When going through Immigration, you'll be given a tourist card. You must keep this card, as it will be requested at departure. If you lose it, you'll have to request a new one from Immigration, and your departure from Chile may be delayed. For more information on replacing your tourist card, visit the closest International Police (PDI) Office.

When entering Chile, you must complete the online Customs (Aduanas) and Agro-sanitary (SAG) declaration within 48 hours of arrival. Hardcopy declarations can be completed by hand in the paper forms near the luggage collection area.

If you are a dual Australian-Chilean national in Chile planning to return to Australia, you must have a valid Chilean passport to exit Chile, regardless of what type of travel document you used to enter Chile. This also applies to children born overseas to a Chilean parent. You can check with a Chilean diplomatic or consular missions in Australia or the Registro Civil in Chile to confirm your travel documents are suitable. The Australian Embassy in Santiago cannot assist with Chilean travel documents. 

Severe weather conditions in the Andes mountain regions may affect crossing into neighbouring countries by land. Check Chile's Border Crossings official website (in Spanish), subscribe to their WhatsApp channel, and monitor local media before attempting to enter or leave the country by land. 

Travel to Antarctica 

If you’re boarding an Antarctic cruise ship, see Travel to Antarctica and the Arctic.

Travelling with children

If you're travelling with children aged younger than 18, you may need to show the original, and provide a copy, of the child's birth certificate, particularly if the parent and child don't share a family name.

The article 'Entry and exit of minors in Chile' outlines the requirements for minors under 18 years of age to enter Chile:

• minors must enter the country accompanied by their mother, father, guardian or person in charge of their personal care. Otherwise, they must have written authorisation from one of the minor's parents, from a Court or the competent Authority.
• the authorisation must be legalised by a Chilean Consular authority in the country of origin or include the corresponding apostilled certificate.
• they can also present a document recognised as valid by the Chilean border control authorities in virtue of the international agreements signed by Chile, which are currently in force.

A child aged under 18 years who isn't accompanied by one or both parents must carry 3 copies of the following:

• the legalised written authorisation certifying the agreement of any absent parents
• a copy of any court order conferring custody of the child, including sole custody (if relevant)
• Note: Read 'Notarial services' if you intend to apostille the authorisation with DFAT, as we can only apostille notarised documents serviced by an Australian Notary Public.

You also need a Spanish translation of the documents notarised no more than 3 months before travelling at either:

• the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Santiago by a Chilean consular officer, or
• a Chilean Embassy or Consulate

You can use the same document for entry and exit. If you fail to comply with the requirements, the child will not be allowed to enter or leave Chile.

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Proof of identity

Always carry a clear copy of your Australian passport as proof of ID.

Keep your passport in a safe location when not being used.

You'll need to show your Australian passport when:

• banking
• booking a hotel or hostel
• travelling by air in Chile

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

The local currency is the Chilean Peso (CLP).

Amounts higher than $US10,000 must be declared on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

US dollars can be readily exchanged throughout Chile.

Check your change as vendors, including taxi drivers, sometimes swap denominations to short-change travellers.

ATMs are widely available. Contact your bank to find out whether your cards will work in Chile. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Border areas

If you're planning scientific, technical or mountaineering activities in areas classified as 'frontier areas', you need approval from the Chilean Government 90 days before travelling.

Unexploded mines

Anti-tank mines and landmines are a danger in national reserves and parks near northern borders, including:

• Lauca and Llullaillaco National Parks
• Salar de Surire National Monument
• Los Flamencos National Reserve

Be aware of unexploded weapons outside of military zones in the desert areas bordering Chile and Peru.

Take note of clearly marked landmine fields in the Magallanes region of southern Chile:

• between Punta Arenas and the Torres del Paine National Park
• in Tierra del Fuego

To avoid unexploded mines:

• seek advice from local authorities for these areas
• obey all warning signs
• stay on clearly identified roads

Driving permit

To drive in Chile as a tourist, you need either:

• a valid Australian driver's licence (which can function as a Chilean' class B license', for non-commercial, small vehicle driving during the length of your tourist visa), or
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

If you do not have a valid Australian licence, you need to get your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

Driving in Chile can be dangerous.

Hazards for drivers include:

• aggressive local driving practices
• poorly maintained secondary and rural roads
• poor street lighting
• no guardrails on mountain roads

Chile has strict regulations related to driving with blood alcohol content. Penalties can include jail.

If you intend to drive in Chile:

• check local traffic laws and practices
• use chains on mountain roads during winter

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Your travel insurance policy may not cover you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet. Make sure your passenger does too.

Taxis

Prepaid official taxis are available at airports. To decrease the chances of scams or other taxi-related crimes, order official taxis from the counters inside the airport, immediately after the Customs check.

To protect yourself from crime and overcharging:

• avoid hailing taxis on the street, particularly if travelling alone or at night
• ask your hotel to make a telephone booking for you
• make sure that the driver uses the meter

Rideshare apps are widely used, although not legal. Drivers may face fines or have their vehicle confiscated by authorities if stopped. Drivers may ask passengers to sit in the front seat to avoid detection. If this happens and you feel unsafe, cancel the booking and choose an alternative transport option. 

Public transport

Santiago has a well-developed metro and bus network. There is also a comprehensive bus and coach network across Chile.

Santiago and Valparaiso are served by commuter rail, but most destinations are difficult to access via railway.

Tourists on inter-city buses, particularly from Calama to San Pedro de Atacama, have been robbed while sleeping.

If you take public transport:

• don't store valuables in overhead lockers
• keep your valuables with you at all times
• check your belongings before you get off

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Some international cruise liners visit Chile.

More information:

• Going on a cruise

Air travel

Check Chile's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, you should contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 132.

Medical emergencies

Call 131 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 133 or contact the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Chile has 2 main police agencies,

• Carabineros de Chile (uniformed police), emergency contact number: 133, and

• Policía de Investigaciones (PDI), also overseeing migration. Emergency contact number: 134

Police reports are mostly provided in Spanish, without an accompanying English translation. 

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Santiago de Chile.

Australian Embassy, Santiago de Chile

Isidora Goyenechea 3621 
13th Floor, Las Condes 
Santiago de Chile 

Phone: (+56 2) 2550 3500 
Email: consular.santiago@dfat.gov.au
Website: chile.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Embajada de Australia en Chile y Ecuador
X: @AusEmbCL
Instagram:AusEmbCL

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia