Chile Travel: Visa, Customs, Health & Minor Departure Info
Chile Travel Information
Visa Requirements for Tourists
Nationals of countries with which Chile has no diplomatic relations require authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enter the country for tourism. The authorization request must include the reasons for travel, length of visit, effective date, and proof of departure tickets from Chile to their country of origin or another country. In the latter case, proof of authorization to enter the next country (visa or entry permit) is also required.
An exception to this rule applies to Croatian nationals who can enter the country with a valid passport for tourism. Bolivian nationals do not require prior consultation for a visa. Visitors in special circumstances, such as refugees and exiles, require approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Customs Regulations
Tourists can enter the country without declaring the following items to customs and tax-free: travel goods (suitcases, bags, personal effects), clothing, electrical toiletries (razor, hair cutting, hair dryer manual), articles of personal use (alarm clock, camera, typewriter, and calculating laptop), objects of exclusive use for the exercise of professions, 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 500 grams of snuff, 2.5 liters of alcoholic beverages.
Tourists entering the country with personal effects such as camcorders, video equipment, furs, and the like must complete an application for temporary admission, which will be presented to international police upon departure. This avoids the payment of customs duties. The Customs Service performs random checks to verify that baggage includes only the goods listed above. If other types of goods are detected, the passenger is subject to the Customs Court, which may order the withholding of the goods, monetary fines, and even imprisonment.
Health Regulations
Chile applies health legislation through the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), which prohibits the entry of plant and animal products and by-products in tourists’ luggage. However, some products may be admitted if accompanied by an Official Health Certificate issued by the country of origin.
Tourists can bring some pets, such as dogs and cats, into the country. Cats require a Certificate of Vaccination against distemper and rabies, which must be endorsed by the Chilean consulate.
Departure of Minors
Both Parents Traveling:
Passport and birth certificate or family record book, plus three photocopies of the document.
Only One Parent Traveling:
Passport or identity card. Birth Certificate. Death certificate (if applicable), plus 3 photocopies. Notarized authorization from the non-traveling parent, giving consent for the child’s departure, or permission from the family court, original plus three photocopies.
Minors Not Traveling with Parents:
Passport, Birth Certificate, Death Certificate (if applicable), notarized authorization from both parents, giving consent for the child’s departure, original plus three photocopies. Authorization from the appropriate family court giving consent to travel, original plus three photocopies.