Chile Reopen Borders: The south american country has announced that it will begin accepting foreign tourists with strict entry requirements beginning October 1, after more than a year and a half of closed borders.
The country will allow only fully vaccinated tourists by air through the airports in Santiago, Iquique and Antofagasta. Travelers must satisfy the country’s entry requirements to be allowed in.
The entry requirements include the Travelers’ Affidavit, completed 72 hours prior to travel. The form, which can be found and filled out online, includes important information like medical history, previous travel history and contact information.
Visitors to Chile must also show proof of travel insurance coverage with a minimum of $30,000 and a COVID-19 coverage policy. A negative PCR test result performed within 72 hours prior to travel is also required.
Travelers should also upload their vaccination status to obtain the Chilean Ministry of Health’s Mobility Pass, found here. Travelers who miss this step cannot enter the country.
Lastly, all visitors to Chile must self-isolate for five days at the accommodation they choose, like a hotel or a private residence.
In Chile, travelers will have to navigate national and local curfews, wear face coverings in all urban areas, and accept that restrictions may change rapidly and disrupt their travel plans.
Chile closed its borders to nonessential travel in March as countries around the world were doing the same to stem the spread of coronavirus across borders. Only Chileans and residents have been able to enter since.
Chile has so far reported more than a half a million cases of COVID-19 and nearly 15,000 deaths. Reports peaked in June, with more than 6,000 cases a day, but have since declined to fewer than 2,000 a day — a level that La Tercera said still concerns some experts.
While traveling throughout Chile, travelers must also comply with a follow-up process, which consists of daily self-reporting of any possible symptoms, as well as their current locations and testing via email over a fourteen-day period.
According to Our World in Data, Chile has reported a cumulative 1.64 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. The country has lost 37,253 people. Its level of biweekly confirmed cases has lowered dramatically since April and June, when rates were the highest.
Chile boasts one of the best COVID-19 vaccination rates in South America, with 75.9 percent of its population having received at least one dose, with 72.7 percent of its population fully vaccinated.
Requirements for entering Chile (Source)
Until September 30, 2021, only Chileans and Non-Chilean residents may enter Chile. As of October 1, non-resident foreigners will be allowed to enter Chile in compliance with the following requirements:
Entry Requirements for Chilean and non-Chilean residents until September 30, 2021.
- To have a negative PCR, taken 72 hours before departure, counting from the last boarding on flights with stopovers.
- Fill out the “Affidavit for Travelers” form online, up to 48 hours before departure, in which you will provide your contact and health information and your travel details. This form will issue a QR code as a means of verification. This form is available at www.c19.cl
- You must be quarantined for seven days in your home if you have an authorized Mobility Pass or are traveling with minors. Otherwise, you will have to stay in isolation at a hotel. For 14 days after you enter the country, you will receive a follow-up form sent daily to your e-mail. Timely completion is mandatory.
Entry Requirements for foreigners to enter Chile as of October 1, 2021.
- To have a negative PCR, taken 72 hours before departure, counting from the last boarding on flights with stopovers
- To have received a complete vaccination program, which you must validate before entering Chile at mevacuno.gob.cl to obtain a 30-day mobility pass, which becomes active after the mandatory confinement. Vaccines must be those approved by the Chilean Public Health Institute (ISP), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
- Fill out the “Affidavit for Travelers” form online, up to 48 hours before departure, in which you will provide your contact and health information and your travel details. This form will issue a QR code as a means of verification. This form is available at www.c19.cl
- Anyone entering Chile must remain in mandatory isolation for five days. This compulsory isolation must be carried out at a previously declared home, hotel or residence.
- To have medical insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 30,000, which covers any expenses caused by Covid-19.
- For 14 days after you enter the country, you will receive a follow-up form sent daily to your e-mail. Timely completion is mandatory.