Chile

Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

A - Relatively stable regulated state with low corruption. There is a medium HSE risk for tourists caused by environmental risk and poor driving in country. Worksite risk is deemed to be medium. The country scored 22/177 on the corruption perception index, with a score of 1.502 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes)

 

 

Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should be allowed to Chile. In some cases it may be appropriate to seek the services of a security provider.

 

Crime

 

Pick pocketing and muggings are common in many cities throughout Chile, particularly around well-known tourist sites, bus stations and areas visited by foreigners. Pay particular attention to your belongings in popular foreign cafes and restaurants where there has been an increase in bag theft.

 

Don’t put any valuables in the storage compartments of buses and coaches - keep them with you at all times.

 

Book a taxi in advance rather than hailing one from the street, especially late at night. Keep in groups and don’t walk alone late at night.

 

There have been a few reports of people being given ‘spiked’ drinks in nightclubs and bars, particularly in the Suecia and Bellavista areas of Santiago. These can leave the victim open to theft or assault.

 

Leave your passport and other valuables in a safe place and carry a photocopy of the details page of your passport with you at all times.

 

Terrorism

 

There are occasional acts of low level domestic terrorism by anarchist groups, mostly in Santiago.

 

Local travel

 

Landmine accidents mainly affect livestock and local people crossing borders at unauthorised points. Most minefields are near the borders with Peru and Bolivia in the extreme north of Chile (regions XV, I and II) and Argentina in the south (region XII). Although most minefields are clearly marked, some signs and fences are old and damaged, and may be hard to spot. In some cases, minefields are laid right up to the edge of highways. The National Commission for Humanitarian De-mining has  published a map showing the affected areas. Check with local authorities before travelling to these areas, stick to clearly marked roads and observe all warning signs.

 

If you plan to go exploring or mountaineering, notify the local authorities before you set off. For further information on mountaineering, contact the Federación de Andinismo de Chile, Almirante Simpson 77, Santiago, Chile, Telephonoe: (56 2) 2220888.  For any other type of exploring, contact the Chilean Embassy in London, to see if permits are required. There are good rescue facilities in Chile.  You may be charged for the service they provide.

 

Road travel

 

You can use your European driving license while in Chile if you’re visiting as a tourist. You must have your passport and entrance card with you while driving. If you hire a car, take out adequate insurance including for windscreen damage, which can be expensive.

 

If you’re resident in Chile you must get a Chilean driving license from the nearest ‘municipalidad’. You can find further information about the process here and here

 

There is no car insurance available on Easter Island. In case of accidents or any damage to your vehicle, you will have to pay for the repairs yourself.

 

Main roads in Chile are surfaced, but you may need a four-wheel drive vehicle in the countryside. Be prepared for a range of driving conditions, from snow and ice to hot sandy deserts. Road tolls are increasingly common. Between June and September, winter weather sometimes temporarily closes the Chile-Argentina border crossing high up in the Andes, including the main Los Libertadores crossing between Santiago and Mendoza.

 

Air travel

 

Genvisec can offer advice on the safety of individual airlines.

 

A list of recent incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety network.

 

Political situation

 

Nationwide protests often take place on 11 September (anniversary of the military coup) and 1 May (Workers’ Day). They often become violent. The largest protests usually take place in central Santiago. Police can use tear gas and water cannon against protesters. Other public demonstrations, often led by students or indigenous rights defenders, can occur around Chile. You should avoid all demonstrations.

 

The following Santiago districts have in the past been the focus of strong protests: the boroughs of:

 

Huechuraba

Estacion Central

Ñuñoa

San Joaquin

Renca

La Pintana

Macul

Downtown university neighbourhoods can also be the location of large demonstrations which may become violent after dark. Please be particularly aware of possible disturbances in those areas.

 

Health

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

There are good health facilities in Santiago and other major cities, but private clinics and hospitals are expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. 

 

Air pollution in Santiago during winter (June-September) is a major problem. You may suffer from eye irritation and respiratory problems.

 

There have been a number of confirmed cases of children contracting meningitis W135.

 

Only one hospital offers treatment on Easter Island and its facilities are limited.  Those suffering from serious illnesses or injuries are often flown by air ambulance to mainland Chile for treatment. Make sure your insurance covers this.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 131 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Money

 

ATMs are widely available.

 

Credit cards are accepted in most large shops and hotels. Dollar travellers’ cheques are more widely accepted than travellers’ cheques in other currencies. It is possible to transfer money from the UK to Chile through Western Union.

 

Local laws and customs

 

Consumption and possession of drugs is illegal and can lead to prison sentences.

 

Homosexuality is legal in Chile and is increasingly widely accepted socially, although much of Chilean society is conservative.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. Chilean dual nationals can enter Chile using their foreign passport, but may require a Chilean passport to leave the country. Chilean entry and exit requirements for dual nationals may change without notice. 

 

Travelling with children   

 

Chile has strict requirements for the entry and exit of minors under the age of 18.

 

Children born in Chile require a Chilean passport to leave.

 

Children under 18 years old who are leaving Chile alone, with only one parent/guardian, with friends or relatives, or with a group must get authorisation to travel from the Chilean authorities before travel. You can get this authorisation from any ‘notaria’ in Chile.

 

 

Earthquakes

 

Serious earthquakes are always a possibility in Chile. You should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake or tsunami, and take note of instructions in hotel rooms. Building regulations require new structures to take account of seismic risks. Safety measures are widely known and put into practice by national organisations and the local authorities. 

 

Volcanoes

 

A chain of volcanoes erupted in the Puyehue and Los Lagos region (500 miles south of Santiago) in June 2011 and are still active. There is a continuing risk of eruptions in Chaiten in southern Chile, Llaima in the Conguillo National Park and Lascar in northern Chile.  The Copahue Volcano on the Argentina/Chile border also erupts periodically, causing local residents to be evacuated. If you’re travelling to this area, monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.

 

 

 

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