8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Canadians under the age of 18 (minors) travelling to Chile alone need a letter of consent from both parents to enter and leave Chile. Minors entering Chile with only one parent need written authorization from the other parent to enter and leave Chile. This authorization is done at a Chilean embassy or consulate.Canadians under the age of 18 who are residents of Chile, departing alone or with only one parent, are required to present a notarized authorization from both parents (if travelling alone) or from the parent remaining in the country (if travelling with only one parent).
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Chile. Canadians must be in possession of a tourist card (provided by the airlines).
Upon arrival by air, Canadian visitors to Chile are required to pay a reciprocity fee of US$132. Upon payment, cash, credit card or travellers cheques, a receipt will be stapled at the back of passport and is valid for the duration of the passport.
This entry fee is not the same as a visa requirement. Most Canadians still do not need a visa to visit Chile. This fee does not apply to Canadians in Chile on work permits or for the purpose of studying, as they are still required to apply in advance for Chilean visas. It also does not apply to holders of Canadian diplomatic or special passports, who require Chilean visas.
Although Canadians do not need a visa to visit Chile, all travellers are given a tourist card (valid for a maximum period of 90 days) upon arrival. The tourist card must be presented prior to departure. Failure to produce this document may result in delays until a replacement card is obtained.
Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required
Working Visa: Required
Temporary Resident Visa: Required
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
A departure tax of 4680 Chilean pesos (CLP) is charged for internal travel. For international destinations, a travellers tax of US$26 is charged. The tax may already be included in the price of the airfare ticket.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Chile and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
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9. MONEY
The currency is the Chilean peso (CLP). Contrary to the Canadian dollar, the U.S. dollar (US$) can easily be exchanged across the country. Purchases in U.S. dollars can only be done in certain stores in Santiago. Credit cards are usually accepted in hotels and restaurants in major tourist and business destinations, but they are often not accepted in locally owned small hotels and restaurants, including in Santiago. Travellers should carry traveller's cheques in U.S. currency for convenience. ATMs are becoming more common.Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Chile (capital: Santiago) is located on the southwestern coast of South America, bordering Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. The Robinson Crusoe part of the Juan Fernández Archipelago, Easter Island, and several other islands in the Pacific Ocean are Chilean territories. Tourist facilities are widely available but vary in quality. The official language is Spanish.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Santiago has one of the highest pollution levels in South America. Heavy smog can pose serious health hazards from May through August. The most severe pollution occurs from May to October.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
N/A
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18. ANNEX
N/A
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