Travel Report for Chile

Country Profile for
Chile

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: November 1, 2006 14:19 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:02 EST

Chile

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 7 of this Travel Report has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)

You are advised against all travel to the demarcated landmine fields in regions I (bordering on Peru and Bolivia), II (bordering on Bolivia), and XII (bordering on Argentina in the Magallanes region of southern Chile, between Punta Arenas and Torres del Paine National Park, as well as Tierra del Fuego). Landmines fields are a danger in remote sections of several popular national parks in the northern border area more specifically Lauca and Llullaillaco national parks, Salar de Surire National Monument, and Los Flamencos National Reserve. Visitors should check with park authorities or local authorities before entering less-travelled areas and observe all warning signs.
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Widespread protests continue in centres across the country. A number of arrests have been reported following demonstrations, some of which have turned violent. Canadians are advised to monitor local news reports, follow the advice of local authorities, and avoid large gatherings where demonstrations may take place.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occur in urban centres, particularly in Santiago. Thieves are active in crowded tourist locations, markets, metro (subway) stations, trains, buses and taxis. Daylight muggings have been reported in the Cerro San Cristóbal park, which should be avoided after dark. Robberies and assaults occur most frequently in Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, especially during summer (December to March) . The poorer residential areas called "Poblaciones" should be avoided. Exercise caution at all times. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times and avoid carrying large sums of cash. Do not show signs of affluence. It is recommended to carry a photocopy of your passport. In case of emergency, dial 133 for police, and 132 for the fire department.

Demonstrations, protests, marches, and strikes, some violent, may occur at any time in the capital, throughout the country and on main highways. Local transportation services can be disrupted. Roadblocks may occur on main roads at any time and often cause traffic disruptions. Canadians should not attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended.

Because of the unpredictable nature of these demonstrations and the potential for violence, Canadians in or travelling to Chile should exercise caution, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and monitor local news reports.

Travellers undertaking scientific, technical, or mountaineering activities in areas classified as frontier areas must have authorization from the Chilean government at least 90 days prior to departure to these areas. Travellers planning to climb in Torres del Paine National Park must obtain authorization from the Chilean authorities through the Chilean Embassy in Canada (see below) before leaving Canada. Further information may also be obtained from www.difrol.cl (in spanish).

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Driving standards are poor. Accident rates, particularly in Santiago, are high. Drivers rarely signal their intentions or yield to merging traffic. Speed limits, red lights, and stop signs are often not respected. Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times. Major highways are mostly toll roads. Drivers should ensure they carry sufficient local currency to pay the tolls. Do not venture off major highways with basic or small rental vehicles. Secondary roads are sometimes poorly maintained and/or poorly lit. Driving on mountain roads can be dangerous due to the lack of guardrails. Police (Carabineros) presence is very visible on highways. Have vehicle documentation ready. Those intending to travel outside the country in a rental vehicle should ensure they have written authorization from the agency. The authorization must be requested from the car rental company at least three to five days before the trip, and a processing fee applies. If using a private vehicle, the owner must also provide the driver with proper authorization.

Traffic congestion in downtown Santiago is common during peak hours. Certain major arteries alternate traffic direction during morning and evening rush hours. For up-to-date information, contact the traffic police (Carabineros) at 139. For maps, you may contact the Chilean Automobile Association (Automóvil Club de Chile), Las Tranqueras 1753, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile (country and area codes: 56-2/ tel.: 431-1000/ Web site: www.automovilclub.cl ).

Taxis can be booked and prepaid at the airport. Major hotels will arrange to meet travellers upon arrival. Shuttle minibuses are also available. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. Agree to a fare before embarking. Taxis with illuminated signs indicating their destination are "collective" taxis. These follow a fixed route and are shared by up to five passengers.

To combat high levels of pollution in winter (June to September), restrictions on driving in central Santiago (within the ring road) are imposed. The last digit of the licence plate number determines which days of the month a vehicle cannot be driven. These lists are published in newspapers. Temporary bans may be imposed on up to 60 percent of city traffic when levels of pollution are extremely high.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Flooding is frequent during autumn and winter (particularly between May and August), mainly as a result of heavy rains and overloaded sewage systems. This often results in traffic jams. In some parts of the country, river levels can increase substantially following a short period of heavy rain. The resulting flooding can seriously damage property and cause injuries and deaths. Travellers should avoid riverside accommodations and be aware that dry riverbeds swell rapidly, particularly in central and southern Chile.

Chile is located in an active seismic region. Alerts are posted as soon as significant activity is evident. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Canadian Embassy in Santiago or the Consulate of Canada in Concepción or Antofagasta (see below) in the event of an emergency.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

Chile - SANTIAGO, Embassy of Canada
Address: Nueva Tajamar 481, Torre Norte, 12th Floor, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Postal Address: Casilla 139, Correo 10, Chile
Tel.: 56 (2) 652-3800
Fax: 56 (2) 652-3916
E-mail: stago@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.santiago.gc.ca

Chile - ANTOFAGASTA, Consulate of Canada
Address: Jose Toribio Medina 146, apt. 601, Antofagasta, Chile
Postal Address: Antofagasta, Chile
Tel.: 56 (55) 24-7652
Fax: (2) 652-3916
E-mail: ca.consul.antofa@emol.com

Chile - CONCEPCIÓN, Consulate of Canada
Address: Caupolicán 245, Chiguayante, Concepción, Chile
Postal Address: Casilla 425, Concepción, Chile
Tel.: 56 (41) 236-97-05
Fax: 56 (41) 236-81-85
E-mail: ca.consul.concep@emol.com

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Santiago and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 800 201-670 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Chile is 800-360-280 or 800-800-226, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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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

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18. ANNEX

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