Update: As of September 1, 2022, Chile’s travel requirements were amended to make it easier for foreign travelers. While we strongly recommend presenting proof of vaccination (as it is equivalent to a Mobility Pass), you may also present a negative PCR test dated within 48 hours of departure to enter Chile. There are no requirements for travelers under 18 years old. View the latest on our Covid-19 Travel Update.

Dispatch from Dec. 23, 2021: I flew into Chile from the US on December 2, 2021 – a single day after the most recent changes to the country’s pandemic-related travel requirements due to Omicron variant uncertainty. Here’s a firsthand account of what to expect as a foreign traveler along with a list of Chile’s current requirements, and links to best sources for up-to-date travel information. The bottom line: Do not be intimidated, intrepid travelers – there’s still no better place in the world than Patagonia, Chile to plan your escape to the wilderness – but do be prepared.

CHILE TRAVEL DECODED: LOTS OF HOOPS, BUT ALSO HIGH EFFICIENCY

First, some good news: My experience navigating the various health screenings and ‘Sanitary Checkpoints’ to successfully enter southern Chile was surprisingly clear and efficient. There are many hoops to clear at the Santiago airport in particular, but each station was highly staffed (in contrast to earlier this year), with well-marked lines to move you along. While you must take a PCR exam upon landing (in my case, at the Santiago airport), you’re now permitted to continue onto your domestic flight before having the result (assuming you have all other requirements in order), which means you can nab your same day connecting flight to Balmaceda (BBA) airport.

The bad news: Prepare for an impressive series of hoops to jump through, in which producing the proper paperwork is critical for making it to your destination (details below). This process is not complex or difficult, but careful planning ahead is a must to avoid getting blocked by the diligent rule enforcement. Expect online forms, QR code validations, and follow up calls from health workers.

CHILE’S LATEST TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

If you haven’t been following, Chile’s response to the pandemic has been both more organized and stricter than many countries. More than 80 percent of the over 18 population has been fully vaccinated, and doses for children as well as booster shots are underway. This also means that validated proof of vaccination is required of all travelers with very few exceptions. Whether for better or worse (and it depends on who you ask), the measures directed by Chile’s Ministry of Health reflect a vigilant effort to limit and track exposure to the Coronavirus.

Here are 6 key requirements for travel to Chile, as of Dec. 1, 2021:

As always, travel requirements may change, so view the links at end for up-to-minute info as well as additional detail.

1. Proof of full vaccination (two doses) that is validated in Chile before entering the country, known as your Chilean Mobility Pass. Obtain your Mobility Pass by completing a fairly straightforward online form at https://mevacuno.gob.cl(English among the many language options), which will give you a certificate with QR code.

* If you are traveling with kids, know that from six years old they must also have a complete vaccination program (children under six are exempted).

*Caution on planning ahead: Expect up to 30 days for the Mobility Pass approval process (although several friends received theirs within 5-15 days).

2. Negative PCR exam taken 72 hours before boarding, counting from the last boarding on flights with stopovers. (This means your Balmaceda connection should be within the 72-hour window.) Note: While most airlines allow you to travel with a negative antigen test, this is not sufficient for entry into Chile, and in my experience, they are unrelenting about having a negative PCR exam.

3. “International Traveler’s Affidavit” form, to complete at www.c19.cl up to 48 hours before boarding. This simple online form solicits contact (email and phone), health, and travel information, including location destination. You’ll be asked to create an account (you can use your email, and English is among many language options). Upon completion, you’ll receive a QR code by email as a means of verification at the Sanitary Control upon arriving in Chile.

4. Health insurance with a minimum coverage of $30,000 USD that includes coverage for any expenses arising from Covid-19.

5. Mandatory PCR test performed upon arrival to Chile. And while you can board your connecting regional flight before knowing your airport PCR exam results (assuming you have all other above requirements), you are obligated to “quarantine at your destination” until receiving a negative result. That said, results from the PCR exam at Santiago airport are now available online within a day at www.sclbionet.cl (in my case, same day – about seven hours).

*A note on timing with connecting domestically: You’d be wise to give yourself at least three hours between connecting flights – that was sufficient for me, but barely.

6. Daily self-reporting for 10 days following entry. Among the pesky fine print is a mercifully brief but mandatory health and location survey, which you’re obligated to complete every day for 10 days. There’s an app for that, in English, and it takes roughly 30 seconds to breeze through the questions, but connectivity is a must. Note that Patagonia Frontiers has adapted to support your daily check ins – yes, even from the wilderness.

WE ARE CURRENTLY BOOKING TRIPS AND ENROLLING PROGRAMS FOR THE 2022-2023 SEASON AND INVITE YOU TO GET IN TOUCH TO PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE.

By Welling Savo Justin

Welling Savo Justin is a freelance writer and native of Seattle (USA) based in Pucón, Chile, whose latest Patagonia Frontiers adventure was with her husband and their children, ages 7 and 10 years old. Founded in 1999, Patagonia Frontiers connects people with wilderness through education, conservation, and adventure. We offer education and mountaineering programs as well as multi-day trekking, horseback trips, and climbing in the heart of Chilean Patagonia.