Chile: Authorities modify travel restrictions starting March 31 /update 65

Event

The Chilean government has announced new travel restrictions as part of the effort to stem the spread of COVID-19. Starting March 31, all persons entering the country must quarantine for 10 days or for the duration of their stay, whichever is shorter. Non-resident foreigners must spend the first five days of their quarantine period in a specially designated hotel and remain until receiving negative results from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken on the fifth day. After receiving such results, travelers have 24 hours in which they may displace from the designated hotel to lodging accommodations of their choice, where they must spend the remainder of the 10-day period in self-quarantine.

Other restrictions, including a multiphase quarantine system, remain in effect. Specific restrictions on movement vary by location and intensity based on local disease activity. In areas under Phase-1 quarantines, all individuals must remain in their homes every day unless they possess a safe-conduct pass. For those under Phase-2 quarantines, individuals must stay in their homes during weekends and holidays unless they have a safe-conduct pass. Some locations have advanced to Phase 3 or 4 with no quarantine mandates; in these areas, authorities continue to enforce nationwide restrictions and nonquarantine orders, such as school closures and capacity limits on business operations. Persons in areas under Phase-1 quarantine orders cannot travel to other regions of the country. Residents of areas under Phase-2 quarantine orders are permitted one trip to another location provided the destination is not under a Phase-1 quarantine order; the traveler must have his/her public health passport during the travel. Those in areas not under quarantine orders may not enter areas that are subject to quarantines.

Nationwide
A nationwide 22:00-05:00 curfew is in force. During curfew hours, all persons must remain in their homes. Residents must remain in their homes during curfew hours. Persons over the age of 75 must stay in their homes at all times; exceptions are in place for limited outings and depending on COVID-19 activity levels in the area. Events with more than 50 people remain prohibited. Nonessential businesses, including theaters, bars, and public gymnasiums, are closed until further notice. Restaurants may only operate for delivery or carryout services; seated dining remains banned.

Individuals traveling to Chile must fill out a health questionnaire before departure. All persons arriving must present negative results from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure and purchase a health insurance policy that will cover at least USD 30,000 of COVID-19-related medical costs in Chile.

All persons must fill out a form reporting on their health daily for their first 14 days in Chile. Until further notice, Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago will be the only airport accepting foreign nationals arriving from abroad.

Chile has suspended direct passenger flights to and from the UK. Travelers who have been in the UK within 14 days must quarantine for 14 days, even if they comply with all other travel requirements.

Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 must quarantine for 14 days or until they no longer present symptoms, whichever is longer. Anyone who has had at least 15 minutes of face-to-face contact or prolonged exposure (two or more hours in a shared home, hotel, or office) with a person confirmed to have COVID-19 must quarantine for at least 14 days.

All persons must wear facemasks while in public, including at parks, on mass transit vehicles, and in elevators. Health officials recommend medical-grade masks, but improvised or homemade coverings are permitted as long as they cover both the nose and mouth. All persons must also adhere to social distancing standards by keeping at least one meter (three feet) away from others. Exceptions are in place for individuals sharing vehicles and residences or engaged in work or other activities where maintaining such a distance is impossible.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Resolutions on COVID-19 Measures
Required Travel Documents
Information on the Phased Restriction System