Chile: Authorities ease COVID-19-related travel and movement restrictions effective Oct. 1 /update 76

Event

The Chilean government will allow the COVID-19-related state of catastrophe it initially declared in March 2020 to expire Sept. 30, ending the curfew system in place. Effective Oct. 1, foreigners who show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may enter the county. Unvaccinated non-resident foreigners remain banned. Chilean nationals and residents who are vaccinated will no longer need a special pass for travel.

All persons arriving in the country must continue to provide the negative results of a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure, fill out a health declaration, and show proof of a health insurance policy that will cover at least USD 30,000 of expenses. Persons arriving in the country must also enter quarantine: those who obtain a mobility pass from the government must quarantine for five days, while all others must quarantine for seven days.

As a result of the reopening of the country to non-resident foreigners, the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago, the Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) in Iquique, and the Andres Sabella Galvez International Airport (ANF) in Antofagasta will reopen to international commercial flights Oct. 1.

As part of the easing restrictions, the government has also begun phasing out the "sanitary passport" system. Effective Oct. 1, only people traveling between different regions of the country using public transport, such as buses, trains, and aircraft, will require sanitary passports. Authorities mentioned that sanitary passport requirements are likely to be eliminated effective Nov. 1.

Nationwide Restrictions
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.

Local Measures
Despite the ending of the state of catastrophe, the "Paso a Paso" system of varying restrictions based on regional vaccination and infection rates will remain in effect, albeit with reduced restrictions. Previous "Paso a Paso" curfews and limits on types of activities have been abolished effective Oct. 1. The new system places limits on gatherings in private residences. In areas under the Phase 1 restrictions, only five people may gather in private residences. In Phase 2, five people without a mobility pass or 10 people with a pass may gather. In Phase 3, 10 people without a pass or 25 people with a pass may gather. In Phase 4, 20 people without a pass or 50 people with a pass may gather. In Phase 5, 20 people without a pass may gather, and there is no limit on the number of people with a pass who may gather.

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