Chile: Authorities extend COVID-19-related travel and movement restrictions through at least Jan. 31 /update 79

Event

The Chilean government has extended ongoing COVID-19 measures through at least Jan. 31.

Domestic Measures
The "Paso a Paso" system of varying restrictions based on regional vaccination and infection rates remains in effect. This system places limits on gatherings in private residences, among others. In areas under the Phase 1 restrictions, only five people may gather in private residences. In Phase 2, five people without mobility passes or 10 people with passes may gather. In Phase 3, 10 people without passes or 25 people with passes may gather. In Phase 4, 20 people without passes or 50 people with passes may gather. In Phase 5, 20 people without passes may gather, and there is no gathering limit for people with passes.

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.

Additionally, 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 permit improvised or homemade coverings 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, except individuals sharing vehicles and residences or engaged in work or other activities where maintaining such a distance is impossible.

International Travel Restrictions
International flights are limited to the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago, the Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) in Iquique, the Andres Sabella Galvez International Airport (ANF) in Antofagasta, and the Presidente Carlos Ibanez del Campo International Airport (PUQ) in Punta Arenas.

All persons except those younger than six arriving in Chile must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. They must also fill out a health declaration and show proof of a health insurance policy that will cover at least USD 30,000 in expenses. All travelers must also quarantine for seven days or the entirety of their visit if their stay is less than seven days. Fully vaccinated individuals may leave quarantine early if they test negative from a COVID-19 test performed by an authorized laboratory in Chile. Children aged 2-6 can leave quarantine upon obtaining a negative test result in Chile even if they are not vaccinated; children younger than two are exempt from the quarantine requirement.

Chilean nationals and residents who have been in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe within the past 14 days must remain in quarantine for seven days after arrival, even if they have been vaccinated and test negative for COVID-19. Non-resident foreigners who have been in these countries within the past 14 days cannot enter Chile.

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