Chile: Authorities tighten and extend COVID-19-related travel and movement restrictions through at least Dec. 31 /update 78

Event

The Chilean government has tightened the measures it imposed to stem the spread of COVID-19 and extended them through at least Dec. 31. Under the new restrictions, travelers arriving in the country must adhere to a new quarantine system. Moreover, non-resident foreigners who have been in certain southern African countries within the past 14 days are banned from entry due to concerns over the recently discovered Omicron variant of the virus.

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 prior to departure for the country. 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.

Under the newly modified restrictions, all travelers must also quarantine for seven days or, if their stay is less than seven days, the entirety of their visit. Persons who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may leave quarantine early if they obtain negative results 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 have not been 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 obtain negative test results. Non-resident foreigners who have been in these countries within the past 14 days are banned from entry into Chile.

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 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.

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 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