Chile: Authorities to implement new COVID-19-related domestic restrictions system April 14 /update 81

Event

The Chilean government plans to implement a new system for applying COVID-19-related domestic restrictions effective April 14. Dubbed the "Paso a Paso" (Step by Step) system, the new approach will consist of only three levels as opposed to the five tiers that had previously been in place. These are the Low Impact Phase, the Medium Impact Phase, and the High-Impact Phase. Residents must still possess a "Mobility Pass" in order to enter businesses and travel between regions of the country; facemasks will also remain mandatory in indoor public settings.

In addition to the new domestic restrictions mechanisms, Chile plans to reopen all remaining land border crossings May 1.

Domestic Measures
The following measures will enter into force on April 14 with the new Paso a Paso system:

• Low Impact Phase locations: Capacity limits on gatherings, mass events, and businesses will be lifted and the use of facemasks in outdoor settings will no longer be mandatory.

• Medium Impact Phase locations: Facemasks will no longer be required in outdoor settings. Gatherings and businesses operations will be allowed provided all persons on premises maintain at least one meter (3.2 feet) of social distancing. Mass events will be allowed with up to 10,000 people in attendance.

• High Impact Phase locations: The use of facemasks will remain mandatory in outdoor settings. Individuals must maintain at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) of social distancing during gatherings or while inside businesses. Mass events are limited to a maximum of 200 people.

The use of facemasks in indoor public settings and the "Mobility Pass" to enter businesses and indoor public areas will remain in force nationwide.

International Travel Restrictions
All persons aged six years or older 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.

Fully vaccinated nonresident foreign nationals may enter Chile if they comply with the aforementioned requirements and show proof of possessing a health insurance policy covering at least USD 30,000 in expenses. Such persons do not need to quarantine upon arrival but they may be randomly selected for an additional COVID-19 test at entry. Unvaccinated nonresident foreign nationals aged six years or older may not enter Chile unless they fall under one of a few exceptions. Those allowed entry must take a PCR test upon arrival and complete a seven-day isolation period, regardless of the result of the test. Unvaccinated citizens and residents are allowed to enter but must be tested upon arrival and quarantine for seven days.

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

Land borders are currently open in five locations: Futaleufu, Huemeules, Jenimeni, Monte Aymond, and Los Libertadores. Effective May 1, all land border crossings will reopen.

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
Mobility Pass