Chile: Authorities extend international travel restrictions through July 14 due to COVID-19 activity /update 72

Event

Officials have extended the closure of the country's borders to almost all travel through at least July 14 to curb the spread of COVID-19; the measure was due to explore June 30. Authorities have also extended the state of emergency through at least Sept. 30.

Most nonresident foreigners are prohibited from entering Chile without special authorization from the Chilean diplomatic mission in their home country. Permitted arrivals must present negative results from a PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival and then quarantine for 10 days at a transit hotel approved by the Ministry of Health. If a second negative PCR test result is returned by day five of quarantine, travelers may complete the final five days of quarantine at a hotel of their choice or at a private residence.

Both Chileans and resident foreigners are likewise prohibited from leaving Chile until at least July 14 unless authorized to do so for emergency purposes. Those transporting cargo from Chile are exempt from this regulation.

Nationwide Restrictions
A nightly curfew remains in effect 22:00-05:00. During curfew hours, all persons must remain in their homes. 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.

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
The government continues to employ a multiphase quarantine system under which each of Chile's municipalities is designated as being in a specific phase 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. Residents of locations under Phase-2 quarantines 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; in these areas, no quarantine orders are in effect and only nationwide restrictions, such as school closures and capacity limits on business operations, are in place.

Additionally, 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.

Some regions have imposed additional restrictions on entrance and movement. Magallanes Region, for example, requires foreign nationals, including truck drivers, who wish to drive to or through the region to first test negative for COVID-19 using a PCR test.

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