Chile will reopen its borders to vaccinated foreign travellers from October 1, but a five-day quarantine is required.
The isolation begins immediately on arrival in the country – this can be in a hotel room or in a private facility where all inhabitants have to isolate. The traveller will have to report their health and location daily, and government health inspectors will conduct mandatory health inspections.
Before departure, non-resident visitors will need a certificate of a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours before boarding the flight (or the last flight in cases where multiple flights are used to reach the destination). They will also have to complete a Sworn Statement electronic form up to 48 hours before boarding (contact information, health and location history etc) – available at www.c19.cl.
Visitors also need medical travel insurance with minimum cover of USD$30 000 (R435 000), plus a Mobility Pass, which must be obtained prior to travelling, via the national vaccine validation system mevacuno.gob.cl. It is important to apply a minimum of 30 days prior to travel.
Upon arrival, and during the first 14 days in the country, the traveller may be required to do a random test. If positive, or if the traveller is considered a close contact of a positive case, the traveller will be required to isolate for a period of time determined by the health authorities.
Movement between Chile’s regions is only allowed between communes in Step 3 (Preparation), 4 (Initial Opening) or 5 (Advanced Opening). See www.gob.cl/pasoapaso.
Chile says it has completed the vaccination of 83,4% of its target population of 15,2m. However, mask-wearing and social distancing are still mandatory.
