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Chile has been closed to international tourism since April 2021 after a second wave of Covid-19 hit the country. But after a successful vaccination campaign, the country has announced it will be reopening to international tourism once again on October 1st.
This post will look at the new entry requirements for Chile and the current Covid-19 situation.
Chile Opening For International Tourism On October 1st
On Wednesday, the government of Chile announced that they would be reopening the country to international tourism from October 1st ahead of the southern hemisphere nation’s summer season.
Jose Luis Uriarte, the tourism sub secretary, said foreign tourists were welcome provided they respected the strict self-care measures in Chile of wearing masks and social distancing.
“This is a very important step in the reactivation and recuperation of foreign tourism, which accounts for around 40% of our income from tourism,” he said.
“The fact that foreign tourists can come to Chile is an important step for the recovery of inbound tourism,” said Under-Secretary for Tourism José Luis Uriarte.
What Are The Entry Requirements For Chile?
Entry to Chile by air will be possible through the airports serving Iquique, Antofagasta, and Santiago de Chile.
Foreign non-residents will be able to enter provided they meet certain requirements.
Public health chief Paula Daza said that travelers will be required to show a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken up to 72 hours before entering Chile, undergo a mandatory 5-day quarantine, have medical travel insurance, and show proof of vaccination.
Additionally, travelers must submit a sworn statement through www.c19.cl and obtain a mobility pass at after validating the vaccination received.
Those who do not obtain the mobility past must remain isolated for 7 days instead of 5.
Daza warned visitors not to book their trip to Chile until their vaccination certificate was validated by the Chilean health ministry, which could take a month.
Unvaccinated tourists will not be able to enter for tourism, including children.
The strict entry requirements received backlash from The Chilean Association of Airlines (ACHILA), which has been pushing for the reopening of borders. They said that the new regulations change nothing in practice.
“Considering the high percentage of vaccinated [people] in our country and the low level of contagion and positivity, the measures announced by the government…continue to be [among] most restrictive…in the world.”
The group urged the government to eliminate the quarantine requirement and allow children too young to receive vaccines to be allowed to enter the county.
Covid-19 In Chile
Chile has been received international praise for its smooth and successful vaccination campaign, boasting one of the world’s highest vaccination rates.
According to the health ministry, almost 87% of eligible Chileans are fully vaccinated, and the country has already started distributing booster shots to those who are fully vaccinated.
Chile is currently reporting between 200 and 500 new Covid-19 cases a day, with a 1% test positivity rate on Tuesday.
While the entry requirements are still strict for Chile, it’s a hopeful sign for the rebound of tourism in the country.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Dee
Friday 22nd of October 2021
Made it to Chile two days ago as an American. Not easy to get in, but also not the worst!
If you all have updates on Argentina and Uruguay for 11/1, that’d be great :)
Dee
Wednesday 6th of October 2021
Note: It’s been reported today that effective 11/1, Chile will drop their 5 day quarantine.
Dee
Friday 8th of October 2021
@Kashlee Kucheran,
You’re welcome. I think there may be an error in the article. It says those who choose not to get the mobility pass have to isolate for 7 days. That’s true, but it seems to be only for residents or foreign people authorized to enter Chile. Tourists are not allowed in without the mobility pass and don’t have the option of the 7 day isolate as an alternative.
Kashlee Kucheran
Wednesday 6th of October 2021
Thank you for the update!
Dee
Thursday 30th of September 2021
To anyone reading: I submitted my information and this process is not easy.
It doesn’t tell you that Chile prefers a QR/Electronic record when creating your profile and submitting proof.
I’ve submitted my copies of CDC card and pharmacy information where I got the shot, but didn’t realize a QR code gives you more time on the mobility pass and expedites the process.
I then downloaded my QR code from California, but it’s impossible to amend my pending application at the moment and there is no contact email to reach out to.
At this point, I’ll just be going to Argentina instead if it takes a month for approval.
Chile needs to make this process easier for foreigners for tourism.
Justin
Thursday 28th of October 2021
@Dee, did you end up getting approved for the mobility pass? If so, how long did it take?
Bob
Sunday 19th of September 2021
OK, I want to go, spend a reasonable amount of money and stay a couple of months.
PCR test, ok. Vaccinated, ok. 5 days imprisoned, ok. Paperwork, ok.
BUT they need a month to validate a vaccine certificate? Unbelievable.
Bureaucracy gone insane.
Sebastian
Friday 17th of September 2021
Entry requirements for North Korea are easier. Wtf