Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Chile is one of the more stable and prosperous countries in South America. Petty crime is the main concern in Santiago and Valparaíso, so stay alert and check the latest official advice.
- Overall risk
- Moderate; relatively stable but stay alert in cities
- Main concern
- Pickpocketing, bag snatching and car break-ins
- Emergency number
- Police (Carabineros) 133, Ambulance (SAMU) 131
- Chile has solid infrastructure and reliable public services, but opportunistic crime targets visitors in busy urban areas. Keep valuables out of sight and review your government's latest travel advice before and during your trip.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no formal no-go areas for tourists. Take extra care in some low-income neighbourhoods of Santiago and in central Valparaíso, especially at night.
- No-go areas
- None for typical travellers
- At night
- Avoid poorly lit districts and quiet streets after dark
- Most tourist areas are safe by day. Some peripheral neighbourhoods of Santiago and parts of Valparaíso see higher street crime; stick to central, well-lit areas and use taxis or ride apps at night.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Chile is highly seismic. Earthquakes are frequent, coastal areas face tsunami risk, and the south has active volcanoes. The northern Atacama brings desert and high-altitude conditions.
- Earthquakes
- Frequent; learn evacuation routes and drop-cover-hold
- Tsunami
- Coastal risk; move to high ground after strong quakes
- Volcanoes & altitude
- Active volcanoes in the south; altitude sickness in the Andes/Atacama
- Buildings are built to strong seismic codes, but large quakes have occurred. After a strong coastal tremor, move inland and to higher ground immediately. In the north, acclimatise to high altitude and carry water.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Healthcare in cities is good. Tap water in Santiago is drinkable but hard and mineral-rich, so bottled water is often preferred. Altitude sickness is a risk in the Andes and Atacama.
- Healthcare
- Good private clinics in cities; limited in remote areas
- Tap water
- Drinkable in cities but hard; bottled water often preferred
- Altitude
- Acclimatise slowly in the high Andes and Atacama
- No special vaccinations are required for typical travel. Urban tap water meets standards but its high mineral content can upset sensitive stomachs, so many visitors drink bottled water. At altitude, ascend gradually and stay hydrated; carry personal medication with a prescription.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Pickpocketing, bag snatching and car break-ins target tourists in central Santiago and Valparaíso. Distraction scams occur around bus terminals and markets.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing, snatch theft and theft from vehicles
- Hotspots
- Bus terminals, markets, funiculars and tourist sites
- Advice
- Keep valuables hidden; don't leave items in parked cars
- Thieves often work in pairs and use distractions. Keep bags closed and in front of you, avoid displaying phones or cameras, and never leave belongings visible in vehicles.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Chile is a stable democracy. Large protests occurred in 2019 and demonstrations can still happen, so avoid gatherings, which may turn disruptive.
- Government
- Stable presidential democracy
- Demonstrations
- Can occur; avoid marches and large gatherings
- Chile is generally stable, but the 2019 unrest showed that demonstrations can escalate and disrupt transport. Steer clear of protests, follow local media and heed instructions from authorities.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Carry ID at all times. Drug offences carry severe penalties, and drink-driving limits are strict. Respect protected natural areas and customs rules on plants and food.
- ID
- Carry passport or a copy; police may ask
- Drugs & alcohol
- Harsh drug penalties; strict drink-driving limits
- Customs
- Strict rules on bringing plants, seeds and food
- Chilean agricultural controls (SAG) are strict; declare all food, plant and animal products on arrival to avoid fines. Drug possession is treated seriously, and there is a low legal blood-alcohol limit for driving.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Key numbers: Police (Carabineros) 133, Ambulance (SAMU) 131 and Fire 132. Operators mostly speak Spanish, so basic phrases help.
- Police
- 133 (Carabineros)
- Ambulance
- 131 (SAMU)
- Fire
- 132 (Bomberos)
- Dial 133 for police, 131 for medical emergencies and 132 for fire. English is not always available, so it helps to have your location and a few Spanish phrases ready.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement for most visitors, so carry comprehensive travel insurance with medical and repatriation cover.
- Insurance
- Comprehensive cover with medical treatment and repatriation
- Activities
- Include hiking, high altitude and adventure sports if relevant
- Payment
- Private clinics may require upfront payment or guarantee
- Private clinics offer good care but can be expensive and may ask for payment or a guarantee before treatment. Ensure your policy covers trekking, high-altitude travel and any adventure activities you plan, plus emergency repatriation.