Summary

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that highly-comprehensive travel insurance, including personal medical insurance, is obtained before travelling to Chile. Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

For entry requirements for Chile, please contact the nearest Chilean Embassy or Consulate . 

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

Safety and Security

The threat from terrorism is low.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. 

Chile has a small but significant landmine problem.  Landmine accidents mainly affect livestock and small numbers of local people crossing the borders at unauthorised crossing points.  Minefields are located primarily in border areas adjacent to Peru and Bolivia in the extreme north of Chile Regions I and II, and Argentina in the south in Region XII.  Although most minefields are clearly marked, some signs and fences have been subjected to the effects of weather or vandalism and may be hard to recognise, particularly in the north of the country.  Minefields are, in some cases, laid right up to the edge of highways.  You should also be aware that there are mined areas in six government-protected wilderness areas in Regions I, II and XII.  Although neither Park Rangers nor visitors have ever been injured or killed by landmines, you are advised to check with local authorities before travelling to border areas of Regions I, II and XII, stick to clearly marked roads and observe all warnings signs.

Pickpocketing, other thefts and muggings are increasingly common throughout Chile, particularly around well-known tourist sites and bus stations.  You should not leave luggage unattended and be particularly attentive at bus terminals, restaurants and other areas frequented by tourists. You are advised to take great care with your belongings, keep in groups and not walk alone late at night. 

Local Laws and Customs

You are advised not to become involved with drugs of any kind.  Possession of even very small quantities can lead to significant prison sentences.

Natural Disasters and Climate

Chile is in a high-risk zone for earthquakes.  A powerful 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile on 14 June 2005, causing 11 deaths and cuts in power and communication for several days.  On 2 May 2008, the Chalten Volcano in southern Chile erupted resulting in the evacuation of thousands of people. The volcano is believed to remain active. On 27 February 2010 an enormous earthquake measuring an estimated 8.8 on the Richter scale stuck 8 kilometres off the coast of south-central Chile. The epicentre was closest to the popular resort town of Curanipe in Maule province, some 115 kilometres north-east of the country’s second city, Conception and 325 kilometres south-west of the capital, Santiago. Aftershocks continue to be felt in the South-Central zone of the country.

A serious earthquake or volcanic eruption is always a possibility; however, building regulations require new structures to take account of seismic risks.  Safety measures are widely known and put into practice by national organisations and local authorities

Chile is a country of vast climate extremes. Due to Chile's long slender shape spanning from Peru in the north to Antarctica in the south, you'll experience a very different climate depending on what part of the country you visit. As a general rule, the farther north the hotter and drier the climate. As you head south, you'll see a cooler and wetter climate. Rainfall is more frequent during the winter months.

Chile sits in the southern hemisphere and as such its seasons are generally these:

Summer: December - February

Fall: March - May

Winter: June - August

Spring: September - November

Additional Country Info

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS 

The Embassy of Ireland in Buenos Aires, Argentina is responsible for relations with Chile - for contact details, please click here (Opens in new window).  

An Honorary Consul, Miguel Aylwin Oyarzun ,  handles consular affairs in the country. His contact details are available in the above link.