Chilean authorities announced Wednesday, March 18, that the country’s borders will be closed for entry because of the coronavirus. It will still be allowed to leave the country, but it must be expected that most flights will be canceled in the future. A curfew has been introduced between 11.00 and 11.00. 10 pm and 2 pm 05. A curfew has also been introduced in several municipalities in the capital Santiago and in some other cities. Norwegian citizens who are still in Chile are encouraged to contact their airline or airport in Santiago for the latest updated information on flights. The Embassy cannot assist with booking tickets. For more information on coronavirus and entry regulations, see the sections Health and Entry. Information is also posted on the embassy’s Facebook page “Noruega en Chile”.
Safety
After extensive demonstrations and civil unrest throughout Chile in October and November 2019, a large police riot can still be seen in the streets of major cities. It is expected that there will still be some demonstrations in the larger cities ahead. In Santiago, the demonstrations have largely concentrated in and around Plaza Baquedano/Plaza Italia and Alameda, as well as the Providencia, Las Condes, Vitacura and downtown areas.
In connection with the demonstrations, clashes between protesters and police, riots, shoplifting, roadblocks and fire suppression may occur. Tourists and foreigners as such are not targets for the demonstrations, and the embassy is not aware that there have been incidents that have directly affected Norwegian citizens. Norwegian citizens are encouraged to avoid demonstrations, to be careful, to carry a valid ID, to follow the authorities’ instructions and advice and to follow local news.
Public transport operates mostly as normal, but some Santiago metro stations are still closed. Updated information on public transport, roads and other conditions can be read at Chilereports.
The risk of terrorist incidents in Chile is generally considered low. However, local authorities are reporting isolated incidents and smaller bombs believed to be carried out by anarchist groups in the country, especially in the capital.
Crime in Chile and Santiago has increased in recent years, but is still lower than usual in the region. Violent crime is relatively rare among tourists, but pocket thefts are more frequent. In general, one should exercise caution and common sense where you go, and take care not to wear expensive jewelry, watches etc . Pocket thieves are particularly active in the city center and on public transport.
Harassment and episodes of violence based on sexual orientation occur.
Chile is one of the world’s most vulnerable to earthquakes. Often it will be possible to notice minor shaking, but at regular intervals there are also severe tremors, which can also lead to a tsunami. Chile also has several active volcanoes at risk of eruptions. Forest fire and flood occur.
Familiarize yourself with the Chilean authorities’ precautions and relevant sources of information, for example: Onemi (Oficina Nacional de Emergencia – under the Ministry of the Interior) has posted these precautions in connection with earthquakes and the following precautions for tsunami. Red Nacional de Emergencia Chile and Universidad de Chile – Servicio Sismol¨®gico keeps an ongoing overview of earthquakes in Chile.
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Due to the coronavirus, the Chilean authorities announced March 18 that the country’s borders will be closed to foreigners, unless they have a residence permit in Chile. It will still be allowed to leave the country, but it must be expected that most flights will be canceled in the future. Norwegian citizens who are still in Chile are encouraged to contact their airline or airport in Santiago for the latest updated information on flights. The Embassy cannot assist with booking tickets. Anyone arriving from Chile from abroad will have to stay in quarantine for 14 days after arrival.
There is currently no visa requirement for Norwegian citizens to enter Chile. Access to stays as a tourist is granted up to 90 days from the entry date stamped in the passport. Upon entry, an entry form is assigned. This should be preserved as it must be displayed upon departure.
Should you be in Chile beyond this, contact your nearest Chilean embassy. For import regulations to Chile, refer to the Chilean customs website.
Entry requires a valid passport with a minimum of six months validity beyond the duration of the journey.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): Coronavirus has been detected in Chile. The Chilean authorities urge everyone to minimize contact with others. A curfew has been introduced throughout the country from 7 am. 22-05 to prevent infection. Mandatory health checks have also been introduced at the borders between several regions and at the entrance to several cities. The Chilean defense is assisting the authorities in this work. Schools, cinemas, restaurants and sports events are closed.
In a number of neighborhoods in Santiago and in other cities, a curfew has been introduced around the clock. Which cities and boroughs have a curfew are constantly changing, and travelers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local regulations.
The curfew means that you are not allowed to go out unless you have been allowed to go to a store, pharmacy or similar. It will be allowed to stay outside for four hours. You can also go to the doctor. Then the permit is valid for 24 hours. It is also possible for foreigners/tourists to apply for such a temporary permit, and one can search the website Listado de tr¨¢mites disponibles.
You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.
***
Private hospitals are of a high medical standard and with modern equipment. Also applies to dentists.
Santiago used to be one of the world’s most polluted cities, but air quality has improved significantly in recent years. On high air pollution days, restrictions are imposed on car traffic. In the winter months of June-August, the incidence of respiratory tract infections increases.
The ozone layer in the atmosphere is so thinned that the UV radiation can be harmful to health. Bottled water and high solar factor are recommended.
See vaccine recommendations from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
.
Practical information
The Norwegian Embassy in Santiago de Chile
Office Address: Edificio Visionario, Los Militares 5001, Piso 7, Las Condes, Santiago
Tel: +56 (0) 2 2484 2000
Tel: +47 2395 8200
Email: emb.santiago@mfa.no
Opening hours for the public: 09: 00-12: 00 Monday to Friday
Consulate in Iquique
Office address: Real Consulado de Noruega, Zegers 249, Iquique
Tel: +56 9 9084 3994
Fax: +56 57 425 351
E-mail: harrydawson@vtr.net
Opening hours for the public: Mon, Wed, Fri 8 am 09: 00-16: 00
Consulate in Punta Arenas
Office address: Real Consulado de Noruega, Avenida Independencia 772, Punta Arenas
Tel: +56 61 261 7300
E-mail: mbuljan@agunsa.cl
Opening hours for the public: 08: 00-13: 00/14: 30-18: 30 Monday to Friday
Thin sockets are used, and Norwegian grounded plugs must therefore have an “adapter”. 220volt/50hz (as in Norway).
The currency unit in Chile is the Chilean peso.
All known, regular credit cards can be used to withdraw local currency from an ATM.
According to allcitycodes, the country code for calling Chile is +56.
The time difference between Norway and Chile is minus six hours (four hours at summer time in Chile/winter time in Norway, from October to April).
Holidays: January 1, Good Friday, May 1 and 21, June 29, July 16, August 15 (Catholic holidays), September 18 and 19 (National Day), October 12, November 1, 8 and December 25. It should be noted that some national holidays are being moved to the nearest Monday.
Identity certificates are often required, both on buses, trains and hotels. It is recommended that you always bring a copy of the passport. Spanish is spoken everywhere. In the main, it is difficult to communicate in English. In the province, that may be virtually impossible. The dress code in a business context is more formal than in Norway.
The metropolitan area has extensive public transport by metro and buses as well as public taxi. Elsewhere in the country there are well-developed bus networks and well-developed freeways.
The concept of time is flexible and it is therefore not uncommon for delays to occur. Possession and use of drugs is punishable, and even possession of small quantities of drugs can result in long prison sentences.