Why We Love Chile…

Over 2,700 miles in length, Chile offers an incredible range of experiences from the soaring peaks of the Andes on one side to the Pacific on the other, with the Atacama Desert, vineyards, volcanoes, lakes and a host of other world-class sights in between. This, alongside Chile’s fascinating indigenous culture and unique global heritage, make it a wonderland for adventurous travellers, to whom it offers a warm welcome.

Entry Requirements 

Passports

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

Visas

If you are a British or American passport holder visiting Chile for less than 90 days, you do not need a visa.

All travellers will be issued with a ‘Tarjeta de Turismo – Tourist Card’ on arrival and must present this again upon leaving the country (keep it safe!).

We recommend closely reviewing the Chilean Immigration Department website for any updates regarding visas or telephone 600 626 4222 for more information.

Covid-19 Rules

All restrictions or entry requirements around COVID-19 have been lifted. There is no need to present negative PCR test results, COVID-19 vaccination certificates or to be subject to COVID-19 testing upon arrival.

Children and young people

If you travel with children under 18 years old, you must review the documents you will need to show upon entry on the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Children under 18 years old are allowed to enter Chile without a mobility pass and as of 1 September are not subject to any Covid-related entry requirements.

Forms

Every person over 18 years of age who enters Chile through Santiago Airport (SCL), must fill out the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) Affidavit and indicate whether he or she is carrying vegetable and/or animal products in order to avoid the entry of pests and diseases that could harm agriculture.

When entering Chile, you must prepare to complete your Affidavit on your phone or the paper form that is available. Once completed, you must have it available to display or deliver to SAG Official for control. Please, make sure you do not bring forbidden products to avoid any problems. All luggage is screened by X-Ray.

Transfers

We’re able to arrange your transfers for you, just let us know your flight number, and we’ll plan the route and let you know the cost! For multi-stop trips, we can also arrange your transfers between hotels/regions.

Climate

The best time to visit Chile depends on the region(s) you wish to visit. As a general rule, Chile experiences mostly dry southern hemisphere summers (November and January) and wet winters (May and August). October to March, during spring/summer, are the best months to visit Patagonia.

Laws and Customs

Before you travel, please take a look at Chile’s Laws & Customs here. 

Plug Type

For Chile, there are two associated plug types, types C and L. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and type L is the plug which has three round pins.

Currency

Chilean peso.

Vaccinations

We aren’t certified to give medical advice so always recommend you consult your doctor or a travel doctor, as they will know which vaccinations you have already and any additional ones necessary for your trip. You can also take a look here for travel vaccination information and advice on bringing medication into the country.

Tipping

Tipping is discretionary in Chile and is seen as a reward for good service. You’ll find restaurants, bars, coffee shops etc., include a suggested tip/service charge which will be at least 10% of the total. For tips on tours, we would recommend between $5-10 for a driver ($5 for half day & $10 for full) and between $10-$20 for your guide ($10 for half & $20 for full).

Flights & Time Zone

The average total flight duration from London to Chile is 14.5 hours.

Chile is divided into two time zones:

– Easter Island is GMT-5

– The rest of chile is GMT -3.

Language

The official language is Spanish. Mapudungun is spoken by the Mapuche, while Rapa Nui is spoken by Easter Islanders. A small minority also speak Aymara.

Food

Chilean cuisine can best be described as a fusion of Spanish influences with local Mapuche culture, but you’ll likely spot notable influences from Spanish, Italian, German and French culture after a multitude of immigrants flocked to the beautiful country during the 19th century. Meals are wholesome and hearty, often revolving around lunchtime and featuring staples such as choripán and cazuela.