Canadians Traveling in Chile Should Know This
Valid as of January 24, 2005 18:41 EST
1. INTRODUCTION
2. ATTENTION
3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
4. LOCAL TRAVEL
5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9. MONEY
10. GENERAL INFORMATION 11. HEALTH CANADA’S TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12. LOCAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13. RETURNING TO CANADA
14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15. TRAVEL TIPS
16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
18. ANNEX
1. INTRODUCTION
This Travel Report replaces the previous one, dated December 22, 2004. Changes have been made in section 8 of the report.
2. ATTENTION
Canadians should not travel to the demarcated landmines fields in the Magallanes region of southern Chile, between Punta Arenas and the Torres del Paine National Park, and on the Tierra del Fuego. Landmines are a danger in remote sections of several popular national wildlife reserves/parks in the northern border area (i.e. Lauca and Llullaillaco national parks, Salar de Surire National Monument, and Los Flamencos National Reserve). Visitors should check with park authorities before entering less-travelled areas and observe all warning signs. Anti-tank mines and landmines are also a threat in border areas, particularly Arica, Putre, General Lagos, Colchane, Pica, Pisagua, Calama, Ollague, San Pedro de Atacama, Sierra Gorda, Antofagasta, Chacabuco, Puchuncavi, Colliguay, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine, Laguna Blanca, San Gregorio, Porvenir, Primavera, Timalcahuel, and Isla Dawson.
3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occur in urban centres, particularly in Santiago. Thieves are active in crowded tourist locations, markets, metro (subway) stations, trains, buses and taxis. Daylight muggings have been reported in the Cerro San Cristóbal park, which should be avoided after dark. Robberies and assaults occur most frequently in Viña del Mar and ValparaÃso, especially during summer (December to March) . The poorer residential areas called “Poblaciones” should be avoided. Exercise caution at all times. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times and avoid carrying large sums of cash. Do not show signs of affluence. It is recommended to carry a photocopy of your passport. In case of emergency, dial 133 for police, and 132 for the fire department.
Demonstrations, protests, marches, and strikes, some violent, may occur at any time in the capital, throughout the country and on main highways. Local transportation services can be disrupted. Roadblocks may occur on main roads at any time and often cause traffic disruptions. Canadians should not attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended.
Because of the unpredictable nature of these demonstrations and the potential for violence, Canadians in or travelling to Chile should exercise caution, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and monitor local news reports.
Travellers undertaking scientific, technical, or mountaineering activities in areas classified as frontier areas must have authorization from the Chilean government at least 90 days prior to departure to these areas. Travellers planning to climb in Torres del Paine National Park must obtain authorization from the Chilean authorities through the Chilean Embassy in Canada (see below) before leaving Canada. Further information may also be obtained from www.difrol.cl (in spanish).
4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Drive defensively, as road conditions are different from those in Canada. Traffic accidents are a common cause of death and injury. Driving standards are poor. Accident rates, particularly in Santiago, are high. Drivers rarely signal their intentions or yield to merging traffic. Speed limits, red lights, and stop signs are often not respected. Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times. Major highways are mostly toll roads. Drivers should ensure they carry sufficient local currency to pay the tolls. Do not venture off major highways with basic or small rental vehicles. Secondary roads are sometimes poorly maintained and/or poorly lit. Driving on mountain roads can be dangerous due to the lack of guardrails. Police (Carabineros) presence is very visible on highways. Have vehicle documentation ready. Those intending to travel outside the country in a rental vehicle should ensure they have written authorization from the agency. The authorization must be requested from the car rental company at least three to five days before the trip, and a processing fee applies. If using a private vehicle, the owner must also provide the driver with proper authorization.
Traffic congestion in downtown Santiago is common during peak hours. Certain major arteries alternate traffic direction during morning and evening rush hours. For up-to-date information, contact the traffic police (Carabineros) at 139. For maps, you may contact the Chilean Automobile Association (Automóvil Club de Chile), Las Tranqueras 1753, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile (country and area codes: 56-2/ tel.: 431-1000/ Web site: www.automovilclub.cl ).
Taxis can be booked and prepaid at the airport. Major hotels will arrange to meet travellers upon arrival. Shuttle minibuses are also available. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. Agree to a fare before embarking. Taxis with illuminated signs indicating their destination are “collective” taxis. These follow a fixed route and are shared by up to five passengers.
To combat high levels of pollution in winter (June to September), restrictions on driving in central Santiago (within the ring road) are imposed. The last digit of the licence plate number determines which days of the month a vehicle cannot be driven. These lists are published in newspapers. Temporary bans may be imposed on up to 60 percent of city traffic when levels of pollution are extremely high.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The IDP is an internationally recognized document that, when accompanied by a valid Canadian (i.e. provincial) driver’s licence, allows you to drive in over 160 countries without a specific test. Its purpose is to overcome difficulties that you may have while travelling in other countries with widely varying licence requirements. It is printed in the five United Nations official languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese), plus German, Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages, and Portuguese. The IDP can also be a useful form of picture identification in case of a lost or stolen passport. An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is the sole issuer of the IDP in Canada.
5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
Flooding is frequent during autumn and winter (particularly between May and August), mainly as a result of heavy rains and overloaded sewage systems. This often results in traffic jams. In some parts of the country, river levels can increase substantially following a short period of heavy rain. The resulting flooding can seriously damage property and cause injuries and deaths. Travellers should avoid riverside accommodations and be aware that dry riverbeds swell rapidly, particularly in central and southern Chile.
Chile is located in an active seismic region. Alerts are posted as soon as significant activity is evident. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Canadian Embassy in Santiago or the Consulate of Canada in Concepción (see below) in the event of an emergency.
6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
Canadians in Chile can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Canadian Embassy in Santiago or the Consulate of Canada in Concepción at the following addresses:
SANTIAGO: Canadian Embassy, Nueva Tajamar 481, Torre Norte, 12th Floor, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile (country and area codes: 56-2/ tel.: 362-9660/ fax: 362-9393/ postal address: Casilla 139, Correo 10, Santiago, Chile/ e-mail: stago@international.gc.ca/ Web site: www.santiago.gc.ca)
CONCEPCIÓN: Consulate of Canada, Caupolicán 245, Chiguayante, Concepción, Chile (country and area codes: 56-41/ tel.: 36-97-05/ fax: 36-81-85/ postal address: Casilla 425, Concepción, Chile/ e-mail: ca.consul.concep@emol.com).
Canadians should register with the Canadian Embassy in Santiago if they are going to be in Chile for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line. To register on-line, please proceed to www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/rocapage-en.asp and complete all the required fields.
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian Embassy in Santiago and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 800 201-670 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.
Canada Direct, offered by Canada’s major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Chile is 800-360-280 or 800-800-226, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site ( www.infocanadadirect.com ).
8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
Permission to enter another country is the sole prerogative of that country. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. Contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited and obtain the specific requirements for entry. Conditions are subject to change.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Chile. Canadians must be in possession of a tourist card (provided by the airlines).
Upon arrival by air, Canadian visitors to Chile are required to pay a fee of US$55 in U.S. cash. Credit cards are not accepted. Upon payment, a receipt will be stapled at the back of the passport. This receipt is applicable for the duration of the passport’s validity.
This entry fee is not the same as a visa requirement. Most Canadians still do not need a visa to visit Chile. This fee does not apply to Canadians in Chile on work permits or for the purpose of studying, as they are still required to apply in advance for Chilean visas. It also does not apply to holders of Canadian diplomatic or special passports, who require Chilean visas.
Although Canadians do not need a visa to visit Chile, all travellers are given a tourist card (valid for a maximum period of 90 days) upon arrival. The tourist card must be presented prior to departure. Failure to produce this document may result in delays until a replacement card is obtained.
Canadians under the age of 18 (minors) travelling to Chile alone need written authorization from both parents to enter and leave Chile. Minors entering Chile with only one parent need written authorization from the other parent to enter and leave Chile. This authorization is done at a Chilean embassy or consulate.
Canadians under the age of 18 who are residents of Chile, departing alone or with only one parent, are required to present a notarized authorization from both parents (if travelling alone) or from the parent remaining in the country (if travelling with only one parent).
Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required
Working Visa: Required
Temporary Resident Visa: Required
A departure tax of 4680 Chilean pesos (CLP) is charged for internal travel. For international destinations, a travellers tax of US$26 is charged. The tax may already be included in the price of the airfare ticket.
For further information, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Chile, 50 O’Connor St., Suite 1413, Ottawa, ON, K1P 6L2 (tel.: 613-235-4402, 613-235-9940, 613-235-1308, or 613-235-2313/ fax: 613-235-1176/ e-mail: echileca@chile.ca/ Web site: www.chile.ca ), or the Consulate in Calgary (403-569-2114), Montreal (514-499-0405 or 514-499-1444), Quebec City (418-687-2175), Toronto (416-924-0106 or 416-924-0112), Vancouver (604-681-9162), or Winnipeg (204-889-4410).
9. MONEY
The currency is the Chilean peso (CLP). Contrary to the Canadian dollar, the U.S. dollar (US$) can easily be exchanged across the country. Purchases in U.S. dollars can only be done in certain stores in Santiago. Credit cards are usually accepted in hotels and restaurants in major tourist and business destinations, but they are often not accepted in locally owned small hotels and restaurants, including in Santiago. Travellers should carry traveller’s cheques in U.S. currency for convenience. ATMs are becoming more common. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check VISA or Mastercard for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity, credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution. If you use an ATM, do so during business hours at a location inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Chile (capital: Santiago) is located on the southwestern coast of South America, bordering Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. The Robinson Crusoe part of the Juan Fernández Archipelago, Easter Island, and several other islands in the Pacific Ocean are Chilean territories. Tourist facilities are widely available but vary in quality. The official language is Spanish.
Radio Canada International (RCI) broadcasts on shortwave to Chile. For a schedule of times and frequency of broadcasts, check the RCI Web site (www.rcinet.ca ). You may also e-mail RCI at info@rcinet.ca or call 514-597-7500.
11. HEALTH CANADA’S TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
Health Canada and the World Health Organization report that the following diseases – among others – can occur in Chile: cholera, dengue fever, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever.
Canadians are advised to consult a physician or travel medicine specialist well in advance of travelling to determine health risks and necessary vaccinations. Important factors to be considered include the individual’s state of health, current immunization status, and travel destination, as well as the local disease situation. Vaccinations and other special precautions may be required. For a list of travel medicine clinics, call Health Canada’s Travel Medicine Program at 613-957-8739. Additional travel health information is available on Health Canada’s Web site (www.TravelHealth.gc.ca).
Travellers should ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (eg. tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles) are up-to-date. Yellow fever vaccination may be required to enter some countries. Based on the risk of exposure, vaccines for hepatitis A, typhoid fever, or other diseases may also be recommended. Several diseases occur globally. Sexually transmitted diseases(STDs), including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B, occur throughout the world, and the traveller may be exposed to both viral and bacterial infection, particularly if engaging in unprotected sexual activity. Tuberculosis represents a significant risk at certain destinations. Influenza is also a concern, and immunization may be recommended depending on the destination and time of year. Rabies is found throughout the world and is uncontrolled in some areas; risk of exposure may be higher in remote areas. Traveller’s diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites in contaminated food and water. Travellers are advised to ensure that food and drinking water are safe.
Infectious diseases not routinely seen in Canada occur and may even be widespread in other countries. Infections acquired abroad such as tuberculosis, diarrhea, STDs, among others, may be resistant to standard North American antibiotic regimens. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive and payment in advance required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance, including provision for emergency evacuation, prior to departure. Travellers should also carry their prescription medicine in the original container along with the prescription.
If you feel ill when you return to Canada, see a doctor as soon as possible. Inform the doctor – without being asked – where you have been. If you were ill while travelling, tell your doctor what your symptoms were and what treatment you received.
12. LOCAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Santiago has one of the highest pollution levels in South America. Heavy smog can pose serious health hazards from May through August. The most severe pollution occurs from May to October.
13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Declare everything acquired abroad, whether purchases for yourself or gifts, as well as goods bought at a Canadian or foreign duty-free store. Keep original receipts. Certain items are restricted from entering Canada. If you are considering importing meat or dairy products, plants, weapons, vehicles, exotic animals or products made from their skins or feathers, contact your local Customs Border Services Office of the Canada Border Services Agency (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca) or the Canada Firearms Centre (www.cfc.gc.ca) beforehand for guidance. The booklet I Declare (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cp/rc4044/) describes what you can and cannot bring back to Canada if you have been away for less than a year.
14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site (www.cic.gc.ca), or contact your provincial or territorial government.
15. TRAVEL TIPS
You should:
a) carry a Canadian passport for all visits outside Canada;
b) keep a photocopy of your passport’s identification page with you;
c) carry passports, tickets, and money separately;
d) keep valuables and passports safe and carry only enough money for anticipated expenses;
e) leave a copy of your itinerary and proof of citizenship with family and/or friends;
f) carry legally certified documentation signed by both parents permitting a child under 18 to travel alone or with an adult (i.e. a relative or teacher), or carry legally certified documentation from the absent parent if only one parent escorts the child, in addition to a copy of any separation or divorce decree or death certificate; and
g) not visit unknown or isolated areas without first obtaining information or assistance.
16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative at home, and your travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you leave the country. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Consular Affairs Bureau of Foreign Affairs Canada provides: (a) http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp target=_blank>Country Travel Reports detailing safety and security conditions, health advice, and entry requirements; (b) information on www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/ci/all-en.asp target=_blank>Current Issues highlighting current and ongoing situations around the world; (c) daily e-mail www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/sub-en.asp target=_blank>Travel Updates notifying you of changes to our Current Issues and Country Travel Reports; (d) a series of free safe-travel www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs_menu-en.asp target=_blank>publications to help travellers prepare for a safe and problem-free journey; and (e) Country Profiles for over 225 destinations, which include links (when available) to Canadian Government offices, general information, and trade and investment.
For additional information, you may contact the Consular Affairs Bureau by telephone: 1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788; e-mail: voyage@international.gc.ca; Web site: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp; and TTY: 613-944-1310 or 1 800 394-3472 (in Canada and the U.S.). Specific information may also be obtained from a consular representative by contacting Canadian government offices abroad (www.voyage.gc.ca/main/foreign/fordest/foreign_view_client-en.asp)
January 24, 2005
Posted in: Chile