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Chile is known for its rich wine regions, stunning Patagonian landscape and vibrant culture. Just like the rest of the world, it has felt the crippling effects of this year’s pandemic. By May, the nation entered into a strict lockdown following their first recorded case in March. Late this summer, authorities cautiously lifted the lockdown in hopes to keep the virus contained while resuming normalcy. Now, after months of lockdown, heavy restrictions, and maintaining a plateau of cases, things seem to be looking up. From December, Chile will officially reopen for international tourists.
Chile to Reopen International Borders Beginning in December
While the reopening of borders does give hope for the revival of tourism in Chile, it’s not without a few hurdles. Visitors looking to travel to Chile will need to fly into Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport. Understandably, passengers will need to present proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their arrival. Additionally, passengers will have to provide a sworn health statement and consent to be monitored via health app daily. According to La Tercera, the app is still under development.
International tourists who meet the entrance requirements will not have to quarantine and will be free to wander the country at their leisure, assuming they keep officials updated about their health and development of any symptoms.
According to Chile’s Undersecretary of Public Health, Paula Daza, visitors who fail to do this may “face consequences.”
In summary, the rules are very lax. No required quarantine unless infected, no follow up PCR tests and visitors can travel to Chile regardless of their nation’s epidemiologic situation.
Chile is Place Where Nature, Culture and Food Meet
The long country that frames much of the west coast of South America is a favourite for its stunning natural beauty. From the wild Patagonian landscape to the sprawling Atacama Desert, there’s something for every nature lover out there. Additionally, the capital, Santiago, is easily one of South America’s most vibrant cities. This bustling cosmopolitan hub is home to world-class museums and theatres in addition to local markets and art galleries galore.
Then, there’s the food. Chilean food is truly in a league of its own. If you’re planning to visit, be sure not to miss the pastel the choclo, a corn casserole with meat stuffing. Or slurp up some carbonada which is essentially a Chilean minestrone soup. Wanna go bold? Try caldillo de congrio, a famous seafood soup made with a variety of eel.
If you do decide to take advantage of the reopened borders, be sure to stay up to date with local and regional safety regulations throughout the country. Curfews, restrictive movement and closed business, ie. theatres, museums, dine-in restaurants, will vary by region.
For more information on current changes to regional restrictions, head here.
As of November 12, Chile has dealt with 525,000 thousand cases, 501,000 recoveries and 14,633 deaths.
Source: bigseventravel.com