Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
General Information
Chile is a developing nation classified as high income. Located in western South America along the Pacific Ocean (west of Argentina and south of Bolivia), the climate is extremely diverse with classifications that range from dry (arid) to cold polar (tundra and ice).
Vaccinations
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, or typhoid fever. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
No statement given.CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
Moderate risk exists throughout the country, with minimal risk in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures may be inadequate. Some itineraries (e.g., remote destinations, austere accommodations) and activities (e.g., ecotourism, eating street or local-market food) further increase risk.
Travelers should observe food and beverage precautions, which reduce the likelihood of illness.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Chagas' disease (American trypanosomiasis), dengue, scrub typhus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include air pollution, altitude illness, anthrax disease, hantavirus, helminths, leptospirosis.
Consular Advice
The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.
Terrorism Risk
Low risk of attack by domestic terrorist groups exists in Santiago. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses; public places and events, including those frequented by tourists; and transportation systems.
Crime
High risk of violent crime (armed robbery, home robbery, sexual assault, and carjacking) and petty crime exists throughout the country, especially in areas frequented by tourists; at bus stations; in Santiago (particularly in Cerro Santa Lucía, Cerro San Cristóbal, and other parks and in Mercado Central, Plaza de Armas, Barrio Bellavista, and Barrio Lastarria), Valparaiso, Antofagasta, Calama, Iquique, and Viña del Mar.
Scams involving the use of distraction techniques to commit robbery (including squirting substances on victims or puncturing tires and posing as a helpful passerby) have been reported.
Risk exists of robberies and/or assaults occurring after consuming intentionally drugged food or drink; tourists are frequently targeted.
Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations frequently occur throughout the country, especially in Santiago and Valparaíso, and have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur.
Unsafe Areas
Landmines are present in areas bordering Peru, Bolivia, and Chile in the following regions: Antofagasta, Arica y Parinacota, Tarapacá, and Magallanes y de la Antártica.
Water Safety
Rent water sports equipment from reputable operators. Scuba dive only with personnel certified by PADI or NAUI, and use equipment only from PADI- or NAUI-certified dive operators.
Transportation Safety
High risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is 12 to 24 per 100,000 population. The rate is less than 10 in most high-income countries.
Speed laws are poorly enforced.
Structural standards for vehicles may not meet international standards.
Airline Safety
The US Federal Aviation Administration has determined that the civil aviation authority of this country oversees its air carriers in accordance with minimum international safety standards.
Natural Disasters
Seasonal flooding occurs from May through August.
Forest fires occur during the summer season, especially in areas from Valparaíso to Santiago and in Magallanes Region.
Seismic and volcanic activity frequently occur.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Chile
- United States: [+56] 2-2330-3000; cl.usembassy.gov
- Canada: [+56] 2-2652-3800; www.chile.gc.ca
- United Kingdom: [+56] 2-2370-4100; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-chile
- Australia: [+56] 2-2550-3500; www.chile.embassy.gov.au
Chile's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: chile.gob.cl/estados-unidos
- In Canada: chile.gob.cl/canada
- In the U.K.: chile.gob.cl/reino-unido
- In Australia: chile.gob.cl/australia
Visa/HIV Testing
HIV testing is not required to obtain a tourist, work, or residence visa.
