Chile Is Open For Tourism October 1 (Bonus: It’s Springtime Too)

As of October 1, 2021, fully vaccinated travelers from all over the world are welcome in Chile for tourism. Whether you want to soak in Chile’s 270 thermal springs, explore its seven UNESCO sites, scuba dive around Easter Island, visit the desert and snowy mountains, see an inverted waterfall, or just sample Chilean food and wine while wandering its cities, here’s what you need to know to travel to Chile. It’s the perfect time to visit too— as the northern hemisphere’s weather starts to cool, its springtime in Chile.

What travelers need to enter Chile

After reopening its borders to international travel in November 2020, Chile re-closed to nonessential travel in April 2021 due to rising Covid-19 cases. Now that the country’s vaccination rate is 88.2% (and climbing), Chile is ready to reopen.

Fully-vaccinated international travelers who want to visit Chile for nonessential purposes are again welcome as of October 1, 2021. The requirements to enter Chile are detailed on the www.Chile.travel website. In summary, you’ll need to:

• Provide proof of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19 so you can obtain Chile’s Mobility Pass from the Chilean Ministry of Health. Eligible vaccines include all those approved by the US FDA, the European Medicines Agency, the WHO, and the Chilean Public Health Institute.
• Complete a Travelers’ Affidavit prior to arrival in Chile, which includes providing information about your medical and travel history, proof of medical insurance covering a minimum of $30,000 USD for Covid-19 expenses, and contact information for your stay in Chile (you’ll get a QR code verification).

• Provide a negative PCR test, taken within 72 hours prior to boarding your flight that lands in Chile.
• Complete a five-day isolation period upon arrival in Chile, either at a hotel or a private residence (once you’ve completed it, your Mobility Pass will be activated).
• For the first 14 days in Chile, respond to daily email requests for required post-arrival information, such as self-reporting on your health status and location.

What to see in Chile

After your five days relaxing in your hotel to ensure you don’t have Covid, you’ll be rested up and ready to explore Chile. You’ll want an extended trip so that you can experience everything on offer in this country that hugs the Pacific coast of South America from the driest desert in the world in the north all the way down to the southernmost part of the continent, plus Easter Island and part of Antarctica.

The capital, Santiago, is in central Chile where you’ll find mountains, valleys and beaches to explore near the city. In the south, there’s the immense mountains of Patagonia, wildlife like llamas, and walking on glaciers. The north has the world’s driest desert, salt flats, geysers, blue lagoons and beaches.

Far off Chile’s coast is the Chilean Polynesian island called Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, with its beaches of pink sand, volcanoes, scuba diving, and more than 1,000 mysterious moai sculptures created during the 13th to 16th centuries. The most southerly part of Chile is in Antarctica.

All over the country, there are adventures like whitewater rafting, surfing, and even climbing the world’s tallest active volcano.