NOV. 29, 2021

Chile’s Government updates Protected Borders Plan with new restrictions from December 1 due to the Omicron variant

The measures include a ban on the entry of foreigners who have been in certain African countries during the past 14 days, while returning Chileans and foreign residents who have been on the African continent must take a PCR test at the point of entry and carry out a mandatory seven-day quarantine. In addition, the opening of the Chacalluta, Pino Hachado and Colchane land border crossings has been postponed.

Chile’s Health Ministry announced this Monday that updates to the Plan Fronteras Protegidas (Protected Borders Plan) will come into effect from Wednesday, December 1, to include preventative measures for the new Omicron variant. This comes after international recommendations and those of its own COVID-19 advisory board. 

New restrictions include: 

1) Foreign non-residents who have been in the following African countries during the past 14 days are prohibited from entering: 

  • South Africa 
  • Zimbabwe 
  • Namibia 
  • Botswana 
  • Lesotho 
  • Eswatini 
  • Mozambique 

2) Chileans and foreign residents in Chile who have been to any of these countries in the last 14 days may enter our country, but they must take a PCR test at the point of entry into Chile. They must also comply with a seven-day quarantine, regardless of their vaccination status and even if the result of the PCR test is negative. 

3) Regarding the border crossings authorized for entering Chile: 

  • The opening of the Chacalluta, Pino Hachado and Colchane land border crossings has been postponed. This situation will be reevaluated in two weeks, pending the evolution of the national and international epidemiological situation regarding the Omicron variant. 
  • The following air border crossings remain open: Santiago, Iquique, Antofagasta, Punta Arenas. 

 

Entry into Chile 

From December 1, the following groups will be able to enter Chile through authorized border crossings (except for travelers coming from countries with special restrictions): 

  • All Chileans and foreign residents. 
  • All foreign non-residents with vaccines previously validated by the Health Ministry, except for those who have been to certain African countries during the past 14 days. 
  • All foreign non-residents who meet any of the exceptional requirements of the Interior Ministry Decree. 
  • All children under the age of six, independent of their nationality or vaccine status. 

 

Requirements for entering the country 

Chileans and foreign residents 

  • Negative PCR test taken in the country of origin within 72 hours of boarding the flight (from two years of age) 
  • Signed affidavit 

 

Foreign non-residents 

  • Approved vaccines validated by the Health Ministry 
  • Negative PCR test taken in the country of origin within 72 hours of boarding the flight (from two years of age) 
  • Signed affidavit 
  • Medical insurance with coverage of at least US$30,000 that covers illnesses associated with COVID-19 
Leaving Chile 

From December 1, restrictions to leave the country through the authorized air border crossings will be eliminated, which means neither a Pase de Movilidad (Mobility Pass) nor authorization from the Comisaría Virtual (Virtual Police Station) will be required. 

Other Measures 

Travelers with a positive PCR test and suspected Omicron variant must undergo mandatory quarantine in a sanitary residence or where the health authority deems it appropriate.


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