Navigating Travel Restrictions for Chile in 2022

Traveling to Chile has far been the most complicated entry process we’ve encountered on our travels. Out of all the countries we’ve been to this year, Chile is still the strictest when it comes to Covid protocols and restrictions. Unlike other countries like Argentina and Colombia, the process for Chile can take days, if not weeks, and you should NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE (like we did).

After getting rejected by Chile’s system twice and having to postpone our trip, here is everything you need to know before entering Chile in 2022.

There Are 3 Steps

Like most countries, there are the usual immigration forms that are needed to enter Chile. However, with their strict Covid-19 protocols, there has been an extra step added. For all the forms you need to fill out, you will need to use this government link and for government instructions, you can use this website.

1. Getting Your Vaccines Verified

This is the part where we made our mistake. Before you can submit your paperwork to enter Chile, you need to get your vaccine approved. You will be required to enter the dates, locations, and batch numbers of your vaccines, and you need at least 2 doses to be permitted into the country as a foreigner.

Mistake #1

This process can take up to 30 days, but in recent months you should expect it to take anywhere from 2-5 days. We submitted our vaccines only 2 days before our flight and we did not get approved before our flight. Additionally, if you submit your information over the weekend, the process will typically take longer (it did for us). If you do not have your vaccine approved, you won’t even be allowed to board the plane, meaning they take this very seriously.

Mistake #2

Although our forms were not submitted with enough time, both our submissions were rejected at first. The reason we later found out was because of the file type. We had both attached screenshots of our vaccine cards which were not in a .jpeg form and thus rejected. Only after the second rejection did we learn that it was this reason, so please, learn from our mistakes.

2. Submitting Your Entry Forms

Once you get your vaccines approved, then you can continue to the general entry forms. These forms are very similar to other country forms where you will need to detail where you are staying, how long you are staying, and so on. These forms are completed automatically but need to be completed within 48 hours of your departure.

Part of these forms will also require you to show proof of medical insurance that covers Covid-19 related emergencies. Your medical insurance must cover you up to $30,000.

3. Getting your PCR Test

The title should say it all here. Within 72 hours of arriving in Chile, you will need to show proof of a negative PCR test. Not antigen, not at home, not a signed note from your psychic, a PCR test. Like the other travel affidavits, they will not let you on the plane if you do not have a negative PCR test.

Arriving in Chile

Once you get into Chile, there are some additional steps you will need to take before being able to enjoy your travels. These processes have been changing quickly, and the information we read before our trip was different than what we encountered. Therefore, we suggest you plan for the worst and hope for the best.

PCR Tests at the Airport

Before we arrived in Chile, we expected that both of us would need to take another PCR test at the airport before entering Chile. While this used to be true, the new standard seems to be only one member of your party is required to take the test. In fact, Jerica and I were split up where she went to take a PCR test and I had to go through customs alone. I asked if I could take the test so we can stay together, and I was given a fat “no”.

The PCR test was relatively quick, and we were able to leave the airport before the results were finished. The most important thing here is that each member of your party should have their own copies of the travel documents, vaccine cards, and entry forms in order to avoid problems at customs.

Quarantining on Arrival

This is where we faced the most confusion and still do. Our research beforehand showed that we were not to leave our living space (Airbnb, Hotel, etc.) until we received a negative PCR result from the airport Covid test. However, when we asked the airport agents if we had to quarantine, they said no. We’re still not entirely sure if we had to quarantine or not, but we did anyways.

The main reason we stayed quarantined until we got the negative Covid result was because of the digital pass needed to enter places in Chile. Earlier in Covid, businesses were stricter about requiring your digital pass to enter restaurants, museums, events, and more. However, since we’ve been in Chile, we have not had to show our digital pass once to enter anywhere.

The digital pass will be found in your MeVacuno dashboard in the form of a QR code. All that’s needed is a picture of the QR code for it to be used.

It seems that the quarantining and the use of the digital pass are relics from the past, but you should still be aware of them. For domestic transportation such as flights, trains, and buses, we’ve heard that a digital pass may be required.

Please Learn from Our Mistakes

While we had to postpone our trip, we were still able to make it to Chile. Since we’ve arrived, we have had no problems getting in anywhere or had our credentials questioned.

However, with Chile being the most cautious with Covid, anyone looking to enter Chile in 2022 should be aware of the issues we encountered and research any changes to the country’s policies. While the whole ordeal was a pain in the ass, it was incredibly worth it!