Chile is officially the Republic of Chile. It
occupies a long narrow strip nearly 3,000 miles long and 100 miles wide
between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean in South America. It is
bordered by Peru in the north, while Bolivia and Argentina form its
eastern border. The Atacama desert in its northern section is one of
the driest climates in the world. The landscaped changes to
grassland, lakes, forests and volcanoes in its southern reaches. The
mountains become magnificent at Torres del Paine National Park, which is
in part of the area commonly referred to as Patagonia. Easter Island
is also part of Chile.
Chile was ruled by the Incas until the arrival of the
Spanish in the 1500s. Today the population is over 17 million and
Spanish is the official language. The capital is located in
Santiago. In the early 1970s, socialist Salvador Allende led the
country and promoted the nationalization of much of the country.
This resulted in efforts by the United States via Richard Nixon to
destabilize the country. In 1973, Augusto Pinochet seized power in a
coup. His oppressive regime ruled the country until 1988.
VISAS AND ENTRY FEES - Although most foreigners do not need a visa to visit Chile, all travellers are given a tourist card (valid for a maximum period of 90 days) upon arrival. The tourist card must be presented prior to departure. Failure to produce this document may result in delays until a replacement card is obtained.
Travellers involved in outdoor expeditions such as trekking tours, amateur film activities, mountain bike riding, and car competitions do not require a permit from the Dirección Nacional de Fronteras y Limites del Estado (DIFROL). However, foreigners engaged in the planning of scientific, technical, and/or mountaineering activities in Chilean frontier zones must obtain an expedition permit from DIFROL.
As well, people wishing to visit national, archaeological, and/or historical monuments located in frontier zones require due authorization from the Chilean Consejo de Monumentos Nacionales.
For additional information, travellers should contact DIFROL.
Upon arrival by air, visitors to Chile are required to pay a fee of US$132, payable by cash, credit card, or traveller’s cheques. The receipt, stapled into the visitor’s passport, is valid for the duration of the passport.
This entry fee is not the same as a visa requirement. This fee does not apply to
foreigners in Chile on work permits or for the purpose of studying, as they are required to apply in advance for a Chilean visa.
It also does not apply to holders of diplomatic or special passports, who require a Chilean visa.
An airport departure tax is charged. For internal travel, the amount varies depending on the distance travelled.
For international destinations, the tax is US$30. The tax is usually included in the price of the airfare.
