The Chilean government has extended ongoing COVID-19 measures through at least Jan. 31. The “Paso a Paso” system of varying restrictions based on regional vaccination and infection rates remains in effect. This system places limits on gatherings in private residences, among others. In areas under the Phase 1 restrictions, only five people may gather in private residences. In Phase 2, five people without mobility passes or 10 people with passes may gather. In Phase 3, 10 people without passes or 25 people with passes may gather. In Phase 4, 20 people without passes or 50 people with passes may gather. In Phase 5, 20 people without passes may gather, and there is no gathering limit for people with passes.

Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 must quarantine for 14 days or until they no longer present symptoms, whichever is longer. Anyone who has had at least 15 minutes of face-to-face contact or prolonged exposure (two or more hours in a shared home, hotel, or office) with a person confirmed to have COVID-19 must quarantine for at least 14 days.

Additionally, all persons must wear facemasks while in public, including at parks, on mass transit vehicles, and in elevators. Health officials recommend medical-grade masks but permit improvised or homemade coverings as long as they cover both the nose and mouth. All persons must also adhere to social distancing standards by keeping at least one meter (three feet) away from others, except individuals sharing vehicles and residences or engaged in work or other activities where maintaining such a distance is impossible.

The Chilean government has tightened the measures it imposed to stem the spread of COVID-19 and extended them through at least Jan. 31. Under the new restrictions, travelers arriving in the country must adhere to a new quarantine system. Moreover, non-resident foreigners who have been in certain southern African countries within the past 14 days are banned from entry due to concerns over the recently discovered Omicron variant of the virus.

International flights are limited to the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago, the Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ) in Iquique, the Andres Sabella Galvez International Airport (ANF) in Antofagasta, and the Presidente Carlos Ibanez del Campo International Airport (PUQ) in Punta Arenas.

All persons except those younger than six arriving in Chile must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure for the country. They must also fill out a health declaration and show proof of a health insurance policy that will cover at least USD 30,000 in expenses.

Under the newly modified restrictions, all travelers must also quarantine for seven days or, if their stay is less than seven days, the entirety of their visit. Persons who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may leave quarantine early if they obtain negative results from a COVID-19 test performed by an authorized laboratory in Chile. Children aged 2-6 can leave quarantine upon obtaining a negative test result in Chile even if they have not been vaccinated; children younger than two are exempt from the quarantine requirement.

Chilean nationals and residents who have been in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe within the past 14 days must remain in quarantine for seven days after arrival, even if they have been vaccinated and obtain negative test results. Non-resident foreigners who have been in these countries within the past 14 days are banned from entry into Chile.