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Before you go to Chile: what to know

Must know

  • Declare plant and animal products to SAG, including food and handicrafts. The declaration is free; failing to declare can bring fines.
  • Rapa Nui requires its own entry form, return ticket and approved accommodation; normal tourist stays are limited to 30 days.
  • Prepare for regional differences: Atacama nights can freeze, central winters are wet and the south can be rainy year-round.

Entry and visas

Visa eligibility depends on nationality. The tourism authority identifies US and EU tourists as visa-exempt; check the consular requirements for other passports. Carry accommodation, onward travel and funds evidence. Rapa Nui has additional entry controls, approved accommodation requirements and a 30-day tourist limit.

Online arrival forms and permits

  • SAG/Customs declaration ↗ required
    Digital form available from one day before entry; have it ready before baggage inspection · Fee: Free · Individual declaration for travellers over 18; digital availability depends on border point.
  • Rapa Nui entry form (FUI) ↗ required
    Complete within 48 hours before the flight; present before boarding · Tourists and invited visitors to Rapa Nui; resident/Indigenous eligibility exemptions apply.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Keep accommodation and funds evidence available; tourism guidance lists USD 46 per day if solvency is requested.

Customs

  • Declare all plant/animal products; the SAG inspector decides whether they can enter.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: chile.travel ↗, sag.cl ↗, dj.sag.gob.cl ↗, gob.cl ↗, ingresorapanui.interior.gob.cl ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are widely accepted.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

Where to exchange money

  • Use authorised exchange houses and compare final rates.

Where not to exchange

  • Street money changers

ATMs: ATMs are available at banks and many commercial locations. Check fees with the operator and your issuer.

  • Major cards are accepted in shops, hotels and restaurants; carry cash for smaller purchases.
  • An exchange-house rate can differ from the central-bank reference rate.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: chile.travel ↗, unesco.org ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Do not touch or feed marine wildlife, including turtles, on Rapa Nui.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Declare biosecurity goods before inspection.
  • Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public places.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: sag.cl ↗, chile.travel ↗, unesco.org ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect Indigenous and European cultural traditions; ask local hosts about religious-site customs.

Clothing: Pack by region: warm layers for the altiplano and rain protection for the south.

Etiquette

  • Treat archaeological sites and wildlife with care; use required accredited guides at protected Rapa Nui sites.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: chile.travel ↗, chile.travel ↗, chile.travel ↗

Climate

Arid north with cold high-altitude nights; central Mediterranean climate with dry December–March summers and rainy June–August winters; rainy southern regions and cold far south.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: central summer; south can still be rainy
  • February: Feb: central summer; cold highland nights
  • March: Mar: late central summer
  • April: Apr: autumn transition
  • May: May: autumn; prepare for rain and cold
  • June: Jun: central winter; cool and rainy
  • July: Jul: central winter; cool and rainy
  • August: Aug: central winter; cool and rainy
  • September: Sep: spring transition
  • October: Oct: spring; regional conditions vary
  • November: Nov: spring; prepare for southern rain
  • December: Dec: central summer begins

Best season: Choose by region and activity; central summer is drier, while southern trips need rain protection in every season.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: chile.travel ↗

What to pack

  • Layers for large day/night temperature changes
  • Wind and waterproof outerwear for the south
  • Sun protection for desert and highland travel
  • Copies of Rapa Nui entry/accommodation documents if applicable

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Undeclared food or plant/animal souvenirs
  • Relying on one clothing plan for the entire country

Practical

Plugs: 220 V, 50 Hz; check outlet/adapter compatibility with your accommodation.

Water: Santiago tap water is potable; SII advises bottled water if visitors experience discomfort. Check local conditions elsewhere.

Traffic: drives on the right

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: sii.cl ↗, bcn.cl ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.