The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is a multi-faceted Agency with a broad mission area that includes protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health, regulating genetically engineered organisms, administering the Animal Welfare Act and carrying out wildlife damage management activities. These efforts support the overall mission of USDA, which is to protect and promote food, agriculture, natural resources and related issues.

To protect agricultural health, APHIS is on the job 24 hours a day, 7 days a week working to defend America’s animal and plant resources from agricultural pests and diseases. For example, if the Mediterranean fruit fly and Asian longhorned beetle, two major agricultural pests, were left unchecked, they would result in several billions of dollars in production and marketing losses annually. Similarly, if foot-and-mouth disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza were to become established in the United States, foreign trading partners could invoke trade restrictions and producers would suffer devastating losses.

In the event that a pest or disease of concern is detected, APHIS implements emergency protocols and partners with affected States to quickly manage or eradicate the outbreak. This aggressive approach has enabled APHIS to successfully prevent and respond to potential pest and disease threats to U.S. agriculture.

To promote the health of U.S. agriculture in the international trade arena, APHIS develops and advances science-based standards with trading partners to ensure America’s agricultural exports, worth more than $50 billion annually, are protected from unjustified restrictions.

In response to needs expressed by the American people and Congress, APHIS’ mission has expanded over the years to include such issues as wildlife damage and disease management; regulation of genetically engineered crops and animal welfare; and protection of public health and safety as well as natural resources that are vulnerable to invasive pests and pathogens. While carrying out its diverse protection responsibilities, APHIS makes every effort to address the needs of all stakeholders involved in the U.S. agricultural sector.

To check USDA APHIS official website, click here.

The Consular Section’s American Citizen Services Unit (ACS) welcomes you to Chile and reminds you that serving the interests of U.S. citizens is our top priority.  We urge you to sign up with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

The American Citizen Services Section does not handle visa inquires that U.S. citizens may have regarding non-U.S. citzen relatives or friends.

For nonimmigrant visa questions, please contact us through our contact form here.

For immigrant visa questions, please contact us through our contact form here.

Appointment System 

ACS services are by appointment only except in case of an emergency.

If you arrive at the consulate for any non-emergency passport service without an appointment, you will be asked to return after securing an appointment. Thank you for your cooperation with this policy, which will ensure that services are offered in a more efficient manner, with shorter wait times.  Please note that failure to renew a passport in a timely manner prior to your travel is not an emergency service, and you will need an appointment to receive a new passport. 

Please schedule your appointment online.

We are closed on U.S. and Chilean holidays.

Contact Information

American Citizen Services
Consular Section
U.S. Embassy
Avenida Andrés Bello 2800
Las Condes, Santiago, Chile

Switchboard: [56] (2) 2330-3000
E-mail: santiagousa@state.gov

Recorded information is available 24 hours: [56] (2) 2330-3000.

After-hours and emergency contact information.

The mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States and bring to the criminal and civil justice system of the United States, or any other competent jurisdiction, those organizations and principal members of organizations, involved in the growing, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances appearing in or destined for illicit traffic in the United States; and to recommend and support non-enforcement programs aimed at reducing the availability of illicit controlled substances on the domestic and international markets.

To check out their official website, please click here.

The Embassy’s Political and Economic Section is staffed by officers from the U.S. Department of State.

Political officers

• Analyze political developments and their potential impact on U.S. interests
• Promote adoption by the host country of foreign policy decisions which support U.S. interests and
• Advise U.S. business executives on the local political climate.

Economic officers

• Advise U.S. businesses on the local investment climate and economic trends
• Negotiate trade and investment agreements to open markets and level the playing field
• Analyze and report on macroeconomic trends and trade policies and their potential impact on U.S. interests, and
• Promote adoption of economic policies by foreign countries which further U.S. interests.

Science and Technology Cooperation (S&T): Resource officers counsel U.S. businesses on issues of natural resources–including minerals, oil, and gas and energy–and analyze and report on local natural resource trends and trade policies and their potential impact on U.S. interests.

Environment, Science, and Technology (EST) officers analyze and report on EST developments and their potential impact on U.S. policies and programs.

U.S. – Chile Environmental and Science and Technology Cooperation Issues

Supporting Free Trade and Environmental Protection 

Chile’s Economy and Commerce

• Amcham – Chilean-American Chamber of Commerce

For further information on U.S. policy in this hemisphere

• Department of State’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Home Page
• Organization of American States (OAS).

Declassified Documents

For documents, search the Department of State’s Freedom of Information Act section.

For Human Rights and Democracy

• Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor
• The Political Data Base of the Americas at Georgetown University offers an array of links to information on Chile (use search engine).

FDA is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services.

The FDA’s organization consists of the Office of the Commissioner and four directorates overseeing the core functions of the agency: Medical Products and Tobacco, Foods, Global Regulatory Operations and Policy, and Operations.

FDA-LAO-Chile

Peter Baker

Assistant Regional Director of Latin America

Peter.E.Baker@fda.hhs.gov

56.2.2330-3035

Gonzalo Ibáñez

International Regulatory Analyst

Gonzalo.Ibanez@fda.hhs.gov

56.2.2330-3169

Soledad Muñoz

Budget Analyst

Soledad.Munoz@fda.hhs.gov

56.2.2330-3035

Questions : US-FDA-LAO@FDA.HHS.GOV

Countries covered by the Latin America Office in Santiago:  Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Perú, Uruguay and Venezuela

To see the FDA’s official website click here. 

Are you interested in U.S. Agricultural Products and Information? 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Santiago, Chile, is happy to help you.

Please take a look at the information available on our webpage and feel free to contact us at email: AgSantiago@fas.usda.gov.

The Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce is a global network committed to supporting U.S. commercial interests around the world.

The Commercial Service offers comprehensive, customized solutions to your international trade challenges and provides export promotion assistance through a variety of products and services.

Our Mission

• Promote the export of U.S. goods and services to strengthen the U.S. economy
• Maintain job security and create jobs
• Protect and advocate for U.S. business interests abroad
• Assist U.S. firms in realizing their export potential by providing counseling, overseas market information, international contacts, and trade promotion vehicles
• Support the export promotion efforts of other public and private organizations, creating, through partnership, a full-service export development infrastructure

The Commercial Service recognizes that exporting is a critical part of ensuring a healthy future for the U.S. economy and U.S. jobs. To that end, we champion the interests of U.S. business around the world, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.   See what the Commercial Service has to offer and why you can look to us as your international business advisor, your advocate, and your partner in export success.

U.S. Embassy in Chile, Foreign Commercial Service Website

Foreign Comercial Service, U.S. Embassy in Chile E-Mail: office.santiago@trade.gov – Just for Commercial inquires.

Legal Attaché Office Santiago, Chile
Nations covered: Bolivia, Chile, Perú

FBI website 

Report a Crime – Internet Crime Complaint Center

Wanted by the FBI: Mauro Ociel Valenzuela-Reyes

As vacancies become available at the embassy, they are published on this site.

• Foreign Service Careers – U.S. Department of State
• No Fear Act – Released by the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of State

U.S Embassy Santiago, Chile
Av. Andrés Bello 2800, Las Condes
Santiago, Chile
Switchboard telephone: 56-2) 330-3000
E-mail: SantiagoJobs@state.gov

The U.S. Office of Naval Research Global (ONR Global) provides worldwide science & technology (S&T)-based solutions for current and future naval challenges. Leveraging the expertise of more than 50 scientists, technologists and engineers, ONR Global maintains a physical presence on five continents. The command reaches out to the broad global technical community and the operational fleet/force commands to foster cooperation in areas of mutual interest and to bring the full range of possibilities to the Navy and Marine Corps.

Shortly after ONR was founded in 1946, the command assumed the responsibility of the wartime-era’s Office of Scientific Research and Development liaison office in London. It aimed to identify promising research opportunities in Europe and the Middle East. By 1977, the ONR’s European and Tokyo offices had combined to form the international field office with a single, Department of the Navy-wide, international S&T strategy for fostering international collaboration. Over the decades, ONR Global has reached out to increase and expand its cooperative activities with offices in Singapore, Tokyo, Santiago, Prague, and most recently, São Paulo.

From the US Embassy in Santiago de Chile, we make contact with governments and academia from all of the Americas in order to find prominent research-oriented collaborative opportunities. Our more common funding vehicles are:

Collaborative Science Program (CSP): Support non-US workshops and conferences of Naval interest

Visiting Scientist Program (VSP): Support travel of non-US scientists to US to socialize new S&T ideas or findings with NRE

Naval International Cooperative Opportunities Programs (NICOP): Seed funding for innovative research that are of interests of the US Navy.

Liaison Visits (Not a Grant): ONRG technical staff visits international institutions to develop access and discover cutting edge S&T

To learn more about us and how we can become partners, please visit our website http://www.onr.navy.mil/science-technology/onr-global.aspx  or follow the contact information below.

Contact us:
Office of Naval Research Global – Americas
US Embassy Santiago
Avda. Andrés Bello 2800
Las Condes
Santiago
Chile

Phone: +562  23303154
E-mail  Santiago@onrg.navy.mil

The Public Affairs (PA) unit disseminates information on U.S. policies, American society and culture, and promotes closer U.S.-Chilean ties. Public Affairs under the U.S. Department of State’s Public Diplomacy (PD) branch is responsible for the U.S. Government’s overseas information and cultural programs, including the Voice of America radio and Worldnet television system. The Public Diplomacy branch supports and promotes U.S. global interests and the American Embassy’s goals and objectives through its information and cultural programs.

Address and Telephones (NOT FOR VISA INQUIRIES)

Avenida Andrés Bello 2800
Las Condes,
Santiago, Chile

Switchboard: [56] (2) 2330-3000
Counselor for Public Affairs: [56] (2) 2330-3352
Press Section: [56] (2) 2330-3349
Cultural Section: [56] (2) 2330-3365

For visa related questions, call: (56-2) 2-330-3000 (option 1).

For information about visas, please visit the Visa web page.

Cultural: Programs and Services

• Exchange Visitor Program from U.S. State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs — This site includes valuable information on the Exchange Visitor (J visa) Program, including information on specific programs and categories, regulations, eligibility requirements, forms and documents, sponsor lists, contact information, and much more.
• Exchange Alumni site – State Alumni is an interactive website by and for alumni of selected Department of State Exchange programs.
• EducationUSA – Educational advising services for Chileans who want to study in the USA.
• Fulbright scholarship programs in Chile.
• Notice of Funding Opportunity – The Public Affairs Section of the U.S Embassy in Chile is pleased to announce funding availability through the Mission’s Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program.
• Office of English Language Programs — Support to English Teaching Efforts in Chile and online resources for English language teachers and program administrators to support the teaching of English.
• Presentations of American fine arts and performing arts.
• Lecture programs by U.S. Speakers.
• Variety of other cultural, educational, and informational programs.
• American Spaces – Provide welcoming environments where visitors can connect and learn about the United States through programs and lectures, as well as through books, movies, and magazines.

Press inquiries for any Embassy official should first be directed to our Information Officer, who can provide current information on U.S. policy, advise on which Embassy official to contact with a specific question, and arrange interviews.

News, Press Releases and Official Texts

The press section prepares news, articles and speeches on bilateral issues.

U.S. Embassy’s Website

Webpage – Public Affairs Santiago press section handles mostly all sections of embassy Santiago, Chile’s webpage in English and Spanish.

U.S. Embassy’s Social Media Pages

• Facebook page – U.S. Embassy in Santiago Facebook page.
• Twitter Account – U.S. Embassy in Santiago Twitter account.
• YouTube Channel – U.S. Embassy in Santiago YouTube Channel.
• Instagram- U.S. Embassy in Santiago Instagram account.
• Flickr – U.S. Embassy in Santiago Flickr account.

Press Section’s Radio and TV Broadcasts

Local radio programs

The press section in Santiago produces two radio programs in Spanish distributed to approximately 70 radios throughout Chile:

• Dimensión Internacional – A half-hour weekly radio discussion panel with the participation of national and international analysts.
• Voice of America Schedule – International radio broadcasting. VOA TV channel available on D-box (VTR).

Securing Our Embassies Overseas

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for the conduct of U.S. foreign policy.

Every diplomatic mission in the world operates under a security program designed and maintained by Diplomatic Security. In the United States, DS investigates passport and visa fraud, conducts personnel security investigations, and protects the Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United States.

The protection of life is the most critical element of the DS mission, and is an absolute requirement for the global conduct of foreign affairs. With the emergence of terrorist coalitions that operate across international borders, the threat of terrorism against U.S. interests is greater than it ever has been. Clearly, we can no longer consider any U.S. mission overseas as being in a low-threat environment. As a result, Diplomatic Security is more dedicated than ever to its mission of providing a secure living and working environment for our Foreign Service colleagues as they implement foreign policy and promote U.S. interests around the world.

DS special agents serving in regional security offices anchor our overseas security efforts and provide the first line of defense for our personnel, their families, U.S. diplomatic missions, and national security information. More than 400 DS special agents in over 160 countries advise chiefs of mission on all security matters and develop and implement the programs that shield each U.S. mission and residence overseas from physical and technical attack.

Special agents, in concert with other mission or post elements, formulate plans to deal with various emergency contingencies ranging from hostage taking to evacuations. Often in times of crisis and political instability, DS special agents rely on the U.S. military for assistance. Since the early 1990s, special agents have worked closely with the military, especially the U.S. Marine Fleet Antiterrorism Security Teams, which have provided emergency force protection support for Department of State operations in a number of countries when the host government was unable to do so.

In addition, special agents are the primary liaison with foreign police and security services overseas in an effort to obtain support for U.S. law enforcement initiatives and investigations. Much of the investigative and law enforcement liaison work done by special agents abroad is on behalf of other federal, state, and local agencies. The Bureau receives more than 5,000 requests for overseas investigative assistance from U.S. law enforcement each year, and has achieved noteworthy success in locating and apprehending wanted fugitives who have fled the United States.

DS special agents also provide unclassified security briefings and other professional advice to U.S. businesses overseas.

While special agents face a tremendous challenge in implementing a mission’s security program, it is clearly one that cannot be handled alone. In the challenge to safeguard our personnel and sensitive information overseas, DS security engineering officers (SEOs) augment the efforts of the security office. SEOs are the primary developers and promulgators of technical policy and regulations. They design or develop, implement, and manage security equipment programs at our missions abroad. In a constantly changing technical environment, SEOs are responsible for maintaining our technical security posture at all our diplomatic posts in order to provide a secure working environment. SEOs also work to detect and prevent loss of sensitive information from technical espionage.

Besides SEOs, special agents depend upon Marine Security Guards, U.S. Navy Seabees, local guards, cleared American guards, local investigators, host government officials, and other DS elements domestically and abroad to provide assistance in combating criminal, intelligence, and terrorist threats against U.S. interests worldwide. These entities play a crucial role in the overall DS security efforts overseas.

At some of our highest threat posts, further security assistance is often needed. In those instances, DS dispatches Mobile Security Teams from Washington to conduct training for embassy personnel, their dependents, and local guards in protective tactics such as attack recognition, self-defense, hostage survival, and defensive driving. These teams also provide emergency security support to overseas posts, including protective security for chiefs of mission, surveillance detection operations, and assistance with post evacuations.

Following the bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Dar es Salaam and Nairobi, security for our missions overseas took on even greater importance. As a result, DS conducted a comprehensive review of security at all U.S. diplomatic missions. Since the bombings, hundreds of DS agents and security engineers have traveled all over the world to augment security at missions abroad and have worked tirelessly to prevent further attacks.

With Congressional passage of the $1.4 billion Emergency Embassy Security Supplemental in Fall 1998 (of which the Bureau received about $588 million), DS has taken significant steps to improve security at our missions abroad. While this funding allowed DS to make immediate upgrades to many missions, additional funding is needed to either build new embassies or purchase existing buildings that can be better defended. At this time, the Department and the Administration are working with the Congress to obtain additional funds.

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command- Americas (CCDC-Americas) International Technology Center (ITC) has the mission to find and link Basic Research to the Army Research  laboratories, Centers and Program Executive Offices (PEOs) that further the U.S. Army’s Transformation Program; find Applied Research, insert systems or components that can be rapidly fielded for ongoing operations and continue to support existing multilateral and bilateral agreements and wherever possible establish new agreements.

The agency’s specific objectives are to identify technologies, develop cooperative arrangements, exchange information, assist with technology related issues, (events, visits, studies) and support U.S. Army and the U.S. Department of Defense international activities as directed.

CCDC-Americas works with Government Science & Technology/Research & Development (S&T/R&D) entities, Ministry of Defense S&T/R&D organizations, Ministries of Education (universities), Other government S&T/R&D entities, Non-Government,  Private sector  and  Private universities.

In summary, we serve as the link between all science and technology sources in the U.S. Army R&D community and foreign partners.  We are interested in finding areas of research and development that are of mutual interest.

Contact Us

Army-Technology-Center-Americas@state.gov

U.S. Embassy Santiago, Chile
Avenida Andrés Bello 2800, Las Condes
Santiago, Chile

The Southern Office of Aerospace Research and Development (SOARD) with headquarters at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, Chile, is the branch of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research’s International Office (AFOSR/IO), responsible for managing the AFOSR’s basic research activity in Central and South America. Its mission is to serve as the U.S. Air Force liaison with the scientific and engineering communities of the region by supporting research goals of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) through a variety of international programs. The main program are:

• Window-on-Science (WOS) Program – Invites distinguished scientists from Central and South America institutions to visit AFRL Laboratories and organizations.
• Conference Support Program (CSP) – Provides financial support for conferences in Central and South America to stimulate interactions among AFRL and international researchers.
• Research Contracts and Grants Program – Provides seed money for research contracts and grants to fund world-class research in Central and South America of interest to AFRL and its research community. Specific topics of interest are outlined in the AFOSR Broad Agency Announcement (BAA).

Point of Contact

AFOSR/SOARD Santiago
U.S. Embassy Santiago
Av. Andres Bello 2800
Santiago, Chile
Tel: +(56-2) 2330-3139

For any questions or information you can send an e-mail to:

Katty Maldonado
Office Manager
E-mail: maldonadoka@state.gov

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows nationals of designated member participants to travel to the United States for tourism or business (B visa category) purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.  On February 28, 2014, Chile was designated as a member of the Visa Waiver Program.  Beginning March 31, 2014, Chilean nationals may travel to the United States under the program.  The VWP facilitates international trade and tourism and will be another sign of the United States’ and Chile’s shared interest in improving travel security and expanding economic and cultural ties.

Nationals of the 38 VWP participants (including Chile) may use the VWP program if:

• They have been approved for travel under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA): https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
• The purpose of their stay in the United States is for tourism or business (visitor “B” visa purposes) and the length of their stay is 90 days or less
• They present a valid e-passport (i.e., passports with an integrated chip containing the information from the data page), issued in Chile since September 2013

If you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program partner but have received notice that you are no longer eligible to travel to the United States under that program, you should apply for a nonimmigrant visa at least three months in advance of your desired travel.  If you do not have imminent travel plans, you should pay the nonimmigrant visa application fee, fill out the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form at ceac.state.gov/genniv/, and schedule a visa appointment.  If your travel is imminent, you may request an expedited visa appointment. You can find instructions for how to obtain an expedited appointment here. Please include in your request the date and purpose of your travel, as well as a copy of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection message you received regarding your ESTA status.

What is a visa?

A visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  A visa entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission at the border; it does not guarantee entry.  An immigration inspector at the port of entry determines the visa holder’s eligibility for admission into the United States.

Who needs a visa?

Anyone who is not eligible to enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program, or is not exempt from the visa requirement. Please note:  Travelers born in the United States and those who hold dual citizenship with the United States must enter and depart the United States with U.S. passports.

Issuance of visas

Visa applicants are encouraged to apply for their visas well in advance of their intended date of travel.

No assurance regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Final travel plans or the purchase of non-refundable air tickets should not be made until your application has been approved and you have received your visa.

What types of visas are available?

Nonimmigrant Visas – The following provides information on visa requirements for travelers to the United States who wish to visit, work or study for a temporary period.  More information…

Immigrant Visas – An immigrant visa is required of anyone who wishes to enter the United States to reside there permanently, whether or not that person plans to seek employment in the United States.  More information…

SOUTHCOM is responsible for providing contingency planning, operations, and security cooperation in its assigned Area of Responsibility which includes:

• Central America

• South America

• The Caribbean (except U.S. commonwealths, territories, and possessions)

The command is also responsible for the force protection of U.S. military resources at these locations.  SOUTHCOM is also responsible for ensuring the defense of the Panama Canal.

Under the leadership of a four-star commander, SOUTHCOM’s staff is organized into directorates, component commands and Security Cooperation Organizations that represent SOUTHCOM in the region.

SOUTHCOM is a joint command comprised of more than 1,200 military and civilian personnel representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and several other federal agencies.

To see the Milgroup official website, please click here. 

The primary mission of the Force Protection Detachment (FPD) is to protect Department of Defense personnel (military, civilian, and dependents) and resources under Combatant Commanders authority in Chile. The mission further includes serving as a force multiplier for the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Office and Country Team in support of the DoD presence and mission, which includes, but is not limited to host nation liaison; subject matter expert exchanges; counterintelligence matters; threat surveys; threat briefings; DoD investigative lead reporting; threat reporting; and conducting or assisting in the production of vulnerability assessments of ports, airfields, hotels and routes used by in-transit forces.

Organization

FPD was created after the attack on the USS Cole in Yemen. FPDs are traditionally composed of well-trained, experienced, and selected counterintelligence Special Agents from the Department of the Air Force – Office of Special Investigations (OSI), the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and Army Counterintelligence (U.S. Army CI), as well as locally hired Foreign Service National Investigators and logistical support personnel. OSI is the Executive Agency for FPD Santiago, Chile. FPD Chile currently has one OSI Attaché/Agent-in-Charge and one NCIS Assistant Attaché/Special Agent assigned with reach-back support from to their regional headquarters and Southern Command.

To check out their official websites, please click Home (af.mil) and Home (navy.mil).