Health Alert: March 24

U.S Embassy, Santiago, Chile

 

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Santiago (24 March 2020)

Location: Chile

Event: COVID-19 Update, Chargé d’Affaires’ Message to American citizens in Chile, and Available Seats with United Airlines to U.S.

As of March 24, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 922 cases of COVID-19 in Chile.

The government of Chile has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.

U.S. travelers in Chile should proactively contact airlines as both international and domestic flights are being reduced in frequency and/or canceled, and schedules and options are changing rapidly.

The U.S. Embassy has been made aware of available seats on tonight’s United Airlines flight from Santiago to Houston. Please contact United Airlines for further information. Delta and LATAM may also have availability on flights departing today.

The government of Chile has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.

·         Restaurants, bars, cinemas, and malls are closed nationwide

·         Mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for all foreigners and Chilean citizens arriving in Chile

·         Daily nation-wide curfew from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am

·         On March 24, the government of Easter Island/Rapa Nui announced their curfew will begin at 2:00 pm, rather than 5:00 pm

·         Police and military control in the comunas of Providencia, Las Condes, and Vitacura (within the city of Santiago) to ensure compliance by Chileans and foreigners subject to mandatory self-quarantine

Effective 18 March 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Santiago has suspended routine consular services.  For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information.

See the message to U.S. citizens in Chile from Baxter Hunt, Chargé d’Affaires at U.S.Embassy Santiago here.

Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability.  If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.

The government has implemented quarantines in Easter Island/Rapa Nui, Caleta Tortel, and Puerto Williams, as well as a sanitary barrier around the cities of Chillan and San Pedro de la Paz (near Concepción). Transportation to or from these areas, and public services including schools and government offices may be closed. Sanitary customs checkpoints have been implemented for people entering the following regions:

  • Arica and Parinacota
  • Tarapacá
  • Antofagasta
  • Atacama
  • Coquimbo
  • Los Lagos
  • Aysén
  • Magallanes

Visit the local government COVID-19 website for updated information.

Actions to Take:  Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.

Assistance: U.S. Embassy Santiago, Chile

Phone number:  +56 2 2330 3000

Email address: SantiagoUSA@state.gov

Embassy website: https://cl.usembassy.gov/

State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

Country Specific Information for Chile

Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive security updates.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter