Published: September 24, 2026 

This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Chile Travel Advisory and Chile International Travel Information Page. 

Embassy & Consulate Contact Information 

​U.S. Embassy Santiago: Av. Andres Bello 2800 Las Condes Santiago, Chile 

Tel: (56-2) 2330-3000 

Hours: Monday-Friday, 0830-1700. 

OSAC Country Chapter(s) 

​Chile has an active OSAC Country Chapter.  

Contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions. 

Chile Travel Advisory 

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in Chile due to crime, unrest, and health. The current advisory, issued August 19, 2026, remains Level 2 and includes Crime (C), Unrest (U), and Health (H) indicators. 

Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System. 

Crime 

​The U.S. Department of State has assessed Santiago as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. 

The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Santiago, indicating that widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country; local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.   

The crime emergency line in Chile is 133. Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure. 

Crime: General Threat  

Chile has comparatively less violent crime than other Latin American countries. Pickpocketing, telephone scams, vehicle thefts, and residential break-ins are the most common crimes against tourists and resident foreigners. Violent crime has steadily increased over the past decade, most often in the form of carjacking, home invasion, and mugging. 

Chile's security environment continues to evolve as organized criminal groups become more sophisticated and diversify their activities. The Fiscalía Nacional's 2025 organized-crime assessment described an unprecedented process of “densificación delictual,” characterized by the increasing interconnection of criminal markets and organizations involved in drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, money laundering, and other illicit activities. The Fiscalía reported that transnational organizations operate alongside local criminal groups, with organizations increasingly adopting multiple criminal activities rather than specializing in a single offense.  

National homicide levels have declined from their recent peak but remain elevated compared with the mid-2010s. According to the official 2025 National Report on Victims of Completed Homicides, Chile recorded 1,091 homicide victims in 2025, 118 fewer than in 2024. The national homicide rate declined 11.5 percent, from 6.1 to 5.4 victims per 100,000 inhabitants.  

The decline in homicide does not indicate a corresponding disappearance of organized or violent crime. Fiscalía's assessment continues to identify kidnapping, extortion, organized robbery, drug trafficking, and other forms of organized criminal activity as significant components of Chile's evolving security environment. 

Non-violent pickpocketing is more common in Santiago than in other areas of the country, although it may happen anywhere. In downtown Santiago, the risk of being a victim of pickpocketing increases on weekends and after dark. Purse snatching and pickpocketing are more prevalent in crowded tourist locations, pedestrian shopping areas, subway stations, and bus terminals, as well as on crowded buses and the metro. Criminals often work in pairs, with one distracting the victim with a motion or sound while the other steals the victim’s property. Restaurants, pubs, food courts, and major hotel chains are also popular locations for theft of purses, backpacks, briefcases, and laptops. Be aware of groups of youths, who frequently work together to distract people and then rob them. It is common for thieves to dress in a suit and tie to blend in. 

There are several common strategies employed by thieves in Chile. Travelers displaying overt signs of wealth may be “tagged” by street criminals while arriving at points of entry, at affluent hotels or lodging, or in shopping districts in Santiago. Once tagged, these criminals wait for an opportunity to steal the traveler’s possessions, whether from their hotel room or their person. One form of this robbery that has increased targets a traveler’s watch or phone; A criminal on a motorbike, often armed, drives directly in front of a traveler, demands the traveler’s phone, watch, or wallet, then flees. Maletazos, another growing criminal trend, occurs when criminals stand outside of hotel entrances; once taxis or vans pull up to drop off tourists, criminals wait for victims to unload luggage and grab the bags, throwing them into a getaway car and departing.  

Phone scams are common in Chile. In most cases, someone will telephone and state that you have won a prize, claim a family member has been in an accident or has been kidnapped, or will insist that the caller is working with your bank and requires your banking/credit card information. It is important that you do not give financial information to anyone you do not know over the phone. 

Credit card fraud remains a concern. Police have uncovered various networks engaged in cloning credit cards and producing fraudulent blank credit cards. Some restaurants have been caught scanning clients credit cards through skimmers.  

Carjacking continues to be very prevalent. In Santiago and the Metropolitan Region, common forms of vehicle robbery include encerronas and portonazos. 

According to PDI information reported in June 2026, the PDI established the Fuerza de Tarea Encerronas, Portonazos y Abordazos (EPA) in September 2024 to target organized vehicle robbery. During its first nearly two years of operations, EPA investigations resulted in 84 arrests, the recovery of 41 stolen vehicles valued at approximately CLP 936.5 million, intervention against 24 criminal structures, and recovery of 12 firearms used in robberies. PDI reported that the majority of offenders were Chilean and that more than half were minors.  

PDI analysis identified recurring vehicle-robbery locations along major transportation corridors, including the intersection of Américo Vespucio with Ruta 68, the Costanera Norte airport access area, the Quilicura interchange, and other Costanera Norte exits. PDI also identified a critical corridor involving Av. Vicuña Mackenna, Américo Vespucio Sur, and intercommunal connections such as the Quilín and Grecia rotaries.  

Vehicle robberies occur most frequently during the evening. PDI reported that 68 percent of the analyzed incidents occurred between 2000 and 2359 hours, followed by the 0000–0359 period.  

Other vehicle-related crimes include incidents of smash-and-grab on cars left unattended on the street, even in affluent areas. 

Rental vehicles may be particularly attractive targets because criminals can identify rental vehicles through fleet markings, stickers, registration patterns, or other characteristics. Travelers should not leave luggage, electronics, backpacks, purses, or other valuables visible inside vehicles. 

Another reported tactic involves criminals puncturing or otherwise disabling a vehicle tire and subsequently approaching the driver under the pretense of offering assistance. While the driver is distracted, accomplices may steal property from the vehicle. Travelers should exercise particular caution if an apparent mechanical problem occurs shortly after leaving an airport, hotel, tourist attraction, or other location. 

Crime: Areas of Concern 

Most crime in Chile occurs in the Santiago metropolitan area. Recent increases in crime targeting wealthy residents have occurred in Las Condes, Vitacura, and Providencia. Pickpocketing and petty crime can occur anywhere, but tends to target areas where tourists and wealthy Chileans frequent. Crime rates have also increased in Valparaiso, including significant numbers of vehicle-related thefts that impact travelers. 

Street crime, carjackings, phone scams, credit card fraud, and break-ins are common in Santiago, Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, Antofagasta, Calama, and Iquique. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory specifically identifies Santiago, Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Antofagasta, Calama, and Iquique as locations where street crime, carjackings, telephone scams, credit card fraud, and residential break-ins commonly occur. 

The Department of State also identifies several higher-risk areas within Santiago, including Villa Francia, El Castillo, La Victoria, La Pincoya, Bajos de Mena and Mahuidanche, Cerro Navia, Pudahuel, Quilicura, and San Bernardo. 

Additionally, there are concerns about narcotrafficking along the northern borders with Bolivia and Ecuador. Transnational criminal groups such as the Venezuelan Tren De Aragua, known for trafficking migrants, are increasingly present in the north of the country. However, this crime typically does not impact tourists. 

Fiscalía's organized-crime assessment indicates that transnational organizations—including Tren de Aragua, Los Gallegos, and Los Trinitarios—operate alongside local criminal groups. The report describes these organizations as increasingly interconnected and involved in multiple illicit markets. 

Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.  

Kidnapping Threat 

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Santiago. 

Kidnapping is a relatively rare crime in Chile. However, official Fiscalía data indicate that kidnapping has increased substantially since the early 2020s. The Fiscalía's 2024 criminal-phenomena reporting identified 868 kidnapping cases in 2024, compared with 850 in 2023 and 826 in 2022, after 492 cases in 2021. The increase since 2021 reflects a significant change from historical levels. 

Fiscalía's organized crime reporting further assessed that kidnapping has increasingly been used as a strategic tool by criminal organizations, including for extortion, retaliation, and control.  

Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips. 

Terrorism  

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Santiago as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. 

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Santiago. 

Ongoing, small-scale domestic terrorist activity attributed to anarchists has targeted government institutions, banks, and churches, and public areas with improvised explosive devices (IED) detonations. The frequency of IED and other anarchist attacks decreased since 2024.  

Mapuche separatist violence in Araucania and Biobio continues to have terrorist elements that commit acts of arson, but it rarely has an impact outside of the region. 

The current Department of State Travel Advisory warns that anarchist groups have placed bombs and incendiary devices in public spaces throughout Santiago, including at ATMs, metro stations, and government buildings. It also notes continuing attacks by groups claiming ties to the Mapuche community, including attacks on trucks, buses, and forestry and agricultural equipment in southern Chile. 

According to the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, Chile is ranked 27 out of 163 countries. 

Law Enforcement 

The Carabineros are the uniformed national police force with primary responsibility for crime prevention, order, and traffic control. The Investigations Police (PDI) is a plain-clothed investigative police agency similar to the FBI in the U.S. Both Carabineros and PDI conduct investigations into burglary, cybercrime, violent crimes, counter terrorism, and migration; once a crime is presented to a prosecutor, the prosecutor determines which agency will lead the investigation.   

The Carabineros and PDI have legal responsibility for law enforcement and the preservation of law and order, including migration and border enforcement, within the country. In 2024, Chile created the Ministry of Public Safety to oversee these forces. Civilian authorities generally maintain effective control over the security forces. The constitution of Chile prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest or detention in court. The government has not always observed these requirements, and there have been isolated reports of abuses by law enforcement personnel. 

Police Response 

The police in Chile respond to most crimes in an effective and professional manner. While the police have excellent street-level police skills, they are impeded by resource limitations that inhibit their ability to respond to every emergency or incident. In Santiago, police response times for serious incidents are comparable to the United States. 

Rural communities often experience a lack of enforcement and/or response from law enforcement agencies due to this limitation in personnel and resources. Response the Santiago police can be quick for urgent matters but delayed in rural areas. 

Travelers who are victims of crime should report the incident to the nearest Carabineros police station (“comisaría”) or PDI office and file a police report (“denuncia”). 

Emergency numbers are 133 for police, 131 for ambulance, and 132 for fire. The Department of State currently lists these as Chile's official emergency numbers. 

Transportation Security 

Road Safety 

Road conditions throughout most of Chile are comparable to those in the U.S. Road names are well marked on city streets and highways while exit signage, especially in Santiago’s tunnel system are at times subpar. Traffic lights and pedestrian signals are reliable and work well, but drivers do not always obey these traffic signs.  

Roads in rural areas of Chile may be impacted by weather conditions, including floods, landslides, or heavy snowfall in the mountainous areas. Secondary and mountain roads may suffer from poor maintenance and lighting and lack guardrails. Some primary roads to remote tourist attractions are not paved. However, they are generally maintained well, with graded gravel. Local authorities may require snow chains at checkpoints or may close roads due to severe winter and road conditions, especially in mountainous areas.  

In Chile, do not turn right at red lights. Also, many drivers do not signal lane changes and rarely yield to merging traffic. Many drivers exceed posted speed limits, do not maintain a safe distance, and do not comply with posted road signages. Major arterial highways in Santiago may switch directions in the traffic flow during the morning and evening rush hours. Major highways in and around Santiago collect tolls with an electronic transmitter. If you do not have one of these transmitters then you should carry sufficient Chilean pesos to pay frequent highway tolls. 

Exercise caution when driving or parking in/around Santiago; vehicles parked on the streets are vulnerable to break-ins in all neighborhoods, whether it is day or night. It is recommended to park in illuminated areas or use off-street parking facilities.  

Due to the risk of highway robbery attacks targeting truck drivers, anyone transiting Ruta 5, part of the Pan-American Highway, through Biobio and Araucania should avoid doing so at night or late afternoon hours. 

For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety. 

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.   

Public Transportation Safety 

Generally, taxis are a safe means of transportation, and drivers use meters. Although rideshares are safe and common, they are considered illegal by local authorities and are not authorized to be used at the airports or major venues. If using a taxi, stay alert whenever exchanging money with drivers. Chile's transportation regulations distinguish among taxi types by license-plate color: orange plates identify basic and tourism taxis, while yellow plates identify collective taxis. The plate color identifies the legally registered taxi category but should not be interpreted as a guarantee that an individual taxi or driver is safe. Travelers should use registered taxis or reputable transportation services and avoid unregistered or solicited vehicles. 

Some taxi drivers have passed counterfeit money, intentionally shortchanged, overcharged, or stolen from unsuspecting passengers. Avoid unmetered taxis, and do not hail taxis off the street to mitigate the risk of express kidnappings. 

To use the public transportation system in Santiago, you need to obtain the prepaid “BIP” card, which you can also use for the buses and the subway. Be particularly alert when using the subway and buses, as pickpocketing and muggings are prevalent and occur in these modes of transportation. 

Aviation Concerns 

Health Concerns 

The U.S. Department of State has included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Santiago, indicating that health risks are present, including current disease outbreaks or crises that disrupt a country’s medical infrastructure. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters. 

Medical services in the capital are modern and similar to what one would find in the U.S. However, outside of Metropolitan Santiago, the level of medical care can vary greatly. Hospitals with ambulance services and pharmacies exist in great numbers within the city limits of Santiago. 

Before traveling, confirm whether your health insurance provides coverage for overseas medical care. The U.S. government does not pay medical expenses abroad. Medical care is not free in Chile and patients are responsible for the cost of treatment.  

Hospitals and doctors may require payment prior to service. Private hospitals may also require proof insurance before providing treatment. Medical staff may speak little to no English. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited. 

Dengue Fever exists on Easter Island but not on mainland Chile. Hantavirus is present in Chile. Due to Chile’s thin ozone, travelers are susceptible to UV rays. 

The medical emergency line for ambulance in Chile is 131. The medical emergency line for fire is 132. 

Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas. 

See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.  

Vaccinations 

Travelers should have all routine vaccinations up to date before travel to Chile. Before every trip, make sure you are up to date on the following routine vaccines; Chickenpox, Diphtheria, Flu, Measles, Polio, and Shingles.  

Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations. 

Issues Traveling with Medications  

Pharmacies exist in great numbers in Santiago. You must have a doctor’s prescription to obtain certain medicines, such as antibiotics. Personal medications are authorized for import, but they should be kept in an original prescription bottle. Less common or more elaborate medications should be accompanied by a doctor’s note or original prescription. 

Verify with Chile’s health authorities that prescriptions or medications are permitted in the country. Exercise caution when purchasing medications abroad as pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with limited regulations or oversight. 

Counterfeit medications are common, may contain incorrect dosages, ineffective ingredients, or harmful substances. To reduce risk, purchase medications only from reputable pharmacies and under the guidance of a medical professional. 

Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.   

Water Quality 

Tap water is generally safe for drinking and cooking. In rural or remote areas, bottled water may be a preferred option. Use reputable brands and ensure the seal is intact. Restaurants and hotels often serve tap water unless bottled water is requested. Travelers may want to request no ice in drinks since it may be made using tap water.  

Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water? 

Natural Disasters 

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Santiago. 

Chile is vulnerable to major earthquakes, wildfires, landslides, tsunamis, floods, and volcanic eruptions. Chile experiences frequent seismic activity year-round due to its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire.  Strong earthquakes can generate tsunamis.  

Flooding and landslides are most common from May to August. Heavy rainfall can trigger flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous regions.  

Chile has many active volcanoes along the Andes Mountain and can erupt with little warning, potentially prompting evacuations and disrupting transportation.  

Wildfire season peaks from December through March as hot, dry weather and strong winds increase the risk of spreading fires in both urban and rural areas.  

Review OSAC’s report, Landslides: What Are They and How to Prepare. 

Review OSAC’s report, Earthquake Preparedness Toolkit. 

Cybersecurity 

​Chile faces typical cybersecurity risks. Organizations with travel or operations in Chile should take normal precautions for cyber hygiene when in the country. 

Cybercrime affecting individuals and organizations includes phishing, banking fraud, identity theft, and ransomware. Travelers should use standard cybersecurity precautions, particularly when using public Wi-Fi, ATMs, and financial services. 

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage. 

Counterintelligence Issues 

There are no specific counterintelligence issues in Chile. 

Import/Export Restrictions 

There are no specific concerns about import restrictions other than general precautions with weapons and agricultural products. Chilean agricultural services are known to be very strict, especially at ports of entry. Declare everything as required by law and expect the agricultural authority to inspect luggage at ports of entry. The import of satellite phones for personal use is not prohibited.  

A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website. 

Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.