Wayzata World Factbook 1994/World Factbook - 1994 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1994).iso/pc/text/txtfiles/chile.tvl

Text File | 1994-04-11 | 4KB | 73 lines

#CARD:Chile:Travel\Consular Information
Chile - Consular Information Sheet
May 27, 1993

Country Description:  Chile has a stable government and a strong economy.
Civil disorder is rare.  Facilities for tourism vary according to price and
area.

Entry Requirements:  A passport is required.  U.S. citizens do not need a
visa for a three-month stay.  However, those considering scientific,
technical or mountaineering activities in areas classified as frontier areas
are required to obtain authorization from the Chilean government.  Requests
for authorization must be presented to Chilean authorities at least 90 days
prior to the beginning of the expedition.  The portions of Antarctica
claimed by Chile are exempt from these pre-approval requirements.  For
current information concerning entry and customs requirements for Chile,
travelers can contact the Chilean Embassy at 1732 Massachusetts Avenue N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20036. tel. [phone] or the nearest consulate in Los
Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, New York, or Houston.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care is good but may not meet U.S. standards.
Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health
services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United
States.  In some cases, supplemental medical insurance which includes
specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful.  For additional health
information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's
international travelers hotline at [phone].

Crime Information: In Santiago and other large cities, pickpockets thrive on
rush hour crowding on the street and aboard public transportation.  Persons
wearing expensive looking jewelry are particular targets.  Walking in the
downtown area after dark, even for short distances in well-traveled areas,
is considered risky.

The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the
local police and the U.S. Embassy.  Useful information on guarding valuables
and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the
Department of State pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" which is available from
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402.  Also available from the same address is the
Department of State's publication, "Tips for Travelers to Central and South
America."

Terrorist Activities:  Specific terrorist groups have conducted sporadic
bombings and other violent acts against the Mormon Church or other
institutions identified with the United States.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  Penalties in Chile for possession and trafficking
in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail
sentences and fines.

Adoptions:  Chilean adoptions often involve complications and delays.
Updated information on Chilean adoption proceedings and U.S. immigrant visa
requirements is available from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy.
Additional information is available by writing the Office of Citizens
Consular Services, CA/OCS/CCS, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington,
D.C. 20520, or by telephoning [phone].

Embassy Location/Registration:  Americans who register with the Consular
Section of the U.S. Embassy in Santiago at Merced 230, telephone (56-2) 671-
0133, can obtain updated information on travel and security within Chile.
The U.S. Embassy is located in the Codina Building, 1343 Agustinas.

No. 93-130

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet of October 27, 1992 to add
information on reporting the loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport.

#ENDCARD