Wayzata World Factbook 1996/The World Factbook - 1996 Edition - Wayzata Technology (3079) (1996).iso/pc/text/tvltxt/chile.tvl

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Chile - Consular Information Sheet
September 2, 1994

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, Houston, or Chicago.

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.  Supplemental medical insurance, which includes specific overseas
coverage, is highly recommended.  In-country medical evacuation from
outlying areas to Santiago costs $2000 (U.S.) or more.  Cost for
international evacuations begin at about $10,000 (U.S.).  For travelers to
the Antarctic, additional insurance to cover the cost of air evacuation
specifically from that remote region is strongly recommended.  In the event
of illness, injury or even death, the cost of evacuation from the Antarctic
region to Santiago can exceed $10,000 (U.S.).  This is in addition to the
evacuation costs indicated above.  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, thieves thrive on
rush hour crowding on the street and aboard public transportation.  Persons
wearing expensive looking jewelry or carrying luggage or cameras are
particular targets.  Walking in the downtown area after dark, or on weekends
in the late afternoon, even in the well-traveled areas, is considered risky.

The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately
to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  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 business facilities and 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:  The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can provide updated
information on Chilean adoption procedures and on immigrant visa matters
related to adoptions.  Consular officers are not authorized to act as agents
on behalf of Americans seeking to adopt Chilean children.  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].

Civil Aviation Oversight:  In March 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration assessed Chile's civil aviation authority as in compliance
with international aviation safety oversight standards for Chilean carriers
operating to and from the U.S.  The same level of safety oversight would
typically be applied to operations to other destinations.  For further
information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-
322-7873.

Embassy Location/Registration: Americans who register with the Consular
Section of the U.S. Embassy at 2800 Andres Bello, Vitacura, Santiago;
telephone [phone], can obtain updated information on travel and
security within Chile.

No. 94-183

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet of May 2, 1994 to add
information on aviation oversight.