Travel Information & Entering Chile
Updated March 2022
IMPORTANT: Please read the COVID-19 Chile information page for mandatory documentation requirements.
Upon coming to Chile, make sure you provide at all times your hotel address in Puerto Varas.
Entering Chile:
The Chilean government conducts random COVID tests for arriving international passengers.
Any passenger who tests positive upon arrival in Chile will be required to complete a quarantine period of 5 days at a “residencia sanitaria” (health center) or other location determined by the Chilean health authorities. We do not know where you will be assigned.
IF this is the case, please call the logistics number +56 9 9979 3376 (Andrea Lagarini) and report your status and location.
Travelers randomly tested will receive a daily health survey from the Ministry of Health for 5 days after arrival. The completion of this daily survey is mandatory.
We recommend organizing your domestic flight to Puerto Montt (approximately 20 Km from Puerto Varas), preferably a few hours after your arrival as you will need to walk to Terminal 1, and remain in Transit. Puerto Montt Tepual International Airport will process your immigration papers. A random PCR test could be taken at the airport upon your arrival. A Tourist Card will be issued for a stay of up to 90 days.
Be aware: Domestic flights close 45 minutes before take-off.
If your stay includes a first stop in Santiago, take note of the following: Upon exiting the plane and walking towards Immigration, you will encounter various Ministry of Health authority booths. The Chilean government conducts random COVID tests for arriving international passengers, and you will then enter Chile through passport control (PDI - International Police Department), a tourist card will be issued for a stay of up to 90 days.
Any passenger who tests positive upon arrival in Chile will be required to complete a quarantine period of 5 days at a “residencia sanitaria” (health center) or other location determined by the Chilean health authorities. We do not know where you will be assigned.
IF this is the case please call the logistics number +56 9 9979 3376 (Andrea Lagarini) and report your status.
Travelers randomly tested will receive a daily health survey email from the Ministry of Health for 5 days after arrival.
The completion of this daily survey is mandatory.
Covid-19, passport control, customs, and a screening process by the Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG) - Chile´s Agriculture and Livestock Service. The purpose of this screening is to prevent the introduction of new diseases, pests, or plagues that could adversely impact Chile’s production and economy. For more information, please read the following: https://pepeschile.com/how-to-avoid-getting-fined-for-what-you-bring-to-chile/
Airport in Santiago
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport is located 15 km northwest of downtown Santiago. It is Chile's largest airport and the busiest international air passenger gateway to the country. All International flights land in Terminal 2, Domestic flights take off in Terminal 1.
Entry / Exit Requirements for Minors
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, Chile has put in place strict requirements for the entry/exit of minors under the age of 18. Even when the minor is traveling with both parents, the parents will be required to show evidence of their relationship to the child when departing the country. Please carry an original, apostilled, or authenticated birth certificate.
Visa Requirements for Chile
Visitors to Chile requiring a visa must proceed to do so from one of the Chilean Consulates/Embassies unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. Chile generally maintains a reciprocal visa policy with other countries. For more information, please check: https://visacentral.ch/destination/chl/chile-visa
Traveling to Puerto Varas
From the international airport, the are several options to reach the conference venue at Hotel Enjoy in Puerto Varas, listed in the following:
Given Covid-19 we strongly recommend flying instead of bus or car rental.
1. Flights:
Direct flights from SCL to Puerto Montt's Airport "El Tepual" (PMC, more info here), which is the closest one (~20 km) to Puerto Varas. The flight SCL -> PMC takes around 1.5 hours. The flights are provided by the following airlines:
Upon arrival in Puerto Montt , travel from PCM airport to Puerto Varas city using only the official transportation options. The trip takes ~30 minutes. Ground transportation options and fares can be found here.
2. Car:
Car companies available at SCL airport include MITTA, AVIS, SIXT, EUROPCAR.
Pre-reserve your rental ahead of time. The road is a concessioned double lane highway with a toll system.
Total cost from SCL to Puerto Varas is ~ 35.000 CLP one way.
3. Bus:
Bus from Santiago de Chile to Puerto Varas (~12 hours trip). In this case, you need to:
Travel from the Airport to "Terminal de Buses Estación Central" (TBEC) downtown. For this, take the "Centro Puerto” bus to TBEC. Buses from the Airport to TBEC depart every 15 minutes.
From TBEC to Puerto Varas bus terminal: for booking options, check for available tickets here. When booking, make sure your bus departs from TBEC as not all bus companies depart from that terminal.