Chile – Covid-19 – Immigration update

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Update : May 27, 2020

Borders remain closed, quarantine extended, expanded

What is the change?

The government has announced updated quarantine measures, including expanding the quarantine in the Araucania Region.

Key Points

  • Borders will remain closed until May 27.
  • The quarantine is extended until May 29 for all communes currently in quarantine.
  • Lonquimay, in the Araucania Region, is now in quarantine until at least May 29.

Inbound travel to Chile was suspended in April, and on May 15 the government imposed a seven-day lockdown in the city of Santiago and the communes Iquique, Antofagasta , Mejillones and Alto Hospicio.

International and immigration police offices remain closed, and some public services remain limited as efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus continue.

Update : March 17, 2020

Santiago lockdown, immigration services remain limited

What is the change?

Chile is implementing a temporary lockdown in Santiago, and some public services remain limited to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

  • A seven-day lockdown in Santiago, Chile’s largest city, began the evening of May 15. Residents must use either a passport or Chilean ID to apply for an online permit to leave their homes.
  • Immigration and International Police offices remain closed, though limited services are available online. Online work permit applications were suspended for nationals from Brazil, China, Cuba, Haiti and Peru, but may still be submitted for nationals from other countries. Chilean consulates abroad remain closed to the public.
  • Air travel remains suspended and land borders remain closed, with limited exceptions. Foreigners are not allowed to enter the country as tourists. Only Chilean nationals and foreigners with resident status may enter Chile.

The Chilean government closed borders and immigration offices in March. In April, the inbound travel suspension was extended, and Immigration and International police offices remained closed.

The Santiago lockdown and limited immigration services will impact the movement of people into Chile. It is possible that the lockdown will be extended. Delays should be expected.

Update : March 17, 2020

Government closes borders, immigration offices

What is the change?

Chile will close borders for most inbound travelers starting Wednesday, March 18 and lasting for at least 15 days. Immigration authorities have closed offices to the public with immediate effect.

Affected travelers will be barred from entry. Chilean nationals and foreign residents are exempt from the ban, but they must follow mandatory self-quarantine measures for at least 14 days, or be subject to fines of approximately US$3,500.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing. The travel ban takes effect March 18.
  • Visas/permits affected: Work permits and residency permits will be delayed in light of the public closures of immigration offices.
  • Business impact: Travel schedules will be impacted and applicants should anticipate delays in processing.

Deloitte’s View

The Chilean government took the measures Monday, as the country’s alert level was raised for COVID-19 to the highest Level 4. Employers should identify affected travelers and anticipate delays in immigration processing.

Sophie Carlei

Sophie est Managing Director au sein de l’équipe Mobilité Internationale de Lyon et dirige l’équipe immigration. Elle conseille les groupes français et internationaux et intervient tant pour des clients travaillant dans […]

Fatia Bouteiller

Fatia Bouteiller a rejoint Deloitte Société d’Avocats en 2017 pour renforcer l’équipe Immigration. Fatia dispose d’une expérience de 15 ans en mobilité internationale dans les domaines du droit de l’immigration, […]