What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Chile, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Travel advice levels
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
UK
United KingdomForeign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Does not advise against travel
No numbered levels
Updated 18 August 2026
Latest change, in the source's words:Update regarding severe weather and flooding in Tocopilla, northern Chile (See ‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Emergency numbers
From the section “Emergency services in Chile” of the UK government's travel advice for Chile, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Ambulance: 131
Fire: 132
Police: 133
Local laws and customs
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Chile, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Personal ID
Always carry a printed copy of the photo page of your passport with you.
Alcohol laws and bans
It’s illegal to drink alcohol in public places including streets, roads, squares and promenades.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Using or possessing drugs is illegal and can lead to prison sentences.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Chile and are increasingly widely accepted socially, although much of Chilean society is conservative.
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Chile, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
From the section “Extreme weather and natural disasters” of the UK government's travel advice for Chile, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
When necessary, the Chilean National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (SENAPRED) issues warnings for heavy rain which may impact travel plans. Road conditions may be hazardous, with increased risk of delays and accidents. If you travel, plan your journey carefully and allow extra time. Follow local news, weather updates and the SENAPRED website (in Spanish) for the latest information.
Forest fires
Chile often has severe forest fires which can be very destructive and spread rapidly. These fires have caused multiple deaths, as well as sometimes causing the closure of national parks and roads.
If you find yourself in or near the affected areas of any fires:
follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders
monitor local media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation
notify friends and family of your safety
review your personal security plans
make evacuation plans that do not rely on British government assistance
have travel documents up to date and easily accessible
carry identification at all times, such as your passport or a copy of it
Earthquakes
Major earthquakes are a risk in Chile. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake. Take note of instructions in hotel rooms.
Building regulations require new structures to take account of earthquake risks. Safety measures are widely known and put into practice by national organisations and the local authorities.
Volcanic eruptions
A chain of volcanoes is active in the Puyehue and Los Lagos region (500 miles south of Santiago). There is a continuing risk of eruptions in Chaiten in southern Chile, Llaima in the Conguillo National Park and Lascar in northern Chile. Copahue, a volcano on the Argentina-Chile border, erupts periodically, causing local residents to be evacuated. Villarrica, a volcano near the popular tourist destinations of Pucon and Villarrica in the IX region of La Araucanía, is also active.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Chargers and plugs
Plug typesCFL
Voltage220/380 V
Frequency50 Hz
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Clothes for the weather
Rainfall Average temperature
January
Average
14 °C (57 °F)
Lows
9 °C (48 °F)
Highs
19 °C (66 °F)
Rain
50 mm (1.9 in)
Light jacket or fleece and long sleeves.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
February
Average
13 °C (56 °F)
Lows
8 °C (47 °F)
Highs
18 °C (65 °F)
Rain
63 mm (2.5 in)
Light jacket or fleece and long sleeves.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
March
Average
12 °C (54 °F)
Lows
7 °C (45 °F)
Highs
17 °C (63 °F)
Rain
75 mm (2.9 in)
Light jacket or fleece and long sleeves.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
April
Average
10 °C (49 °F)
Lows
5 °C (41 °F)
Highs
14 °C (58 °F)
Rain
78 mm (3.1 in)
Warm jacket or coat, jumper and long trousers.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
May
Average
7 °C (45 °F)
Lows
3 °C (37 °F)
Highs
12 °C (53 °F)
Rain
97 mm (3.8 in)
Warm jacket or coat, jumper and long trousers.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
June
Average
6 °C (42 °F)
Lows
1 °C (34 °F)
Highs
10 °C (50 °F)
Rain
126 mm (4.9 in)
Warm jacket or coat, jumper and long trousers.
Frequent rain on average: a rain jacket or umbrella.
July
Average
5 °C (41 °F)
Lows
1 °C (33 °F)
Highs
10 °C (49 °F)
Rain
99 mm (3.9 in)
Warm jacket or coat, jumper and long trousers.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
August
Average
6 °C (43 °F)
Lows
1 °C (34 °F)
Highs
11 °C (51 °F)
Rain
97 mm (3.8 in)
Warm jacket or coat, jumper and long trousers.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
September
Average
8 °C (46 °F)
Lows
3 °C (37 °F)
Highs
12 °C (54 °F)
Rain
67 mm (2.6 in)
Warm jacket or coat, jumper and long trousers.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
October
Average
9 °C (49 °F)
Lows
4 °C (40 °F)
Highs
14 °C (58 °F)
Rain
62 mm (2.5 in)
Warm jacket or coat, jumper and long trousers.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
November
Average
11 °C (52 °F)
Lows
6 °C (43 °F)
Highs
16 °C (61 °F)
Rain
59 mm (2.3 in)
Light jacket or fleece and long sleeves.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
December
Average
13 °C (55 °F)
Lows
8 °C (46 °F)
Highs
18 °C (64 °F)
Rain
59 mm (2.3 in)
Light jacket or fleece and long sleeves.
Some rain on average: a compact umbrella.
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Chile.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.