Chile
🏛️ Capital: Santiago
👥 Population: 19.8 million
💬 Language: Spanish
💰 Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
✈️ Reasons to travel: Patagonia, Atacama Desert, wine regions, Easter Island, Andes mountains
📈 High Season: December to February
📉 Low Season: June to August
☀️ The warmest month: January
❄️ The coldest month: July
🌧 The rainiest month: July
Safety
Travelers should check government safety advisories before any trip to avoid dangerous situations. These sources offer reliable updates on security risks, health alerts, and local laws.
Check out the travel advisory from at least one of these government websites:
Average safety level:
Exercise increased caution
Try our travel preparation app for free, and get an overview of safety, entry requirements, local laws, contacts for hospitals, and more.
Health
Sanitation and drinking water:
Score: 81/100
Rank: 35th/180
These are based on indicators such as types of facilities and sewage systems in households, water sources, water treatments, etc. The higher the score the safer the drinking water and sanitation (based on the Environmental Performance Index from Yale University).
A lower score may suggest a higher risk of food-borne illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea.
Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in Chile:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
Infectious diseases in Chile with no vaccine currently available:
- Chagas disease
- Leishmaniasis
- Scrub typhus
- West Nile virus
- Zika
Yellow fever certificate requirements:
No certificate required.
Would you like to learn more about Chile?
Use our app to find important information about relevant vaccines, what medication to pack, and how to address risks at your destination, so you can enjoy your travel to the fullest.
We’ve connected data from hundreds of scientific publications with the most recent recommendations from the world’s top authorities, including the WHO, the American CDC, and the UK’s NHS, to help you get the best preparation for the trip possible.
Try MyGlobdoc now! Chile is already available there.
Chile FAQ
Is it safe to travel to Chile in terms of health risks?
Yes, Chile is considered one of the safest countries in South America for travelers. The main health risks include altitude sickness in the Andes, foodborne illness, and sun exposure in high-altitude or desert regions like the Atacama. Healthcare facilities are excellent in major cities but limited in remote areas.
What vaccinations do I need before traveling to Chile?
Routine vaccines such as tetanus, measles, and influenza should be up to date. Hepatitis A is recommended, and typhoid may be advised if you plan to eat outside major tourist areas. MyGlobdoc can generate a personalized vaccination guide based on your travel plans.
Are there any common diseases in Chile that travelers should know about?
Chile has fewer infectious disease risks than many neighboring countries. Traveler’s diarrhea and hepatitis A remain the most common concerns. In rare cases, hantavirus has been reported in rural southern areas, linked to exposure to rodent habitats.
How can I avoid food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea in Chile?
Eat freshly prepared meals from reliable restaurants, and avoid street food that looks unhygienic. Drink bottled or filtered water in rural areas, although tap water in large cities is generally safe. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating, or peel them when possible.
Is malaria a risk in Chile, and do I need anti-malarial pills?
No, Chile is malaria-free, and anti-malarial pills are not needed. Travelers should instead focus on preventing foodborne illness and protecting themselves against other environmental risks, such as altitude sickness and extreme sun exposure.
What mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Chile?
Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, and malaria are not a risk in mainland Chile. However, travelers to Easter Island should take precautions against dengue, which has occurred there. Using insect repellent and protective clothing is recommended when visiting the island.
Do I need travel health insurance for Chile?
Yes, travel health insurance is strongly advised. Chile has excellent private hospitals in Santiago and other major cities, but medical care can be expensive. Insurance ensures access to high-quality treatment without unexpected costs.
What should be in a travel medical kit for Chile?
Include pain relievers, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, altitude sickness medication if visiting the Andes, adhesive bandages, and prescription medicines. If traveling to rural or remote areas, bring a first aid kit and water purification tablets. MyGlobdoc can provide a tailored packing checklist for your activities.
How can I stay healthy while backpacking through Chile?
Stay hydrated, especially in the Atacama Desert and at high altitudes. Protect against strong UV radiation with sunscreen and sunglasses. Eat carefully to avoid foodborne illness, and allow time to acclimatize when traveling in the Andes.
Is Chile safe for pregnant travelers or travelers with chronic illness?
Yes, Chile is safe with the right precautions. Pregnant travelers should avoid Easter Island if dengue activity is reported and take care with food hygiene. Travelers with chronic heart or lung conditions may experience difficulty in high-altitude areas like the Andes and should plan gradual ascents.
What should I do if I get sick in Chile?
Seek care at private hospitals in Santiago, Valparaíso, or other major cities, which provide high-quality treatment. Pharmacies are common and staff are knowledgeable for minor health issues. Always carry insurance details and emergency contacts for quick access to care.
What travel health documents or certificates are required for Chile?
Currently, travelers do not need special health certificates to enter Chile. Always check current health and entry requirements before your trip.
Sources
Map generated with https://www.mapchart.net/index.html
Orthographic map By Addicted04 – Own work, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30703702 / CC-BY-SA-3.0 edited in Canva
Travel safety map obtained under the latest Creative Commons Attribution licence – CC BY 4.0 from https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/chile
https://datatopics.worldbank.org/world-development-indicators/
Block, S., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. (2024). 2024 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any health problem. The use or reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
More From Blog
Motion Sickness and How To Handle It
Manaslu Circuit Trek 2026 Guide (Route, Costs & Tips)
Blood Clots and Long Flights: What Travelers Must Know
Popular topics
Tags