On Wednesday (6) the Chilean Ministry of Health announced another change related to the entry of people into the country. Those traveling to Chile with a full vaccination schedule may be released from a mandatory five-day quarantine, provided they submit a negative PCR test taken upon arrival in the country. The measure comes into force from November 1, both for Chilean residents and foreigners, as well as for tourists. “This is great news for tourism, so we must continue to take care of ourselves so that we can go further,” said Undersecretary of Tourism Jose Luis Uriarte.
The Chilean Undersecretary of Health, Paula Daza, explained that the change was deliberate “taking into account the current data of the decrease in positive cases of Covid-19 in passengers and all the epidemiological background that we have today”. According to data from the Ministry of Health, from November 23, 2020 to September 30 this year, only 0.7% of travelers who entered the country through Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport tested positive for Covid-19.
The announcement of the change comes about a month after the official opening of the country’s borders. Since October 1, anyone vaccinated and arriving in Chile must comply with a mandatory five-day quarantine. Chilean foreigners and residents are currently allowed in to submit a negative PCR test (taken within 72 hours before boarding) and a sworn statement (Do it online at least 48 hours before shipment). For those who have not been vaccinated, the quarantine period is seven days.
In the case of tourists, the necessary documents are larger and unvaccinated people are not allowed in. In addition to a negative PCR test and a sworn statement, a minimum of $30,000 USD in medical insurance coverage and a validation of a full vaccination plan are required. This verification is carried out by the Ministry of Health of Chile and is required through the website www.mevacuno.gob.cl.
The government informs that this should be the first step for any tourist wishing to enter the country and that the deadline for receiving a response is 30 days. Vaccines that can be validated in Chile are those of Moderna, Pfizer/Bioantek, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), Oxford/AstraZeneca, Sinopharma, Sinovac, Cansino, and Generium (Sputnik-V).
What changes from November 1 is basically the five-day quarantine of Chileans, resident foreigners, and vaccinated tourists. The isolation period is no longer mandatory for those who, after landing in Chilean territory, undergo a new PCR test and the result is negative. This measure does not prevent Ministry of Health employees from staying in contact for 10 days to monitor any symptoms.
Navigation lane
Similar to the initiatives already implemented in Israel, in the European Union and some US states, Chile has implemented the so-called Mobility Pass. It is a document, issued online, to all who have completed their vaccination schedule. The document contains a dynamic QR code, which means that it can be enabled or disabled under certain conditions, such as positive Covid-19 cases or close contacts.
The Chilean equivalent of a health passport has been in effect since May 26 and allows people to travel between regions and enter cinemas, theaters, gyms, indoor restaurant areas and other places where the document is required to avoid crowding.
Tourists who arrive in the country with an approved vaccination program also receive a Mobility Pass. “When we receive them in Chile, we will take into account all health protocols and will also ask to enable the Mobility Pass. We are happy with this progress, but we want to continue to take responsibility so that we can reach the peak season, it gives steps forward that will allow us to revitalize tourism even more,” Jose Luis Uriarte, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism of Chile concluded.
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