Chile travel advice

An earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale struck 285km (285 miles) southwest of the capital of Santiago at approximately 0700 GMT on 27 February 2010. The cities of Concepcion, Talca and Santiago have been the heaviest affected.

The Chilean government has designated the regions of Maule and Biobio as "states of catastrophe". A curfew will be in force in these two regions from 2100 - 0600 until further notice. All but essential travel to these regions should be avoided until further notice. The Chilean authorities have confirmed 700 dead but this number is expected to rise.

There have been frequent and sometimes heavy aftershocks, including one measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale. Travel within Chile is restricted due to damage to the infrastructure, particularly south of Santiago. Some roads, including the Pan-American Highway, have been partially blocked.

In the capital Santiago, there has been some damage to buildings and at least two road flyovers have collapsed.Some public transport in Santiago is working. Electricity and water supplies are sporadic in some areas.

Santiago Airport has reopened but with limited service.

Passengers are advised to check with their airline before travelling to the airport. Communicationsto, from and within Chile are sporadic.

The Llaima volcano, in the Araucania region of southern Chile, erupted on 2 January 2008. Although approximately 150 people have been evacuated from villages in the area immediately surrounding the volcano. Visitors should follow developments in the media and follow any guidance given by the local authorities.

Pickpocketing, other thefts and muggings are common and have been on the increase since the beginning of 2007.

Minefields are located in regions I, II and XII. It is recommended checking with the local authorities before travelling to the border areas of these regions.

The threat from terrorism is low. But travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Dengue fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel