Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Chile
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1992 15:59:14 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Chile
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Chile - Consular Information Sheet
 October 27, 1992

Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Chile is located in Santiago 
at Merced 230, tel: (562) 671-0133.

Country Description: Chile has a stable government and a strong 
economy.  Civil disorder is rare.  Facilities for tourism vary 
according to price and area.

Entry Requirements: A passport is required for travel to Chile.  
U.S. citizens do not need visas for a stay of three months or less.  
However, those considering scientific, technical or mountaineering 
activities in areas classified as frontier areas are required to 
obtain authorization.  Requests for authorization must be presented 
to Chilean authorities at least 90 days prior to the beginning of 
the expedition.  The portions of Antarctica claimed by Chile are 
exempt from these pre-approval requirements.  For current 
information concerning entry and customs requirements for Chile, 
travelers can contact the Chilean Embassy at 1732 Massachusetts 
Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 tel: (202) 785-1746 or the 
nearest consulate general in Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, New 
York, or Houston.

Medical Facilities: Medical care is good but may not meet U.S. 
standards.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash 
payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always 
valid outside the United States.  In some cases, supplemental 
medical insurance which includes specific overseas coverage has 
proved to be useful.  For additional health information, travelers 
can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international 
travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559.

Crime Information: In Santiago and other large cities, pickpockets 
thrive on rush hour crowding on the street and aboard public 
transportation.  Persons wearing expensive or expensive-looking 
jewelry are particular targets.  Walking in the downtown area after 
dark, even for short distances in well-traveled areas, is considered 
risky.  useful information on guarding valuables and protecting 
personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the 
Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad".  It is available 
>from the Superintendent of Documents,  U.S. Government Printing 
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Terrorist Activities: Specific terrorist groups conduct bombings 
and other violent acts against the Mormon church or other 
institutions identified with the United States.

Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy 
jail sentences and fines.

Adoptions: Parliamentary consideration of a new Chilean adoption 
law may cause serious delays in the processing of adoption cases.  
Families considering adoption can telephone the State Department's 
Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647-3712, and contact 
the consular section of the U.S. Embassy before traveling to Chile. 

Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for 
Travelers to Central and South America" is also available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Registration: Americans who register with the consular section of 
the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and 
security within the country.

 No. 92-064