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Safety and Security

Demonstrations occur frequently. Although most are peaceful and have pre-approved routes, they sometimes become violent or change course with little warning. Demonstrations are common on March 29, the Day of the Young Combatant, and September 11, the anniversary of the 1973 coup against the government of President Salvador Allende. Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable. Labor strikes can be sources of risk as well; striking workers have been known to block roads and throw rocks in rare cases. Avoid demonstrations if possible. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to the local news media.

There is an increasing risk to the public from explosive and incendiary devices randomly placed in public spaces throughout Santiago. These devices have been found recently at ATM’s, metro stations, and churches. Anarchist groups often claim responsibility for these acts, and the Chilean government investigates these incidents as acts of terrorism.

Remain vigilant and avoid suspicious packages or unattended backpacks in public areas as well as on public transportation in Santiago. If a suspicious object is encountered, move away from the area and alert authorities immediately.

Araucanía Conflict: The Mapuches, an indigenous group, make up a small percentage of the Chilean population and are concentrated in Araucanía and Santiago. Elements within some Mapuche communities are engaged in a conflict over land and indigenous rights in Chile. Violent individuals and activist groups seeking redress for grievances sometimes utilize protest tactics, including burning of structures and pastures, attacks on trucks and other equipment, and death threats. There have been several attacks, allegedly perpetrated by Mapuche members, in the region of Araucanía (Region IX, in south-central Chile) since 2012 which have resulted in deaths. Other attacks on property have taken place in the same area. These attacks have targeted multinational forestry corporations and private Chilean landowners, rather than U.S. citizens or other foreigners. Nevertheless, U.S. citizens are advised to exercise caution when traveling in the Araucanía region.

Visitors to Easter Island may occasionally encounter non-violent demonstrations. Such demonstrations have caused minor disruption at the airport and closure of some government facilities. Demonstrations may result in minor inconveniences and occasional delays.

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CRIME: Most foreigners visit Chile without incident. The security environment is generally safe, and there is comparatively less violent crime experienced in Chile than other Latin American countries. Nevertheless, street crime, telephone scams, and residential break-ins are common,  especially in Santiago,Valparaiso, Antofagasta, and Iquique. As in any large city, be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Be alert for pick-pocketing, purse and camera snatching, and thefts from backpacks and rental cars. Petty crime is common in major tourist destinations, in hotel lobbies and restaurants, near ATM machines/banks, internet cafes, at bus and subway stations, and in cruise ship ports. Exercise caution when touring Cerro Santa Lucia, Cerro San Cristobal,Mercado Central, Plaza de Armas, Bellavista, and Barrio Lastarria as pick-pocketing and muggings occur frequently in these areas. Criminals usually work in groups and employ a variety of ruses to distract and victimize unsuspecting visitors. One trick is for someone to spray mustard or another substance on the tourist from a distance. A pickpocket will then approach the tourist offering to help clean the stain, and while doing so, s/he or an accomplice robs the victim. In 2014, there were numerous reports of ATMs being blown up, often in the very late evening/very early morning hours, in order to steal money. In these cases, the motive is theft, not terrorismA few taxi drivers engage in currency switching and overcharge with altered taxi meters. Incidents of individuals smashing car windows of occupied vehicles stopped in traffic and taking items of value on seats have occurred. Drivers should keep car doors locked at all times and valuables out of sight while driving and while the vehicle is parked.

Additionally, residential burglaries, to include home invasions, and vehicle theft have increased in the metropolitan Santiago area. Vehicle theft is also a serious problem in northern Chile (from Iquique to Arica) where the likelihood of vehicle recovery is extremely low. Credit card fraud/cloning has also become a concern. Never allow your credit card to be charged outside of your direct view and always ensure that the card you receive back is not a substitute.

Your passport is a valuable document. Report the loss or theft of a U.S. passport to the police and to the U.S. Embassy immediately. Secure your passport and other valuables in a hotel safe, and carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes. Leave copies of your passport and important documents with family members in case of emergency. For information about measures you can take to protect yourself overseas, see our pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.

Counterfeit and pirated goods may sometimes be available in Chile, and transactions involving such products are generally illegal under local law. In addition, bringing such goods back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. More information on this serious problem is available in the intellectual property section of the U.S. Department of Justice website.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate. We can:

  • Replace a lost or stolen passport.
  • Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
  • Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
  • Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalents to the “911” emergency lines in Chile follow an ABC-123 plan: 

131 - Ambulancia / Ambulance
132 - Bomberos / Fire Department
133 - Carabineros / Police Department

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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Population: 19,116,201


Total Land Area: 743,532 km2


Population/km2: 25.71