- 4 h / - 6 h during our summer time

Santiago

Official language

Spanish

Language capabilities

English

220 volt / adapter recommended

Banks

9.00 - 14.00 h (Mon - Fri)

Shops

10.00 - 20.00 h (Mon - Fri)
10.00 - 14.00 h (Sat)
Opening hours may vary. Larger retail stores, supermarkets and shopping centres are generally open until late in the evening and also on Sundays.

• 1 January: New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo)

• Good Friday and Holy Saturday: Semana Santa

• 1 May: Labour Day (Día del Trabajo)

• 21 May: Navy Day (Día de las Glorias Navales)

• Winter solstice, in June: National Day of Indigenous Peoples

• 29 June: Saints Peter and Paul (San Pedro y San Pablo)

• 16 July: Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Virgen del Carmen)

• 15 August: Assumption Day (Asunción de la Virgen)

• 18 September: Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)

• 19 September: Army Day (Día de las Glorias del Ejército)

• 12 October: Encounter of Two Worlds (Encuentro de Dos Mundos)

• 31 October: National Day of the Evangelical and Protestant Churches

• 1 November: All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos)

• 8 December: Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción)

• 25 December: Christmas Day (Navidad)

• Travel documents must be valid on arrival.

• Swiss nationals holding an ordinary passport do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. They may apply for an extension of a further 90 days.

• Visitors without a return or onward ticket may be refused entry.

• Foreign nationals under the age of 18 travelling alone must have a notarised authorisation from both parents or legal guardians, or judicial authorisation. Those travelling with only one parent or legal guardian must have a notarised authorisation from the absent parent or legal guardian, or judicial authorisation.

- Information last updated in August 2026 -

Chile extends along a very long north-south axis and therefore has a wide variety of climatic regions.

Northern Chile (Atacama Desert)

• Summer, December to February: average temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. It is very dry and sunny, with extremely little precipitation. Days in the desert can be hot, while nights are considerably cooler.

• Winter, June to August: average temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C. Conditions remain dry but are cooler than in summer, and nights can be cold.

• Spring/autumn, September to November and March to May: average temperatures range from 12°C to 23°C, with pleasant and persistently dry conditions.

Central Chile (Santiago, Valparaíso)

• Summer, December to February: average temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C. The weather is dry and warm, ideal for winegrowing, with little rainfall.

• Winter, June to August: average temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C. Conditions are cooler and wetter, with occasional rain. There is snow in the Andes, ideal for skiing.

• Spring/autumn, September to November and March to May: average temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C. The weather is mild, with moderate rainfall in autumn and flowering landscapes in spring.

Southern Chile (Valdivia, Puerto Montt)

• Summer, December to February: average temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C. Conditions are mild and damp, with frequent rain.

• Winter, June to August: average temperatures range from 0°C to 10°C. Conditions are cool and very wet, with frequent rain and occasional snow at higher elevations.

• Spring/autumn, September to November and March to May: average temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C. Conditions are mild, damp and often rainy.

Patagonia and Antarctica (Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales)

• Summer, December to February: average temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C. Conditions are cool and windy, with occasional rain and long days; the weather can change rapidly.

• Winter, June to August: average temperatures range from -5°C to 5°C. Conditions are very cold, windy and often snowy, with short days.

• Spring/autumn, September to November and March to May: average temperatures range from 0°C to 10°C. Conditions are cool, windy, rainy and often unsettled.

Best time to visit Chile

• Beach holidays: Dec - Feb in central Chile and along the coast.

• City breaks: Sep - Nov / Mar - May.

• Winter holidays: Jun - Aug. The winter months are ideal for skiing and snowboarding in the Andes, near Santiago and in southern resorts such as Valle Nevado and Portillo.

• Mobile phone use: using a mobile phone in Chile incurs roaming charges. Check the rates before travelling and, if necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package.

• Wi-Fi: free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, restaurants, cafés and public areas.

• Prepaid SIM cards: these can be purchased locally for calls and mobile data. Providers include Entel, Movistar, Claro and WOM.

• Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia: a spectacular nature reserve with impressive granite formations, glaciers, lakes, and rich flora and fauna. Ideal for hiking and adventure travel.

• San Pedro de Atacama, Atacama Desert: a picturesque desert village and starting point for exploring the Valle de la Luna, salt lakes and impressive geysers.

• Valparaíso: a historic port city known for its colourful houses, steep hills and lively art scene. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Santiago: Chile’s vibrant capital, with modern buildings, historic sights, numerous museums and parks.

• Easter Island (Rapa Nui): a remote island famous for its mysterious moai statues, striking landscapes and archaeological sites.

• Punta Arenas, Patagonia: a historic city at the southern tip of the mainland, serving as a gateway to Antarctica and spectacular scenery.

• Valdivia: a charming riverside city combining German architecture, lively markets and access to nearby lakes and volcanoes.

• Chiloé Islands: an archipelago known for its distinctive wooden architecture, traditional culture and UNESCO-protected wooden churches.

• Viña del Mar: a popular seaside resort with attractive beaches, elegant hotels, gardens and an annual festival.

• La Serena: an appealing coastal city with beaches, historic buildings and access to the region’s astronomical observatories.

• Puerto Varas: a picturesque town on Lake Llanquihue, known for its German architecture, views of Osorno Volcano and outdoor activities.

• Conguillío National Park: an impressive park with volcanic landscapes, ancient araucaria forests and Llaima Volcano.

• Upper Río Baker, Patagonia: a striking turquoise river in pristine surroundings, ideal for rafting and adventure travel.

• El Tatio geysers, Atacama Desert: a fascinating geothermal area, most impressive at sunrise.

• Cerro San Cristóbal, Santiago: a large park in the heart of the capital offering outstanding views of the city and the Andes, accessible by cable car or walking trails.

Travel inspiration:

• Chile: the top 10 sights for an unforgettable adventure

• Journey to Patagonia: 10 nature adventures between steppe, Andes and ice

• Asado: a popular barbecue featuring different meats such as beef, pork and lamb, often enjoyed socially with family and friends.

• Empanadas: filled pastries available in savoury and sweet varieties, commonly containing meat, cheese, seafood or vegetables.

• Ceviche: raw fish marinated in lemon or lime juice, often served with onions, coriander and chilli.

• Pastel de choclo: a traditional casserole of stewed meat and sweetcorn mash, sometimes with eggs or olives.

• Completo: Chile’s version of a hot dog, often topped with tomatoes, avocado, mayonnaise, sauerkraut and sometimes ketchup.

• Pebre: a spicy salsa made with coriander, onions, tomatoes, garlic and chilli, served with bread or grilled meat.

• Mariscos: seafood such as mussels, oysters, prawns and squid is central to the cuisine of coastal regions.

• Curanto: a traditional Chiloé dish of meat, seafood, potatoes and other ingredients cooked in a pit with hot stones.

• Chilean wine: Chile is particularly known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as the Maipo and Colchagua wine valleys.

• Mote con huesillos: a traditional drink and dessert made from dried peaches and cooked wheat kernels served in a sweet juice.

• Greetings: “Hola”, “Buenos días” and “Buenas tardes” are common. A handshake is customary on first meeting or on formal occasions; close friends and family may embrace. “Señor” and “Señora” are appropriate in business settings.

• Saying please and thank you: “Por favor” and “Gracias” are important expressions of politeness and respect.

• Clothing: dress is generally casual but neat. Smart clothing is appreciated in cities and on formal occasions. Pack for the season and for colder conditions in the Andes.

• Dining culture: meals are often social occasions and may consist of several courses. Take your time, arrive punctually when invited and observe good table manners.

• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in many public places, including restaurants, public transport and enclosed spaces. Observe designated smoking areas.

• Tipping: around 10% of the bill is customary in restaurants if service is not included. A small tip is also appreciated in hotels and taxis.

• Other: punctuality is valued, especially in business. A slight delay may be tolerated for private invitations. Basic Spanish is helpful in rural areas and smaller towns.

• Drinking-water quality: drink only water from a safe source. When travelling, use drinking water for washing dishes and brushing your teeth wherever possible. If bottled water is unavailable, use filtered, disinfected or boiled water. Cook or peel food yourself.

• Vaccinations: no specific vaccinations are generally required for entry. Travellers are nevertheless advised to keep routine vaccinations up to date, especially for diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, poliomyelitis and measles.

• Outside the capital, medical care is not available everywhere. Many hospitals require a guarantee of payment before providing treatment.

• If you depend on specific medication, carry an adequate supply. Many countries have special rules for medicines containing narcotic substances, such as methadone, and substances used to treat mental-health conditions. Check with the relevant embassy or consulate before departure.

- Information last updated in August 2026 -

• Check the media for the latest situation before and during your journey and remain in contact with your tour operator.

• More information on the current security situation is available from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

• Travel to Chile is generally considered safe.

• The social and political situation is tense. Demonstrations and strikes occur mainly in Santiago and Valparaíso and may involve property damage, violence and roadblocks affecting bystanders.

• The government may declare a state of emergency in individual areas at short notice, allowing the authorities to restrict freedom of assembly and movement or impose curfews.

• The risk of attacks cannot be ruled out.

• The crime rate, including homicide, is elevated and varies considerably by location and district. Snatch theft and armed robbery occur, often involving violence. Kidnappings by organised criminal groups also occur.

  • Ask local contacts or your hotel about local conditions and neighbourhoods to avoid.

  • Exercise particular caution in central Santiago and Valparaíso. Theft and violent attacks are frequent in Valparaíso, particularly in the lower part of the city and on streets popular with visitors along the hills.

  • Avoid poorer residential areas, especially at night.

  • Park only in guarded car parks.

  • Do not exchange money on the street.

  • Do not wear conspicuous or valuable jewellery.

  • Do not resist an attacker.

- Information last updated in August 2026 -

• Driving licence: the Swiss driving licence is recognised. For tourist rental cars in category B, an international driving permit is strongly recommended and required; it is valid only together with the national licence. For all other vehicle categories, an international permit is compulsory in addition to the national licence. It is available from TCS contact points or the road traffic office in the traveller’s canton of residence.

• Car hire: the minimum age is between 21 and 25, depending on the company and vehicle type. Taking a hire vehicle into neighbouring countries is prohibited.

• Traffic rules: drive on the right. Usual speed limits for cars are 60 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h outside built-up areas and 120 km/h on motorways.

• Vehicle equipment: CH sticker, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and warning triangle compulsory.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.3 ‰.

• Long-distance trains: the rail network is mainly used for freight and passenger trains operate only on a limited number of routes. Coaches and flights are the usual options for longer distances.

• Regional trains: some services connect cities and nearby communities, including Santiago and Rancagua, but the network remains limited.

• Buses: these are the main form of intercity and regional transport. Numerous companies operate domestic and international routes with varying levels of comfort.

• Metro/tram: Santiago has an extensive, clean, safe and relatively punctual metro system. Trams are uncommon.

• Tickets: Santiago’s metro and some bus routes use the rechargeable “Bip!” card. Long-distance coach tickets can be booked online or purchased at bus terminals.

• Other: taxis are widespread in urban areas and services such as Uber and Cabify are available. Some cities also have bicycle-hire schemes. Check transport availability in advance when travelling to remote regions.

There are currently no direct flights between Zurich, Geneva or Basel and Santiago. Connections from Switzerland usually involve a change in Madrid (MAD), Paris (CDG) or São Paulo (GRU), depending on the departure airport, airline and travel date.

Important airports in Chile:

• Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), Santiago: Chile’s principal international gateway and the usual arrival airport for travellers from Switzerland.

• Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport (ANF), Antofagasta: an important airport for northern Chile and the coastal Atacama region.

• Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ), Iquique: serves Iquique and the far north of Chile.

• El Tepual International Airport (PMC), Puerto Montt: an important gateway to the Lake District, Chiloé and northern Patagonia.

• Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (PUQ), Punta Arenas: the main air gateway to southern Patagonia and a departure point for travel towards Antarctica.

With the exception of Santiago, these airports are reached from Switzerland mainly via domestic connections. The main airlines operating in Chile include LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline and JetSMART; other international airlines also serve Santiago.

00 41 (disregard '0' preceding Swiss area codes)

• Police: 133

• Fire brigade: 132

• Ambulance: 131

Embajada de Suiza
Américo Vespucio Sur 100, piso 14
Las Condes
Santiago de Chile
Chile

Tel. +56 2 2 928 01 00
Email: santiago@eda.admin.ch

Specific legal provisions

• Drinking alcohol in public squares, parks and similar places is prohibited.

• Insulting state institutions or senior political figures is an offence under the Internal Security Act.

• Even minor violations of narcotics legislation, involving any type of drug, are punishable by lengthy prison sentences. Proceedings are protracted.

Natural hazards

• Chile lies in an earthquake zone and has numerous volcanoes. Strong earthquakes can cause tsunamis; tsunamis triggered elsewhere in the Pacific can also reach Chile.

• Heavy rain can cause landslides, infrastructure damage and travel disruption, and rapidly turn dry desert streambeds into torrents or mudslides.

• There is a risk of fires and wildfires in many areas, particularly in summer.

• Check forecasts and follow warnings and instructions from the authorities, including exclusion zones around active volcanoes and evacuation orders. Further information: Dirección Meteorológica de Chile and Servicio Nacional de Prevención y Respuesta ante Desastres (Senapred).

• Sometimes extreme and rapidly changing weather requires careful preparation and suitable equipment. Conditions can change very quickly in southern Chile and in the mountains.

• Hike and climb mountains or volcanoes only with qualified local guides.

• When visiting national parks, notify CONAF of your planned route when paying the entrance fee.

• If a natural disaster occurs during your stay, contact your relatives as soon as possible and follow the authorities’ instructions. If communications abroad are disrupted, contact the Swiss embassy in Santiago.

Specific regional risks

• Border areas with Peru, Bolivia and Argentina remain partly mined, including locations near tourist destinations and in some nature reserves. Keep to well-used roads and observe warning signs. Violent smuggling and drug-trafficking gangs operate particularly along the borders with Peru and Bolivia. Use a local guide and verify the security situation.

• A state of emergency has been in force in the Araucanía and Biobío regions since 2021. Criminal groups carry out attacks against the timber industry, landowners, transport companies, government offices and security forces. The conflict frequently leads to roadblocks and attacks causing injuries and deaths. Keep informed, follow the authorities’ instructions and exercise the utmost caution.