COVID-19: Santiago lockdown, immigration services remain limited

IMPACT – HIGH

Chile has implemented a temporary lockdown in Santiago, and some public services remain limited to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

• A seven-day lockdown in Santiago, Chile’s largest city, began the evening of May 15. Residents must use either a passport or Chilean ID to apply for an online permit to leave their homes.
• Immigration and International Police offices remain closed, though limited services are available online. Online work permit applications were suspended for nationals from Brazil, China, Cuba, Haiti and Peru, but may still be submitted for nationals from other countries. Chilean consulates abroad remain closed to the public.
• Air travel remains suspended and land borders remain closed, with limited exceptions. Foreigners are not allowed to enter the country as tourists. Only Chilean nationals and foreigners with resident status may enter Chile.

Additional information: The Chilean government closed borders and immigration offices in March. In April, the inbound travel suspension was extended, and Immigration and International police offices remained closed.

Analysis & Comments: The Santiago lockdown and limited immigration services will impact the movement of people into Chile. Delays should be expected. It is possible that the lockdown will be extended, and Deloitte will provide updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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