The U.S. Department of Travel has issued a warning for American tourists traveling to Chile.
The Level 2 travel advisory urges U.S. citizens to be alert due to the ‘continuing robberies and assaults’ in the metropolitan area of the capital Santiago, which includes the area around Santiago International Airport, Valparaiso and Viña del Mar.
The security alert, which was issued September 10, reminds travers to ‘remain alert and vigilant in public areas.’
Travelers should be cautious of pickpockets when visiting places like Persa Bio Bío, the biggest market in Santiago; Cerro Santa Lucia, the historic center in Santiago; and Estación Mapoco, the former train station that was converted into a cultural center, among other places.
The U.S. Department of Travel issued on September 10 a travel advisor for U.S. citizens visiting the metropolitan area of Santiago, the capital of Chile. The alert said travelers should ‘remain alert and vigilant in public areas’
According to Chilean government data, 137,644 thefts and 55,563 robberies were documented in the first six months of 2024 in Chile
‘Maintain a low profile in public and avoid going out alone, especially after dark,’ the travel advisory stated. ‘Travel in groups even in well-lit areas.’
According to Chilean government data, 137,644 thefts and 55,563 robberies were documented in the first six months of 2024 in the country.
In comparison, 143,897 thefts and 95,303 robberies were registered in the same period last year.
‘Do not physically resist any robbery attempt,’ the security alert indicated.
The U.S. Department of Travel suggested that travelers should refrain from exposing ‘excessive jewelry, electronics and carrying and flashing large sums of cash.’
The U.S. Department of Travel released a travel advisory on September 10 for Santiago, the capital of Chile, and the metropolitan area cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso, which are popular destinations for Americans traveling to the South American nation
The agency reminded its U.S. citizens that they should notify close family members or friends if they intend to travel to Chile and to provide contact information.
In addition, the travel alert noted that vehicles rented ‘are easily identified with stickers’ and warned travelers to ‘not accept help from strangers offering to fix your car.’
In May, the U.S. Department of State issued a worldwide advisory due to the possibility of ‘terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.’
‘The Department of State is aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events and advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,’ the note read.
