Emergency Help Abroad – Chile

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Chile — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL LAWS

• Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offence, with long prison sentences.

• Carrying weapons, including certain knives or sprays, is prohibited without lawful reason.

• Drink-driving laws are strict and strictly enforced.

• Bringing illegal substances into or out of Chile leads to immediate arrest.

• Alcohol consumption is restricted in some public areas; police may intervene if behaviour becomes disorderly.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Respect is expected when visiting churches, Indigenous sites and remote communities.

• Littering in urban areas, beaches or national parks can lead to fines.

• Public displays of affection are usually acceptable but may be less welcomed in conservative areas.

• Graffiti or vandalism of public or cultural property is a criminal offence.

• Always respect Indigenous customs, including in Mapuche and Atacameño regions.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police can request identification — carry your passport or a clear copy.

• Petty crime, including bag-snatching, pickpocketing and theft, can occur in busy neighbourhoods.

• Avoid walking alone late at night in quiet streets or parks.

• Demonstrations occur in major cities — foreigners should avoid involvement.

• Attempting to bribe police or officials is illegal.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Public transport requires valid tickets — fare evasion may lead to fines.

• Road conditions vary; always follow speed limits and driving laws.

• Only use official taxis or reputable apps; avoid unregistered or unofficial vehicles.

• Overstaying your visa or tourist permit can lead to fines or denied exit.

• Some regions, including near the Bolivian or Peruvian borders, may restrict access without proper permits.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Avoid photographing police stations, military bases, border facilities or key infrastructure.

• Drone use is regulated and requires registration in many areas; flying near airports or crowded zones is prohibited.

• In Indigenous communities, always ask permission before photographing people or ceremonies.

• Museums and historic buildings may have photography restrictions — check signage.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAWS

• Removing rocks, flora or volcanic materials from protected areas is illegal.

• Hiking off marked trails in national parks such as Torres del Paine can be dangerous and may incur penalties.

• Lighting fires is highly restricted, especially during summer — forest fire risk is significant.

• Swimming in rivers or lakes with strong currents or glacial temperatures is risky.

• Damaging marine ecosystems, including tide pools and coastal habitats, is prohibited.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Damaging archaeological sites, petroglyphs, or historic buildings is a criminal offence.

• Removing fossils, artefacts or natural materials from heritage zones is illegal.

• Entering Indigenous land without permission is forbidden.

• Purchasing souvenirs made from endangered species is prohibited.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels comfortable or commonplace in the UK may not be interpreted the same way in Chile.

• Don’t underestimate distances between destinations, as Chile stretches thousands of kilometres north to south.

• Don’t ignore weather conditions in Patagonia, where strong winds and sudden storms are common.

• Don’t hike in Torres del Paine or other parks without adequate gear, maps and clothing.

• Don’t treat the Atacama Desert like a casual day trip, and always carry water and protection from sun and cold nights.

• Don’t join protests or demonstrations, which can be unpredictable and sometimes confrontational.

• Don’t drink tap water without checking, especially in remote or rural areas.

• Don’t underestimate the strength of UV radiation, particularly at high altitudes and in the desert.

• Don’t leave valuables visible in cars, especially at viewpoints or trailheads.

• Don’t stray from marked paths in national parks, to protect fragile ecosystems and avoid hazards.

• Don’t attempt to cross mountain passes in winter without local advice, as snow closures are common.

• Don’t take photos of military bases or strategic infrastructure, such as border posts.

• Don’t litter in parks, lakes or wilderness areas, as Chile takes conservation seriously.

• Don’t ignore tsunami evacuation signs in coastal towns, particularly in a seismically active country.

• Don’t bring fruit, plants or animal products across borders without checking biosecurity rules.

• Don’t rely solely on card payments in very small towns, where cash is still used widely.

• Don’t disregard local instructions about swimming in rivers, lakes or the Pacific, where currents are cold and strong.

• Don’t underestimate altitude around the Andes, especially on high plateau routes.

• Don’t cycle or drive recklessly on coastal or mountain roads, which may lack barriers.

• Don’t treat indigenous communities or their crafts as mere photo props, and show respect when visiting their territories.

• Don’t assume all parts of Santiago are equally safe at night, and seek local advice on where to go.