The U.S. Department of Travel has issued a warning for American tourists traveling to Chile.
The Level 2 travel alert urges U.S. citizens to be on alert due to “continued 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 on September 10, reminds travelers to “remain alert and vigilant in public areas.”
Travelers should be wary of pickpockets when visiting places like Persa Bio Bío, Santiago’s largest market; Cerro Santa Lucía, Santiago’s historic center; and Estación Mapoco, the former train station that was turned into a cultural center, among other places.
The U.S. Department of Travel issued an alert on Sept. 10 for U.S. citizens visiting the metropolitan area of Santiago, Chile’s capital. The alert said travelers should “remain alert and vigilant in public areas.”
According to data from the Chilean Government, in the first six months of 2024, 137,644 thefts and 55,563 robberies were documented in Chile
“Keep a low profile in public and avoid going out alone, especially after dark,” the travel advisory warns. “Travel in groups even in well-lit areas.”
According to data from the Chilean government, in the first six months of 2024, 137,644 thefts and 55,563 robberies were documented in the country.
In comparison, in the same period last year there were 143,897 thefts and 95,303 robberies.
“Do not physically resist any attempted robbery,” the security alert states.
The U.S. Department of Travel suggested that travelers should refrain from displaying “excessive jewelry and electronic items, as well as carrying and displaying large sums of cash.”
The U.S. Department of Travel issued a travel advisory on Sept. 10 for Chile’s capital, Santiago, and the metropolitan area cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, which are popular destinations for Americans traveling to the South American nation.
The agency reminded U.S. citizens to notify close relatives or friends if they intend to travel to Chile and provide contact information.
Additionally, the travel alert noted that rental vehicles “are easily identified by stickers” and warned travelers “not to accept help from strangers offering to fix your car.”
In May, the U.S. State Department issued a global 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 violence inspired by foreign terrorist organizations against LGBTQI+ individuals and events and advises U.S. citizens abroad to exercise extreme caution,” the statement reads.
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