U.S. State Department Issues Level 2 Travel Warning for Chile

The U.S. Department of State on Thursday elevated Chile to a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution travel advisory due to crime and civil unrest in the country.

In the advisory, the State Department warns that street crime, including muggings, pickpocketing, and theft, is common in Chile, and rates of violent crime are increasing. Large-scale demonstrations are also frequent in Santiago and other cities.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Embassy in Santiago cautioned Americans about pickpocketing and robberies in the country.

However, the advisory is not a warning against travel to Chile. It places the country in the same category as France, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, and many other popular destinations for U.S. tourists. Instead, it advises Americans to remain vigilant if they travel to Chile.

As with other Level 2 advisories, the State Department offers guidance to stay safe in Chile, including not leaving luggage unattended, even in locked vehicles, avoiding demonstrations, and enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that allows Americans traveling abroad to register their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.