Tag: April

  • Chile Removes Entry Requirements on April 14

    Chile Removes Entry Requirements on April 14

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    Chilean authorities announced on Tuesday that starting on Thursday, April 14th, international travelers will no longer be required to present proof of vaccination or a PCR test to enter.

    This means that travelers from all nations, regardless of vaccination status, can once again enter Chile test-free and quarantine-free.

    skyline of Santiago, Chile

    After this announcement, Chile became the 31st country in the World to remove most entry requirements, just one day after Greece announced dropping COVID-related demands, and the second country in South America, right after Argentina

    According to the information shared on the Chilean news website Diario Financiero, the undersecretary of Public Health, Cristóbal Cuadrado, explained that travelers without a complete vaccination series certificate approved by Chilean authorities will be allowed to enter the country, but will not get a health card that is required to do certain activities such as enter specific restaurants or bars.

    women required qr code of health pass to guest at resturant entry

    Covid tests will not be required either, but some passengers might be asked to take one, Cuadrado said that non-resident tourists could be randomly selected upon arrival for a mandatory test.

    The Chilean government also recently announced that they will open land borders starting on May 1, and starting on April 14th masks will no longer be required outdoors. However, face coverings will still be required in regions like Arica, Tarapacá, and Isla de Pascua.

    Young woman hiking near Fitz Roy mountain in Patagonia

    Chile has been consistent in prioritizing very strict rules for travelers, but has been easing measures within the past few days. The Chilean population represents one most successful inoculation cases in the World as 93,58% of the population has at least two vaccination doses.

    What Travelers Must Know Before Traveling to Chile

    Woman looking somewhere at the Andes mountains near Santiago de Chile

    Now that Chile removed its most strict travel rules and joined the list of countries without COVID entry requirements, more tourists —especially hikers and nature lovers— will be interested in visiting this fascinating destination. 

    Those traveling across Latin America, will now be able to include Chile as part of their route, and they can enter through the main land borders between Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, or by air through international airports. 

    Tourist Aboard Bus Tour Photographing Desolate Scenery In New Zealand

    There are still a few requirements US and Canadian travelers must consider prior to arrival. The International airport—Arturo Merino Benítez— in Santiago, Chile’s capital, recently shared valuable information for travelers on Instagram. These are the main considerations for travelers starting on April 14: 

    • Passengers must fill out the C19 form, an affidavit for travelers, prior to arrival.
    • A PCR test will not be required upon arrival
    • The validation of vaccination certificates will be optional, those who don’t do it won’t get access to the local “Pase de Movilidad”, a virtual health certificate to enter certain establishments and perform certain activities. (more about this below)
    • Random COVID tests could be performed, those who test positive must be isolated for 7 days.
    • Proof of travel health insurance is still required, specifically a policy that includes medical coverage in the case of covid-19 infection.

    Pase de Movibilidad – The Vaccine Passport Program Inside Chile

    While proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter Chile, they still have a pretty robust internal vaccine passport program in effect. Travelers will need to validate their vaccine certificates so they can access the Pase de Movibilidad app to enter indoor dining, domestic travel, cinemas, and theatres, organized tours, and large events like concerts or sports games.

    It’s not an easy approval either. Travelers who want to validate their vaccination certificates —must have at least 3 doses— validated by the Chilean Ministry of Health, have to create an account at the site mevacuno.gob.cl, fill out the form of manual verification, and attach images of the ID document and a profile picture. Once submitted, they will get a response via email within 48 to 72 hours.

    In addition to these considerations, travelers must stay up to date with recent announcements since local alert levels might change depending on the increase of covid cases and authorities’ criteria. 

    It in unkown when the Chilean government might retire the Pase de Movibilidad program, as they just recently created the booster shot requirement weeks ago.

    Fewer restrictions, more travel

    Not being required to take a PCR test 72 hours before entering Chile is great news for many travelers, as PCR-type tests can be expensive, and since they are used less than antigens in 2022, harder to find.

    Also, since the travel considerations are similar for land entry, starting in May, travelers visiting Argentina can now easily include Chile in their itineraries. 

    As these neighboring countries remove covid restrictions and open borders, more adventurers will find it easier to tour Patagonia, see Chilean and Argentinian glaciers and also have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Torres del Paine and the Fits Roy in the same journey. 

    The Metropolitan region also has plenty of entertainment for travelers and the coastal cities have beautiful landscapes and delicious food.

    Read More:

    Greece Becomes 30th Country To Remove All Entry Requirements

    Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 In 2022

    Countries Without Any Travel Restrictions Or Entry Requirements

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    Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories



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  • U.S. To Allow Gender-Neutral Passport Applications From April 11

    U.S. To Allow Gender-Neutral Passport Applications From April 11

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    The White House and State Department have announced from April 11, 2022, all U.S. citizens have the option of gender-neutral passport applications.

    The move will enable transgender U.S. citizens to select “X” as a gender marker on their passport applications. 

    The White House said in a statement: “Every American deserves the freedom to be themselves,”

    “But far too many transgender Americans still face systemic barriers, discrimination, and acts of violence.”

    The U.S. government said they wanted the announcement to mark a “Transgender Day of Visibility.”

    They added, “We reaffirm our commitment to promoting and protecting the freedom, dignity, and equality of all persons – including transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming persons around the world.”

    What Does This Mean For Passport Applications?

    The definition of the X gender marker will become “unspecified or another gender identity.” The new gender definition will become available in documents next year, according to the U.S. State Department. Transgender Americans will no longer need to have medical certification for their gender identity if it doesn’t match the marker on their birth certificate. 

    Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, started: “Starting on April 11, U.S. citizens will be able to select an X as their gender marker on their U.S. passport application, and the option will become available for other forms of documentation next year.”

    The U.S. State Department added: “After thoughtful consideration of the research conducted and feedback from community members, we concluded that the definition of the X gender marker on State Department public forms will be ‘Unspecified or another gender identity.’  This definition is respectful of individuals’ privacy while advancing inclusion.”

    American Traveler Holding US Passport And Vaccination Card

    The Response From The U.S. Public 

    Last June, the U.S. State Department announced the initiation of the X gender marker on U.S. passports to allow Americans to self-select their own marker between male and female. 

    At the time, Human Rights Campaign President—Alphonso David—said: “This is an important step toward achieving meaningful progress for LGBTQ equality in America, and will empower and enable millions of citizens to travel domestically and internationally with greater confidence that the United States recognizes their gender identity,”

    The United States issued its first passport with an “X” gender designation last October to Dana Zzyym. Dana Zzyym said: “I almost burst into tears when I opened the envelope, pulled out my new passport, and saw the ‘X’ stamped boldly under ‘sex,’

    “It took six years, but to have an accurate passport, one that doesn’t force me to identify as male or female but recognizes I am neither, is liberating.”

    The Department of Homeland Security also announced various advancements for transgender Americans when traveling, such as:

    • More advanced screening technology 
    • Less invasive screening procedures 
    • An update to the TSA Pre-Check program to include the X gender marker 

    How To Apply For A U.S. Passport

    After two years of travel challenges, many Americans are applying for a passport or renewing their passport for the first time in years.

    Here are the steps:

    • Gather your evidence of U.S citizenship; this can include a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. Certificate of Citizenship, or a U.S. Certificate of Naturalization
    • Complete the passport application form (Form DS-11)
    • Take a U.S passport photograph 
    • Gather all your documents 
    • Book an appointment. You’ll need to make a written note of the appointment confirmation number, the date and time of your appointment, and the appointment password. 
    • Pay your passport fees during the appointment 
    • Wait for your passport delivery 

    As travel resumes, now is an excellent time to apply for a passport, or check to make sure your current passport doesn’t need renewing.

    Read more:

    Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19

    5 Destinations Within 4 Hours Of The U.S. With Normal Entry Requirements

    ↓ Join the community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

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    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

    Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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