Chile

Current situation

Wildfires are burning in central Chile. On 18 January 2026, the Chilean Government declared a State of Catastrophe in Ñuble and Biobío regions. 

Evacuation orders, curfews and warnings are in effect for multiple regions, including:

• Ñuble
• Biobío
• La Araucanía
• O’Higgins

Stay away from impacted regions. If you are near a wildfire:

• follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel, including evacuation orders
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

For further guidance on wildfires, including the times and locations of any further curfews, visit the website of Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Servicio Nacional de Prevención y Respuesta ante Desastres (SERNAPRED) (in Spanish).

Overview

There are more significant safety or security concerns than you would usually find in New Zealand because of crime and the potential for violent civil unrest that can turn violent.

There are also high rates of petty crime and theft in Chile, especially in areas visited by tourists and foreigners.

Protests and demonstrations happen regularly in Chile, especially in major cities. Police may use tear gas or water cannons to disperse crowds.

Other things that New Zealanders travelling or living in Chile should be aware of are:

• Natural disasters - follow the advice of local authorities if a natural disaster happens. 
• Civil conflict - there is an ongoing conflict between protest groups and government authorities in the Araucania and Biobio regions
• Terrorism - there have been small-scale bomb attacks and threats in Santiago. 

There are more significant safety or security concerns than you would usually find in New Zealand because of crime and the potential for violent civil unrest that can turn violent.

There are also high rates of petty crime and theft in Chile, especially in areas visited by tourists and foreigners.

Protests and demonstrations happen regularly in Chile, especially in major cities. Police may use tear gas or water cannons to disperse crowds.

Other things that New Zealanders travelling or living in Chile should be aware of are:

• Natural disasters—follow the advice of local authorities if a natural disaster happens. 
• Civil conflict - there is an ongoing conflict between protest groups and government authorities in the Araucania and BioBio regions
• Terrorism—there have been small-scale bomb attacks and threats in Santiago. 

See below for detailed travel advice.

Nearest office