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Foreign Office issues Chile warning as protests turn violent
Travellers to Chile are being warned of possible flight disruption due to ongoing violent street protests, which have already claimed at least seven lives.
A State of Emergency was declared in the capital Santiago last Friday, which is due to last 15 days. On Saturday, this was extended to include Valparaiso, Concepcion, La Serena, Coquimbo and Rancagua.
The UK Foreign Office (FCO) is warning visitors that they ‘should expect to see heavy military presence in these cities during this time’.
It also warned that there have been reports of delays to both domestic and international flights, although British Airways’ services to and from Santiago appear to be running on time today.
All of Santiago’s public transport – including the metro and buses – was suspended over the weekend, and there is expected to be a very limited service today.
Other cities may close their public transport system, warned the FCO.
Curfews were in place in several cities last night. "You should observe a curfew where it is in place, remain vigilant, monitor local media for updates and avoid protests and demonstrations," added the FCO.
"If you need to travel from Santiago airport during curfew, show your boarding pass to the authorities as this should ensure safe passage to the airport.
"If you arrive at Santiago airport during the curfew the airport authorities will give you a ‘salvoconducto’ (safe conduct pass) to be able to leave the airport."
Around 80,000 British nationals visit Chile each year.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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