Chile adds Andes virus health risk to Level 2 travel advisory

Andes virus flag added to Chile's Level 2 advisory

The U.S. Department of State updated its Chile travel advisory on May 20 to attach a Health (H) risk indicator tied to Andes hantavirus, while keeping the country at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. The U.S. Embassy in Santiago issued a parallel Health Alert the same day.

The indicator links to a CDC Level 1 Travelers' Health Notice, the lowest tier, which flags a recognized disease presence but calls the risk to most travelers "extremely low." No new entry screenings, vaccines or documents are required because of the change. Crime and civil unrest remain the primary drivers of Chile's Level 2 status.

Who carries the higher exposure

The advisory applies to all U.S. citizens in Chile, including tourists, retirees, students, business travelers and long-term visa updates holders. Embassy guidance is directed at both visitors and foreign residents.

Urban exposure is minimal. Travelers sticking to Santiago, Valparaíso, Atacama tour circuits or Patagonia with established operators face very low direct risk from Andes virus, per the State Department notice. Higher risk concentrates among nomads and expats who:

• Live or work in rural areas, particularly in southern and Andean regions
• Spend extended time in agriculture, construction or outdoor tourism work
• Camp, hike or stay in cabins where rodent contact is possible

Australian and Canadian advisories for Chile continue to emphasize security rather than health and haven't mirrored the U.S. update.

Steps for residents and long-stay nomads

Andes virus spreads primarily through contact with rodent droppings, urine or saliva, so prevention centers on avoiding rodent exposure in rural lodging and sealing food storage, the CDC said.

For long-stay foreign residents, the embassy recommends confirming health coverage works inside Chile. Practical checks:

• Verify enrollment in FONASA (public) or an ISAPRE (private) plan if resident or hold international insurance covering hospitalization
• Add medical evacuation coverage if based outside major cities, since high-acuity care concentrates in Santiago and regional capitals
• Review the CDC Chile page before travel into remote zones

The advisory doesn't change residency rules, visa categories or insurance mandates. It is a communication flag, not a regulation.

Read our full Chile guide for the complete picture.