Customs in Punta Arenas have announced new, tighter Customs rules in response to certain foreign yachts being left in Chile, overstaying their temporary import or neglecting to renew.
Any foreign yacht entering Chile will now get a 90-day temporary import permit. This is renewable for a further 90 days and again up to one year without issue and possibly beyond in certain circumstances.
If a vessel is left and the owner travels abroad, a nominated Chilean resident should have power of attorney notarized and this lodged with the nearest customs authority.
If the temporary import comes up for renewal, it can only be extended by the owner/Captain if he/she is in Chile at the time. Otherwise, the nominated resident individual will have to apply for the extensions.
