Chile - Customs

Chile Customs Procedures for Yachts

Customs Declaration:

See the Quarantine section in Clearance for details of the Customs Declaration form.

NOTE: There are numerous anecdotes of the extremely stringent Customs policy, particularly when the Customs Declaration Form is checked against in-person inspections. If in doubt, mark "yes" – then let the official sort it out during the inspection. If you mark "no" and then you are found to have a controlled item aboard, you are liable for fines and additional trouble.

Length of Stay:

• Any foreign yacht entering Chile gets a 12 month temporary import permit issued by the Aduana/Customs [Admisión Temporal para Naves Civiles Extranjeros]. It may be renewed for another 12 months by application to the original issuing office before the first 12 months have expired.
• You sign your temporary import stating that you are not chartering (see Restrictions for further details).
• If a vessel is left and the owner travels abroad, a nominated Chilean resident should have power of attorney notarized (Poder Simple) and this be 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.
• Carry your Admisión Temporal para Naves Civiles Extranjeros with you if returning to Chile by air after a trip home. This allows you to import boat stores without duty.

Other Customs Requirements:

Firearms must be declared.

Last updated:  September 2023