Chile customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Chile enforces one of the world's strictest agricultural controls: even a single apple or sandwich can trigger fines up to 500,000 CLP and confiscation. All food, plants, and animal products must be declared on the SAG form. Non-resident adults arriving by air in 2026 must comply with these rules, which are enforced independently of standard customs declarations.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Duty-free value up to 500 USD (approx. 470,000 CLP).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare if carrying 10,000 USD or more (or equivalent in CLP, approx. 9,400,000 CLP). Use the Customs Declaration Form (Formulario de Declaración de Aduanas) at the red channel.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to 500 USD (approx. 470,000 CLP). For goods between 500 and 1,500 USD, a flat 6% duty applies. Above 1,500 USD, standard duty rates apply.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances without a permit
  • Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats (unless from approved countries with a phytosanitary certificate)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated products
  • Endangered species products (CITES) without a permit
  • Firearms and ammunition without a police permit
  • Pornographic material (child exploitation content is strictly banned)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require ISP import permit)
  • Drones (must be registered with the DGAC and have a permit for use)
  • Satellite phones (require a permit from the Subsecretaría de Telecomunicaciones)
  • Plants and seeds (require a phytosanitary certificate from SAG)
  • Cash over 10,000 USD (must declare)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting your luggage, proceed to customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. If you have goods exceeding the allowance, cash over 10,000 USD, or any food/plants, use the red channel and fill out the SAG agricultural declaration form. The customs declaration is done on a single form; no separate arrival card is needed.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Tourists can claim back 19% VAT (IVA) on purchases over 100,000 CLP per store. Look for stores displaying 'Tax Free Shopping' or 'Global Blue'. Get the form stamped at the airport's Tax Free counter before check-in. Refund is processed at the airport or via credit card.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 90 days are allowed with a prescription in Spanish or English. Controlled substances (e.g., opioids, stimulants) require a prior import permit from the Chilean Ministry of Health (ISP). Some common Western medications like codeine-containing painkillers are controlled — carry a doctor's note.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared on the SAG (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero) form. Banned items include fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and honey from most countries. Failure to declare can result in fines of up to 500,000 CLP and confiscation.

Rules worth knowing

SAG Agricultural Declaration

Every arriving passenger must complete the SAG agricultural declaration form, even if carrying no food. This is separate from the customs form. Failure to declare any food item can result in an on-the-spot fine of 500,000 CLP.

Duty-Free Allowance is Per Person

The 500 USD duty-free allowance is per adult traveller, not per family. Children under 18 have a reduced allowance of 250 USD. Combine with alcohol/tobacco limits.

Used Personal Effects Are Exempt

Used personal items (clothing, toiletries, electronics) for your trip are generally duty-free, but new items in original packaging may be counted toward the 500 USD allowance.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but you must register it with the DGAC (Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil) before arrival. You also need a permit to fly it in Chile. Unregistered drones can be confiscated.
No, personal electronics for your own use are generally exempt. But if they are new and in original packaging, customs may count them toward your 500 USD duty-free allowance.
For goods valued between 500 and 1,500 USD, you pay a flat 6% duty on the excess. Above 1,500 USD, standard duty rates apply. You must declare the goods at the red channel.
Yes, you can buy duty-free wine at the airport or bring up to 2 liters of wine/beer in your luggage. But if you are re-entering Chile, the allowance is 2 liters of wine/beer OR 1 liter of spirits.
Yes, 200 cigarettes, OR 50 cigars, OR 250g of tobacco. You cannot combine them. Must be 18+.
You need a prior import permit from the Instituto de Salud Pública (ISP). Carry the prescription in Spanish or English. Without the permit, the medication may be confiscated.
No. All food items, including sandwiches, fruits, and nuts, must be declared on the SAG form. If you have them, you must dispose of them in the bins before customs or declare them. Undeclared food can result in a fine.

Official source

Servicio Nacional de Aduanas (Chile Customs)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Servicio Nacional de Aduanas (Chile Customs) before travelling.