VISAS AND ENTRY TO CHILE

Every visitor to Chile must have a valid passport and, if required, a visa.

A visa is not required for citizens of the European Union, the USA, Canada, and most major countries. Visitors from South American countries can enter Chile using their National ID for a period of up to 90 days.

If you need a visa, the application must be completed at the Chilean Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin or permanent residence, at least three months prior to the conference.

Please contact your local Chilean Embassy or Consulate for further details. Additional official information can be found here: https://serviciomigraciones.cl/en/permanencia-transitoria-permit/subcategories/tourists/

TRANSPORTATION AND ARRIVAL

How do I get from the airport to central Santiago or the Universidad Diego Portales (UDP)?

The Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is about 20–25 minutes from downtown Santiago.

• Official taxis and airport transfers are available in the arrivals area (Taxi Oficial)
• Ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Cabify, and Didi operate in Santiago
• Public transport: the Centropuerto bus connects the airport with Los Héroes Metro Station, a few blocks from the UDP campus

Where is the conference venue?

The RCSL 2026 Annual Meeting will take place at the Universidad Diego Portales (UDP) – Central Campus, located in the República district, in downtown Santiago.

ACCOMMODATION AND RECOMMENDED AREAS

Which neighborhoods are recommended for accommodation?

We recommend the following districts for their safety, accessibility, and cultural life: Lastarria, Bellas Artes, Providencia, and Ñuñoa. These areas offer a wide range of hotels, apartments, cafés, restaurants, and bookstores.

A list of hotels and special rates for conference participants will be announced soon.

Should I book early?

Yes. August is a busy month in Santiago with many cultural and academic events. We encourage participants to make reservations well in advance.

CULTURAL AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION

What is the weather like in August?

August is late winter in Santiago. Temperatures typically range from 5°C to 18°C (41°F–65°F), with cool mornings and mild afternoons. Bring a warm jacket and comfortable shoes.

Which cultural sites and attractions are recommended?

Santiago offers a rich mix of history, art, and architecture. We suggest:

• National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes) – Chile's main art museum, located in Parque Forestal
• Pre-Columbian Art Museum (Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino) – one of Latin America's most important collections of pre-Hispanic art
• GAM – Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center – a major contemporary cultural venue with exhibitions, theater, and cafés
• Los Dominicos Cultural Center – traditional crafts, local art, and a glimpse of Chilean folk culture
• Bahá'í Temple of South America – an impressive architectural landmark overlooking the Andes
• Cerro San Cristóbal – take the funicular to enjoy panoramic views of Santiago and the mountains

Other recommended places include the Santa Lucía Hill, Lastarria neighborhood (for bookstores, design, and gastronomy), and day trips to Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, or nearby vineyards such as Concha y Toro, Santa Rita, and Undurraga.

Where can I exchange money or buy a SIM card?

Currency exchange offices are located at the airport and in downtown Santiago (Agustinas and Ahumada streets). Prepaid SIM cards are sold by WOM, Entel, and Movistar at convenience stores and mobile shops.

What local food should I try?

Typical Chilean dishes include empanadas de pino, pastel de choclo (corn pie), caldillo de congrio (conger eel stew) and cazuela (traditional stew). Don't miss a glass of Chilean wine or a pisco sour, the country's signature cocktail.

Still have questions?

Please contact the organizing team at [email protected] – we'll be happy to help you plan your trip and participation in the RCSL 2026 Annual Meeting in Santiago.