Travel abroad with Minors (Chile)

If a child or adolescent (under 18 years of age) leaves Chile without traveling with both parents , a valid permit is usually required . Without it, the Investigative Police ( PDI ) can prevent their departure. (Art. 49 of the Minors' Law).

When do I need permission?

You need permission if the minor is traveling:

• Only

• With only one parent

• With another person (grandparents, uncles, school, family friend, etc.)

What should the permit look like?

The permit can be:

• At a notary's office (public deed or document signed and authorized before a notary).

• Court ruling authorizing the departure (only applies in cases where one of the parents refuses to authorize or is unlocatable).

What documents should be taken when leaving?

• Child's birth certificate . If it was issued abroad, it must be apostilled and translated into Spanish .

• Authorization for departure notarized by a public notary, or

• Court ruling (if applicable).

If the family is foreign

These rules apply even if the minor or their parents are foreign residents in Chile.

• If the birth certificate is from another country, it usually needs to be apostilled (and translated if it is not in Spanish) to be used formally in Chile.

• If they are diplomats (official residents), the permit can be obtained from the Consulate of the father/mother's country, unless the minor or one of the parents is Chilean (in that case, that route does not apply).

Recommendations

• Do it in advance: ideally 15 days before the trip to the notary.

• If you have to go to court, it could take weeks or months : avoid buying tickets without the permit (if applicable).

• Check that the permit clearly states the destination, dates, and who is accompanying the minor.