Travel authorization for minors leaving Chile

Hi there,

We’re heading to Chile for two weeks at the end of December. I’m traveling with my son (17 years old). His mom, whom I’m divorced from, won’t be with us.

I’ve read on several sites—including official Chilean ones—that a Chilean exit permit is required for minors if they’re not accompanied by both parents. According to these sites, this authorization needs to be done at the Chilean consulate in Paris and then legalized upon arrival in Santiago.

This formality seems really cumbersome for French tourists who arrive together and leave together just two weeks later...

Has anyone here got reliable info on this? Thanks,

Thomas

Hi there,

It’s the PDI, the *Policía de Investigaciones* (Chile’s equivalent of the Judicial Police), that handles immigration control upon arrival in Chile and when leaving the country.

On their official website ((https://www.pdichile.cl/instituci%C3%B3n/unidades/migraciones)), there’s a specific tab about traveling with foreign minors (*Viajes con menores / Menores de edad Extranjeros*).

In short, the procedure is exactly what you described. (Though it’s not always applied consistently for everyone.)

From personal experience with a very similar situation, I’d recommend getting all the necessary permits in proper order and then having them legalized once you arrive in Santiago. This will help avoid any unpleasant hassles when leaving Chile.

The embassy will likely advise you the same way.

Good luck!

Thierry