Border Crossing Bolivia to Chile

Skrevet av Jarle Eek den 2015-04-05
Postet i: Border Crossing. Merket: , , , , , .

I try to find information that can make border crossings easier on my trip and found Life Remotely. Here was plenty of useful information but I reproduces only the short version in respect for the great job they had done. So those who need more information should visit Life Remotely.

Bolivia to Chile Border Crossing

Border name: Hijo Canjon
Closest major cities: Reserva Nacional Eduardo Avaroa, Bolivia and San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Cost for visas: $0
Cost for vehicle: $0
Total time: 10 minutes in Bolivia, 45 minutes in Chile
Note: This crossing goes through the VERY remote southwest corner of Bolivia. It is at least 300 miles from Uyuni to the border and there are likely no supplies (gas, food or water) for long stretches. Plan accordingly.

The Steps

  1. Go to the Aduana office on the Bolivian side. This is 80km north of the border at an elevation over 5000m. (S22 26.454 W67 48.357) Turn in your vehicle permit.
  2. Enjoy the rest of the national park.
  3. Drive to Bolivian immigration. S22 52.860 W67 47.901
  4. Have your passports stamped. Do NOT pay the Bs15 exit fee. It’s a sham. Unless they find a way to produce a receipt.
  5. Drive 30 miles down the nice paved Chilean hill to the Chilean immigration and customs, it is just outside of San Pedro de Atacama. S22 54.659 W68 11.626
  6. Go to the immigration window and get a tourist card to fill out.
  7. Complete the tourist card and hand it over with your passport. The official may need to see your vehicle title as well. He or she will enter your info into a computer, stamp your passport and tourist card and return both.
  8. Proceed to the aduana office at the other end of the same building. Fill out a customs declaration form. Be sure to check «Yes» on the question if you have anything to declare. Failing to mark this box results in a US$200 fine if you are caught.
  9. Aduana will need to see your vehicle title and the driver’s passport. He does not need any copies.
  10. The official will enter info in the computer and issue a temporary import permit good for 90 days.
  11. Find a food and agriculture inspector. He or she will take your customs declaration forms and may search your car. After the inspection you are free to go. Our car was thoroughly searched, and despite the ridiculous amount of food we had, they only took a few items.