Just recently, the United States updated its travel warnings for Chile. This new update came out after Chile was telling countries that travel is safe and many tourist areas remained undamaged. Despite this, the United States government alerted its citizens to avoid all tourism and nonessential travel to Chile. This warning was issued after the 8.8 earthquake that hit Chile early last week.

This earthquake, which not only broke up freeways and toppled buildings, left at least 700 people dead. Currently there is a dusk to dawn curfew that is in affect for certain areas in Chile. Chile’s capital, Santiago, was also damaged in the earthquake. Despite some structural damage that was done to the main international airport in the capital, commercial flights have started to resume to that area.

Despite the fact that planes are currently flying to Chile, many countries still have warnings out to its citizens to avoid traveling to the country. The subway in Santiago has resumed at least partial service.

Travelers that are still holding airline tickets to Chile should check with their airlines and hotels before choosing to travel to Chile. The traveler needs to make sure that the flight has not been canceled or changed and that the hotel is still expecting guests

The good news is that customers are entitled to a refunded if their flight has been canceled. These travelers should contact their carrier for more details. Terms and conditions will change from one carrier to the next. Some airlines are offering this travel waiver on all flights to and from Santiago until March 10^th.