1

Taking a bus from Mendoza to Santiago would definitely avoid the fee, as the fee is only applicable at the international entry at Santiago airport. If you have not bought your tickets and are going to be in Mendoza anyway, this would be a good idea. Leave about 36 hours to make the crossing just in case, longer in our winter when the pass could be closed due to snow for periods.

You are right in the first paragraph, unless you spend the night in the international transit area and persuade LAN to hold onto your bags overnight (unlikely).

In terms of the flight to La Paz via Iquique on the same day, I do not know. I suspect you may have to leave the international transit area to go to the domestic part of the terminal, and going thru Immigration (and thus paying the fee) and your bags thru customs to get there. I could be wrong though, if it is the same plane, however I expect you might have to leave the plane also In Iquique to stamp out of Chile. If you can stay on the plane in Iquique and book your bags thru from Mendoza to La Paz and not leave the international transit area in Santiago, you escape the fee,
There are separate international and domestic areas at the airport in Santiago, and the key is where the flight to La Paz leaves from as they would not stamp you out of Chile twice.

Phone LAN; however, you may not get a definite answer. They should be able to tell you whether you leave for La Paz from Santiago from the domestic or international terminal. I know the LAN checkin clerks here in Mendoza (who speak English) are very helpful about these things, even connecting with airlines from another alliance.

Suerte/Good luck!

2

Take the bus to Santiago or take the bus(es) through northern Argentina to enter Bolivia from the south, skipping the flight entirely. You'll pay to enter Bolivia no matter whether by land or air.

enjoy,

Mark

3

The bus is about your only option unless you can find a connection at SCL within a few hours. Whatever plane you take from Mendoza, the next leg to La Paz is going to be a different plane. If you can manage the connection at SCL without leaving the transit area, then where it next stops in Chile is irrelevant. Call LAN and say you want a flight from Mendoza which connects at Santiago which will allow you to check your baggage all the way through to La Paz. A flight the next day won't work; it won't be considered a connection. If you choose a different airline to LAN, make sure they have an agreement on the baggage.

With the bus you do have to be aware of possible closures of the pass and have to build in the time for that. It closed for 24 hrs this past weekend dues to heavy rain (snow) at altitude. So it can close any time of the year, although less likely in summer. It is probably going to take 8 hours or so due to heavier traffic going through customs at this time of year. Longer around the 1st or 15th of the month as people end/start their fortmnight holiday.

4

#2 has definitely the best advice, why bother with flying to Chile if you'll be spending there only one day? Just fly to Salta instead, and cross to Bolivia overland!

5

This time of year it takes about 7 hours by bus. There are a couple of companies who service that route. Double-decker busses. Sit up front, enjoy the views! It's actually a nice ride. No Reciprocity fees! Win Win

6

great bus ride

Edited by: mendocinateacher

7

I am planning on getting the bus from Mendoza to Santiago, will the definitely mean I wont have to pay the reciprocity fee?

8

Definitely,

It is an entry fee only on international arrivals and immigration exit at the Santiago airport.

You do not have to have paid it to fly out of Santiago, as it is only for entry at that exact location.

Buen viaje amiga!

9

If we drive into Chile from Mendoza and get a tourist visa, will we still need to pay the reciprocity fee when we fly into SCL?. We are American.

10

Yes, as it is an international arrival and entry by flight into Santiago airport. Unless you have already paid it, because it is for 10 years. Or unless you are just getting an international connection and not going thru immigration in Santiago. Sorry. Previous entry without having to pay the reciprocity fee does not exempt you from paying it when you fly into Santiago and go thru Immigration again.

So I understand you correctly, you are "entering" Chile for the first time by car, then leaving by car, and then flying into Santiago to spend more time in Chile, or do I misconstrue your route?

If you have time, take the bus from Mendoza when you enter Chile the second time.

11

Exacly, don't drive from Mendoza to Santiago, it's pointless, bus is great, really comfortable and gives you panoramic views, cost a fraction of the price if you count international drop-off.
And #10 is correct, if you fly to Santiago you'll have to pay.

12

Well, I just called the Honorary Consulate in Boston. I was told if my first point of entry is other than SCL, I will not have to pay the reciprocity fee.

13

They obviously misunderstood you because of your unusual itinerary..

go ahead...Enter into Chile by flight, and tell us whether your, previous land entry has exempted you from paying. You can pay by credit card, by the way,

If I am wrong, I will get you a glass of good malbec the next time yoyu come to Mendoza.

If I am right or wrong, please report back, as most people do not bother.

14

#12 Of course...you will not have to pay on the 1st entry, but they will make you pay in SCL next time. Report back if we're wrong, for the benefit of others.