Chile’s Foreign Ministry has reported a sharp decline in the number of Chileans who stay in the United States beyond their authorized period, citing a report by the US Department of Homeland Security.
The report found that 1.5% of Chileans who entered under the Visa Waiver Program overstayed. That is 35% lower than the previous year and the lowest rate in six years.
Chile said measures to prevent travelers from overstaying have produced positive results, enabling the country to meet the standards required by US authorities for the program.
Chile has stepped up cooperation with the United States on the issue. The joint work involves the foreign and interior ministries, the Civil Registry and Identification Service, the Investigative Police and the Carabineros of Chile.
Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna said 350,000 Chileans benefit from visa-free travel to the United States each year. He urged travelers to follow immigration rules and use the privilege responsibly.
The Visa Waiver Program allows Chileans to travel to the United States for tourism or business without applying for a visa, using electronic authorization instead. Visitors may stay for up to 90 days.
