Chile allows Venezuelans with expired passports to leave after quakes

Chile has authorized the departure of Venezuelan citizens with expired passports for humanitarian reasons, following the double earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026. The measure aims to allow Venezuelans residing in Chile to return to their country to reunite with family or assist in reconstruction efforts. The earthquakes, of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, have killed over 1,700 people according to reports Source: emolcl.

Humanitarian measure

The director of the National Migration Service, Frank Sauerbaum, stated that many Venezuelans are experiencing "deep emotional stress" due to loss of loved ones. "The goal is to provide all facilities so these people can leave quickly, exempting them from some procedures," Sauerbaum said Source: elnacionalve. Those wishing to benefit must go to the PDI office at Santiago's airport, fill out a simple form, and board a flight to Venezuela. The measure applies to Venezuelans with residency or irregular status, regardless of passport validity Source: infobae.

Chilean casualties

Chile's Foreign Ministry confirmed four Chilean nationals died in the quakes, including Erika Ramírez, a 44-year-old makeup artist who died in a restaurant in La Guaira when a wall fell on her Source: emolcl. Another victim is Héctor Riquelme, a Chilean resident of La Guaira for over 20 years Source: infobae. Chile sent 47 firefighters and rescuers, operating in La Guaira under difficult conditions, with two KC-135 aircraft and a C-130 Hercules carrying aid Source: infobae.

Diplomatic context

Chile and Venezuela broke relations in 2024 after President Gabriel Boric did not recognize Nicolás Maduro's election. Current President José Antonio Kast has prioritized restoring consular relations, as over 700,000 Venezuelans live in Chile Source: elnacionalve.