UK tourists given Foreign Office update on muggings as officials say 'do not resist'
The Foreign Office has issued new advice for a destination for UK holidaymakers - and highlighted 'increasing use of guns and knives' by street muggers.
In an update for anyone going to Chile, officials also said people travelling with children need to have specific documents with them when travelling with one parent.
In the crime alert, the Foreign Office said people visiting two of the main cities need to be particularly wary of violent theft. They said: "Muggings happen frequently, especially in Santiago and Valparaiso, and increasingly with weapons such as guns and knives. Muggings can take place during the day and in plain sight of others. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly in tourist areas or near official buildings. Muggers will target:
tourists
people carrying large amounts of money – leaving ATMs or currency exchanges, for example
your passport (carrying a photocopy is enough)
valuable watches or jewellery
your mobile phone
"Do not resist any attempted mugging."
The Foreign Office has said taxi scams has seen 'many' tourists "scammed for large amounts of money by unlicensed taxi drivers, including in airport taxis." It adds: "Well-known taxi companies can be booked via ridesharing apps. Only book and pay for official taxis from inside the airport before exiting the building.
"Do not use any transport from inside the airport if you cannot pay for it before getting into the vehicle." The Foreign Office has also warned of a rise in car crime, saying: "Be aware of your surroundings in and around the airport, when driving and on arrival at your destination. Keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed. Wait for gates to fully close before leaving your vehicle.
"If you're robbed, hand over your cash and valuables without resistance. If you're carjacked, local authorities say it is best to raise your hands and get out of the vehicle to avoid violence."
Travelling with children
Chile requires children travelling with only one parent, with a guardian or alone, to have permission from the non-travelling parent or parents. Parents travelling with children for tourism have faced difficulty leaving Chile at the end of their visit when only one parent is present. People must have
a written notarised authorisation from the non-travelling parent(s)
an original birth certificate
If you're travelling with children aged 17 and under, check the website of the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (website in Spanish) for what documents you need to show.
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