New restrictions to visit Easter Island

Since the 1st of august 2018, there is a maximum length of stay restriction for local and international tourists traveling to Easter Island, Chile´s third most visited destination.

All visits for touristic purposes are limited to a maximum of 30 days. In order to enter the island, you must complete a registration form (FUI) at the airport and present your passport, a return ticket and an accommodation reservation approved by the National Tourist Office (SERNATUR). It is also possible to present a letter of invitation from an island resident, which must be extended by the Provincial Government of Easter Island.

Currently, about 250 people a year (mostly Chileans) decide to stay on Easter Island permanently. The aim of this measure is to limit population growth on an area of only 164 km².

According to the inhabitants, the island is not large enough to accommodate 7,750 people, as not only the ecosystem but also the protection of the ethnic groups of Rapa Nui are endangered. According to the last census of 2017, less than half of the island's inhabitants declared themselves to belong to the Rapa Nui ethnic group.