[REVISION HISTORY]

Chile and Venezuela formalize consular relations

Updated 26 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-20 03:23 UTC → 2026-08-21 13:35 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In late July 2026, Chile and Venezuela began formalizing the restoration of consular relations, a process intended to address security, migration, and economic challenges. This move marks the first step toward normalizing bilateral ties that were severed in July 2024 following Chilean criticism of Venezuelan election transparency. The agreement, announced by President José Antonio Kast and signed by Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna and Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez, aims to provide services for approximately 700,000 Venezuelans in Chile and 25,000 Chileans in Venezuela. By early August, the restoration was formalized through the exchange of diplomatic notes between Chilean Director General of Consular Affairs Hernán Núñez and Venezuelan Vice-Minister Mauricio Rodríguez. Foreign Minister Pérez Mackenna confirmed that a Chilean team has been deployed to Caracas, with the consulate expected to be fully operational in Caracas and Puerto Ordaz within August. This diplomatic reopening coincides with intensified migration enforcement in Chile under the “Plan Escudo Fronterizo.” The National Migration Service reported 1,330 expulsions—a 176% increase over the same period in 2025—while irregular border entries fell 33% and charter deportation flights rose from four to nine. The restored consular channel is expected to facilitate the coordination of pending deportation orders. Following the resumption of ties, Chile’s National Migration Service revoked Circular No. 10 of 2024 on August ~~19.~~ 19 via Exempt Resolution No. 15.106, signed by director Frank Sauerbaum. This measure ended administrative flexibilities that previously allowed Venezuelan citizens to use expired passports or identity cards for various processes. ~~This regional trend~~ While the repeal is immediate, it does not include transitional provisions for applications currently in process. As part of ~~re-engagement also includes Peru, which~~ the ongoing reactivation, Chile has appointed ~~Alicia María Espinoza Paredes~~ career diplomat Felipe Orellana as the new ~~consul general~~ Consul General in Caracas.

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