With its dazzling national parks, globally-renowned wineries, Andean ski resorts and top-class surf beaches, Chile is an attractive destination for travelers from around the world. Deciding you want to visit is the easy part; navigating the logistics of actually making that trip happen can be a tad trickier. Below is a useful guide to Chile’s entry requirements, including information on visa types, costs and all the details you’ll need to ensure a seamless journey in and out of the country.
Citizens of 95 countries do not need a visa in advance
Citizens of around 95 countries can enter Chile without the need to obtain a consular or electronic visa in advance. These include citizens of the United States, Japan, Canada, the UK, the European Union and Chile’s South American neighbors – all of whom receive a stamp allowing them to stay in the country for up to 90 days. Formerly, the citizens of many of these countries had to pay hefty “reciprocity fees” to enter Chile. These are no longer in place, with the final fee, for Australians, removed in 2020 (though Australians still need an e-visa to enter, which can be found here).
Make the most out of every adventure with help from our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Citizens of many other countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, will need to visit the closest embassy to apply for a tourist visa, which could last for a minimum of 30 days or a maximum of 90, depending on the nation. You can view the full list here (in Spanish) of who does and doesn’t need a visa and how long these visas last.
Citizens of all countries must ensure that their passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of arrival.
Everyone gets a Tarjeta de Turismo or Tourist Card when they arrive
Upon entering the country, you will receive a slip of paper called the Tarjeta de Turismo (Tourist Card). Hold onto it for the duration of your stay as you’ll be required to present this to border officers when you depart. This tourist card is actually quite useful as you can use it to avoid the 19% room tax at hotels, which domestic tourists must pay. Most hotels won’t automatically deduct this, so be sure to show your passport and tourist card at check-in.
If you lose the tourist card, you can request a free copy at the website of the Policía de Investigaciones de Chile (PDI), at the nearest PDI office or at the Santiago airport (though you should allot at least 45 minutes extra at the airport to deal with this). Residents of visa-free countries can extend the tourist card for an additional 90 days by filling out a form online (in Spanish) and then paying a US$100 extension fee, but this requires a high level of Spanish comprehension and the patience to jump through some hoops. It’s often easier (and cheaper) to just hop across the Andes to Argentina and return a day later, at which time you’ll receive a new tourist card free of charge.
Working visas are available for citizens of Canada and Australia
Citizens of 16 countries – including Canada, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand – can apply for Working Holiday Visas to extend their stay in Chile even longer. These visas are generally available to those between the ages of 18 and 30 (or up to 35 for Canadians) and allow foreigners to work and live in Chile for up to one year. Entrepreneurs should consider applying to the Start-Up Chile program, which arranges one-year work visas on top of generous monetary incentives in the tens of thousands of dollars. Others who want to stay longer can work with local language schools to arrange Sujeta a Contrato visas for teaching English in Chile.
U.S. citizens entering Chile must have a valid passport. U.S. citizens traveling to Chile for recreation, tourism, business, or academic conferences do not need to obtain a visa prior to their arrival in Chile. A Tourist Card will be issued for a stay of up to 90 days.
You do not need a visa for a tourist or business stay of 90 days or fewer (if traveling on a tourist passport). Upon arrival, you will receive a Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) valid for up to 90 days, which you can extend for another 90-day period by paying $100 US at the Chilean Immigration Office.
What are the U.S. visa requirements for Chilean citizens? Thanks to the Visa Waiver program, traveling to the U.S. is very easy for Chileans. All they need is a valid Chilean passport with an electronic chip and an ESTA approval.
You must obtain your visa before you arrive in Chile. The application process can be lengthy, so allow yourself enough time before your planned travel. If you arrive in Chile without a valid visa, you won't be able to pass the immigration point, and you'll be sent back to your last port of departure.
Courses or boosters usually advised: none. Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Tetanus. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Hepatitis B; Rabies. No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.
This means that the request for a PCR test and random tests in the entry to Chile are eliminated. A current vaccination certificate will not be required when entering Chile.
U.S. citizens entering Chile must have a valid passport. U.S. citizens traveling to Chile for recreation, tourism, business, or academic conferences do not need to obtain a visa prior to their arrival in Chile. A Tourist Card will be issued for a stay of up to 90 days.
Exercise increased caution in Chile due to crime and civil unrest. Country Summary: Street crime (e.g., muggings, pick-pocketing, theft) is common in Chile. Rates of violent crime, such as assaults, homicide, carjackings, and residential break-ins, are increasing.
Guns, Ammunition, Explosives, Illegal goods and p*rnographic material are prohibited from being either imported or exported out of the country. Edible products of animal origin, flowers, fruits and vegetables are only permitted with a certificate ("FITOSANITARIO") issued by the Department of Agriculture.
In Chile you'll feel safe while drinking water, below we'll explain to you why. Contrary to other Latin American countries, Chile has potable water from north to south, and from coast to mountain, reaching a 91% of the population.
Visa requirements for United States citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states that are imposed on citizens of the United States. As of 2024, holders of a United States passport may travel to 188 countries and territories without a travel visa, or with a visa on arrival.
Clothing in Chile is conservative and formal. A person is often placed within a social hierarchy based on how they dress, so presenting yourself appropriately is important. Avoid wearing any revealing clothing, such as sleeveless tops, short skirts/shorts, or low-cut tops.
Private U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business, unless traveling on an emergency passport. (Please see below.) Diplomatic or official passport holders must obtain visas prior to arrival.
Spring and summer's warm, dry months from September to February are the best time to visit Santiago and the wine country, while the best season for Lake District and Central Chile skiing is wintertime in June, July, and August.
In Chile, Spanish is the official language. English is commonly spoken in the major cities, especially in Santiago. However, never assume that an individual speaks English. It is always polite to ask.
Address: Apt. 994 8891 Orval Hill, Brittnyburgh, AZ 41023-0398
Phone: +26417467956738
Job: District Marketing Strategist
Hobby: Embroidery, Bodybuilding, Motor sports, Amateur radio, Wood carving, Whittling, Air sports
Introduction: My name is Prof. An Powlowski, I am a charming, helpful, attractive, good, graceful, thoughtful, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
