Visa Required
Apply at embassy before traveling
Entry Requirements
Visa Requirement
Chile generally requires all non-citizens to hold a valid visa or be eligible for visa-exempt entry. Citizens of South America, the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries may enter Chile for tourism or business without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Travelers on diplomatic or official passports are required to obtain a visa before travel. Certain passport holders (e.g., Indian and Chinese nationals with a valid US or Canadian visa or resident permit) may also enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Passport Validity
Your passport must be in good condition and valid for the duration of your intended stay in Chile. It must have an expiry date after the day you plan to leave the country.
Mandatory Documentation
All travelers must present a valid passport upon arrival. You must complete an Incoming Passenger Card and, if carrying animal or plant products, an Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) declaration form provided on arrival. Failure to declare such products may result in confiscation and heavy fines.
Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo)
Upon arrival, you will receive a Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo), an A5-sized white form valid for up to 90 days. You must keep this card safe and surrender it to immigration upon departure. If lost or stolen, you must obtain a replacement from the Chilean police investigations (PDI) or at the airport before leaving.
Dual Nationals
Dual nationals must enter and exit Chile using their Chilean passport. They must enter and exit the United States using their US passport. The Chilean government may require US-born children of Chilean parents to obtain a Chilean passport to leave the country if they overstay the tourist period.
Minors
Parents traveling with a minor must show evidence of their relationship when entering or departing Chile. An original apostilled birth certificate is required. Regulations are strictly enforced to combat child trafficking.
Visa Types
Electronic Travel Authorization (e-Visa)
An online visa for tourism, business, or transit purposes. Available to eligible passport holders who are not visa-exempt. Allows a stay of up to 90 days. Not valid for employment. Application fees apply and vary by nationality; a service fee is charged by the processing platform.
Temporary Resident Visa (Maximum length of one year)
For foreign nationals who wish to reside in Chile based on family ties with Chilean nationals, investment, or when residence is considered useful or advantageous. Allows work, study, and business. Dependents (parents, spouse, children) may apply for a Dependent Temporary Resident Visa, which does not permit work. Original marriage or birth certificates must be apostilled or legalized. Fees vary by nationality. Applications must be submitted at least 20 working days before travel.
Student Visa
For individuals pursuing academic studies in Chile. Requires a valid passport, completed application form, color passport photo, police background check, and proof of acceptance from a Chilean educational institution. The visa is issued for the duration of the study program. Fees are determined by the Chilean consulate.
How to Apply
- Determine the visa type you need based on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay.
- Create an account on the official Chile visa application website (for e-Visa) or the Chilean consulate portal (for Temporary Resident or Student visas).
- Complete the online application form in all caps, ensuring all information matches your passport exactly.
- Upload all required documents in PDF or JPEG format as specified. Documents may include a color copy of your passport data page, passport-sized photo (4.5 x 4.5 cm, white background), flight itinerary, hotel reservation, bank statements from the past three months, a letter explaining your travel purpose, and a letter of invitation if applicable.
- Pay the visa application fee using a credit card or cash at the consulate, as accepted. Keep the payment receipt.
- If applying for a visa that requires an in-person appointment, schedule and attend the appointment at the nearest Chilean consulate with all original documents.
- Check your account regularly for updates or requests for additional information. If approved, you will be notified to collect your visa (with original supporting documents) in person or receive an electronic visa.
Processing Times
Standard Processing
- Temporary Resident Visa: Applications require an authorisation from Chile and take approximately 20 working days for a reply. Do not submit applications within 20 working days of your planned travel.
- e-Visa: Processing times vary; applicants should apply well in advance of travel. Consular processing may take several business days to weeks depending on the volume of applications.
- Student Visa: Processing times depend on the consulate; it is advisable to apply at least 20 days before your intended departure.
Denial & Appeals
Appeals Process
If your visa application is refused, you will receive a written notice explaining the reasons. The notice will indicate whether you have the right to seek review or submit a new application. You may consult the Chilean consulate or embassy for guidance on the appeals procedure.
Common Denial Reasons
- Insufficient or incomplete documentation.
- Failure to demonstrate adequate funds for the stay.
- Not meeting the genuine visitor or applicant requirements.
- Providing false or misleading information.
- Criminal record or security concerns.
- Applying too close to the travel date without sufficient processing time.
Stay Guidelines & Regulations
No Work Allowed
Visitor visas and the e-Visa do not permit any form of paid employment in Chile. The Temporary Resident Visa allows work if specifically granted.
Overstay Penalties
Staying beyond the authorized period on your Tourist Card or visa will result in a fine. You will not be able to leave Chile until the fine is paid. If you overstay, you may also face difficulties obtaining future visas or entry.
Tourist Card Requirements
You must surrender your Tourist Card upon departure. If lost, replace it at a PDI office or at the airport before leaving. Failure to return it may delay your departure.
Dual National Exit Requirements
Dual nationals must exit Chile using their Chilean passport. If you entered on a foreign passport and have overstayed, you may be required to obtain a Chilean passport before departing.
Mandatory Address Reporting
No specific address reporting requirement is mentioned in the research data for short-term visitors, but long-term residents must follow immigration registration procedures.
Financial Requirements
Visitor Visa / e-Visa Proof of Solvency
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover their stay. Bank statements from the past three months are typically required. You may also show cash, traveler's checks, or a credit card with adequate limit. Immigration officers may ask for proof of funds upon arrival.
Temporary Resident Visa Proof of Solvency
For residence visa applications, you may need to provide evidence of financial means or an income source, especially if the visa is based on investment or family ties. Specific amounts are not standardized; consult the consulate.
Customs Information
Agricultural Product Declaration
You must declare any animal or plant products you bring into Chile on the SAG (Servicio Agrícola Ganadero) form provided upon arrival. Failure to declare can result in confiscation of the product and significant fines. When in doubt, always declare.
Cash Declaration
No specific cash declaration limit is mentioned in the research data for entry to Chile. However, carrying large sums may be subject to inspection. Check with the Chilean customs authority for current limits.
Sources
The following official sources provide the most accurate and up-to-date information for Chile visa and immigration requirements.
- Chile International Travel Information
- Entry requirements - Chile travel advice - GOV.UK
- Entry and visa requirements - Chile Travel
- Temporary Resident Visa (Maximum length of one year) - Chile en el Exterior
- Entry and Exit Requirements - U.S. Embassy in Chile
- Nonimmigrant Visas - U.S. Embassy in Chile
Information compiled from official government portals as of 2026-06-12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you need to apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate before traveling.
The visa requirements for Chile were last verified on 8 April 2026.