Chile

Professional Immigration Services for Chile Travel

Whether you're planning to explore the stunning landscapes of Patagonia, conduct business in Santiago's thriving financial district, or pursue academic opportunities at Chile's prestigious universities, understanding visa requirements is essential for your journey to this remarkable South American nation.

Navigating Chile's Immigration Framework

Chile maintains a selective visa policy that varies significantly based on your nationality and travel purpose. Citizens of South America, the European Union, the United States, Canada, and Australia do not need a visa to enter as tourists, while citizens from many other countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, will need to apply for a tourist visa in advance at their closest Chilean embassy.

Our comprehensive guide addresses key traveler categories:

• Tourism and leisure visitors
• Business professionals and investors
• Students and researchers
• Transit passengers
• Work permit applicants

Expert Guidance for Complex Requirements

Chile's immigration system underwent a major overhaul with Law No. 21,325 on Migration and Foreigners, which came into full effect in February 2022. A significant change eliminates the previous practice of entering as a tourist and then changing immigration status to resident. Under the new law, all foreigners who need to reside in Chile must make their visa application from abroad prior to entering Chile. Since September 2025, some countries require prior authorization even for short stays.

This authoritative resource provides clear, actionable guidance to ensure your Chilean adventure proceeds smoothly, whether you're visiting for the renowned wine regions, conducting international business, or pursuing educational opportunities in this Pacific coast nation.

Whether you need a visa for Chile depends on your nationality and travel purpose. Citizens from over 100 countries enjoy visa-free access for tourism and business, while others must obtain a visa before arrival.

Visa-Free Countries

Citizens of around 95 countries can enter Chile without a visa, receiving a stamp allowing them to stay for up to 90 days. The following nationals can enter Chile without a visa for tourism or business:

• 90 days: EU countries, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Israel, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland
• 30 days: Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago
• Regional agreements: All South American countries receive visa-free entry

Upon arrival, you receive a Tourist Card valid for up to 90 days, which you can extend for another 90-day period by paying 100 USD at the Chilean Immigration Office.

Passport Requirements

All travelers must present a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival. Passports must be in good condition and valid for the period of stay. While no specific blank page requirement is mandated, ensure adequate space for entry stamps.

Transit Passengers

Transit passengers remaining in the international zone and continuing within 24 hours typically do not need a visa. However, some nationalities require airport transit visas. Verify with Chilean consulates if uncertain about your specific situation.

Visa Required

Citizens from many African and Asian countries need to apply for a tourist visa at the nearest embassy, which could last for a minimum of 30 days or a maximum of 90 days, depending on the nation. This includes China, India, Russia, and most Middle Eastern nations.

Special Considerations

Reciprocity fees previously applied to certain countries but have been eliminated. Children follow the same visa requirements as adults and need individual passports. Travelers may be required to demonstrate economic solvency of at least 46 USD for each day of stay in Chile.

Always verify current requirements through official Chilean immigration websites or consulates, as policies can change. Business travelers and those planning extended stays should confirm their visa status regardless of nationality.

Chile offers multiple visa categories designed to accommodate various travel purposes and duration requirements. Understanding the specific visa type that matches your intended activities is essential for a successful application process.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Tourist permits allow stays up to 90 days for recreational, sports, health, business management, family, and other similar purposes. The Chile Transitory Stay Visa can be issued as single or multiple entry, valid for 90 days from the date of entry, with some cases allowing stays of less than 90 days depending on nationality and purpose of travel. You can extend a tourist visa once for up to a maximum of 90 days by applying to the Chile National Migration Service.

Business Visa Categories

Chile provides specialized business visa options:

• Business activities including meetings, conferences, and commercial purposes fall under the Transitory Stay permit for tourism, business, or family visits with stays not exceeding 90 days
• Permits for investors, managers, directors, or specialized personnel require submission of a criminal record certificate and a sponsorship letter from InvestChile, the government's international investment promotion agency
• Multiple-entry permits for international executives or directors allow regular entry to Chile for business activities, provided time in the country does not exceed more than 6 months in each calendar year

Work and Employment Visas

Permits for foreigners engaged in lawful remunerated activities require a local work contract, job offer, or services contract for application, and unlike previous work visas, this visa is no longer tied to the validity of a work contract, allowing holders to change employers without issues. The work permit process typically takes around 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the type of work visa and the applicant's nationality, with common work permits including the Temporary Work Visa and the Professional Work Visa. The temporary residence visa allows stays for more than 90 days, with a maximum stay of 2 years in Chile. The independent worker visa allows working in Chile for an employer and for others, providing a quicker path to full permanent residency than a contract work visa.

Student and Academic Visas

Student visas are issued to foreign nationals who want to pursue their studies in Chile and require enrollment or acceptance in a Chilean educational institution before travel. International students whose period of study in Chile is less than 90 days do not require a student visa and can enter as a tourist. The student visa request typically takes approximately 2 months to complete. Student visas are issued for the duration of the course of study and can be extended as necessary.

Transit and Special Categories

The Transitory Stay visa applies to foreign nationals traveling to Chile for tourism, business, family visits, sports, or other short-term purposes without the intention of residing or working in Chile, as well as international crew members of land, sea, and air transport. Residency visas are intended for individuals who plan to live in Chile for an extended period of time, and Chile also offers visas for family members of Chilean citizens or permanent residents, as well as visas for diplomatic or official travel. Working Holiday Visas are issued to young nationals of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand who want to partake in the Working Holiday Programme. Chile is part of the MERCOSUR agreement, meaning nationals of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay can apply for a MERCOSUR residence visa, which is typically valid for 2 years and is renewable.

Effective September 17, 2025, Chilean Decree No. 359 (under Law No. 21,325) introduced a mandatory prior authorization or visa requirement for nationals of 104 specified countries seeking entry under the Temporary Stay Permit category. Australia was specifically exempted from this list due to reciprocity considerations. Special exemptions may also apply to nationals covered by specific bilateral treaties. Travelers from affected countries who hold a valid US or Canadian visa should verify with the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs whether they qualify for an exemption. All visitors must demonstrate financial means of at least USD 46 per day of intended stay.

Processing Times by Visa Type

Tourist visas are processed within 10-20 business days for most nationalities, while student visas typically require 6 weeks (approximately 30 business days) from the application date. Work permit applications as a tourist are processed in 7-10 days, while temporary resident work visas typically take 20 business days. Temporary residence visas overall can take 6-8 months, while permanent residency applications may require up to 18 months.

Application Costs & Fee Structure

Most Western nationals (EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia) pay no consular fee for tourist entry — they receive a 90-day Tourist Card on arrival free of charge. For nationalities that require a consular visa, tourist visa fees depend on reciprocity agreements and generally range from USD 50 to USD 150. Student visa fees vary by nationality, typically in the range of USD 50–160. Permanent residency applications cost approximately 139,000 Chilean pesos (roughly USD 145–160 at 2026 exchange rates), though exemptions apply for spouses of Chilean citizens and minors under 18.

Application Locations & Methods

Applications must be started online through the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at least 30 days before intended travel. Most visa applications are submitted through Chilean consulates, as no fully electronic option is available for all visa types. Major Chilean consulates for US applicants include:

• New York
• Los Angeles
• Chicago

Since 2020, eligible foreigners can apply for the e-Vistur, an online visa for short-stay travel authorization. E-visa approval can arrive within three days in many cases.

Peak Periods & Expedited Processing

Processing delays typically occur during December–February (Chilean summer holiday season) and July–August. Standard visa processing takes 15–20 working days, though applicants should allow 30–60 days before intended travel to account for consulate appointment scheduling. The e-Vistur online visa is valid for 180 days and can be extended for another 90 days. Payment is accepted via credit card through online portals, or at consulates after visa approval.

Essential Documentation

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond entry date and 1 blank page
• Completed application form submitted online
• Two recent passport photos (4.5 x 4.5 cm, white background)
• Financial proof showing at least USD 46 per day of stay in Chile
• Background check certificate issued within the last 60 days
• Proof of return or onward ticket and accommodation confirmation

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the correct visa type based on your purpose of travel and intended duration. Most visa applications require online submission before arrival, except family reunification visas which can be applied for after arriving as a tourist. Tourist visas differ significantly from work permits or student visas in requirements and processing times.

Step 2: Document Collection and Preparation

Gather essential documents including:

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Completed application forms
• Recent passport photographs meeting specifications (5x5 cm, white background, no glasses)
• Bank statements from the past three months
• Police certificate issued within the last 60 days stating no criminal record
• Supporting documents specific to your visa category

Important: All foreign documents require apostille certification and official Spanish translation by certified translators. Documents must be attached in PDF format for online submission.

Step 3: Complete Application Forms Online

Submit applications through the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at least 30 days before you intend to travel. Everything is done online through creating an account on the immigration service website. Once you complete the initial section, you will receive a verification code which you can use to return to your application later. Ensure all information matches your supporting documents exactly.

Step 4: Schedule Consulate Appointment

During the initial phase of the online application, you will be informed of the location where you must submit your passport, the consulate in charge of handling your application. Appointment availability varies significantly by location, so schedule well in advance of your intended travel dates. You can schedule appointments through the SERMIG Portal de Trámites Digitales using your username and password, or create a new account.

Step 5: Submit Application and Pay Fees

If your visa is approved, you visit the Chilean consulate handling your application and submit your passport and originals of all the required documents. Fees can range from around 50 USD to 150 USD, depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for, and you will be informed about the exact amount when you submit your online application. Payment instructions are provided in the approval email and must be made within 30 days.

Step 6: Application Processing

The Chile visa application is processed in about 15 to 20 working days. The Chilean visa process can take 6 to 8 months for temporary visas and up to 18 months for permanent residency. After a few months, you receive a reply. Track your application status through official channels. Biometric data collection requirements vary by consulate and visa type.

Step 7: Visa Collection

Approved Chile visas will be sent to the email you provided or collected from the Chile embassy or consulate where the visa application was processed. Review all details immediately for accuracy before departing the consulate. If your application is approved, the next step is to apply for an ID card at the Civil Register within 30 days.

Rejection Handling: If they rejected your application or ask for more documents, you answer and the review process restarts. Consulates provide written explanations. You may reapply after addressing deficiencies or appeal through proper diplomatic channels within specified timeframes.

Chile's entry rules differ significantly by passport. Always confirm the current rules with the Chilean Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG) or your nearest Chilean consulate before travel.

United States Citizens

US citizens do not need a visa to visit Chile for tourism, business, or academic conferences for stays of up to 90 days. No advance application, consular fee, or e-visa is required. Upon arrival, border officers issue a Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) that must be surrendered on departure. A 90-day extension (maximum 180 days total) is available for USD 100 at the Chilean Immigration Office before the initial period expires. US citizens planning to work or study in Chile beyond 90 days must obtain the relevant visa from a Chilean consulate before travelling.

United Kingdom and EU/Schengen Citizens

British passport holders and citizens of all EU member states — including Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland — enter Chile visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or short business visits. No prior authorization or consular fee applies. The 90-day extension (USD 100) is available at the Chilean Immigration Office. Paid employment or study exceeding 90 days requires the relevant visa obtained in advance.

Canadian and Australian Citizens

Canadian and Australian nationals enjoy visa-free access to Chile for up to 90 days. Australia was specifically named in the exemption list of Chilean Decree No. 359 (September 17, 2025), which otherwise imposes prior authorization requirements on nationals of 104 other countries. Working Holiday Visas are available to eligible young nationals of both countries.

Indian and Chinese Citizens

Indian and Chinese nationals require a visa to enter Chile. Under Decree No. 359 (effective September 17, 2025), both nationalities are among the 104 countries now required to obtain prior authorization before arriving, even for short tourist stays. Apply at a Chilean consulate before travel. Holders of a valid, unexpired US or Canadian visa should verify with the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs whether they qualify for an exemption.

Important clarification: in June 2025 China announced that Chilean passport holders may enter China visa-free (June 2025–May 2026). This is a Chinese policy for people visiting China; it does not change the visa requirement for Chinese nationals entering Chile.

Latin American and MERCOSUR Nationals

All South American nations benefit from visa-free access to Chile under regional agreements. MERCOSUR nationals (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) may also apply for a MERCOSUR Residence Visa for stays beyond 90 days, typically valid for two years and renewable. Mexico and most Central American countries also enjoy visa-free tourist access; permitted stay durations vary by nationality — confirm with the relevant Chilean consulate.

Two of Chile's most iconic destinations — Patagonia and Easter Island — generate distinct visa questions. Both are Chilean territory subject to national immigration law, but Easter Island carries additional entry controls. Patagonia requires no special permit beyond standard Chilean entry rules.

Patagonia: No Separate Visa Required

Chilean Patagonia — encompassing Torres del Paine National Park, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas, and the Carretera Austral — is part of mainland Chile. No separate Patagonia permit or regional visa exists. Nationalities that are visa-free for Chile may travel throughout Patagonia within their 90-day Tourist Card. Nationalities requiring a Chilean visa or Decree No. 359 prior authorization must hold that documentation before entering.

Many Patagonia itineraries cross into Argentine Patagonia (El Calafate, Los Glaciares, Ushuaia) and back. Each re-entry into either country begins a new entry period. Verify Argentina's visa requirements separately. Land border crossings in the region — including Paso Dorotea and Integración Austral — issue Tourist Cards on arrival. Keep your Tourist Card (PDI slip) safe throughout; you must present it on departure from Chile, and losing it requires a replacement visit to the Policia de Investigaciones.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui): Additional Entry Restrictions

Easter Island (Isla de Pascua / Rapa Nui) is a special Chilean territory located approximately 3,700 km west of the mainland in the South Pacific. Although Chilean immigration law applies, the island has supplementary entry controls to protect the Rapa Nui indigenous community and manage visitor numbers.

• All visitors — including Chilean nationals — must present a confirmed return or onward flight ticket and proof of accommodation before boarding any flight to Easter Island.
• The maximum permitted stay on Easter Island is 30 days, regardless of the 90-day allowance on a standard Chilean Tourist Card. This limit is recorded separately on arrival at Mataveri International Airport (IPC).
• Standard Chilean visa and prior authorization requirements apply: nationalities that are visa-free for Chile need no additional visa for Easter Island; those required to hold a Chilean visa or Decree No. 359 prior authorization must secure it before travel.
• Rapa Nui permanent residents and their direct family members are exempt from the 30-day cap.

Proof of at least USD 46 per day of stay may be requested at any Chilean border crossing, including Patagonian land posts and the Easter Island airport.