All visitors are advised to carefully review applicable entry conditions and prepare supporting documents well in advance of travel. Special attention should be paid to any vaccination requirements, biometric requirements, visa validity, and permitted duration of stay. This guidance is intended for general use and should always be verified with the Chilean consulate or embassy in your jurisdiction.
Entry Requirements into Chile
As of June 2025, the following entry conditions apply to all non-resident travellers entering Chile:
- Identification: All entrants must hold a valid passport or national ID (where applicable).
- Vaccination Certificate: There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for entry into Chile as of June 2025. Travellers are not required to provide proof of vaccination for any disease, including COVID-19. However, you should always check the latest official guidance before travel, as requirements can change.
- Unvaccinated Adults (18+): There is no official requirement for a negative PCR test for unvaccinated adults at this time. This may have been a previous pandemic-era rule. Always confirm with official sources.
- Minors Under 18: May enter regardless of vaccination status.
- Random Testing: Visitors may be subject to random PCR or antigen testing upon arrival, though this is not consistently enforced.
- Health Insurance: Not mandatory but strongly advised.
While no vaccinations are required for entry, travellers are advised to ensure they are up to date with routine vaccinations recommended in their home country (such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccines). Additional vaccines, including those for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, and typhoid, may be recommended depending on your travel itinerary, planned activities, and personal health circumstances. There are no certificate requirements under International Health Regulations for Chile. These recommendations are for your health and safety and do not form part of the entry requirements set by Chilean authorities. Always consult a travel health professional for advice tailored to your specific needs before departure.
For more information on visas to Chile, you can visit their Embassy page.
Visit Embassy WebsiteWho Needs a Visa to Enter Chile?
Citizens of certain countries may enter Chile for tourism or business purposes without a visa for up to 90 days. These travellers will receive a “Tourist Card” (Tarjeta de Turismo) upon arrival, which must be returned upon departure.
Visa-free entry is granted to nationals of countries with which Chile maintains bilateral or multilateral visa waiver agreements. These include, but are not limited to, most European Union countries, the UK, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The following South American nationals may enter Chile using only their national ID card (no passport or visa required for up to 90 days):
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
All other nationals, including third-country nationals not covered by visa exemption agreements, must obtain a visa before travelling to Chile. Visa requirements apply regardless of transit or final destination.
Chile Tourist Visa Eligibility Criteria
Applicants seeking a Chile Tourist Visa must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of intended departure from Chile.
- Have at least one blank visa page in the passport.
- Present proof of onward or return travel.
- Provide evidence of accommodation and sufficient financial means.
- Carry necessary documentation for entry to their next destination.
Visa applications should strictly follow official travel guidance issued by Chilean diplomatic missions. Any deviation may result in delays or refusal.
Chile Visa Processing Times
Applicants are strongly advised to submit their visa applications at least 30 to 60 days prior to intended travel to allow for appointment delays and administrative processing.
Standard Processing Time: 15 to 20 working days from the date of biometric data and document submission.
Consular Appointment Scheduling: May take an additional 2–3 weeks based on local demand.
Visa Appointment Waiting Periods
Appointment availability for Chilean visa applications depends largely on the capacity of the local consulate or embassy. During busy periods—such as holiday seasons, summer vacations, or major international events—waiting times for appointments can increase significantly. Priority cases, including those related to medical, humanitarian, or business emergencies, may be processed more quickly, which can further reduce the number of available standard appointment slots.
Several factors can influence how long you may need to wait for an appointment:
- Consulate Staffing and Resources: Limited staff or reduced operating hours at some locations can result in longer waiting periods.
- Application Volume: A sudden surge in applications, often triggered by new visa policies or global developments, can create backlogs.
- Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation: Applications that lack required documents or contain errors may be delayed or require rescheduling, extending the overall timeline.
- Local and National Holidays: Public holidays in Chile or the country where you are applying will temporarily pause processing, adding to wait times.
- Biometric Requirements: If biometric data collection is needed, limited appointment slots for these services can further slow down the process.
To help ensure a smooth experience and avoid travel disruptions, applicants are strongly encouraged to:
- Start the visa application process as early as possible, ideally at least 30 to 60 days before your planned departure.
- Regularly check appointment calendars for new openings or cancellations.
- Prepare all required documents in advance to prevent last-minute issues.
- Stay updated with the consulate or embassy for any changes in procedures or wait times.
By planning ahead and staying informed, you can increase the likelihood of securing an appointment in time and reduce the risk of delays affecting your travel plans.
Travelling to Chile Without a Visa
Nationals of visa-exempt countries—including the UK, most European Union member states, Australia, and others—do not need a visa for short stays in Chile. Upon arrival, these travellers will be issued a Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) valid for up to 90 days, which must be returned when leaving the country. This card is provided free of charge to eligible visitors at border entry points.
For UK nationals specifically:
- British passport holders can enter Chile without a visa for up to 90 days.
- The Tourist Card must be presented upon departure, so it is important to keep it safe throughout your stay.
- Extensions of stay are possible for an additional 90 days, up to a maximum of 180 days per year. Extensions must be requested at the Chilean Immigration Office and are subject to a fee of USD $100.
It is important to note that while visa-free entry is available for many nationalities, all travellers must still meet standard entry requirements, such as holding a valid passport, proof of onward or return travel, and sufficient funds for their stay.
Additionally, from the 8th of January 2025, Chilean citizens travelling to the UK for stays under six months must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance. This requirement highlights the importance of always checking current entry regulations for both your destination and country of citizenship before travelling. By understanding these conditions and preparing accordingly, travellers can ensure a seamless entry process and avoid complications at the border.
Types of Chile Visas
The type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of stay. Chile offers the following visa categories:
- Tourist Visa – Short visits for leisure or business (up to 90 days).
- Temporary Resident Visa – For individuals with family ties, employment offers, or other temporary grounds for residence.
- Working Visa – Requires a formal job offer from a Chilean employer.
- Student Visa – Issued to individuals enrolled in academic programmes in Chile.
- Working Holiday Visa – Bilateral agreements allow eligible youth (usually 18–30 or 35) from specific countries to work and travel in Chile.
- Retirement Visa – For retirees who can demonstrate financial self-sufficiency.
Each visa type has distinct eligibility requirements, documentation needs, and processing protocols. Details are available via the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (National Migration Service) website.
For detailed information on specific parts of the general visa process, you can refer to the links below to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us via email.
If Your Chile Visa is Refused
In the event of a visa denial:
- The Chilean embassy or consulate will issue an official notification form outlining the reasons for refusal.
- Applicants may submit a new application with revised or additional documentation.
- The full application fee must be paid again.
- A new appointment will need to be scheduled.
- There is currently no formal appeals procedure beyond reapplication for tourist visas. For certain residence permits, an administrative appeal may be possible within five days of refusal. Each new application will be assessed on its individual merits.
Actionable Instruction:
Submit your visa application a minimum of 30 working days before travel. For peak seasons or complex applications (e.g., work or study), allow 60 days or more for full processing and interview scheduling. Refer to the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones for current requirements and official updates, including digital visa transitions and biometric protocols.