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If you’re planning a trip to Santiago, you may be left wondering, “Do you need a visa to go to Chile?”
The answer depends on your nationality and the duration and purpose of your travel. A Chile visa allows the holder to travel and remain in the country for a specific period of time. For example, Chile tourist visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days, whereas a Chile student visa can be issued for the entire duration of the studies.
In order to travel to Chile, nationals of most foreign countries have to obtain a visa beforehand.
However, when it comes to tourism purposes, nationals of certain countries can travel to Chile visa-free, provided that they will stay for less than 90 days.
Do I Need a Visa for Chile?
You need a visa to travel to Chile unless you are from one of the following countries (ie. the following countries do not need a visa to travel to Chile):
| Any EU member state | Albania | Andorra | Antigua and Barbuda | Argentina |
| Bahamas | Barbados | Belize | Bolivia | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Brazil | Canada | Colombia | Costa Rica | Ecuador |
| El Salvador | Fiji | Georgia | Grenada | Guatemala |
| Guyana | Honduras | Hong Kong | Iceland | Indonesia |
| Israel | Jamaica | Japan | Liechtenstein | Macao |
| Malaysia | Mauritius | Mexico | Moldova | Monaco |
| Mongolia | Montenegro | New Zealand | Nicaragua | North Macedonia |
| Norway | Panama | Paraguay | Peru | Russia |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Saint Lucia | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | San Marino | Serbia |
| Singapore | South Africa | South Korea | Switzerland | Taiwan |
| Thailand | Tonga | Trinidad and Tobago | Turkey | Ukraine |
| United Arab Emirates | The United States of America | Uruguay | Vatican City | Vietnam |
The countries listed above can stay in Chile without a visa for up to 90 days, except for the following countries, whose citizens can stay in Chile visa-free for up to 30 days:
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Singapore
The visa-exempt nationals above can travel to Chile with their passport or ID (see below) and obtain a Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) from the immigration authorities at the point of entry.
Keep in mind that for stays of longer than 90 days (ie. for studying and work purposes) even the nationals listed above are subject to the relevant visa.
Who Can Enter Chile With Their ID?
Nationals of the following countries can enter Chile with simply their Identity Document (ID card):
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
Do I Need a Visa to Transit Through Chile?
As long as you do not leave the transit area in an airport, you do not need a visa to transit in Chile. If you have to pass immigration during your transit and enter the country, you have to apply for a regular tourist visa if you are a visa-required national.
Otherwise, you can transit with simply your passport (valid for another six months from the day) and an onward travel visa (if required) and flight ticket.
Who Needs a Chile Visa for Diplomatic Purposes?
Nationals of the following countries who have a diplomatic or service passport do not need a Chile visa:
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Botswana
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Egypt
- India
- Jordan
- Morocco
- Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- Suriname
- Tunisia
- Tuvalu
- Vietnam
Chile Visa Waiver for Business Purposes
If you are a national of the following countries and you have an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), you can travel to Chile for business purposes for up to 90 days, provided that your ABTC includes Chile:
- Australia
- Brunei
- China
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Japan
- South Korea
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- Peru
- Philippines
- Russia
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
What if I Need a Chile Visa?
If you are a visa-required national, you have to apply for a Chile visa online, and obtain it from the nearest Chilean Embassy/Consulate. The process for obtaining a Chile visa is as follows:
- Complete the online Chile visa application and attach electronic copies of all the required documents.
- After the visa is processed (and approved) submit your passport and originals of the required at the Chilean embassy or consulate stated on your online application.
- Pay the Chile visa fee (you only have to pay a fee if your Chile visa application is approved.
- The Chile authorities review your documents and place the visa on your passport. You have 90 days to travel to Chile.
Keep in mind: You must apply for a Chile visa at least 30 days before your intended date of travel.