Chile Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Chile stretches from the world’s driest desert to glacier-topped fjords, offering travelers everything from excellent chile food in Santiago to stargazing in the Atacama and chile beaches along the central coast. Entry is generally straightforward: most tourists from North America, Europe, and Oceania receive 90-day visa-free stays, and the immigration process at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is efficient. Before you fly, check chile weather forecasts—conditions shift dramatically between regions—and review the latest entry rules, as policies can change with little notice. When planning your chile itinerary, remember that flights from Santiago reach Patagonia faster than buses, and travel insurance is strongly recommended given the country’s adventurous activities and remote regions.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Chile operates a liberal visa policy that encourages tourism while maintaining security. Travelers are grouped into visa-free, electronic authorization, and traditional visa categories based on nationality.

Visa-Free Entry

90 days (extendable once for an additional 90 days)

Citizens of these countries may enter Chile for tourism or business without a visa.

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom Australia New Zealand Germany France Italy Spain Netherlands Japan South Korea Argentina Brazil Mexico Uruguay

Entry stamp issued on arrival. A reciprocity fee for Australians was abolished in 2020.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

90 days

Nationals who previously required consular visas can now apply online.

Includes

China India Dominican Republic Cuba Haiti

How to Apply: Complete the ETA form at www.extranjeria.gov.cl, upload passport bio page and itinerary, pay online. Approval typically within 5–10 business days.
Cost: USD 23–50 depending on nationality

Print or save the approval PDF; airlines will ask to see it before boarding.

Visa Required

30–90 days (determined by consulate)

Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry or ETA must obtain a tourist visa in advance.

How to Apply: Apply in person at the nearest Chilean consulate; submit passport, photo, proof of funds, accommodation, and return ticket. Processing 10–15 business days.

Visas are multiple-entry and valid for 90 days from date of issue.

Arrival Process

Expect a two-stage process: document check by airline staff abroad and immigration control on arrival in Chile.

Document check before boarding

Airlines verify passport validity (6 months from entry), onward ticket, and any ETA/visa.

Immigration control

Present passport and, if required, ETA. Officers may ask purpose, length of stay, and accommodation. Fingerprint scan and photo are taken.

Customs declaration

Use the red or green channel system. Hand in the completed customs form and collect baggage.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months from date of entry.

Proof of onward travel

Return or onward ticket within 90 days.

ETA printout (if applicable)

Required for eligible nationalities that applied online.

Tourism card (Tarjeta de Turismo)

Issued electronically; keep the printed receipt for exit.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have your accommodation address ready—officers often ask for the first night’s location.

Download offline maps and chile transportation apps before landing; airport Wi-Fi can be slow.

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, request an extension at the Extranjería office in Santiago before your permit expires.

Customs & Duty-Free

Chile has strict biosecurity rules to protect its agriculture and unique ecosystems. Declare any food, plants, or animal products—even small snacks from the plane.

Alcohol

2.5 liters of alcoholic beverages (≥18 yrs)

Wine from Mendoza is popular, but keep receipts.

Tobacco

400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 500 g of tobacco (≥18 yrs)

Exceeding limits incurs high duty.

Currency

USD 10,000 or equivalent must be declared

Formulario de declaración de divisas required.

Gifts/Goods

USD 500 per adult, USD 250 per minor

Applies to new items meant as gifts.

Prohibited Items

Fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds – risk of pests
Uncanned meat and dairy – foot-and-mouth disease concerns
Illegal drugs – severe penalties

Restricted Items

Medications – bring prescription and original packaging
Professional equipment – may need temporary import permit

Health Requirements

No vaccinations are mandatory for most travelers, but certain precautions are advised depending on your itinerary.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow fever – only if arriving from affected countries in Africa or South America

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid (for rural areas)
Routine MMR, DPT, flu

Health Insurance

Travel insurance with medical coverage is not mandatory but highly recommended given the cost of private care and potential evacuation from remote regions like Torres del Paine.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 testing and vaccination proof are no longer required as of May 2023, but mask rules can change regionally. Check Chile’s entry pass website before departure.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate

Check your government's travel advisory website

Immigration Authority

Official immigration website

www.extranjeria.gov.cl for visa extensions and forms

Emergency

Emergency services number

Dial 133 for police, 131 for ambulance, 132 for fire in Chile

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

If only one parent is traveling, carry notarized consent from the non-traveling parent and the child’s birth certificate. Chile is strict on child abduction prevention.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs and cats need a rabies certificate issued within 30 days, a health certificate from a licensed vet, and advance notification to SAG (Agricultural Service). Quarantine is usually waived if paperwork is in order.

Extended Stays

Apply for a temporary residence permit (visa sujeto a contrato or student visa) at Chilean consulates abroad or at Extranjería in Santiago. Tourist permits can be extended once for 90 days online.