Chile Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Chile's visa policy is based on reciprocity agreements and diplomatic relations. Most tourists from Western countries can enter visa-free for stays up to 90 days. However, requirements vary significantly by nationality and purpose of visit.
Citizens of these countries can enter Chile without a visa for tourism or business purposes
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. The 90-day period is counted from first entry within a 12-month period. Reciprocity fees that previously applied to US, Canadian, Australian, and Mexican citizens have been eliminated.
All visa-free travelers receive a Tourist Card upon arrival
Cost: Free
Do not lose this card - replacement can be complicated and may require visiting immigration offices. Some airlines provide the form during the flight. Keep it with your passport throughout your stay.
Some nationalities can apply for an electronic visa online before travel
Cost: Approximately USD $50-150 depending on nationality
Print the approved eVisa and present it upon arrival along with your passport. Some nationalities may still require consular visa depending on purpose of visit.
Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry or eVisa must apply at a Chilean embassy or consulate
Countries requiring consular visas include most African nations, several Asian countries, and some Caribbean nations. Check with the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs for your specific nationality. Business visas and work visas always require consular application regardless of nationality.
Arrival Process
The entry process into Chile is generally efficient and straightforward. Most travelers clear immigration within 30-60 minutes at Santiago airport, though this can be longer during peak travel times. Be prepared for thorough agricultural and customs inspections.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Chile maintains strict customs regulations, particularly regarding agricultural products due to the country's important agricultural sector and unique ecosystem. All travelers must complete a customs declaration form and may be subject to inspection regardless of what they're carrying.
Prohibited Items
- Fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants - Chile has strict biosecurity laws to protect its agricultural industry
- Meat and dairy products - including processed meats, cheese, and milk products from most countries
- Seeds and nuts - unless commercially packaged and declared
- Honey and bee products - due to disease concerns
- Soil or items with soil attached - including hiking boots with dirt
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences
- Firearms and ammunition - without prior authorization from Chilean authorities
- Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items
- Pornographic material - particularly involving minors
- Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants under CITES
Restricted Items
- Medications - Bring prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's prescription. Quantities should be reasonable for personal use during your stay. Some medications legal elsewhere may be controlled in Chile.
- Pet food - Commercially packaged pet food may be allowed in limited quantities but must be declared and inspected
- Camping and outdoor equipment - Tents, sleeping bags, and hiking boots will be inspected for soil and seeds. Clean thoroughly before packing.
- Professional equipment - Cameras, laptops, and other professional equipment may require temporary import documentation if value is high
- Drones - Require authorization from DGAC (Chilean Civil Aviation Authority) to operate. Bring documentation.
- Archaeological artifacts - Cannot remove historical or archaeological items from Chile
- Wooden items - May be inspected for pests and require fumigation certificate
Health Requirements
Chile does not have extensive mandatory vaccination requirements for most travelers, but health precautions are recommended depending on your planned activities and regions you'll visit.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Required only if arriving from or having transited through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Certificate must be presented at immigration. Affected countries include most of tropical South America and sub-Saharan Africa.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up to date on routine vaccines including MMR, DPT, chickenpox, polio, and yearly flu shot
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers due to potential food and water contamination
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for those who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
- Typhoid - Recommended for travelers visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or adventurous eaters
- Rabies - Consider for travelers spending time outdoors, working with animals, or visiting remote areas
- COVID-19 - Stay updated with current vaccination recommendations
Health Insurance
While not mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Chile has excellent private healthcare but it can be expensive for foreigners. Public healthcare is available but may have long waits. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation, as some remote areas (like Patagonia or Easter Island) may require air transport for serious conditions. Some adventure activities may require specific coverage.
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport and Tourist Card. If a child is traveling with only one parent or with someone other than their parents, Chilean law requires a notarized authorization letter from the absent parent(s). This requirement applies to both foreign visitors and Chilean residents. The letter should include the child's details, travel dates, destination, and accompanying adult's information. It must be notarized and, if not in Spanish, accompanied by an official translation. Both parents' signatures are required unless one parent has sole custody (bring court documentation). This is strictly enforced at exit points.
Pets (dogs and cats) can enter Chile but require: (1) ISO-compatible microchip, (2) Valid rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months prior, (3) Health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, (4) Import permit from SAG obtained before travel, (5) Veterinary certificate endorsed by official authority in country of origin. Pets must enter through Santiago airport and will be inspected by SAG upon arrival. Some breeds are restricted or prohibited. Birds and exotic animals have additional requirements. Plan for at least 2-3 months to complete all requirements. Pet quarantine is not required if all documentation is in order.
Tourist visas can be extended once for an additional 90 days. Apply at the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones office before your initial 90 days expire. You'll need your passport, Tourist Card, proof of financial means, and reason for extension. Fee is approximately USD $100. For stays longer than 180 days, you must apply for a temporary residence visa. This requires leaving Chile to apply at a Chilean consulate abroad or applying for a change of status with justified reason (such as study, work, or family). Working on a tourist visa is illegal. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible entry bans.
Chile shares land borders with Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. Many border crossings exist, but not all are open year-round. Mountain passes between Chile and Argentina often close in winter (June-September) due to snow. Verify border crossing hours and status before traveling. The process is similar to airport entry but may take longer. Some crossings have limited services. Ensure you have proper exit stamps from the country you're leaving. If renting a car, you need special authorization to cross borders - most rental companies charge extra and require advance notice. Some crossings are remote with no services - bring water and snacks.
Cruise passengers arriving at Chilean ports (Valparaíso, San Antonio, Punta Arenas, Puerto Montt) follow the same entry requirements. However, if you're on a cruise that begins and ends outside Chile with only port calls in Chile, you may be eligible for a simplified process. Check with your cruise line. You'll still need a valid passport and may receive a temporary shore pass instead of the standard Tourist Card. If you're joining or leaving a cruise in Chile, follow standard entry procedures.
Students planning to study in Chile for more than 90 days must obtain a student visa before arrival or shortly after entering on a tourist visa. Requirements include acceptance letter from Chilean educational institution, proof of financial means, background check, and health certificate. Work visas must be sponsored by a Chilean employer and typically require applying from your home country, though some categories allow in-country application. Both processes can take 2-6 months. Tourist visas do not permit work or study for credit.
Chile does not currently have a specific digital nomad visa. If you're working remotely for a non-Chilean company while visiting Chile, you're technically in a gray area. Tourist visas don't permit work, but enforcement focuses on local employment. Many digital nomads enter on tourist visas for 90 days. For longer stays, consider applying for a temporary residence visa with justification, though this can be complex. Some choose to do visa runs to neighboring countries, though this is not officially endorsed and immigration may question frequent entries.