Chilean Visas and Passport Requirements for Travelers

Posted on Jan 19, 2025 in Law & Jurisprudence

Chilean Visas: Entry Requirements for Travelers

A visa is a document that allows you to enter a country. It is granted based on the reason that justifies and enables travel abroad, allowing you to stay in the situation for which the license was issued.

Purpose of a Visa

A visa allows travel to the so-called “port of entry,” that is, the airport or land border crossing. It is used to ask an immigration officer to allow entry into the country in question. Only that officer has the authority to permit entry into the country.

Who Needs a Visa for Chile?

Citizens wishing to enter Chile as tourists require a visa, except for citizens of countries with which Chile has a tourist visa exemption agreement.

Types of Visas

  • Transit Visa: Allows you to transit through the international transit area of an airport.
  • Stay Visa: Allows continuous stay from the date of the first visit.
  • Courtesy Visa: For diplomatic agents, consular officers, etc.
  • Residence and Work Visa: Enables you to take up jobs, either professional or self-employed, and to reside in the country.
  • Study Visa: Allows you to stay in a country to carry out research, studies, courses, and training.

Tourist Visa in Chile

There are two types of Tourist Visas: Simple or Multiple Entries (with duration and value based on reciprocity).

Where to Apply

  • Chilean Embassies abroad
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Requirements

  • Passport or identity card valid until the end of your stay
  • Proof of economic solvency that allows you to finance your travel and stay
  • Letter of invitation from a natural person or a company in Chile
  • Hotel reservation if you do not have a contact person in Chile

Documents Required at the Consulate

  • Valid passport
  • Background check certificate
  • Health certificate (free of infectious diseases)
  • Four passport-size photographs

Passport

A passport is an official travel document that contains the identification of the holder. It is issued to be used outside the country.

Documents Required for Minors (Under 18 Years)

  1. Birth certificate
  2. Notarized authorization from both parents if traveling alone
  3. Passports of both parents if traveling with them
  4. If traveling with one parent, a valid passport of the accompanying parent and notarized authorization from the absent parent are required

Reciprocity Fee

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Australia traveling to Chile as tourists must pay a reciprocity fee upon arrival (approximately $100 for U.S. citizens, $55 for Canadians, $34 for Australians, and $15 for Mexican citizens). Payment is only accepted in cash.

Safe Conduct

A Safe Conduct is a travel document consisting of three sections and contains the following information:
  • Date of issuance and expiration (1 year)
  • Name of holder
  • Nationality
  • RUN number
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Profession

Embassy

An embassy is a state’s representative body. It ensures permanent bilateral relations, cooperation, and exchange.

Consulate

A consulate is a state’s representative in the territory of another state. It assists and protects its citizens.

National Customs Service

The National Customs Service is a government agency whose mission is to control and monitor the passage of goods across borders, ports, and airports. It facilitates and monitors the country’s foreign trade and determines tariffs and taxes on imports and exports where appropriate.