The Republic of Chile is one of the most developed countries in Latin America. The country is famous for its incredible natural landscapes and ancient monuments. Learn more about the entry rules and the list of required documents

Chile is one of the most beautiful countries in South America, which stretches along the Pacific coast and combines picturesque nature, fascinating sights and interesting entertainment. Amazing beaches, mountains and other natural wonders attract here about 5 million tourists a year. There is definitely something for travelers to see in Chile: from historic cities such as Valparaiso to the natural beauty of Torres del Paine.

The most famous attraction of Chile can be called the island of Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island. It is on it that there are mysterious moai statues created from compressed volcanic ash. Chile is also home to the driest desert in the world, the Atacama.

Chile is a country whose beauty should be seen by every traveler. Already planning a trip here? Then the entry rules are just for you.

List of documents and rules for entering Chile

Visa-free regime

Citizens of certain countries of the world have the right to enter Chile for tourist purposes without a visa and stay in the country for up to 90 days. A visa is not required for tourists who have a passport of any EU country, Argentina, Brazil, Georgia, Japan, Peru, Moldova, USA, Canada, Ukraine, Mexico, Caribbean countries, etc.

Citizens of Macau, Malaysia and Singapore can stay in Chile without a visa for a period of up to 30 days.

Citizens of visa-free countries can travel on the basis of a foreign passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. It is also necessary to obtain a tourist card (Tarjeta de Turismo) from the immigration authorities at the point of entry, for example at the airport, upon arrival. You must keep this document for the duration of your stay because you will need to show the Tarjeta de Turismo to the immigration authorities when you leave the country.

Citizens of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay are allowed to enter on the basis of an identity document (ID-card).

Visa

Citizens of the rest of the world must obtain a tourist visa to travel to Chile. To obtain a visa, a tourist must apply for a Chilean visa online and collect it from the nearest Chilean embassy/consulate.

The procedure for obtaining a Chilean visa:

1. Complete the online Chile visa application and attach electronic copies of all required documents.

2. Once your visa has been processed and approved, submit your passport and originals of the required documents to the Chilean embassy or consulate listed in your online application.

3. Pay the Chilean visa fee (you only have to pay the fee when your Chilean visa application is approved).

4. The Chilean authorities check your documents and enter the visa in your passport. You have 90 days to travel to Chile.

Importantly! You must apply for a Chilean visa at least 30 days before your planned travel date.

Approximate list of documents for obtaining a tourist visa in Chile:

- Passport valid for at least 6 months after entry and its copy.

- One passport size digital photograph.

- Booking air tickets.

- Hotel reservation/accommodation confirmation.

- Bank statements for the last three months.

- A letter explaining the reasons for your trip.

- Letter of invitation (if any).

The visa application fee can range from $50 to $150 depending on your nationality and visa type, for example a single entry visa is cheaper than a multiple entry visa.

A Chilean tourist visa is issued for up to 90 days at the discretion of the Chilean authorities.

Transit rules

If you do not leave the transit area at the airport during transit, you do not need a visa to transit Chile. If you need to go through immigration in transit and enter a country, you must apply for a regular tourist visa if you are a citizen of a visa-requiring country. Otherwise, you can transit with only your passport (valid for another six months from the date of entry), as well as an onward travel visa (if needed) and a plane ticket.

Quarantine restrictions due to the COVID-19 epidemic

From January 1, 2023, new measures are in effect for passengers arriving from China (citizens of the country and persons who were in the PRC at least 7 days before entering Chile).

All passengers arriving from China must provide a negative PCR test for COVID-19, which was taken no later than 48 hours before departure to Chile. Travelers will also be tested upon arrival at the airport. Those who test positive must remain in a five-day quarantine.

Also, on October 1, 2022, the requirements for entering Chile were updated. A vaccination certificate issued by the country in which they were vaccinated is now required to enter Chile. For non-vaccinated persons, a negative PCR test that was performed within a maximum of 48 hours before arrival in Chile.

Masks are no longer required, except in medical facilities (clinics, hospitals, laboratories, etc.).

Proof of health insurance is no longer required. However, it is recommended that you travel with medical insurance that has coverage against COVID-19.

Traveling with children

To enter Chile, a child must have a visa (if the country of origin does not have a visa-free regime) and additional documents:

- Birth Certificate.

- Notarized written permission to travel from parents or legal guardians if the child is traveling with someone other than parents.

- Notarized permission from the other parent or legal guardian if the child is traveling with only one parent/guardian.

- In addition, the child must leave Chile with the same adult with whom he entered the country or have a permit signed by both parents.

Safety in Chile

Chile is a very safe country to travel to and probably one of the safest destinations in Latin America. Tourists sometimes encounter petty crime, such as theft and bag robbery, but the rate of violent crime is low.

Rent a car in Chile

To drive a car in Chile, it is necessary to present an international driver's license or an international-style driver's license of your country.

A credit card with your name on it will be required for the rental. Also, you must be at least 20 years old to rent a car, but some car rental agencies may require you to be 21 or 25 years old, so it's best to first check the age requirements of the company you plan to choose.

All vehicles must have Seguro Obligatorio (minimum insurance) to travel safely in Chile, but additional insurance is also desirable.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Chile;

Travel and medical insurance for foreigners in Chile;

Insurance for foreign students in Chile.

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