Do you need a visa to visit Chile?
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Important Information – Please Read
All visitors are advised to carefully review applicable entry conditions and prepare supporting documents well in advance of travel. Special attention should be paid to any vaccination requirements, biometric requirements, visa validity, and permitted duration of stay. This guidance is intended for general use and should always be verified with the Chilean consulate or embassy in your jurisdiction.
Entry Requirements into Chile
Entering Chile for tourism purposes of up to 90 days is visa-free for many nationalities, including British citizens. Upon arrival, eligible travellers will receive a Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo), which must be retained and presented upon departure. For longer stays or non-tourism purposes, visa requirements apply.
Citizens of certain countries may enter Chile for tourism or business purposes without a visa for up to 90 days. These travellers will receive a “Tourist Card” (Tarjeta de Turismo) upon arrival, which must be returned upon departure.
Visa-free entry is granted to nationals of countries with which Chile maintains bilateral or multilateral visa waiver agreements. These include, but are not limited to, most European Union countries, the UK, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The following South American nationals may enter Chile using only their national ID card (no passport or visa required for up to 90 days):
| Argentina | Bolivia | Brazil |
| Colombia | Ecuador | Paraguay |
| Peru | Uruguay |
All other nationals, including third-country nationals not covered by visa exemption agreements, must obtain a visa before travelling to Chile. Visa requirements apply regardless of transit or final destination.
Applicants seeking a Chile Tourist Visa must meet the following criteria:
Visa applications should strictly follow official travel guidance issued by Chilean diplomatic missions. Any deviation may result in delays or refusal.
Applicants are strongly advised to submit their visa applications at least 30 to 60 days prior to intended travel to allow for appointment delays and administrative processing.
Appointment availability for Chilean visa applications depends largely on the capacity of the local consulate or embassy. During busy periods—such as holiday seasons, summer vacations, or major international events—waiting times for appointments can increase significantly. Priority cases, including those related to medical, humanitarian, or business emergencies, may be processed more quickly, which can further reduce the number of available standard appointment slots.
Several factors can influence how long you may need to wait for an appointment:
To help ensure a smooth experience and avoid travel disruptions, applicants are strongly encouraged to:
By planning ahead and staying informed, you can increase the likelihood of securing an appointment in time and reduce the risk of delays affecting your travel plans.
Nationals of visa-exempt countries—including the UK, most European Union member states, Australia, and others—do not need a visa for short stays in Chile. Upon arrival, these travellers will be issued a Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) valid for up to 90 days, which must be returned when leaving the country. This card is provided free of charge to eligible visitors at border entry points.
For UK nationals specifically:
It is important to note that while visa-free entry is available for many nationalities, all travellers must still meet standard entry requirements, such as holding a valid passport, proof of onward or return travel, and sufficient funds for their stay.
Additionally, from the 8th of January 2025, Chilean citizens travelling to the UK for stays under six months must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance. This requirement highlights the importance of always checking current entry regulations for both your destination and country of citizenship before travelling. By understanding these conditions and preparing accordingly, travellers can ensure a seamless entry process and avoid complications at the border.
In the event of a visa denial:
Actionable Instruction:
Submit your visa application a minimum of 30 working days before travel. For peak seasons or complex applications (e.g., work or study), allow 60 days or more for full processing and interview scheduling. Refer to the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones for current requirements and official updates, including digital visa transitions and biometric protocols.
Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, South Africa, and the majority of EU nations do not require a visa, only a valid passport. They will acquire a Tarjeta de Turismo (Tourist Card) upon admission, which is valid for 90 days and must be submitted upon departure. Find a secure location for this unassuming piece of paper! Obtain a replacement well in advance of your departure (Polica Internacional in Santiago, Eleuterio Ramrez 852, or at a police station in one of the regions). Those attempting to leave without the card will likely miss their flight or be detained waiting at the border for a considerable amount of time.
The Chilean Peso is the standard and nearly sole method of payment. With your ATM or EC/Maestro card, you can withdraw up to 200,000 pesos per day from Redbanc cash machines in any major city. This costs approximately 7 USD or 5 EUR every withdrawal, assuming favourable exchange rates. The majority of restaurants, stores, and supermarkets accept the standard credit cards.
Tourist visas are the simplest way to enter Chile. In most nations, this is free and requires no action on your part. You are only granted 90 days upon arrival at the border.
