Chile tourist visa: Complete guide 2026

Chile stretches the full length of South America's western edge, from the Atacama Desert in the north to the glaciers and fjords of Patagonia in the south. In between is the Lake District, the wine country of the Central Valley, and Easter Island, far out in the Pacific. It is one of the most politically stable and economically developed countries in Latin America, with reliable infrastructure and a warmth that catches most people off guard.

Getting there is straightforward for many, but not for everyone. A large number of nationalities can enter Chile without a visa, but some require a tourist visa called an Autorización Previa, applied for through the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you travel. This guide covers who needs one, what documents to prepare, how to apply, and what to expect upon arrival.

Do I Need a Visa?

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. The sections below list all countries that are currently exempt. If your country is not on either list, you need a visa.

Visa-free — up to 90 days

• All European countries except Belarus and Kosovo

• All South American countries except Venezuela

• All Central American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama

• North America: United States, Canada, Mexico

• Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago

• Asia-Pacific & other: Australia, Fiji, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Mongolia, Mauritius, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam

Visa-free — up to 60 days

• Indonesia

Visa-free — up to 30 days

• Macao

• Malaysia

• Singapore

Exceptions worth noting

• Citizens of India and the Dominican Republic who hold a valid US visa with at least six months of remaining validity do not need a Chilean tourist visa.

• Citizens of China who hold a valid US or Canadian visa with at least six months of remaining validity do not need a Chilean tourist visa.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Chilean tourist visa, you must:

• Hold a valid passport for the duration of your intended stay

• Have sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in Chile

• Hold a return or onward ticket

• Have no intention of performing any paid work during your stay

• Have a clean criminal record

Documents You'll Need to Prepare

All documents must be uploaded in PDF format through the online consular portal, except for the photo, which must be in JPG format.

Passport

A copy of all relevant passport pages, including the personal information page and any previous visas. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

Passport-Sized Photo

One recent, full-frontal color photograph on a white background, in JPG format.

Proof of Accommodation

A hotel reservation or a notarized letter of invitation from a host in Chile, including the host's full name, address, and contact information.

Proof of Travel

A round-trip flight reservation, or a one-way ticket into Chile plus an onward ticket to a third country.

Proof of Financial Means

Bank statements from the past three months demonstrating sufficient funds for your stay.

Criminal Record Certificate

A valid certificate confirming a clean criminal record from your country of residence.

Cover Letter

A brief letter in Spanish or English explaining the purpose and duration of your trip.

Proof of Legal Status in Country of Residence

If you are applying from a country other than your country of citizenship, include a copy of your valid residence permit or equivalent document.

Note: The consulate may request additional documentation depending on your nationality, including academic letters, work letters, birth certificates, or parental consent letters. Follow any specific instructions provided by the Chilean consulate handling your application.

Step-by-Step Application Process

All applications are submitted online through the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Attention System (SAC). You do not need to appear in person to submit your application, but you will be required to attend a consular appointment to present your original documents.

Step 1: Confirm you need a visa

Confirm that your nationality requires a tourist visa and verify that none of the exemptions apply to your situation.

Step 2: Prepare your documents

Gather all required documents listed above. Name each file clearly, as the portal requires labeled files.

Step 3: Submit your application online

Go to tramites.minrel.gov.cl, create an account, and select "Solicitar visa o autorización previa." Complete the application form, upload all required documents, and submit.

Step 4: Attend your consular appointment

After your online submission is reviewed, you will be contacted to visit your nearest Chilean consulate or representation office in person with the originals of all uploaded documents.

Step 5: Wait for a decision

Processing times vary by nationality and by the consulate handling your application. You will receive a notification by email once a decision has been made.

Step 6: Pay the visa fee

If approved, you will receive an email with payment instructions. Payment must be made within 30 days of receiving the approval notice.

Step 7: Receive your visa

Your approved visa will be sent to the email address you provided, or made available for collection at the consulate where your application was processed. Verify that all details match your passport before traveling.

Costs and Fees to Expect

Visa Fee

The fee varies by nationality and is determined by Chile's reciprocity policy. It generally falls in the range of $30–$100. The full fee schedule is available here (in Spanish).

Extension Fee

If you wish to extend your stay beyond 90 days after arriving in Chile, the fee is $100, paid at a regional office of the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones.

Document Preparation Expenses

Factor in the following potential costs:

• Criminal record certificate: $10–$50, depending on your country

• Certified translations of non-Spanish or non-English documents: $5–$20 per page

Practical Notes Worth Knowing

Visa holders are not permitted to perform any paid work during their stay in Chile, and may not apply for a change of visa status from within the country.

On arrival, you will be issued a Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) by the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI). Keep it safe, as you are required to return it when you leave. If it is lost or stolen, request a duplicate from the PDI before departure to avoid delays at the border.

If you overstay your permitted period, you will not be allowed to leave Chile until the applicable fine is paid. Fines cannot be settled at the airport and must be paid in advance at a regional Servicio Nacional de Migraciones office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I check if my nationality requires a visa?

See the visa-free lists in the "Do I Need a Visa?" section of this guide.

Can I work in Chile on a tourist visa?

No. Tourist visa holders are not permitted to perform any paid work and may not change their visa category from within Chile.

Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days?

Yes. You can apply for a 90-day extension by paying $100 at a regional office of the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones. Alternatively, you can leave Chile and re-enter to reset your 90-day period, but this can only be done twice in succession.

What happens if I lose my Tourist Card?

Request a duplicate from the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI) before departure. The duplicate is free of charge. Do not attempt to leave Chile without replacing it, as this may result in delays at the border.

Can I apply for a visa if I am not in my home country?

Yes. You must apply through the Chilean consulate or representation office in the country where you currently reside, and include a copy of your valid residence permit as part of your application.

What is the visa fee?

Fees vary by nationality but generally fall in the range of $30–$100. The full schedule is available here (in Spanish).