With its dazzling national parks, globally-renowned wineries, Andean ski resorts, and top-class surf beaches, Chile is an attractive destination for travelers globally. However, navigating the logistics of making that trip happen can be somewhat tricky. This useful guide to Chile’s entry requirements provides vital information on visa types, costs, and essential details needed to ensure a seamless journey in and out of the country.
Visa-Free Entry for Citizens of 95 Countries
Citizens from around 95 countries can enter Chile without needing to obtain a consular or electronic visa in advance. This list includes individuals from the United States, Japan, Canada, the UK, the European Union, and Chile’s South American neighbors—all of whom receive a stamp allowing them to stay in the country for up to 90 days. Previously, travelers from some of these countries were required to pay hefty “reciprocity fees” upon entry; however, these fees have been eliminated since 2020, including the last fee for Australians, who still need an e-visa that can be obtained from official channels.
In contrast, citizens of numerous other countries, especially in Africa and Asia, must visit their closest Chilean embassy to apply for a tourist visa. Depending on the country of origin, this visa can last for a minimum of 30 days or extend up to 90 days. It is essential for all visitors to ensure that their passport remains valid for a minimum of six months from their date of arrival in Chile.
Receiving Your Tourist Card Upon Arrival
Upon entering Chile, travelers will receive a slip of paper known as the Tarjeta de Turismo (Tourist Card). It is crucial to keep this card for the duration of your stay because you will need to present it to border officials upon departure. This tourist card serves a practical purpose as it allows you to avoid the 19% room tax when staying in hotels, which is otherwise applicable to domestic tourists. Be sure to show your passport along with the tourist card at check-in, as many hotels will not automatically apply this discount.
In the event of a lost tourist card, a free copy can be requested through the official website of the Policía de Investigaciones de Chile (PDI), or at the nearest PDI office or Santiago airport. Travelers should allocate at least 45 minutes at the airport to sort this out. Moreover, residents of visa-free countries can extend their tourist card for an additional 90 days by completing a form online (in Spanish) and paying a US$100 extension fee. However, this process requires a good understanding of the Spanish language and patience. An alternate, simpler, and more economical option is to travel briefly across the Andes to Argentina and return the following day; therefore, a new tourist card will be issued free of charge.
Working Visas for Citizens of Canada and Australia
Citizens of 16 countries—including Canada, Ireland, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand—can apply for Working Holiday Visas, allowing them to extend their stay in Chile. These visas are typically available to those aged 18-30 (or up to 35 for Canadians) and allow foreigners to work and live in Chile for up to one year. Entrepreneurs may find it beneficial to apply to the Start-Up Chile program, which offers one-year work visas along with generous financial incentives. Furthermore, individuals wishing to stay longer can arrange for Sujeta a Contrato visas through local language schools, enabling them to teach English in Chile.
