Spain Visa-Free Entry
Schengen Visa Exemption · For Chile citizens
Great news for Chilean travelers: you can visit Spain without a visa for up to 90 days. As a Schengen Area country, Spain allows Chilean citizens visa-free entry for tourism, business, or family visits. This guide covers current entry requirements, the upcoming ETIAS system, and what you need for a smooth trip to Spain.
Spain Entry Requirements for Chilean Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Chile citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Biometric passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area
Evidence of your return or onward journey from Spain
Documentation showing where you will stay in Spain
Evidence that you can support yourself during your stay
Recommended (Optional)
Travel medical insurance covering your stay in Spain
European Travel Information and Authorization System pre-travel authorization
Entry Process
As a Chilean citizen, you can enter Spain without a visa for stays up to 90 days.1 Here’s what to expect:
1. Prepare Your Documents
Before traveling, ensure you have:
- Valid Chilean passport (3+ months validity beyond your stay)1
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Evidence of sufficient funds (€108/day minimum)3
2. Arrive at Spanish Border
At passport control, the border officer may:
- Check your passport validity and stamps
- Ask about your travel purpose and length of stay
- Request proof of accommodation and finances
- Verify you haven’t exceeded the 90-day Schengen limit
3. Receive Entry Stamp
Your passport will be stamped with your entry date. This stamp starts your 90-day countdown for the Schengen Area.
Financial Requirements
Spain requires visitors to demonstrate adequate funds for their stay.3
| Requirement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum per day | €108 |
| Minimum total for trip | €972 |
| Accepted proof | Cash, credit cards, bank statements |
Border officers may ask to see evidence of funds, especially if you appear to be traveling on a tight budget or for an extended period.
The 90/180 Day Rule
Your visa-free stay is limited to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries.1 This means:
- Days in Spain + days in any other Schengen country = total Schengen days
- You cannot “reset” by leaving to another Schengen country
- After using 90 days, you must wait until days “drop off” the 180-day window
Example: If you spent 90 days in Spain ending June 30, you cannot re-enter any Schengen country until October 1 (when the first days from April start dropping off).
Schengen Area Access
Your entry to Spain grants access to all 29 Schengen Area countries:3
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
Travel freely between these countries without additional border checks during your 90-day period.
ETIAS: Coming in 2026
Starting in 2026, Chilean citizens will need ETIAS authorization before traveling to Spain.2
| ETIAS Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee | €7 (free for under 18 and over 70) |
| Validity | 3 years or until passport expires |
| Application | Online, typically approved in minutes |
| Entries | Multiple entries allowed |
ETIAS is NOT a visa. It’s a pre-travel authorization that takes about 10 minutes to complete online.2 Apply at least 72 hours before travel once the system launches.
What You Cannot Do
Visa-free entry allows tourism, business meetings, and family visits only. You cannot:1
- Work (paid or unpaid employment)
- Study for more than 90 days
- Live permanently in Spain
- Access public benefits
For work or long-term stays, you must apply for the appropriate visa at the Spanish Embassy in Chile.
If Entry is Refused
Entry refusal is rare for Chilean citizens but can happen if:
- Your passport doesn’t meet validity requirements
- You’ve exceeded the 90-day Schengen limit
- You cannot prove sufficient funds or accommodation
- There are security concerns
If refused, you’ll receive a written explanation. You can appeal the decision or reapply after addressing the issues.
Tips for a Smooth Entry
- Check passport validity well before booking flights
- Print hotel confirmations and keep them accessible
- Carry proof of funds (bank statement or credit cards)
- Know your Schengen day count if you’ve visited recently
- Have return ticket ready to show if asked
- Answer questions clearly at border control
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Expired or Invalid Passport
Passport does not meet validity requirements (3 months beyond planned stay) or is damaged.
How to avoid: Check passport validity before booking. Renew if it expires within 3 months of your return date.
Exceeding 90-Day Limit
Previous stays in Schengen Area within the last 180 days total more than 90 days.
How to avoid: Track your Schengen days carefully. Use a calculator to ensure you haven't exceeded the limit.
Insufficient Financial Proof
Unable to demonstrate adequate funds for the intended stay.
How to avoid: Carry proof of €108 per day minimum. Have bank statements or credit cards ready if asked.
No Return or Onward Ticket
Cannot show proof of plans to leave the Schengen Area.
How to avoid: Always have a booked return or onward ticket before arriving at the border.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chilean citizens need a visa to visit Spain?
No, Chilean citizens can visit Spain visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Spain is part of the Schengen Area, so this visa exemption allows travel throughout all 29 Schengen countries.
How long can Chileans stay in Spain without a visa?
Chilean citizens can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just Spain. Days spent in other Schengen countries count toward your 90-day total.
What is ETIAS and when will it be required?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a new travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers to the Schengen Area. Expected to launch in 2026, it will cost €7 and be valid for 3 years. Apply online before traveling.
What documents do I need to enter Spain from Chile?
You need a valid Chilean passport (3+ months validity beyond your stay), proof of accommodation, return or onward ticket, and evidence of sufficient funds (minimum €108/day, €972 total). Travel insurance is recommended but not mandatory.
Can I work in Spain on visa-free entry?
No, visa-free entry is only for tourism, business meetings, family visits, or short-term studies. Any paid employment requires a proper work visa. Violating this can result in deportation and future entry bans.
Can I visit other European countries with the same entry?
Yes, your visa-free entry allows you to travel throughout all 29 Schengen Area countries. Your 90-day limit applies to the total time in all Schengen countries combined, not per country.
What happens if I overstay the 90-day limit?
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans to the Schengen Area. Always track your days carefully and leave before the 90-day limit expires.
Do I need travel insurance for Spain?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for Chilean tourists but is highly recommended. Healthcare in Spain can be expensive for non-residents. Coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies is advised.