Visa Requirements for Chilean Citizens

Chilean citizens can visit 175 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival in 2025. This includes all of Europe's Schengen Area (90 days), the United States (90 days with ESTA), United Kingdom (6 months), Canada (6 months with eTA), Japan (90 days), Australia (90 days with ETA), and all South American countries. For neighboring countries like Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay, Chileans can travel using just their national identity card without a passport.

The US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) costs $21 (approximately CLP 21,000) for Chilean citizens. This authorization is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows multiple entries for stays up to 90 days each. The ESTA replaces the need for a traditional B1/B2 visa for Chilean travelers visiting for tourism or business.

No, Chilean citizens do not need a visa to visit the United Kingdom in 2025. Chileans can stay in the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family without obtaining a visa. For longer stays involving work or study, a specific visa category would be required. There is no fee for this visa-free entry privilege.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a new pre-screening requirement for visa-exempt travelers visiting the Schengen Area. Starting in 2025, Chilean citizens will need to obtain ETIAS authorization online before traveling to any of the 29 Schengen countries. The fee is €7 (approximately CLP 8,000), valid for 3 years. This is not a visa but an electronic travel authorization, and approval is typically granted within minutes.

For countries that require Chilean citizens to apply for visas, standard requirements include: valid passport with 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages, recent passport-size photographs, bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months showing sufficient funds, employment letter or proof of income, confirmed travel itinerary and accommodation bookings, travel insurance (mandatory for some destinations), and a cover letter explaining the purpose of travel. Requirements vary by country, so always verify with the specific embassy.

Chilean passport holders enjoy high visa approval rates, typically above 90% for most destinations that require advance visas. This strong approval rate reflects Chile's economic stability, low overstay rates, and strong diplomatic relations. For countries like Russia, China, and India where visas are required, well-documented applications from Chilean citizens are generally processed favorably.

Yes, Chilean citizens can obtain visas on arrival in approximately 35 countries including Egypt (25 days), Jordan (30 days), Cambodia (30 days), Laos (30 days), and several other destinations in Asia and Africa. Many other popular destinations offer e-visas that can be obtained online before travel, including India, Turkey (though also visa-free), and various African nations.

Chilean citizens need advance visas for relatively few countries. The main destinations requiring traditional visa applications include Russia, some Central Asian countries (Turkmenistan, Afghanistan), North Korea, and certain African nations (Chad, Eritrea, Libya). China has historically required visas but has recently implemented visa-free policies for Chilean tourists. India offers a convenient e-visa system for Chilean travelers.

To maximize your Chilean passport's benefits: use the ESTA for US travel (valid 2 years, $21), apply for ETIAS once available for unlimited Schengen trips (€7 for 3 years), carry your Chilean ID card for South American travel instead of your passport, apply for the Australia ETA through the app (AUD $20), and use e-visa systems where available to avoid embassy visits. Always ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and register with the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs before international trips for consular assistance if needed.