Chile entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Australian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Chile. The online application is straightforward and usually processed within a few days. Plan ahead and have your documents ready before you travel in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Chile eVisa | Apply for a Chile eVisa at the National Migration Service portal before you fly. The online form takes about 15 minutes and you'll need a digital passport photo and a credit card for the fee. Approval usually comes within 5–10 business days — don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Australian passport | Your Australian passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Chile. Chile does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but airlines may ask for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Santiago (SCL) routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before stamping you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready — a bus ticket to Argentina also works if you're leaving overland. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Chile. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a bank statement showing at least $500 USD or the equivalent in Chilean pesos. Immigration rarely checks, but budget airlines flying into Chile sometimes ask at check-in. | Recommended |
eVisa processing times vary
While most applications are processed in a few days, delays can happen. Apply at least 10 days before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
Keep digital copies handy
Save your eVisa approval, passport, and return ticket as PDFs on your phone. Screenshots work too. You'll need them at immigration and possibly at your hotel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to the official Chilean immigration website and complete the eVisa application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Pay the fee (if any) and submit. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save digital copies of your eVisa approval, passport, return ticket, and first night accommodation. Keep them together in a folder or on your phone for easy access.
3
Arrive at Santiago International Airport (SCL)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport and eVisa approval ready. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly and honestly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
Once stamped in, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. You're free to enter Chile.
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$30 USD (approx. $30 USD)
Standard option for longer stays beyond eVisa period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. $60 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits within 6 months.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
Requires proof of income or investment; for extended stays.
retirement visa
Temporary Residence Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD / year
For retirees with a stable pension or income. Requires proof of monthly income of at least $1,000 USD. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores Remotos)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD / year
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of employment and income. Allows stay and work remotely in Chile.
investor visa
Temporary Residence Visa for Investors
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD / year
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in Chilean business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD / year
For those with a job offer from a Chilean employer. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD / year
For enrolled students in accredited Chilean institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Tourist, Single Entry)Standard fee for Australian passport holders applying online. | $80 USD (approx. $80 USD) |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within the visa validity period. | $120 USD (approx. $120 USD) |
| Stay Extension FeeFor extending stay beyond initial eVisa period, if applicable. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Charged for each day overstayed, with a maximum cap. | $50 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete or expired documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Chile
No transit visa needed
Australian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Chile, provided they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsArturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) · Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
Health & vaccines for Chile
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Atacama Desert and Andes; acclimatize gradually.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; use repellent in rural or jungle regions.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is generally safe in major cities, but bottled water is recommended in remote areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Santiago
Departamento de Extranjería y Migración
Av. San Martín 236, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:30–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency applications. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Valparaíso
Oficina de Extranjería Valparaíso
Calle Prat 856, Valparaíso
Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00
Handles immigration matters for the Valparaíso region.
Practical information for AU travellers
Country basics
CapitalSantiago
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyChilean peso (CLP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 888.71 CLP
Time zone
Local timeUTC-3
vs New York+1h
vs Los Angeles+4h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,LType C (European 2-pin) and Type L (Italian 3-pin) are common.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Processing typically takes 2–5 business days, but can take longer during peak travel periods. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave Chile before it expires. If you need more time, you'd have to apply for a different visa type from outside the country.
If rejected, you'll receive a reason. Common issues include incomplete forms, invalid passport, or insufficient funds. You can reapply after fixing the problem, but it's best to check the requirements carefully before applying.
It's not a standard requirement for Australian passport holders, but immigration officers can ask. Having a credit card or bank statement handy is a good idea.
No, there is no separate arrival declaration. The eVisa and your passport stamp are sufficient.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at any official border crossing, including land borders. Just have your approval ready when you arrive.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.