Chile entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bulgarian passport holders can enter Chile for tourism or business stays up to 90 days without a visa. As of 2026, you just need your passport and a few supporting documents at immigration. No application, no fee, no embassy visit.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Bulgarian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Chile. Chile does not require 6 months of remaining validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may still check for it at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Chile | Immigration officers at Santiago (SCL) routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. A bus ticket to Argentina or Peru also counts as onward travel. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host with their address and phone number works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Chile does not publish a fixed minimum amount, but carrying a credit card and around $500–$1,000 USD in cash or a bank statement showing recent transactions covers most situations. | Recommended |
90 days from entry, not from booking
Your 90-day stay starts the day you land in Chile. If you arrive on June 1, you must leave by August 29 (90 days later). Count carefully — overstaying even one day can cause problems.
No visa, no fee, no application
Bulgarian passport holders get visa-free access to Chile for up to 90 days. No need to apply online, pay any fee, or visit an embassy. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Santiago (SCL) or any other port of entry, follow signs to 'Extranjería' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'All Passports' or 'Foreigners'. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly — they speak Spanish, but basic English is common at major airports.
3
Get stamped
The officer stamps your passport with a 90-day entry. Check the stamp says '90 días' before walking away. If it shows fewer days, ask politely for correction.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually a green/nothing-to-declare channel. Keep your passport handy for random checks.
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$60 USD (estimated)
Apply at Chilean consulate before travel; allows single entry for up to 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and documentation.
work visa
Temporary Work Visa (Visa Sujeta a Contrato)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a Chilean employer. Requires a signed contract and employer sponsorship. Allows multiple entries and eventual permanent residency.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at a recognized Chilean institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with authorization.
retirement visa
Temporary Residence for Retirees (Visa de Residencia Temporal para Rentistas)
1 year, renewable
~$250 USD (estimated)
For retirees with a stable passive income (pension, investments). Requires proof of monthly income of at least ~$1,000 USD. Can lead to permanent residency after 2 years.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Residencia Temporal para Trabajadores Remotos)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For remote workers with income from outside Chile. Requires proof of employment and minimum income of ~$1,500 USD/month. Allows stay and work remotely.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable. | N/A |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration discretion; avoid overstaying. | ~$100 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Bulgarian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Chile, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsArturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), Santiago · Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), Santiago
Health & vaccines for Chile
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like the Andes (e.g., San Pedro de Atacama). Acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; use insect repellent in rural or forested 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. Beaucheff 1515, 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 Cochrane 751, Valparaíso
Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00
Handles immigration matters for the region; limited services for tourists.
Practical information for BG 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 = 892.46 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
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Chile before day 90 and re-enter (which resets the clock) or apply for a different visa type before your current stay expires.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll face a fine of around 100–200 USD depending on days over, and you may be banned from re-entering Chile for a period. Always leave on time.
No, the visa-free entry covers business activities like meetings, conferences, and site visits. You cannot take paid local employment. If you plan to work for a Chilean company, you need a work visa.
Yes, you can leave and re-enter as many times as you like within the 90-day window, as long as each entry is for tourism or business. Each entry resets the 90-day clock.
Children need their own passport with 6+ months validity. If only one parent is travelling, carry a notarized consent letter from the other parent (in Spanish or translated). This is rarely checked but can prevent issues.
No. Chile no longer requires a tourist card (TUR) or online arrival declaration for Bulgarian passport holders. Just show your passport and supporting documents at immigration.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Chilean immigration. Renew your passport before travelling. No exceptions.
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.