Chile entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 27, 2026·View sources
Visa 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

Bahraini passport holders need a visa to enter Chile in 2026. You must apply for a tourist visa at a Chilean embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Bahraini citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Chile visa required
Apply for a Chilean visa at the nearest Chilean embassy or consulate before travel. The visa application process takes 10–15 business days and requires a valid passport, completed application form, passport photos, and proof of travel purpose. Submit your application in person at the embassy with jurisdiction over your country of residence.Chile Migration ServiceRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
Your Bahraini passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your planned departure date from Chile. Airlines check this at check-in and will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Santiago Airport routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Chile. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they check this before stamping your entry.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Chile. Immigration may ask where you're staying during your visit.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show sufficient money for your stay
Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself during your trip. Immigration officers may ask for proof of at least $50 USD per day of your stay.Recommended
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Bahraini passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport or online. You must apply at a Chilean embassy or consulate before traveling. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks ahead.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Chile, not from when you leave. If your passport expires sooner, renew it first.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a tourist visa at the Chilean embassy
Contact the Chilean embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., in Abu Dhabi or Riyadh) to get the application form and list of required documents. Submit your passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and any other requested paperwork. Pay the visa fee (around $30–$60 USD depending on the embassy). Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be asked for an interview or additional documents. When approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa. Check the validity dates — the visa is usually valid for 90 days from issue, allowing a stay of up to 90 days.
3
Arrive at a Chilean airport
Fly into Santiago (SCL) or another international airport. At immigration, present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly. You'll receive an entry stamp with the allowed stay duration.
4
Exit Chile before your visa expires
Keep track of your allowed stay — overstaying can result in fines or a ban. If you need more time, you must apply for an extension at the Chilean immigration office (Servicio de Migraciones) before your current visa expires.
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Download PDF

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 (approx. 22.5 BHD)

Standard tourist visa for Bahrain holders; must apply at Chilean embassy.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 37.5 BHD)

Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple stays up to 90 days each.

Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500 USD)

Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship; allows long-term stay.

Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
Validity1 year, renewable
CostVaries (approx. $100–$300 USD)

For enrolled students at recognized Chilean institutions.

work visa
Visa Sujeta a Contrato (Work Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (application and processing fees)
For foreign workers with a Chilean employment contract. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence and eventual permanent residency.
student visa
Visa de Estudiante (Student Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100–$300 USD (application fee)
For individuals enrolled in accredited Chilean educational institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with authorization.
retirement visa
Visa de Residencia Temporaria (Temporary Residence for Retirees)
1 year, renewable
~$300–$500 USD (application and processing fees)
For retirees with a stable pension or passive income. Requires proof of monthly income (approx. $1,000 USD) and health insurance. Can lead to permanent residency after 2 years.
digital nomad visa
Visa de Residencia Temporaria para Trabajadores Remotos (Digital Nomad Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200–$400 USD (application fee)
For remote workers with income from foreign sources. Requires proof of employment and minimum income (approx. $1,500 USD/month). Allows stay and work in Chile.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Bahrain passport holders applying for a Chilean tourist visa.$60 USD (approx. 22.5 BHD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within visa validity.$100 USD (approx. 37.5 BHD)
Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed; no maximum cap specified.$1.50 USD per day (approx. 0.56 BHD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%

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

Bahrain passport holders transiting through Chile do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. However, a tourist visa is required if leaving the airport.

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, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk

Risk in high-altitude areas like the Andes; acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.

Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk

Low risk in most tourist areas, but present in northern regions; use repellent.

Food and water safetyLow risk

Generally safe, but avoid tap water in rural areas; stick to bottled water.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is very low in Chile; prophylaxis not routinely recommended. Consult a travel clinic for specific itineraries.

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
San Antonio 580, Santiago, Chile
Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00

Main office for visa extensions and residency applications; arrive early to avoid long queues.

Valparaíso
Oficina de Extranjería Valparaíso
Calle Prat 856, Valparaíso, Chile
Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00

Handles immigration matters for the Valparaíso region; less crowded than Santiago.

Practical information for BH 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 = 894.88 CLP
updated May 29
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
Police133
Medical131
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you need a tourist visa before you travel. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Bahraini passport holders. Apply at a Chilean embassy or consulate.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can vary. Apply at least a month before your planned travel to be safe.
The fee is usually around $30–$60 USD, depending on the embassy. Check with the specific embassy or consulate for the exact amount.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You'll typically need a valid passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, proof of funds, and travel insurance. The embassy may request additional documents.
There is no Chilean embassy in Bahrain. You'll need to apply through the Chilean embassy in Abu Dhabi (UAE) or the consulate in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Contact them directly for instructions.
Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Chile. Always track your allowed stay and leave on time.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.