Australia entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Chilean passport holders need a visa to enter Australia. You must apply for and receive approval before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. Start the application well ahead of your trip, as processing can take time.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa for AustraliaYou cannot board a flight to Australia without an approved visa or eVisitor. eVisitor (subclass 651) or Visitor visa (subclass 600) | Chilean passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Australia. Apply online for the eVisitor (subclass 651) — free and valid for 12 months with stays up to 3 months per visit. Alternatively, apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) if you need a longer stay or are not eligible for eVisitor. | Required |
| Passport validityAustralian immigration requires your passport to remain valid well beyond your visit. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Chilean passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of departure from Australia. Ensure your passport meets this before applying for your visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officers need a clean page to stamp your passport on arrival. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp or visa label. Most travellers have this, but check now to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAustralia wants evidence you will leave before your visa expires. Proof of departure from Australia | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country you are eligible to enter. This is checked at check-in and may be requested by immigration on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself while in Australia. For your stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay, such as bank statements, credit cards, or cash. The amount is not fixed but should match your planned activities and length of stay. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceMedical care in Australia can be very expensive for visitors without insurance. Recommended for medical and trip coverage | While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, including COVID-19-related costs, is strongly recommended for your visit to Australia. | Recommended |
| Australian Travel DeclarationYou do not need to fill out a separate arrival form before flying. Not required for most visitors | As of 2026, there is no separate arrival declaration required for travellers entering Australia. The visa application itself collects the necessary information. | Not required |
No visa-on-arrival
Chilean passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport. You must have the visa approved before you fly. Airlines check this before boarding — if you don't have it, you won't be allowed on the plane.
Processing times can be long
Don't assume you'll get your visa in a few days. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned travel. Check your ImmiAccount regularly for updates or requests for more information.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and create an ImmiAccount. Choose the visitor visa (subclass 600) or the appropriate visa for your purpose. Fill in the application, upload required documents (passport scan, photo, financial evidence), and pay the fee (starting around AUD 190).
2
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — from a few days to several weeks. Check your ImmiAccount for updates. You may be asked for additional documents or a health check. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa grant.
3
Receive your visa grant
You'll get an email or notification in ImmiAccount with your visa grant number and conditions. Print it or save it on your phone. This is your proof of visa — you'll need it at check-in and at Australian immigration.
4
Arrive in Australia
At the airport (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane), go to the ePassport gates if eligible, or see an immigration officer. Have your passport and visa grant ready. You'll likely get a digital entry stamp. Keep your visa grant details with you during your stay.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
eVisitor (subclass 651)
Max stay3 months per visit
Validity12 months from date of grant
CostFree
For Chilean passport holders, but only if applying from outside Australia. Not extendable.
Working Holiday (subclass 417)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 635
For Chileans aged 18–30. Allows work and study up to 4 months. Can apply for a second year after specified work.
Business Visitor (subclass 600) – Business stream
Max stay3 months
ValidityUp to 12 months
CostAUD 475
For business meetings, conferences, or negotiations. No work permitted.
Student (subclass 500)
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostAUD 710
Requires enrolment in a registered course and health insurance (OSHC).
work and holiday
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
12 months
AUD 635
For Chilean citizens aged 18–30 to work and travel in Australia. Limited places each year.
Apply on Home Affairs website student
Student visa (subclass 500)
Up to 5 years
AUD 710
For full-time study at an Australian educational institution.
Apply on Home Affairs website retirement
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years
AUD 4,045
For retirees aged 55+ with significant assets to invest in Australia.
Apply on Home Affairs website Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) application feeFrom 1 July 2026. Payable online via ImmiAccount. | AUD 475 |
| Service fee (for applications lodged outside Australia)Per applicant, if applicable. | AUD 20 |
| Visa application charge (VAC) for biometricsBiometrics are free at Australian Visa Application Centres. | AUD 0 |
| Visa extension (onshore) – Visitor visa (subclass 600)Must apply before current visa expires; conditions apply. | AUD 475 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application details35%
Criminal record or security concerns25%
Health issues (tuberculosis or other communicable diseases)15%
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 Australia
Transit visa required
Chilean citizens generally need a Transit visa (subclass 771) to pass through Australia, unless they hold a valid Australian visa or are eligible for eVisitor. However, if you are transiting airside and staying in the international transit lounge for less than 8 hours, you may not need a visa, but this is at the discretion of the airline and border officials. Always confirm with the airline before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Australian visa (including eVisitor) do not need a separate transit visa.
- Citizens of certain countries may be exempt, but Chile is not on the general exemption list.
Transit hubsSydney (SYD) · Melbourne (MEL) · Brisbane (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Required for entry
Yellow feverRequired if traveling from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Chile is not a yellow fever country, but transit through risk areas may trigger requirement.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; present in rural and coastal areas.
Murray Valley encephalitisLow risk
Rare but serious; occurs in northern regions.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
Common in summer; stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Practical information for CL travellers
Country basics
CapitalCanberra
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 3 months. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyAustralian Dollar (AUD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.45 AUD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+10
vs New York+15h to +16h depending on state
vs Los Angeles+18h to +19h depending on state
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — unique Australian plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink everywhere in Australia.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing times vary. For a visitor visa (subclass 600), it can take from a few days to several weeks. The official estimate is 20–30 days for most applications, but it depends on your circumstances. Check the current processing times on the Home Affairs website.
The visitor visa (subclass 600) application fee is AUD 190 (about USD 125 or EUR 115, depending on exchange rates). This is non-refundable, even if your visa is refused.
Generally, no. The visitor visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa (e.g., a further visitor visa) before your current one expires, but this is at the discretion of immigration and not guaranteed.
Not at the application stage, but you must have a return or onward ticket when you arrive in Australia. Immigration officers may ask to see it. It's best to have it ready.
No. The visitor visa (subclass 600) does not allow you to work. You can study for up to 3 months, but any work (paid or unpaid) is prohibited. If you want to work, you need a different visa.
You will be refused entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa-on-arrival for Chilean citizens. You must have the visa granted before you board your flight.
Possibly. If you plan to stay more than 6 months, or if you're applying for certain visas, you may need a medical exam. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) may also be required. The Home Affairs office will tell you if these are needed for your application.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.