Canada entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
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 visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before traveling — there is no visa-free or eTA option for Chileans. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Apply for Canada eVisaOnly required when arriving by air; not needed for land/sea entry from the US. Linked electronically to your passport — no printout required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You need this online permit before boarding your flight to Canada. Visa-exempt entry permit | Chilean citizens must obtain an eTA before flying to Canada. Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/). The fee is CAD $7 and processing usually takes minutes, but can take a few days if additional documents are requested. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date – it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Chilean passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Canada. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there is an empty page for border officials to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Canada helps show you plan to leave within your allowed stay. May be requested at border | Although not always required, Canadian border officials may ask to see proof of onward travel. It is strongly recommended to have a return or onward ticket. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or credit cards to demonstrate you can support yourself. May be requested at border | You may be asked to show that you have sufficient funds for your stay. No specific amount is set, but you should be able to cover your expenses. | Recommended |
| Maximum stayPlan your trip so you leave before 180 days – you cannot extend your stay. Up to 180 days | You are allowed to stay in Canada for up to 180 days per entry. This stay is not extendable. | Required |
Visa required — apply early
Chilean passport holders cannot enter Canada without a visa. Processing can take 2–8 weeks, so start your application at least 2 months before your trip. No exceptions at the border.
Biometrics may be needed
Most applicants need to give fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). In Chile, the VAC is in Santiago. Book an appointment online after submitting your application.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the official Canada visa website (IRCC). Fill out the application, upload documents (passport scan, photo, travel history, financial proof), and pay the fee (around CAD 100). Processing takes 2–8 weeks.
2
Wait for visa approval and receive passport request
If approved, IRCC will ask you to submit your physical passport for visa sticker issuance. You'll mail it to the nearest Canadian visa office (usually in Santiago). Turnaround is about 1–2 weeks.
3
Book flights and accommodation
Once you have the visa sticker, book your flight and first night's stay. Keep all confirmations handy — digital copies on your phone are fine.
4
Arrive at a Canadian airport and go through immigration
At the airport, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Immigration'. Hand over your passport with visa sticker. The officer may ask: purpose of visit, how long you're staying, where you're staying, and proof of funds. Answer clearly and honestly.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. If you have nothing to declare, go through the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel. If you have goods over CAD 800 or food, use the red channel.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 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:
Business visitor visa
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years (multiple entry)
Cost$100 CAD + biometrics
For business activities; not for active work
Study permit
Max stayDuration of program + 90 days
ValidityProgram length
Cost$150 CAD
Requires acceptance from a designated learning institution
Work permit
Max stayDuration of employment
ValidityUp to 2 years (typical)
Cost$155 CAD
Requires LMIA or exemption; employer-specific
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (TRV) application feePer person; non-refundable | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; per person | $85 CAD |
| Visa extension (visitor record)For stays beyond 180 days; apply before status expires | $100 CAD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application30%
Insufficient financial proof25%
Weak ties to home country20%
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 Canada
Transit visa required
Chilean citizens transiting through Canada to a third country generally need a transit visa (TRV) unless they qualify for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa who arrive and depart from a Canadian airport on the same day may be eligible for TWOV
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa do not need a separate transit visa
Transit hubsToronto Pearson (YYZ) · Vancouver (YVR) · Montréal-Trudeau (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialCOVID-19 (full primary series + booster)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommended
Health risks
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Tick-borne; risk in wooded/grassy areas, especially spring to fall.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; rare but present in some regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Ottawa
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM local time
Vancouver
IRCC Vancouver Office
1148 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C3
By appointment only
Practical information for CL travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.42 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Chileans must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before traveling. There is no visa waiver or eTA option.
Processing times vary, but typically 2–8 weeks. Apply well in advance — at least 2 months before your planned trip.
The application fee is CAD 100 (about USD 75). If biometrics are required (fingerprints and photo), there's an additional CAD 85 fee.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current visa expires. You must show you have funds to support yourself and a valid reason. The extension fee is CAD 100.
Your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address), and proof of funds (bank statement or credit card). Be ready to answer questions about your trip.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to Chile, or incomplete documents. You can reapply after addressing the issue, but there's no guarantee of approval.
No. A visitor visa only allows tourism, visiting family, or short business meetings. For work or study, you need a separate permit.
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.