United Kingdom entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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 the United Kingdom in 2026. Apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before you travel. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UK visaYou need to apply for and receive a visa before you travel to the UK. Standard Visitor visa | Chilean passport holders must obtain a Standard Visitor visa before traveling to the United Kingdom. Apply online at gov.uk and attend a biometric appointment at a UK visa application centre in Chile. Visa processing typically takes 3 weeks; plan accordingly. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire for at least 6 months after your planned departure from the UK. 6 months beyond intended stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you intend to leave the UK. Ensure your passport meets this requirement before applying for your visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a blank page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp upon arrival in the UK. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return ticket helps show you intend to leave the UK as required by your visa. Proof of onward travel | While not always checked, UK Border Force may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have a confirmed booking showing departure from the UK before your visa expires. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsBring proof you can pay for your trip, like bank statements or a credit card. Sufficient funds for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your accommodation, living expenses, and return travel. No specific minimum amount is set; it depends on your itinerary. Carry bank statements or a credit card. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before entering the UK. Not required | The United Kingdom does not require an arrival declaration for Chilean passport holders entering as visitors. | Not required |
| Visa extensionYou cannot extend your stay; you must leave by the date on your visa. Not permitted for visitors | Standard Visitor visas cannot be extended beyond the granted stay. You must leave the UK before your visa expires. | Not required |
Visa required — apply well in advance
You cannot travel to the UK without an approved visa. Start the process at least 2 months before your planned trip to allow for processing delays.
Biometric appointment in Santiago
The only UK Visa Application Centre in Chile is in Santiago. You must attend in person to give fingerprints and a photo. Book your appointment as soon as you submit the online application.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Standard Visitor visa online
Go to gov.uk/apply-uk-visa and complete the online application. You'll need to provide personal details, travel plans, and upload supporting documents. Pay the fee and book an appointment at a visa application centre.
2
Attend a biometric appointment
Visit a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Chile — locations include Santiago. You'll give fingerprints and a photograph. Bring your passport and appointment confirmation.
3
Wait for a decision
Standard processing takes about 3 weeks, but can be longer during peak seasons. You'll receive a decision via email. If approved, the visa vignette will be placed in your passport.
4
Travel to the UK
Arrive at a UK airport (e.g., Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester). Go through immigration — have your passport, return ticket, accommodation proof, and bank statements ready. The officer may ask about your plans.
Download United Kingdom Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Standard Visitor visa (6 months)
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months
Cost£115
Single or multiple entries; no work allowed.
Long-term Visitor visa (2 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity2 years
Cost£400
Multiple entries; no work allowed.
Long-term Visitor visa (5 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity5 years
Cost£771
Multiple entries; no work allowed.
Long-term Visitor visa (10 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity10 years
Cost£963
Multiple entries; no work allowed.
Standard Visitor visa extension
Visitor visa extension
Up to 6 months total
£1000
Apply before current visa expires to extend stay up to 6 months in total. Must not work.
Apply online Youth Mobility Scheme
Youth Mobility Scheme visa
2 years
£298
For Chilean citizens aged 18-30. Allows work and study. Limited places.
Apply online Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa (6 months)Online application fee | £115 |
| Long-term visitor visa (2 years)Optional for frequent travellers | £400 |
| Long-term visitor visa (5 years)Optional for frequent travellers | £771 |
| Long-term visitor visa (10 years)Optional for frequent travellers | £963 |
| Priority processingDecision within 5 working days | £250 |
| Super priority processingDecision by end of next working day | £1000 |
| Visa extension (in-country)For stays up to 6 months total | £1000 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
Weak employment ties25%
Previous immigration violations20%
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 United Kingdom
No transit visa needed
Chilean passport holders do not need a visa for airside transit through UK airports, provided they have a confirmed onward flight and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a Standard Visitor visa is required.
Transit hubsLondon Heathrow (LHR) · London Gatwick (LGW) · Manchester (MAN)
Health & vaccines for United Kingdom
Recommended vaccines
Routine MMRRecommendedSeasonal influenzaRecommendedCOVID-19 (up-to-date)Recommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare; risk in rural areas of Scotland and southern England.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
London
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – London
Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon CR9 2BY
Monday to Friday, 9:00–17:00
Glasgow
UKVI – Glasgow
Festival Court, 200 Brand Street, Glasgow G51 1DH
Monday to Friday, 9:00–17:00
Practical information for CL travellers
Country basics
CapitalLondon
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyBritish Pound (GBP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.75 GBP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h (EST) / +5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+8h (PST) / +8h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G — unique 3-pin UK plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Excellent tap water. Safe everywhere in the UK.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United Kingdom — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The Standard Visitor visa allows stays of up to 6 months. It's not extendable beyond that for tourism purposes.
The Standard Visitor visa fee is £115 (about 120,000 CLP) as of 2026. This is for a 6-month visa. Longer-term options (2, 5, or 10 years) cost more.
Standard processing takes about 3 weeks. You can pay for priority service (5 working days) or super priority service (next working day) for an additional fee.
You don't need to submit a return ticket with your application, but you should have one booked before you travel. Immigration officers at the border may ask to see it.
No. The Standard Visitor visa does not permit any paid or unpaid work. You can attend business meetings, conferences, or training, but not take a job.
You can reapply, but you'll need to address the reasons for refusal. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or lack of ties to Chile. Consider seeking advice from a registered immigration adviser.
Chilean passport holders do not need a visa for airside transit if you're connecting to another international flight and don't pass through UK border control. If you need to enter the UK (e.g., to change airports), you'll need a Visitor in Transit visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.