Saudi Arabia entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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 must obtain a visa before traveling to Saudi Arabia. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Chilean citizens, so you'll need to apply through the nearest Saudi embassy or consulate. Start the process well in advance to avoid delays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or use an eVisa; you must apply in advance at an official Saudi diplomatic mission. Visa required – apply at embassy/consulate | Chilean citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Saudi Arabia. The eVisa program is not available for Chilean passport holders, so you must apply through a Saudi embassy or consulate. Ensure your visa is issued before departure. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia. Check your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesSaudi immigration will stamp your passport upon arrival, so a blank page is necessary. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your departure booking to confirm you won't overstay. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Saudi Arabia before your visa expires. Keep a printed or digital copy accessible. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always requested, but having proof helps avoid issues at entry. Sufficient financial means | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Saudi Arabia. This can include bank statements, credit cards, or cash. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form in advance. Not required | Saudi Arabia does not require a separate arrival declaration for Chilean citizens. No form needs to be completed before landing. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationThe eVisa system is only for certain nationalities; Chile is not among them. Not eligible | Chilean passport holders are not eligible for Saudi Arabia's eVisa program. Do not attempt to apply online; instead, use the embassy/consulate route. | Not required |
No eVisa for Chilean citizens
Even though Saudi Arabia offers eVisas for many nationalities, Chilean passport holders are not eligible. Don't waste time on eVisa websites — go straight to the embassy or consulate.
Plan ahead — no shortcuts
The visa process involves paperwork and a wait. Start at least a month in advance. The embassy in Santiago is your main point of contact — call them to confirm current requirements before you submit anything.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Saudi embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Saudi diplomatic mission in Chile (likely in Santiago). Call or email to confirm the exact visa application process, required documents, and fees — they can vary slightly.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photos, completed application form, hotel booking, flight itinerary, bank statements, and travel insurance. Make copies of everything — the embassy will keep the originals of some.
3
Submit your application
Submit your application in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. Pay the visa fee (typically around USD 120–150 for a single-entry tourist visa, but confirm with the embassy). Processing can take 5–10 business days, sometimes longer.
4
Receive your visa and travel
Once approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates and make sure your name is spelled correctly. Carry a copy of your visa and all supporting documents when you travel.
Download Saudi Arabia Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year, multiple entry
Cost$135 (approx. SAR 510)
Requires Saudi sponsor invitation; includes medical insurance.
Work visa
Max stayDuration of employment contract
Validity1 year, renewable
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500)
Requires employer sponsorship and medical exam; processing via Saudi embassy.
Residence visa (Iqama)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostSAR 650 (approx. $173) per year
For those with family or employment sponsorship; includes health insurance.
premium residency
Saudi Premium Residency
1 year renewable
$26,600 (one-time fee) or $800,000 (permanent)
Allows long-term stay without a sponsor; includes work and business rights.
Apply on Premium Residency site Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single-entry, online or at Saudi embassy)Includes medical insurance; valid for 1 year with up to 90 days stay. | $135 (approx. SAR 510) |
| Visa extension (via Muqeem or Jawazat)Extension possible for up to 90 days per visit, subject to approval. | SAR 100 per month (approx. $27) |
| Exit/re-entry visa (if applicable)Required for certain visa categories when leaving and re-entering. | SAR 200 (approx. $53) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application30%
Criminal record20%
Insufficient funds15%
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 Saudi Arabia
Transit visa required
Chilean citizens require a transit visa to pass through Saudi Arabia, even for airside connections. Apply online or at Saudi embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and staying airside for less than 12 hours may be allowed without a visa at some airports, but this is not guaranteed and must be confirmed with the airline.
Transit hubsKing Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) · King Khalid International Airport (RUH) · King Fahd International Airport (DMM)
Health & vaccines for Saudi Arabia
Required for entry
Meningococcal (ACWY)Required for all travelers arriving for Umrah, Hajj, or seasonal work; proof of vaccination within the last 5 years and at least 10 days before arrival.
PolioRequired for travelers from polio-affected countries; Chile is not currently affected, but check updates.
Yellow FeverRequired if traveling from a country with yellow fever risk; Chile is not endemic, but transit through risk areas triggers requirement.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRabiesConsiderCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)Low risk
Rare but present; avoid contact with camels and raw camel milk.
Heat-related illnessHigh risk
Extreme temperatures, especially in summer; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Riyadh
General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat)
King Fahd Road, Riyadh
Sun-Thu 08:00-14:00
Practical information for CL travellers
Country basics
CapitalRiyadh
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license not valid. IDP required.
Money
CurrencySaudi Riyal (SAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.75 SAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,GType G — UK-style plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is desalinated but bottled is standard.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Saudi Arabia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Chilean passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival or the Saudi eVisa system. You must apply for a visa at a Saudi embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5–10 business days, but it can take longer depending on the embassy's workload and whether they need to verify any documents. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The fee varies by visa type and the embassy's current schedule. For a single-entry tourist visa, expect to pay around USD 120–150 (plus any service fees). Contact the embassy for the exact amount in Chilean pesos.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date into Saudi Arabia. If it expires sooner, you'll need to renew it before applying for the visa. Even if you have a valid visa, immigration can deny entry if your passport doesn't meet the validity rule.
For a tourist visa, you don't need a Saudi sponsor. A hotel booking is sufficient. For business or work visas, you'll need an invitation from a Saudi company or organisation.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expiry date. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia.
Yes. Saudi Arabia requires all visitors to have valid health insurance covering their stay. The policy must meet the minimum coverage of 30,000 SAR. You may be asked to show proof at the embassy and at immigration.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.