Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Chilean citizens. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires careful preparation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa requirementYou must obtain a visa before arriving in Saudi Arabia; no visa on arrival is available for Chilean passport holders. Visa required | A visa is required before travel. Apply at a Saudi embassy or consulate, or via the official online visa platform if eligible. | Required |
| Passport validitySaudi immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. 6 months beyond intended stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Saudi Arabia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesSaudi border officials need a blank page to stamp your passport upon arrival. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketCarrying a return or onward ticket helps avoid issues at check-in or immigration. May be requested | While not explicitly required by Saudi regulations for all travelers, airlines and immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsSaudi Arabia does not mandate showing bank statements or cash upon entry. Not required | No specific proof of funds is required for entry, but you should have sufficient means for your stay. | Not required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival declaration before or upon landing. Not required | No arrival declaration form is needed for entry into Saudi Arabia. | Not required |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Saudi immigration counts 6 months from your entry date, not your departure. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away at the airport — no exceptions.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your visa PDF, hotel booking, and return ticket on your phone. Airline check-in and immigration may ask to see them. A screenshot is fine.
What happens at the border
1
Apply online for a visa
Go to the official Saudi visa portal (visa.visitsaudi.com) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, a digital photo, and your travel dates. Pay the fee online — expect around $120–150 USD depending on visa type. Processing usually takes 1–3 business days.
2
Receive your visa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with your visa document. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show this at the airline check-in counter and at Saudi immigration.
3
Arrive at a Saudi airport
At King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh) or King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah), head to the immigration queue for visitors. Have your passport, visa printout, and return ticket ready. The officer may ask about your accommodation and purpose of visit. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There are no arrival declarations required for standard tourist visits.
Download Saudi Arabia 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:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost$200
Requires a Saudi sponsor and invitation letter.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost$500+
Sponsored by employer; includes residency permit (Iqama).
Student visa
Max stayDuration of study
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost$150
Requires acceptance from a Saudi educational institution.
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)Includes processing fee and health insurance. | $135 |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 1 year)Allows multiple stays up to 90 days each. | $265 |
| Visa extension (per month)Can be applied online before expiry. | $100 |
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
No transit visa needed
Chilean passport holders transiting through Saudi Arabia for less than 12 hours and staying airside do not need a visa. For longer layovers or leaving the airport, a transit visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no need to clear immigration.
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. There is no visa on arrival for Chilean passport holders. You must apply online before you travel.
Most applications are processed within 1–3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The fee is around $120–150 USD, depending on the visa type and processing speed. Payment is made online during the application.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to enter Saudi Arabia, you need a visa and a return or onward ticket.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or entry by immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.
No. The tourist visa does not allow extensions. You must leave before it expires.
It's not a formal requirement, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is wise.
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.