United States 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 States for tourism or business. As of 2026, you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. The process includes an online application, an in-person interview, and a fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. visaYou cannot enter the United States without a valid visa unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (Chile is not a VWP country). Non-immigrant visa required | Chilean passport holders must obtain a valid U.S. visa (e.g., B-1/B-2 visitor visa) before traveling. Apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate; processing times vary. | Required |
| Passport validityU.S. immigration requires your passport to remain valid for 6 months after you leave to ensure you can return to Chile. 6 months beyond intended stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer needs a blank page to stamp your passport upon arrival. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page (not endorsement pages) for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketWhile not always required, having a return ticket helps demonstrate you intend to leave the U.S. as required by your visa. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket confirming departure from the United States within your authorized stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry bank statements, credit cards, or cash to show you can support yourself without working illegally. Financial means for stay | You may be asked to demonstrate you have enough funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the United States. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to submit any pre-arrival electronic declaration; standard customs declaration on arrival suffices. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for Chile passport holders entering the United States. | Not required |
| ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)ESTA is only for citizens of VWP countries; Chileans must use a visa instead. Not applicable | Chile is not a Visa Waiver Program country, so ESTA is not available. A visa is mandatory. | Not required |
Visa required — no exceptions
Chile is not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. You must get a visa before traveling. ESTA is not available for Chilean passport holders.
Interview is mandatory for most adults
Applicants aged 14-79 must appear in person at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago. Children under 14 and adults over 79 may qualify for an interview waiver.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, fill out the DS-160 form, upload your photo, and submit. Print the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 USD fee (about 150,000 CLP) at a designated bank or online via the U.S. visa appointment system. Keep the receipt.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system, select the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, and book an appointment. Wait times vary — check the embassy website for current estimates (often 2-4 weeks).
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago (Av. Andrés Bello 2800, Las Condes) with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents. Expect security screening. The interview is short — typically 5-10 minutes.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa stamping. Processing takes 3-5 business days. You'll receive instructions to pick it up or have it couriered.
6
Enter the U.S.
At the port of entry (airport or land border), present your passport with visa. A CBP officer will ask about your trip. They may take fingerprints and a photo. Keep your return ticket and accommodation details handy.
Download United States 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 (B-1)
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$345 total (MRV + reciprocity)
Same application process as B-2; for business meetings, not employment.
Student visa (F-1)
Max stayDuration of study
ValidityDuration of program + 60 days
Cost$185 (MRV) + $350 (SEVIS)
Requires I-20 from a U.S. school; allows part-time on-campus work.
Exchange visitor visa (J-1)
Max stayProgram duration
ValidityProgram dates
Cost$185 (MRV) + $220 (SEVIS)
For approved exchange programs; may include 2-year home residency requirement.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 visa application fee (MRV fee)Non-refundable, paid before interview. | $185 |
| Visa issuance fee (reciprocity fee for Chile)Additional fee for Chilean passport holders; paid after approval. | $160 |
| SEVIS fee (if studying)Only for F, M, J visa applicants; not for B-1/B-2. | $350 |
| Expedited appointment feeOptional; charged by third-party services if available. | Varies |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application (DS-160)30%
Insufficient ties to Chile25%
Inadequate financial proof20%
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 States
No transit visa needed
Chilean passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside connections at U.S. airports, but must have a valid visa or ESTA (Chile is not in VWP, so a visa is required for any entry).
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Crew members may have different rules.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International (JFK) · Los Angeles International (LAX) · Miami International (MIA)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialCOVID-19 (full series + booster)RecommendedInfluenza (seasonal)ConsiderHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme, ehrlichiosis)Low risk
Risk in wooded/grassy areas, especially Northeast and Upper Midwest.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in summer/fall, mainly rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Santiago
U.S. Embassy Santiago
Av. Andrés Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago
Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00 (by appointment only)
Santiago
U.S. Consular Section (Visa Services)
Same as Embassy
Mon-Fri 8:00-12:00 (interview appointments)
Practical information for CL travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
From start to finish, expect 4-8 weeks. The DS-160 takes about an hour. Interview wait times at the Santiago embassy are typically 2-4 weeks. After approval, visa stamping takes 3-5 business days. Check the embassy website for current wait times.
The non-refundable visa application fee is $185 USD (about 150,000 CLP as of 2026). There are no additional fees unless you need expedited processing or courier delivery.
No. The B-1/B-2 visa is not extendable. You must leave before the expiration date stamped on your I-94 form (usually up to 6 months). Overstaying can result in bans.
Yes, unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (Chile is not a VWP country). Even for a short layover, you need a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visa. Apply at the same embassy.
You'll receive a reason under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (usually insufficient ties to Chile). You can reapply anytime, but you must address the reason. There's no appeal process.
No. B-1 is for business activities like meetings or conferences, not employment. B-2 is for tourism. Any paid work requires a work visa (e.g., H-1B).
Not always, but it's smart to have evidence. Immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Bank statements or credit cards are sufficient.
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.