United States entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
90 days
Max stay
90 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 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.
Apply for United States eVisaOnly valid for Visa Waiver Program nationalities. Apply at least 72 hours before departure; approval is linked electronically to your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ESTA (eVisa) authorizationYou need an approved ESTA before you fly to the United States. Visa Waiver Program – required for entry | Chilean citizens must obtain an approved ESTA before boarding. Apply online at the official ESTA website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. The fee is US$40.27 ($4.00 processing + $36.27 authorization). Processing is often instant, but officially allow up to 72 hours. ESTA is valid for multiple entries for up to 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip – it needs to be valid for 6 months after you enter the US. Must be valid for 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Chilean passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the United States. For a maximum stay of 90 days, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and 90 days from your entry date. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure you have an empty page in your passport for the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page for entry stamp | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. Although most travelers receive an electronic I-94, a blank page is still required by US Customs and Border Protection. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return ticket helps show you plan to leave the US. Not always checked, but strongly advised | While not a formal requirement for ESTA travelers, US border officers may ask for proof of onward travel. It is recommended to have a return or onward ticket to avoid any issues at immigration. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to carry some proof that you can support yourself during your visit. Not required, but may be requested | There is no official minimum amount required, but you should be able to show you have sufficient funds for your stay if asked by a border officer. This could be cash, credit cards, or bank statements. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before you travel. Not required for US entry | No separate arrival declaration is required for the United States. You will complete a customs declaration form (usually provided on the flight) and may use the CBP One app for some ports of entry, but it is not a mandatory pre-arrival declaration. | Not required |
| ESTA application timingDon't wait until the last minute – apply for ESTA well in advance. Apply at least 72 hours before departure | Although ESTA approval is often instant, it is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your flight to allow for any delays. If your ESTA is denied, you will need to apply for a B-2 visitor visa at a US embassy or consulate. | 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 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:
B-1/B-2 visa (standard)
Max stayUp to 6 months (typically 90 days for Chileans)
ValidityUsually 10 years (multiple entry)
Cost$185 + $160 reciprocity fee
The standard visa for tourism/business; can be used for multiple visits.
E-1/E-2 treaty trader/investor visa
Max stay2 years, extendable
ValidityIndefinite as long as business qualifies
Cost$205 (application fee)
For Chileans engaged in substantial trade or investment between Chile and the U.S.
O-1 visa (extraordinary ability)
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable
ValidityVaries, typically 3 years
Cost$205 (application fee)
For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 visa application fee (MRV fee)Non-refundable, required for all applicants. | $185 |
| Visa issuance fee (reciprocity fee)Chilean passport holders are subject to a reciprocity fee, payable at visa issuance. | $160 |
| ESTA (if applicable for future travel)Not required for visa holders, but relevant for Chilean citizens under VWP (if eligible). | $21 |
| Extension of stay (I-539)For B-1/B-2 visa holders seeking to extend stay beyond 90 days. | $455 |
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
Transit visa required
Chilean citizens generally require a C-1 transit visa to transit through the U.S. unless they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) or hold a valid B-1/B-2 visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid B-1/B-2 visas
- Citizens of countries eligible for ESTA (Chile is not currently in VWP, but check for updates)
- Diplomatic or official passport holders under certain agreements
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Miami International Airport (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 August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.