Chile entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
No visa 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
British passport holders can visit Chile for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. This applies in 2026. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Chile. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Santiago will deny boarding if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Chile | Immigration at Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez Airport routinely asks for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host with their address covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Chile doesn't publish a fixed minimum, but carrying a credit card and a bank statement showing a few hundred dollars is enough. I've never been asked for this, but it's smart to have it. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Chile requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter. If your passport expires sooner, you will be refused entry — no exceptions. Check your passport now, not at the airport.
No visa, but have proof of onward travel
Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Keep a screenshot or printed copy handy. Not having one can delay you or even lead to denial of entry.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Santiago (SCL) or any other port of entry, join the 'Extranjeros' (Foreigners) queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the number of days allowed (usually 90). Check the stamp before walking away.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually a green channel for nothing to declare and a red channel for goods over $500 or restricted items.
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$30 USD (estimated)
For those who need a visa (e.g., if visa-free is not available). Apply at Chilean consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$60 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries within validity. Apply at Chilean consulate.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and application in Chile.
retirement visa
Temporary Residence Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. Allows long-term stay and eventual permanent residency.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
Chile is developing a visa for remote workers. Expected to require proof of income and health insurance. Not yet launched.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa Sujeto a Contrato)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a Chilean company. Employer must sponsor and apply. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at a Chilean institution. Allows part-time work. Must maintain enrollment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not required for visa-free stays up to 90 days. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not required for visa-free stays up to 90 days. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Free (not available) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration discretion; may include deportation. | ~$100 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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 Chile
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Chile, even if leaving the airport for a layover.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsArturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) · Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
Health & vaccines for Chile
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like the Andes; acclimatize gradually.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Generally safe, but avoid tap water in remote areas.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Risk in northern regions; use insect repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of northern Chile (e.g., Arica and Parinacota region). Prophylaxis recommended for those 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
Departamento de Extranjería y Migración
Av. San Martín 236, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:30–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency applications. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Valparaíso
Oficina de Extranjería Valparaíso
Calle Cochrane 751, Valparaíso
Mon–Fri 08:30–14:00
Handles immigration matters for the region. Bring all original documents.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalSantiago
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyChilean peso (CLP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 897.17 CLP
Time zone
Local timeUTC-3
vs New York+1h
vs Los Angeles+4h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,LType C (European 2-pin) and Type L (Italian 3-pin) are common.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable for British passport holders. You must leave Chile before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from re-entry.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before travelling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced from the date you enter Chile.
No, the visa-free entry covers business activities like meetings, conferences, and site visits. You cannot take paid local employment. If you plan to work for a Chilean company, you need a work visa.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may face a fine (around $100–$200 USD) and a ban from re-entering Chile for a period. Always leave on time or apply for an extension before your stay expires (though extensions are not available for visa-free visitors).
No, there is no arrival declaration form required for British passport holders. You just go through immigration with your passport and ticket.
Yes, you can leave and re-enter Chile as many times as you like within the 90-day visa-free period, as long as each stay does not exceed 90 days total. However, immigration may question frequent short trips — it's best to have a clear purpose.
The currency is the Chilean peso (CLP). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but cash is useful for small shops, markets, and taxis. ATMs are common. Avoid exchanging money at the airport — rates are poor.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.