Chile entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
South Korean passport holders can visit Chile visa-free for up to 90 days. No visa application needed — just show up at the airport with your passport and a return ticket. This policy is in effect for 2026.
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 stay in Chile. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Santiago (SCL) will verify it on arrival. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Chile | Immigration at Santiago 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. A bus ticket to Argentina or Peru also works if you're leaving overland. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from a host with their contact details ready. A hostel booking for the first few nights is usually enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers occasionally ask for proof of sufficient funds, especially if you're staying the full 90 days. A bank statement showing at least $1,000 USD or a credit card with a decent limit usually satisfies them. Have a digital or printed copy handy. | Recommended |
No visa needed, but be prepared
You don't need a visa, but immigration can still deny entry if they suspect you'll overstay or work illegally. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport is close to expiring, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Chilean airport
At Santiago (SCL) or any other international airport, follow signs to 'Extranjería' or 'Migraciones'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your passport validity, blank page, and may ask for your return ticket. Answer any questions clearly. They'll stamp you in — usually 90 days.
3
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. You may be asked to declare goods. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
4
Exit the airport
Once through customs, you're free to enter Chile. No additional forms or fees required for South Korean passport holders.
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
South Korean passport holders do not need a visa for tourism; this is listed for reference.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Not required for visa-free entry; listed for reference.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
ValidityDepends on contract
Cost~$100 USD (processing fee)
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship in Chile.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies, renewable
ValidityUp to 1 year initially
Cost~$100 USD (processing fee)
Requires acceptance from a Chilean educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer in Chile. Requires employer sponsorship and a contract. Allows multiple entries and can lead to permanent residency.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at a Chilean institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Temporary Visa for Retirees (Visa Temporaria para Rentistas)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For retirees with a stable monthly income (pension or investments). Requires proof of income (approx. $1,000 USD/month). Can lead to permanent residency after 2 years.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Visa para Nómadas Digitales)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For remote workers with income from abroad. Requires proof of employment and sufficient funds. Allows stay and work remotely in Chile.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not required for visa-free entry; listed for reference. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not required for visa-free entry; listed for reference. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter if needed. | Unknown (not available for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay may result in fines and future entry bans; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (not officially published for visa-free overstay) |
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
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa for Chile. They can transit airside without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like the Andes; acclimatize gradually.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Generally safe, but practice good hygiene to avoid traveler's diarrhea.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk in most areas; no routine prophylaxis recommended.
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
Agustinas 1235, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:30–14:00
Main office for visa and residency matters; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Valparaíso
Oficina de Extranjería Valparaíso
Calle Prat 856, Valparaíso
Mon–Fri 08:30–14:00
Handles immigration procedures for the Valparaíso region.
Practical information for KR 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 = 887.47 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 entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Chile before day 90 and re-enter (subject to immigration discretion) or apply for a different visa type before traveling.
Yes — an onward ticket to any other country works. It just needs to show you're leaving Chile within the 90-day period.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. South Korean passport holders do not need to fill out an arrival declaration or pay any fee. Just show your passport and return ticket.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. Working (paid or unpaid) requires a work visa.
Overstaying is a violation. You may face fines, a ban from re-entering Chile, or both. Leave before day 90.
If you're transiting through Chile and staying airside (not passing immigration), you generally don't need a visa. But check with your airline — some require a visa for any entry into the country.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.