Chile entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Laos passport holders need a visa to enter Chile in 2025. You must apply at a Chilean embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Lao citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa at the Chilean consulate | Laos passport holders need a visa before traveling to Chile. Submit your application at the nearest Chilean embassy or consulate — processing takes 10–15 business days. The visa costs around $30–$60 USD depending on the consulate.Chile Migration Service | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Chile. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Santiago (SCL) routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — they will check the date matches your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Chile. Officers at the border may ask where you are staying — having a booking confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least $500 USD per month of your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to show you are not working illegally. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Lao passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport or online. You must apply at a Chilean embassy or consulate before departure. Plan for at least 4 weeks of processing time.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you enter Chile, not the day you leave. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Chilean embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Chilean diplomatic mission (e.g., in Hanoi, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur). Call or email to confirm the exact application process, fees, and appointment requirements for Lao citizens.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, return ticket, hotel booking, and any additional documents the embassy requests (e.g., bank statements, invitation letter).
3
Submit your application
Submit the application in person or by mail as instructed. Pay the visa fee (typically around $30–$60 USD, but confirm with the embassy). Processing can take 2–4 weeks.
4
Wait for approval
Once approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates — you must enter Chile before the visa expires.
5
Arrive in Chile
At Santiago (SCL) or other entry points, present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask about your itinerary. You'll receive a tourist card (Permanencia Transitoria) valid for up to 90 days.
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD (approx. 1,200,000 LAK)
Apply at Chilean embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$60 USD (approx. 2,400,000 LAK)
Allows multiple entries within validity period.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
Cost$100 USD (approx. 4,000,000 LAK)
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship in Chile.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost$50 USD (approx. 2,000,000 LAK)
Requires enrollment in a recognized Chilean educational institution.
work visa
Visa de Trabajo (Work Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 4,000,000 LAK)
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
Visa de Estudiante (Student Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$50 USD (approx. 2,000,000 LAK)
For enrollment in a recognized Chilean educational institution. Allows part-time work with authorization.
retirement visa
Visa de Residencia Temporaria (Temporary Residence for Retirees)
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 4,000,000 LAK)
For retirees with a stable pension or income. Requires proof of sufficient funds and health insurance. Can lead to permanent residency after 2 years.
digital nomad visa
Visa de Residencia Temporaria (Temporary Residence for Remote Workers)
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 4,000,000 LAK)
For remote workers with income from abroad. Requires proof of employment and sufficient funds. Allows multiple entries.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | $30 USD (approx. 1,200,000 LAK) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days per entry. | $60 USD (approx. 2,400,000 LAK) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa validity, payable at immigration upon departure. | $1 USD per day (approx. 40,000 LAK) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum overstay fine, regardless of duration. | $100 USD (approx. 4,000,000 LAK) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Laos passport holders transiting through Chile do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. However, a tourist visa is required for any entry into Chile.
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, etc.)EssentialInfluenzaConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like the Andes. Acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended. Tap water is generally safe in urban areas.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Dengue and Zika are rare but possible in northern regions. Use repellent if traveling to rural areas.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low, mainly in remote northern areas. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard tourist itineraries.
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. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 1449, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:30–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Valparaíso
Oficina de Extranjería Valparaíso
Calle Prat 856, Valparaíso
Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions for the Valparaíso region.
Practical information for LA 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 = 894.88 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. Chile does not offer visa on arrival for Lao citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Chilean embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. Chile does not have an e-visa system for Lao nationals. You must apply through a physical embassy or consulate.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can vary. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
The visa fee is usually between $30 and $60 USD, but confirm with the specific embassy or consulate where you apply. Fees may change.
Lao citizens typically apply at the Chilean embassy in Hanoi (Vietnam), Bangkok (Thailand), or Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Contact the nearest one to your location for instructions.
Yes. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
Extensions are generally not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires or apply for a different visa type from within Chile if eligible.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.