Chile entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Madagascar passport holders need a visa to enter Chile in 2026. You must apply at a Chilean embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Malagasy citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | Madagascar passport holders need a visa to enter Chile. Apply at the Chilean consulate or embassy in your home country — there is no eVisa option for Madagascar nationals. Processing takes 10–15 business days, so apply well ahead of your travel dates.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Chile enforces a 6-month passport validity rule for all foreign nationals. Your passport must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. 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 before granting entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. A bus ticket to Argentina or Peru also satisfies this requirement. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Chile. Immigration may ask for it if you look uncertain about where you are staying. A booking.com confirmation with the cancellation policy visible works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD equivalent. Immigration rarely asks for it, but if they do, a screenshot of your online banking app is accepted. Cash in USD or Chilean pesos also counts. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Chilean visa processing can take 4 weeks or more. Do not book flights or accommodation until you have the visa in hand. Some embassies require an interview, so plan accordingly.
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Madagascar passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport or online. The only route is a pre-arranged visa from a Chilean embassy. This applies to all entry purposes, including tourism.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Chilean embassy
Find the nearest Chilean embassy or consulate in your country. Call or email to confirm the exact visa requirements and appointment process. Some embassies require you to apply in person.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photos, application form, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements, and any other documents the embassy requests. Make copies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Visit the embassy on your appointment date. Pay the visa fee (varies by embassy, typically $30–$100 USD). Hand over your documents and passport.
4
Wait for processing
Processing can take 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer. Check with the embassy for current timelines. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Verify the dates and personal details are correct before leaving the embassy.
6
Arrive in Chile
At Santiago International Airport (SCL) or other entry points, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. You'll get a tourist entry stamp valid for up to 90 days.
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
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$60 USD (approx. $60 USD)
Standard option for tourism. Must apply at Chilean embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Requires proof of sufficient funds.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
Cost$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Processed by Chilean consulate.
work visa
Visa de Trabajo (Work Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
For those with a job offer in Chile. Requires employer sponsorship and a valid contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa de Estudiante (Student Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable
$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Chilean institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
retirement visa
Visa de Residencia Temporaria por Rentas (Temporary Residence for Income)
1 year, renewable
$250 USD (approx. $250 USD)
For retirees with a stable monthly income (e.g., pension). Requires proof of income and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | $60 USD (approx. $60 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. $100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $150 USD. | $1.50 USD per day (approx. $1.50 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Chile do not need a transit visa if they stay airside and do not pass through immigration. However, a visa is required if leaving the airport.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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, including Madagascar.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Common in high-altitude areas like the Andes. Acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Risk is low in urban areas but practice good hygiene in rural regions.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Dengue and chikungunya are rare but possible in northern regions. Use repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in Chile, mainly in remote northern areas. Prophylaxis not generally 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
Av. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 1449, 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 Prat 856, Valparaíso
Mon–Fri 09:00–13:00
Handles immigration matters for the region. Limited services for tourists.
Practical information for MG 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 = 891.85 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. There is no visa on arrival for Malagasy citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Chilean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can be longer depending on the embassy workload. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure.
Visa fees vary by embassy, but generally range from $30 to $100 USD. Contact the embassy you'll apply at for the exact amount.
Tourist visas are usually valid for 90 days. Extensions are possible in some cases, but you must apply at the Chilean immigration office (Extranjería) before your visa expires. Approval is not guaranteed.
Chile does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry. However, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you may need to show a vaccination certificate. Check with the embassy.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban on re-entering Chile. The fine is roughly $100–$200 USD per month overstayed. Leave before your visa expires.
No. There is no e-visa system for Madagascar passport holders. You must apply in person at a Chilean embassy or consulate.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.