Chile entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Nigerian 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 Nigerian nationals. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa at the Chilean consulate | You need a visa before traveling to Chile. Apply at the nearest Chilean embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing takes 10–15 business days — start at least 3 weeks before your flight.Chile Migration Service | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Nigerian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date 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 out of Chile. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure within the visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter from a host with their address and contact number ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration can request evidence of sufficient funds. Carry bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least $1,000 USD for a short stay. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Nigerian passport holders. You must get a visa from a Chilean embassy or consulate before you travel. Start the process at least 4 weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
Yellow fever certificate required
Chile requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from Nigeria. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry your yellow card with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Chilean embassy or consulate
Find the Chilean embassy in Abuja or the consulate in Lagos. Call or email to confirm current application procedures, fees, and whether you need an appointment. Some embassies accept walk-ins, but appointments are safer.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, hotel booking, flight itinerary, bank statements, and insurance. Make photocopies of everything — the embassy will likely keep copies and return originals.
3
Submit your application in person
Go to the embassy or consulate with your documents and pay the visa fee (typically around $30–$60 USD, but confirm with the office). You may be asked a few questions about your trip. Processing takes 10–15 business days on average.
4
Collect your passport with visa
Return to the embassy or consulate to pick up your passport. Check the visa sticker carefully — make sure your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct. If anything is wrong, ask for a correction immediately.
5
Prepare for arrival in Chile
Before you fly, save digital copies of your visa, passport, hotel booking, and return ticket on your phone. At Santiago International Airport (SCL), go to the 'Foreigners' queue and present your passport and visa. You may be asked for proof of accommodation and funds — have them ready.
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 date
Cost$30 USD
Requires application at Chilean embassy or consulate. Must show proof of funds and return ticket.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$60 USD
Allows multiple entries within validity. Same requirements as single entry.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years
Validity2 years, renewable
Cost~$100 USD
Requires a job offer from a Chilean employer and sponsorship. Processing time varies.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost~$50 USD
Requires acceptance from a recognized Chilean educational institution.
work visa
Visa de Trabajo (Work Visa)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$100 USD
For those with a job offer from a Chilean employer. Requires sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa de Estudiante (Student Visa)
Duration of studies, up to 1 year renewable
~$50 USD
For enrollment in a recognized Chilean educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Visa de Residencia Temporaria (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For retirees with a stable pension or income. Requires proof of monthly income of at least $1,000 USD. Allows long-term stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa for Nigerian passport holders. | $30 USD (approx. 25,000 CLP) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 1 year. | $60 USD (approx. 50,000 CLP) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fine charged daily, with a maximum cap of $150 USD. | ~$1.50 USD per day (approx. 1,200 CLP) |
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
Transit visa required
Nigerian passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Chile, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, UK, Australia, 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 Nigeria.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
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 present in northern regions. Use repellent if traveling there.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most areas, but present in some northern regions. Prophylaxis not routinely 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. Presidente Bulnes 140, Santiago
Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00
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 09:00–14:00
Handles visa issues for the coastal region. Limited English support.
Practical information for NG 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 Nigerian nationals. You must obtain a visa from a Chilean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 10–15 business days, but can take longer during peak seasons. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure.
The visa fee is usually around $30–$60 USD (approximately ₦25,000–₦50,000), but confirm the exact amount with the embassy or consulate where you apply. Fees are non-refundable.
You can apply at the Chilean Embassy in Abuja (Plot 1139, Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District) or the Chilean Consulate in Lagos (14A, Oba Akinjobi Street, GRA, Ikeja). Contact them first to confirm appointment requirements.
Your application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry into Chile.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever (Nigeria is considered a risk country). You'll need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Extensions are not typically granted for tourist visas. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Chile and re-apply for a new visa from abroad. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from re-entry.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.