Chile entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders can visit Chile for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. This visa-free arrangement applies in 2026 for most short-term visits. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Chile | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from the day you leave Chile. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Chile | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave Chile within 90 days. Budget airlines often check this before letting you board. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel reservation, or a letter from your host with their address and contact number. Officers rarely ask, but it speeds things up if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $1,000 USD (or equivalent in CLP). Immigration may ask to see it if you look under-resourced. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Chile requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines often check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before booking flights.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Santiago International Airport (SCL)
After landing, follow signs to 'Migraciones' (Immigration). Join the queue for 'Extranjeros' (Foreigners). Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport and usually ask your purpose of visit and length of stay. The process takes 5–15 minutes.
2
Customs declaration
After immigration, collect your luggage and proceed to customs. You may be asked to fill out a customs declaration form (often provided on the plane). Declare any food, plants, or large amounts of cash. Green lane = nothing to declare; red lane = goods to declare.
3
Exit Chile
When leaving, go through 'Migraciones' again. The officer will stamp your passport out. No exit fee. Keep your entry stamp handy — they may check it against your stay duration.
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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 date
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
New Zealand passport holders do not need a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days. This option is for those who need a visa for other reasons.
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 travel; listed for reference.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
CostApproximately $200 USD (estimated)
Requires a job offer from a Chilean employer and sponsorship. Allows longer stay and work rights.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies, renewable
Validity1 year, renewable
CostApproximately $100 USD (estimated)
Requires enrollment in a recognized Chilean educational institution. Allows part-time work.
retirement visa
Temporary Residence Visa for Retirees (Permanencia Temporal)
1 year, renewable annually
Approximately $200 USD (estimated)
For retirees with a stable pension or income. Requires proof of monthly income of at least $1,000 USD. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Nómada Digital)
1 year, renewable
Approximately $150 USD (estimated)
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of employment and income. Allows stay and work remotely in Chile.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Approximately $200 USD (estimated)
Requires a job offer from a Chilean employer. Allows full-time work and long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
Duration of studies, renewable
Approximately $100 USD (estimated)
For enrollment in a recognized Chilean educational institution. Allows part-time work and long-term stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not required for visa-free travel; listed for reference if applying for longer stay. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not required for visa-free travel; listed for reference. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Free (not applicable) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry bans. | Approximately $100 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Chile, as long as they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsArturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) - Santiago · Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) - Santiago
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, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialInfluenzaRecommendedCOVID-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 diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; use repellent in rural 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. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 1449, 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 Cochrane 751, Valparaíso
Mon–Fri 08:30–14:00
Handles immigration issues for the Valparaíso region.
Practical information for NZ 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. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa (e.g., a temporary residence visa) before your 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Yes, any onward ticket out of Chile works — it doesn't have to be a return to New Zealand. Just show proof that you're leaving within the 90-day period.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Chilean immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No, there is no mandatory online arrival declaration for New Zealand passport holders. You'll just fill out a paper customs form on the plane or at the airport.
The visa-free entry is for tourism or business (meetings, conferences). Remote work for a foreign employer is generally tolerated, but officially you're not allowed to work for a Chilean company. For long-term digital nomad stays, consider Chile's Digital Nomad visa.
Overstaying is a violation. You may be fined (around 100 USD per month overstay) and could face a ban from re-entering Chile for a period. Always leave on time or apply for an extension before your stay expires.
No vaccinations are required for entry from New Zealand. However, routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, etc.) are recommended. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.