Chile entry requirements for Portugal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Portuguese passport holders can visit Chile for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. As of 2026, you just arrive at Santiago (SCL) or any other entry point and receive a tourist card (Tarjeta de Turismo) on arrival.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay in Chile | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your 90-day stay. Chile does not enforce a 6-month validity rule for Portuguese passport holders, but airlines may still check for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Chile | Immigration officers at Santiago (SCL) regularly ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave within 90 days. Budget airlines check this before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask for your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or a credit card statement. Chile rarely asks for proof, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
Tourist card is your lifeline
The Tarjeta de Turismo is a paper card stapled into your passport. Do not lose it. You must return it when you leave Chile. If lost, visit a PDI office immediately for a replacement.
Overstay fines are steep
Overstaying even one day triggers a fine of approximately 100 USD per month. You'll also be flagged in the system, which can complicate future travel to Chile or other South American countries.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL), follow signs to 'Extranjería' (Foreigners). Join the queue for non-Chilean passports. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport and, if asked, your return ticket and accommodation confirmation. The officer will verify your passport validity and stamp your entry.
3
Receive tourist card (Tarjeta de Turismo)
You'll get a small paper card stapled into your passport. This is your official permission to stay up to 90 days. Keep it safe — you need to return it when you leave.
4
Proceed to baggage claim
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. There's a green channel for nothing to declare and a red channel for goods over $500 USD or restricted items.
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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, extendable 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD
For those needing to stay beyond 90 days or who require a visa.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 90 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$150 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
Requires proof of income or investment.
digital nomad visa
Chile Digital Nomad Visa (Temporary Residence for Remote Workers)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of employment and income. Allows stay up to 1 year with possibility of renewal.
retirement visa
Chile Retirement Visa (Temporary Residence for Retirees)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD application fee
For retirees with a stable pension or income. Requires proof of monthly income (approx. $1,000 USD). Renewable annually.
work visa
Chile Work Visa (Visa Sujeto a Contrato)
1 year, renewable
~$250 USD application fee
For those with a job offer from a Chilean company. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
investor visa
Chile Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$500,000 USD in Chilean business or real estate. Fast track to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa is required. | ~$100 USD (paid in local currency equivalent) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$150 USD (paid in local currency equivalent) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free period. | ~$50 USD per day (maximum cap ~$500 USD) |
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
Portugal 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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Atacama Desert and Andes mountains.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, chikungunya)Low risk
Low risk in most areas, but present in northern regions during summer.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Generally safe, but travellers should avoid untreated water and street food in remote 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. San Antonio 580, Santiago
Mon–Fri 08:30–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency applications. Arrive early.
Valparaíso
Oficina de Extranjería Valparaíso
Calle Prat 856, Valparaíso
Mon–Fri 09:00–14:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the region.
Practical information for PT 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 = 908.69 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 tourist card is not extendable. If you overstay, you'll face a fine of about 100 USD per month and may be banned from re-entry. If you need more time, you must leave Chile before day 90 and re-enter.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Chilean immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No. The visa-free entry covers business activities like meetings, conferences, and negotiations. You cannot take paid employment or work for a Chilean company. For paid work, you need a work visa.
Go to the nearest PDI (Investigaciones de Chile) office to report it lost. They'll issue a replacement for a small fee (around 10 USD). You need the card to exit the country, so don't lose it.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at land borders. You'll still get a tourist card. Be prepared for longer queues at busy crossings like Mendoza–Santiago or the Atacama crossing.
No. There is no online arrival declaration required for Portuguese passport holders. You simply fill out the paper tourist card on the plane or at immigration.
Denial is rare for Portuguese citizens with valid documents. Common reasons: insufficient funds, no return ticket, or a criminal record. If denied, you'll be placed on the next flight back at your own expense.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.