Chile entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian 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 Saudi nationals. Plan ahead, as the process can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | Saudi passport holders need a visa to enter Chile. Apply at the Chilean embassy or consulate in your country — there is no eVisa option for this nationality. Processing takes 10–15 working days, and you must submit your passport in person. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your planned departure date from Chile. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Santiago airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready — they check this before stamping your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers at Santiago airport occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least $1,000 USD. Immigration officers rarely ask, but they can request proof of sufficient funds for your trip length. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
Chile requires Saudi passport holders to get a visa before travel. There is no e-visa or visa on arrival. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you enter Chile, not from your departure date. 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 embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia (usually in Riyadh or Jeddah). Email or call to confirm the exact application process, required documents, and appointment availability. Some embassies require you to apply in person.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed application form, photos, hotel booking, flight itinerary, and any additional documents requested by the embassy. Make photocopies of everything.
3
Submit your application in person
Attend your appointment at the embassy or consulate. Submit your documents, pay the visa fee (typically around $30–$60 USD, but confirm with the embassy), and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) if required.
4
Wait for processing
Processing time varies — typically 10–15 business days, but can take longer during peak seasons. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
5
Collect your passport with visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, passport number, validity dates) are correct before leaving the embassy.
6
Arrive in Chile and go through immigration
At Santiago (SCL) or any other Chilean airport, join the foreign passport queue. Present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly. You'll receive an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days.
Download Chile Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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 (approx. 113 SAR)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism purposes.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 225 SAR)
Allows multiple entries within validity period.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. 750 SAR)
For longer stays, requires proof of income or investment.
retirement visa
Temporary Residence for Retirees (Permanencia Temporal)
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. 750 SAR) application fee
For retirees with a stable pension or income. Requires proof of monthly income of at least $1,000 USD. Allows long-term stay and eventual permanent residency.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
$150 USD (approx. 563 SAR) application fee
For those with a job offer in Chile. Requires employer sponsorship and contract. Leads to temporary residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 375 SAR) application fee
For enrolled students in accredited Chilean institutions. Allows part-time work with authorization.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 1,875 SAR) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in Chilean business or real estate. Fast-track to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for single-entry tourist visa for Saudi Arabia passport holders. | $30 USD (approx. 113 SAR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | $60 USD (approx. 225 SAR) |
| Stay extension feeFee for extending stay beyond initial visa period, subject to approval. | $100 USD (approx. 375 SAR) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa validity, charged per day. | $1 USD per day (approx. 3.75 SAR) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay. | $500 USD (approx. 1,875 SAR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Chile do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Canada, UK, Australia, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialInfluenzaRecommended
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 diseasesLow risk
Dengue and chikungunya are rare but possible in northern regions.
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 09:00–14:00
Handles visa issues for the coastal region.
Practical information for SA 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 Saudi Arabian passport holders. 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 busy periods. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The visa fee is usually around $30–$60 USD, but it varies by embassy. Check with the specific embassy or consulate where you apply for the exact amount.
Most Chilean embassies require you to apply in person, especially for biometrics. Contact your nearest embassy to confirm their specific process — some may allow a representative to submit on your behalf.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Chilean immigration office (Servicio de Migraciones) in Santiago or other major cities. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and usually cost around $100 USD. Apply before your current visa expires.
Overstaying can result in fines (approximately $100–$200 USD) and a ban on re-entering Chile for a period. Always leave before your visa expires or apply for an extension in advance.
No, Chile does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry. However, if you are traveling from a country with yellow fever, you may need to show proof of vaccination. Check with the embassy for the latest requirements.
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.